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you can get done for 'cycling furiously' which probably translates to ragging yourself stupid
speed doesn't apply to unmotorised vehicles
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Exactly, the law for speeding relates specifically to "motor vehicles", that's why bicycles are not covered by normal speed limits.
It's got nothing to do with the fact that bicycles don't have speedometers fitted.
And, as far as I know, no-one has ever actually been prosecuted of the "furious cycling" offence that exists (basically the "cycling like a twat" offence).
The law (it's not really a by-law but a full law) that enforces the speed limit in the Royal Parks (such as Richmond Park) is the The Royal Parks and Other Open Spaces Regulations 1997.
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1997/19971639.htm
This gives a speed limit for "vehicles", not just "motor vehicles" which is why it does apply to bicycles.
"
PART II
Regulation 4(28)Speeds at which vehicles may be driven or ridden on a Park road
** 1.** On the Park roads in Bushy Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park (except for the Serpentine Road), The Regent's Park, Richmond Park and St. James's and The Green Parks, at a speed not exceeding 30 m.p.h."
It was then amended to 20mph for Richmond Park in the Royal Parks and Other Open Spaces (Amendment) Regulations 2004.
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2004/20041308.htm
"
(5) In Part 2 of Schedule 2, for paragraph 1, substitute the following paragraph -" On the Park roads in Bushy Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park (except for the Serpentine Road), The Regent's Park, and St James's and The Green Parks, at a speed not exceeding 30 mph, and on the Park roads in Richmond Park, at a speed not exceeding 20 mph."
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Again, bicycles not having a speedometer has got sod all to do with it. If you go over 20mph then you risk being pulled over and could be fined, especially if you fail the attitude test and give the cops some shit.
Ignorance of your speed (or the law) is not a valid defence.
If you want to avoid the possibility of getting done you can just slow down. If you're really worried about it then fit a cycle computer. Most people who can do over 20mph will have an idea of what 20mph is. Again, ignorance of your speed isn't a valid defence.
In reality my experience of the Police in the park is that they don't go after people who just roll down the hill (Sawyer's or Broomfield) freewheeling even though they maybe going a few mph over 20. They will pull over the people who are obviously pushing it hard to go faster and getting closer to 40mph.
I haven't had a problem with the Police when I did see them with the speed gun, I was descending Sawyer's Hill on fixed at 25mph (so it woulnd't have looked like I was freewheeling but I wasn't putting any power in) amongst other cyclists and cars.
Still, just because it's not illegal to, doing 40mph down a hill past a primary school at 8.50am which is in a 20mph limit (for motor vehicles) is still a twatish thing to do.
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And, as far as I know, no-one has ever actually been prosecuted of the "furious cycling" offence that exists (basically the "cycling like a twat" offence).
I'm fairly sure a chap was done for it in the late 80s or early 90s in Cambridge - I can remember it being in the Cambridge Evening News and causing much hilarity in my household.
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^ Whilst initially investigating this I came across claims from several of people being nicked for "wanton and furious cycling". I have been threatened with this once by the police after being knocked off my bike by angrycunt the motorist, luckily I had a good witness and angrycunt was the one to get nicked.
Whilst we are on the subject and some seem to be posting what speed they can achieve, I have hit 39.6mph descending North Hill in Danbury on an 81" fixed. Not something I will repeat in a hurry.Scary. -
Exactly, the law for speeding relates specifically to "motor vehicles", that's why bicycles are not covered by normal speed limits.
It's got nothing to do with the fact that bicycles don't have speedometers fitted.
Where did you get this idea from? Genuine question. I've seen this numerous times, along with the "no speedometer" claim, but have no idea where they came from. The highway code says "The 30 mph limit usually applies to all traffic on all roads with street lighting unless signs show otherwise." ( http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_070304. Rule 124)
Surely "all traffic" does not apply only to motor vehicles. I've looked for specific exemptions in the cycling sections of the highway code, but can't find anything. Does anyone have the relevant section that covers speed limits for bikes, if such a section exists? Similarly, I can find no restriction for bikes at 30mph for all roads, regardless of posted limit. AFAIAA, cycles can legally travel at up to, but not in excess of, the posted speed limit, just like standard cars and motorbikes.
r
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Where did you get this idea from? Genuine question. I've seen this numerous times, along with the "no speedometer" claim, but have no idea where they came from. The highway code says "The 30 mph limit usually applies to all traffic on all roads with street lighting unless signs show otherwise." ( http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_070304. Rule 124)
Surely "all traffic" does not apply only to motor vehicles. I've looked for specific exemptions in the cycling sections of the highway code, but can't find anything. Does anyone have the relevant section that covers speed limits for bikes, if such a section exists? Similarly, I can find no restriction for bikes at 30mph for all roads, regardless of posted limit. AFAIAA, cycles can legally travel at up to, but not in excess of, the posted speed limit, just like standard cars and motorbikes.
rThe Highway Code isn't law itself, it's just summarising the laws and giving some extrea advice. It gives links to the relevant laws which, for speeding (the RTRA), it'll say "motor vehicles". If the Law says "motor vehicles" then it doesn't apply to non-motor vehicles. Google for the text of the law and look it up for yourself.
