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Cyclists beware the A3
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| Almost 3,500 cyclists a year are injured on London roads |
The A3 is the most dangerous road for cyclists in London, with an average 74 accidents a year, new figures show.
According to statistics released under Freedom of Information laws, the Met Police were alerted to 744 accidents on the road from London Bridge across south-west London between 1996 to 2006.
The A23, which includes Streatham High Road and Purley Way, was the second most dangerous with 623 accidents.
The figures revealed more than 34,000 people were involved in cycling accidents over the 10-year period and 156 were killed.
But the number of people involved in serious accidents has been falling, from 566 in 1997 to 373 in 2006.
6:20pm Friday 15th February 2008
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CommentPosted by: LUCY, morden on 10:09pm Fri 15 Feb 08
IS IT REALLY ANY WONDER THAT THERE IS THAT MANY ACCIDENTS? YOU SEE SOME OF THE IDIOTS WEAVING THRU TRAFFIC, GOING THRU RED LIGHTS AND NOT BOTHERING TO DO HAND SIGNALS AS TO WHAT THEY ARE DOING!! I AM A CYCLIST MYSELF AND HAVE BEEN CYCLING FOR NEAR ON 25YRS WITH NO ACCIDENTS SIMPLY BECAUSE I OBEY THE LAWS OF THE ROAD AND I RESPECT CAR USERS ASWELL! ITS MY CHOICE TO CYCLE AND I AM NOT OF THE KIND TO THINK THAT 'EVERYONE SHOULD CYCLE! BUT THERE IS A LOT OF CYCLISTS OUT THERE THAT ARE PURE AND SIMPLE "MUPPETS"
IS IT REALLY ANY WONDER THAT THERE IS THAT MANY ACCIDENTS? YOU SEE SOME OF THE IDIOTS WEAVING THRU TRAFFIC, GOING THRU RED LIGHTS AND NOT BOTHERING TO DO HAND SIGNALS AS TO WHAT THEY ARE DOING!! I AM A CYCLIST MYSELF AND HAVE BEEN CYCLING FOR NEAR ON 25YRS WITH NO ACCIDENTS SIMPLY BECAUSE I OBEY THE LAWS OF THE ROAD AND I RESPECT CAR USERS ASWELL! ITS MY CHOICE TO CYCLE AND I AM NOT OF THE KIND TO THINK THAT 'EVERYONE SHOULD CYCLE! BUT THERE IS A LOT OF CYCLISTS OUT THERE THAT ARE PURE AND SIMPLE "MUPPETS"
Posted by: Recreationalcyclist, London on 5:44pm Sat 16 Feb 08
Is it any surprise for a road thats over 10 miles long through london.
When looked at in terms of accidents per km, its high, but not that high.
Cyclists should remember that the rules of the road apply to them too and the situation would be a while lot better.
Is it any surprise for a road thats over 10 miles long through london.
When looked at in terms of accidents per km, its high, but not that high.
Cyclists should remember that the rules of the road apply to them too and the situation would be a while lot better.
Posted by: My Fair Lady, Putney on 4:10pm Sun 17 Feb 08
I don't think that cyclists should use the A3 if there is no room for cycle lanes. It is quite a fast road in places and the lanes are sometimes very narrow and is used by alot of HGV's and buses.
I don't think that cyclists should use the A3 if there is no room for cycle lanes. It is quite a fast road in places and the lanes are sometimes very narrow and is used by alot of HGV's and buses.
Posted by: ric, kingston on 8:38am Mon 18 Feb 08
i think its a bit of both really. a lot of bike riders seem to think they own the road. making decisions based on asumption.
you cant do that in london with the amount of idiots behind the wheel of a car.
yeah you might have the right of way. but when your dead. you cant argue your case.
my advice for cyclists is to always assume someone hasnt seen you. and never ride close to big vehicles.
i wouldnt recomend cycling in london to people that dont have a lot of experience on bikes. stick to richmond park.
i think its a bit of both really. a lot of bike riders seem to think they own the road. making decisions based on asumption.
you cant do that in london with the amount of idiots behind the wheel of a car.
yeah you might have the right of way. but when your dead. you cant argue your case.
my advice for cyclists is to always assume someone hasnt seen you. and never ride close to big vehicles.
i wouldnt recomend cycling in london to people that dont have a lot of experience on bikes. stick to richmond park.
