Anti-cycling road infrastructure and conditions
Schools and cycle training
As it is
How many lives is one minute worth?
Despite the 1200 children converging on Clevedon school within a 20 minute period, the speed limit is the "50% of pedestrians hit by cars are killed" speed of 30mph. Inappropriate speed limits discourage many from cycling or walking and endangers those who do. Driving for a mile at 20mph instead of 30mph takes only 1 minute longer but reduces the risk of killing a pedestrian or cyclist in a collision from 50% to 10%.
Road training is urgently needed
Cycling much too close to the kerb, these children endanger themselves and others. Walking pupils often step into the road because of the narrow pavement.
Tip: Always cycle within the angle of vision of motorists. Keep well out from the kerb - motorists tend to give the same space to your right as you give to the kerb on your left. The highway code requires drivers to give you the same space as a car when overtaking you, but they won't if you are cowering in the gutter. On this road a distance of 1.2m from the kerb is about right.
The school run
Parents driving children to school - adding to obesity and road safety hazards.
As it could be
Maine, USA
15mph speed limit outside a school in Maine.
Derbyshire / Yorkshire border
20mph speed limit outside a school on the Derbyshire / Yorkshire border.
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