The latest revisions of the HWC have weasel words of:-
"
Although failure to comply with the other rules of the Code will not, in itself, cause a person to be prosecuted, The Highway Code may be used in evidence in any court proceedings under the Traffic Acts (see 'The road user and the law') to establish liability. This includes rules which use advisory wording such as ‘should/should not’ or ‘do/do not’.
"MUST and MUST NOT usually mean there's a law. SHOULD or SHOULD NOT just means it's advisory but they may still try and get you.
You're not breaking the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 by going over 30mph on a bicycle in a built up area.
Further to this: http://www.bikeforall.net/content/cycling_and_the_law.php
Note the section on Cycling Furiously which, according to the references, doesn't actually exist as an offence.
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The Highway Code isn't law itself, it's just summarising the laws and giving some extrea advice. It gives links to the relevant laws which, for speeding (the RTRA), it'll say "motor vehicles". If the Law says "motor vehicles" then it doesn't apply to non-motor vehicles. Google for the text of the law and look it up for yourself.
Turns out you're absolutely correct (http://www.statutelaw.gov.uk/content.aspx?LegType=All+Legislation&title=road+traffic+regulation&searchDay=12&searchMonth=10&searchYear=2008&searchEnacted=0&extent=E%2bW%2bS%2bN.I.&extentMatchOnly=0&confersPower=0&blanketAmendment=0&sortAlpha=0&PageNumber=1&NavFrom=0&parentActiveTextDocId=2223862&ActiveTextDocId=2223981&filesize=76892). You're the first person I've come across who's pointed that out; most people don't even seem to be aware that the highway code is relevant to bikes, let alone the law. thx.
MUST and MUST NOT usually mean there's a law. SHOULD or SHOULD NOT just means it's advisory but they may still try and get you.
All true, but section 124 does use the words MUST NOT, so I had taken it to be backed as is by the relevant law. Although to be honest, the wording in the HC is a bit vague.
All this makes me now feel completely guilt-free about breaking 30 on a regular basis, even if only for very brief periods.
r
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^ Whilst initially investigating this I came across claims from several of people being nicked for "wanton and furious cycling".
Yeah, I once read in our local paper that a girl had been chased by a bull because of her red dress (I grew up out of London) but her boyfriend saved her by flapping his coat (which had a red lining) and got it to chase him, then did a bit of an amateur matador impression before hoying over a style to escape. Trouble is, bulls are colour-blind, so that's complete cod-shit. Then hating red thing is a myth from matadors and torreadors wearing red. Local papers make up shit all the time when there's no real news.
I just checked in PNLD and the only offences I can find with "cycling" in the title are:
- Inconsiderate cycling
- Careless cycling
- Riding pedal cycle under the influence of drink or drugs
- Dangerous / careless cyclist failing to give name / address
- Dangerous / careless cyclist giving false name / address
- Dangerous cycling
- Drive / park / cycle in pedestrianised area - Local Traffic Order inside Greater London
- Drive / park / cycle in pedestrianised area - Local Traffic Order outside Greater London
- Excluded traffic on a special road - hand cart / barrow
- Excluded traffic on a special road - pedal cycle
- Dangerous cycling on a road - offence
- Road traffic - NIP - offences requiring the service of a notice of intended prosecution
- Careless driving - failure to give name and address
- Cycling without due care / reasonable consideration
- Cycling whilst under the influence of drink or drugs
- Promoting / taking part in cycle racing on public ways
- Road traffic - exemption from drunk in charge of carriage charge
- Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 - Schedule 1 - evidence by certificate: applicable offences
- Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 - Schedule 1 - proof of driver identity: applicable offences
- PCSO - power to issue fixed penalty notice / graffiti / truancy / cycling / litter /dogs / PNDs
- Cycle Racing on Highways Regulations 1960 - notice of bicycle race and applicable conditions
None of which is "cycling furiously".
Now I know there was a clean-up of old and spurious laws some years ago, so it may have been done away with then. There's still lots you can be done for though, which I was looking into the other day. We should maybe think about compiling a definitive list and publish it on the site...
- Inconsiderate cycling
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Now I know there was a clean-up of old and spurious laws some years ago, so it may have been done away with then. There's still lots you can be done for though, which I was looking into the other day. We should maybe think about compiling a definitive list and publish it on the site...
A list or things? I don't think you've got the measure of this site at all mate.
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A list you say?
