From the cab - a HGV drivers view

I absolutely agree. I've cycled a lot in Germany, and also in Copenhagen, and I have to say, after cycling in those places I have no desire to cycle on the road, if there is a reasonable alternative.

I believe, though I may be wrong, that in Germany, if there is a cycle lane, you are required to use it rather than the road, and that was no problem for me at all.

Many people here say, that as cyclists, we have as much right to be on the road as other vehicles, and of course they are right. But having the right doesn't mean it's always sensible to use it, and it doesn't take a genius to realise that having heavy vehicles sharing the same space as flimsy bikes with no protection is a recipe for disaster (as is proven time and time again).

I don't think that the green strip on the side of the roads achieves much, but a double level pavement, or a separated cycle path is in my mind much safer for cyclists.

Yes, you're right, in Germany amongst other countries, if there's a cycle lane, you have to take it.

Bicycle were design for the road, the last thing I want is to be forced into a cycle lane, (even if it's well designed), otherwise that'd give us the impression that the motorists have 'taken' the road, rather than sharing it, after all, safety is indeed in number, not equipment.

Although there's an untimely number of death on the street of London, 15 or so people each years die in an incident that can be avoided, it's still a very small amount of number compare to the number of people riding in London today.