Posted by: recreationalcyclist, London on 1:52pm Mon 18 Feb 08
The amount of times I have seen cyclists ignore traffic lights, one way streets etc... is it any surprise this happens.
If you looked into the particulars of the accidents, I wonder how many were actually the cyclists own fault.
The amount of times I have seen cyclists ignore traffic lights, one way streets etc... is it any surprise this happens.
If you looked into the particulars of the accidents, I wonder how many were actually the cyclists own fault.
Posted by: recreationalcyclist, London on 1:52pm Mon 18 Feb 08
The amount of times I have seen cyclists ignore traffic lights, one way streets etc... is it any surprise this happens.
If you looked into the particulars of the accidents, I wonder how many were actually the cyclists own fault.
The amount of times I have seen cyclists ignore traffic lights, one way streets etc... is it any surprise this happens.
If you looked into the particulars of the accidents, I wonder how many were actually the cyclists own fault.
Posted by: recreationalcyclist, London on 1:55pm Mon 18 Feb 08
The amount of times I have seen cyclists ignore traffic lights, one way streets etc... is it any surprise this happens.
If you looked into the particulars of each accident, I wonder how many were actually the cyclists own fault.
The amount of times I have seen cyclists ignore traffic lights, one way streets etc... is it any surprise this happens.
If you looked into the particulars of each accident, I wonder how many were actually the cyclists own fault.
Posted by: Bob, Cheam on 5:25pm Mon 18 Feb 08
I have to agree with the comments above, I cycle into work a lot and see people riding without helmets, with MP3 players on and generally not paying any attention to the road and taking dangerous risks. I certainly wouldn't use the A3 as there are too many idiots on the road during rush hour.
I have to agree with the comments above, I cycle into work a lot and see people riding without helmets, with MP3 players on and generally not paying any attention to the road and taking dangerous risks. I certainly wouldn't use the A3 as there are too many idiots on the road during rush hour.
Posted by: Magoo on 6:39pm Mon 18 Feb 08
[quote][bold]LUCY[/bold] wrote:
IS IT REALLY ANY WONDER THAT THERE IS THAT MANY ACCIDENTS? YOU SEE SOME OF THE IDIOTS WEAVING THRU TRAFFIC, GOING THRU RED LIGHTS AND NOT BOTHERING TO DO HAND SIGNALS AS TO WHAT THEY ARE DOING!! I AM A CYCLIST MYSELF AND HAVE BEEN CYCLING FOR NEAR ON 25YRS WITH NO ACCIDENTS SIMPLY BECAUSE I OBEY THE LAWS OF THE ROAD AND I RESPECT CAR USERS ASWELL! ITS MY CHOICE TO CYCLE AND I AM NOT OF THE KIND TO THINK THAT \'EVERYONE SHOULD CYCLE! BUT THERE IS A LOT OF CYCLISTS OUT THERE THAT ARE PURE AND SIMPLE \"MUPPETS\"[/quote] Its really difficult riding through red lights and weaving in and out of traffic whilst giving hand signals. I do try but the signals I give are not often appreciated
LUCY wrote:
IS IT REALLY ANY WONDER THAT THERE IS THAT MANY ACCIDENTS? YOU SEE SOME OF THE IDIOTS WEAVING THRU TRAFFIC, GOING THRU RED LIGHTS AND NOT BOTHERING TO DO HAND SIGNALS AS TO WHAT THEY ARE DOING!! I AM A CYCLIST MYSELF AND HAVE BEEN CYCLING FOR NEAR ON 25YRS WITH NO ACCIDENTS SIMPLY BECAUSE I OBEY THE LAWS OF THE ROAD AND I RESPECT CAR USERS ASWELL! ITS MY CHOICE TO CYCLE AND I AM NOT OF THE KIND TO THINK THAT \'EVERYONE SHOULD CYCLE! BUT THERE IS A LOT OF CYCLISTS OUT THERE THAT ARE PURE AND SIMPLE \"MUPPETS\"
Its really difficult riding through red lights and weaving in and out of traffic whilst giving hand signals. I do try but the signals I give are not often appreciated
Posted by: cyclist on 8:31pm Mon 18 Feb 08
I cycle 9 miles to work most days and, yes, I sometimes cycle through red lights. Once you know your route it's often safer to do so whilst the cars are stationary. However, cycling on the A3 is nothing more than suicidal. There is just not enough room and the difference in speed is too great. [bold]Don't do it!!![/bold]
I cycle 9 miles to work most days and, yes, I sometimes cycle through red lights. Once you know your route it's often safer to do so whilst the cars are stationary. However, cycling on the A3 is nothing more than suicidal. There is just not enough room and the difference in speed is too great.