- Inconsiderate cycling
- Careless cycling
- Riding pedal cycle under the influence of drink or drugs
- Dangerous / careless cyclist failing to give name / address
- Dangerous / careless cyclist giving false name / address
- Dangerous cycling
- Drive / park / cycle in pedestrianised area - Local Traffic Order inside Greater London
- Drive / park / cycle in pedestrianised area - Local Traffic Order outside Greater London
- Excluded traffic on a special road - hand cart / barrow
- Excluded traffic on a special road - pedal cycle
- Dangerous cycling on a road - offence
- Road traffic - NIP - offences requiring the service of a notice of intended prosecution
- Careless driving - failure to give name and address
- Cycling without due care / reasonable consideration
- Cycling whilst under the influence of drink or drugs
- Promoting / taking part in cycle racing on public ways
- Road traffic - exemption from drunk in charge of carriage charge
- Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 - Schedule 1 - evidence by certificate: applicable offences
- Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 - Schedule 1 - proof of driver identity: applicable offences
- PCSO - power to issue fixed penalty notice / graffiti / truancy / cycling / litter /dogs / PNDs
- Cycle Racing on Highways Regulations 1960 - notice of bicycle race and applicable conditions
- Cycling furiously whilst not wearing a My Little Pony jersey.
- Inconsiderate cycling
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The other week I was coming into a village on a downhill and set off one of those flashing SLOW DOWN signs just before a camera. Unfortunately, it was a forward facing (Truvelo) camera and so did not flash (they use infra red) but I'm sure some guy at the DVLA got a suprise looking at my grinning face.
I've actually been wanting to share this story since it happened but never had the right moment...
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I'm in!
- Inconsiderate cycling
- Careless cycling
- Riding pedal cycle under the influence of drink or drugs
- Dangerous / careless cyclist failing to give name / address
- Dangerous / careless cyclist giving false name / address
- Dangerous cycling
- Drive / park / cycle in pedestrianised area - Local Traffic Order inside Greater London
- Drive / park / cycle in pedestrianised area - Local Traffic Order outside Greater London
- Excluded traffic on a special road - hand cart / barrow
- Excluded traffic on a special road - pedal cycle
- Dangerous cycling on a road - offence
- Road traffic - NIP - offences requiring the service of a notice of intended prosecution
- Careless driving - failure to give name and address
- Cycling without due care / reasonable consideration
- Cycling whilst under the influence of drink or drugs
- Promoting / taking part in cycle racing on public ways
- Road traffic - exemption from drunk in charge of carriage charge
- Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 - Schedule 1 - evidence by certificate: applicable offences
- Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 - Schedule 1 - proof of driver identity: applicable offences
- PCSO - power to issue fixed penalty notice / graffiti / truancy / cycling / litter /dogs / PNDs
- Cycle Racing on Highways Regulations 1960 - notice of bicycle race and applicable conditions
- Cycling furiously whilst not wearing a My Little Pony jersey.
- cliveo
- Inconsiderate cycling
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A list you say?
- Inconsiderate cycling
- Careless cycling
- Riding pedal cycle under the influence of drink or drugs
- Dangerous / careless cyclist failing to give name / address
- Dangerous / careless cyclist giving false name / address
- Dangerous cycling
- Drive / park / cycle in pedestrianised area - Local Traffic Order inside Greater London
- Drive / park / cycle in pedestrianised area - Local Traffic Order outside Greater London
- Excluded traffic on a special road - hand cart / barrow
- Excluded traffic on a special road - pedal cycle
- Dangerous cycling on a road - offence
- Road traffic - NIP - offences requiring the service of a notice of intended prosecution
- Careless driving - failure to give name and address
- Cycling without due care / reasonable consideration
- Cycling whilst under the influence of drink or drugs
- Promoting / taking part in cycle racing on public ways
- Road traffic - exemption from drunk in charge of carriage charge
- Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 - Schedule 1 - evidence by certificate: applicable offences
- Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 - Schedule 1 - proof of driver identity: applicable offences
- PCSO - power to issue fixed penalty notice / graffiti / truancy / cycling / litter /dogs / PNDs
- Cycle Racing on Highways Regulations 1960 - notice of bicycle race and applicable conditions
- Cycling furiously whilst not wearing a My Little Pony jersey.
- cliveo
- Mass start cycle racing, which is evil and wrong
- Inconsiderate cycling
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i once got 'advised' by some community support officers while climbing a tree in Greenwich park. i wasn't being arrested, or cautioned but they had to advise me and take down my details. For climbing a tree.
Isn't tree climbing considered anti-social behaviour? I read that somewhere once and thought it was seemed so random. And funny.
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bump,.
so theers calls for 20 mph zones, and they are getting stronger, and they are getting accepted
problem is, head of road safety in the L;.A here tells me that there is no backing from the ACCPO- meraning they can put 20 signs up everywhere but therte are no coppers will be enforcing it- seems like pissing into the wind
what say anyone?
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also, it might make people drive 25-30 instead of 35-40, which is an improvement, also it doesn't mean the police will ignore speeding in 20 zones, if some fuck tears down there at 50 then it'll be enforced, probably more harshly as it's much higher than the limit, probably just means they ain't gonna pull everyone doing 23mph
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probably
Clever_Pun
Greenbank
Steff
helly
randal
Tea_Bee
The_Seldom_Killer
actualmatthew
cliveo
Oliver Schick
Polkatronixx
deleted
hippy
snottyotter
skydancer
Dammit-
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About
30 mph speed limit for bikes?
Posted by
@Porter_Pearson
Well, if it's in the interests of science, how can I refuse.