Don't do it!!! Posted by: Jonathan, Tooting on 9:18pm Mon 18 Feb 08
As a cyclist, I'm really sick of hearing us all collectively called 'idiots', or told that 'we were asking for it' or 'had it coming to us' when someone is killed or injured.
There are stupid and dangerous people everywhere - in cars, on bikes, and on foot. Cycling is a great way to get around London, it's healthy, it's free, it's fun and it's good for the environment.
As a cyclist, I'm really sick of hearing us all collectively called 'idiots', or told that 'we were asking for it' or 'had it coming to us' when someone is killed or injured.
There are stupid and dangerous people everywhere - in cars, on bikes, and on foot. Cycling is a great way to get around London, it's healthy, it's free, it's fun and it's good for the environment.
Posted by: ric, kingston on 9:13am Tue 19 Feb 08
dont forget the A3 isnt only the bit with 3 lanes.
london bridge is actually the A3 if you look at a road map.
its longer than you think ;)
dont forget the A3 isnt only the bit with 3 lanes.
london bridge is actually the A3 if you look at a road map.
its longer than you think ;)
Posted by: Jon Fray, Kingston on 10:52am Tue 19 Feb 08
Quite right Ric, the figures would include collisions on Wandsworth High Street, Clapham High St, Clapham Rd, Kennington Park Rd and Borough High Street. It shouldn't be considered suicidal to cycle on those roads. You see very, very few cyclists on the A3 in the borough of Kingston for obvious reasons.
Quite right Ric, the figures would include collisions on Wandsworth High Street, Clapham High St, Clapham Rd, Kennington Park Rd and Borough High Street. It shouldn't be considered suicidal to cycle on those roads. You see very, very few cyclists on the A3 in the borough of Kingston for obvious reasons.
Posted by: recreationalcyclist, London on 8:41am Wed 20 Feb 08
[quote][bold]cyclist[/bold] wrote:
I cycle 9 miles to work most days and, yes, I sometimes cycle through red lights. Once you know your route it's often safer to do so whilst the cars are stationary. However, cycling on the A3 is nothing more than suicidal. There is just not enough room and the difference in speed is too great. [bold]Don't do it!!![/bold] [/quote] "safer to do so" what planet are you on... pedestrians crossing the road won't expect you to ignore the red lights, cars wont anticipate you cycling into the junctions....... Red lights are there for a reason.
I am of the belief that cyclists should be fined the same as motorists for ignoring the rules of the road - that would solve part of the accident problem straight away.
cyclist wrote:
I cycle 9 miles to work most days and, yes, I sometimes cycle through red lights. Once you know your route it's often safer to do so whilst the cars are stationary. However, cycling on the A3 is nothing more than suicidal. There is just not enough room and the difference in speed is too great. Don't do it!!!
"safer to do so" what planet are you on... pedestrians crossing the road won't expect you to ignore the red lights, cars wont anticipate you cycling into the junctions....... Red lights are there for a reason.
I am of the belief that cyclists should be fined the same as motorists for ignoring the rules of the road - that would solve part of the accident problem straight away.
Posted by: cyclist on 10:59am Wed 20 Feb 08
[quote][bold]recreationalcyclist[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]cyclist[/bold] wrote: I cycle 9 miles to work most days and, yes, I sometimes cycle through red lights. Once you know your route it\'s often safer to do so whilst the cars are stationary. However, cycling on the A3 is nothing more than suicidal. There is just not enough room and the difference in speed is too great. [bold]Don\'t do it!!![/bold] [/quote] \"safer to do so\" what planet are you on... pedestrians crossing the road won\'t expect you to ignore the red lights, cars wont anticipate you cycling into the junctions....... Red lights are there for a reason. I am of the belief that cyclists should be fined the same as motorists for ignoring the rules of the road - that would solve part of the accident problem straight away. [/quote] Of course it depends on the circumstances, I would never compromise the safety of other road users, that's why I said "sometimes", i.e. when it is safer to do so! The problem I find is that there is often not enough space at junctions for cyclists as car drivers do not leave enough room. In many other countries in Europe there are far more dedicated cycle lanes which have priority over other traffic, even with their own traffic lights. The real issue in this country is that the government does not do nearly enough to protect the safety of cyclists. Other European countries would never allow cyclists to ride on major roads like the A3, it is far too dangerous!
recreationalcyclist wrote:
cyclist wrote: I cycle 9 miles to work most days and, yes, I sometimes cycle through red lights. Once you know your route it\'s often safer to do so whilst the cars are stationary. However, cycling on the A3 is nothing more than suicidal. There is just not enough room and the difference in speed is too great. Don\'t do it!!!
\"safer to do so\" what planet are you on... pedestrians crossing the road won\'t expect you to ignore the red lights, cars wont anticipate you cycling into the junctions....... Red lights are there for a reason. I am of the belief that cyclists should be fined the same as motorists for ignoring the rules of the road - that would solve part of the accident problem straight away.
Of course it depends on the circumstances, I would never compromise the safety of other road users, that's why I said "sometimes", i.e. when it is safer to do so! The problem I find is that there is often not enough space at junctions for cyclists as car drivers do not leave enough room. In many other countries in Europe there are far more dedicated cycle lanes which have priority over other traffic, even with their own traffic lights. The real issue in this country is that the government does not do nearly enough to protect the safety of cyclists. Other European countries would never allow cyclists to ride on major roads like the A3, it is far too dangerous!
Posted by: recreationalcyclist, London on 11:20am Wed 20 Feb 08
Cyclist -
"I would never compromise the safety of other road users, that's why I said "sometimes"," - accidents happen because people are not paying attention or people do the unexpected. You can't predict the actions of other road users, and therefore what they will do - thats the purpose of traffic signals, to offer some control.
The fact that you seem oblivious to the fact that what you are doing is wrong worries me - it is never safe.
So enlighten me then cyclist - on what occasions is it safe for you to cycle through red lights.
Cyclist -
"I would never compromise the safety of other road users, that's why I said "sometimes"," - accidents happen because people are not paying attention or people do the unexpected. You can't predict the actions of other road users, and therefore what they will do - thats the purpose of traffic signals, to offer some control.
The fact that you seem oblivious to the fact that what you are doing is wrong worries me - it is never safe.
So enlighten me then cyclist - on what occasions is it safe for you to cycle through red lights.
Posted by: cyclist on 11:49am Wed 20 Feb 08
Examples: (1) when a pedestrian crossing is clear because the pedestrians have crossed before the lights changed. (2) at a jucntion which is blocked by stationary traffic. (3) when the traffic light sensors don't sense your bicyle.
Come on, you need to use your common sense, sometimes you have to break the rules otherwise you'd never get anywhere!
On the positive side it is quicker for me to cycle to work than to use the car or public transport. Plus it's healthier! If more people did it we wouldn't have all the traffic problems that we do.
Examples: (1) when a pedestrian crossing is clear because the pedestrians have crossed before the lights changed. (2) at a jucntion which is blocked by stationary traffic. (3) when the traffic light sensors don't sense your bicyle.
Come on, you need to use your common sense, sometimes you have to break the rules otherwise you'd never get anywhere!
On the positive side it is quicker for me to cycle to work than to use the car or public transport. Plus it's healthier! If more people did it we wouldn't have all the traffic problems that we do.
Posted by: recreationalcyclist, London on 12:08pm Wed 20 Feb 08
Why is it safe for you on your bike but not safe for others in their car?.....
Why is it safe for you on your bike but not safe for others in their car?.....
Posted by: Catherine, Croydon on 1:18pm Thu 21 Feb 08
On many occasions I've had to jump out of the way when a cyclist has gone through a red light at some considerable speed - and on a few occasions I have actually been caught as they whipped past.
Concerning traffic lights at crossings: If you're travelling on the road next to cars, then you are a [bold]vehicle[/bold], and you should stop at the red traffic light. If you're on the pavement and wish to cross the road, then you should think of yourself as a [bold]pedestrian[/bold], and obey the little green man.
It's not that complicated, is it?
On many occasions I've had to jump out of the way when a cyclist has gone through a red light at some considerable speed - and on a few occasions I have actually been caught as they whipped past.
Concerning traffic lights at crossings: If you're travelling on the road next to cars, then you are a
vehicle, and you should stop at the red traffic light. If you're on the pavement and wish to cross the road, then you should think of yourself as a
pedestrian, and obey the little green man.
It's not that complicated, is it?
Posted by: Michael Loveder, Kennington on 1:58pm Thu 21 Feb 08
The A3 and the A23 has more than its share of Kamikaze cyclists bringing other cyclists into disrepute. Perhaps they should all be required to pass a Cycling Proficiency Test and take out insurance like other road users have to. Then they [bold]may[/bold] contemplate being more considerate and compliant with traffic law... but don't hold your breath while they remain effectively unpoliced.
The A3 and the A23 has more than its share of Kamikaze cyclists bringing other cyclists into disrepute. Perhaps they should all be required to pass a Cycling Proficiency Test and take out insurance like other road users have to. Then they
may contemplate being more considerate and compliant with traffic law... but don't hold your breath while they remain effectively unpoliced.
Posted by: ric, kingston on 11:39am Fri 22 Feb 08
i always used to cycle through red lights in the city. its annoying having to keep stopping and starting. most of the time there isnt anyone crossing anyway.
if there was someone about to cross i would say 'go on' to the person on my approach. they would cross and say thanks and i would nip through the red light behind them.
obviously if you come to a crossing with loads of people. you stop.
the closest i came to running people over where the 'idiot padestrains' that cross the road between cars that are in traffic. there are just as many of these idiots as there are 'cycling idiots'.
i always used to cycle through red lights in the city. its annoying having to keep stopping and starting. most of the time there isnt anyone crossing anyway.
if there was someone about to cross i would say 'go on' to the person on my approach. they would cross and say thanks and i would nip through the red light behind them.
obviously if you come to a crossing with loads of people. you stop.
the closest i came to running people over where the 'idiot padestrains' that cross the road between cars that are in traffic. there are just as many of these idiots as there are 'cycling idiots'.
Posted by: ric, kingston on 11:41am Fri 22 Feb 08
and dont get me started on the muppits that get off a bus and cross the road behind it.
really clever that one. cross the road where cars, bikes, cycles are trying to get back on there side of the road.
and dont get me started on the muppits that get off a bus and cross the road behind it.
really clever that one. cross the road where cars, bikes, cycles are trying to get back on there side of the road.
Posted by: Ipushovercyclists, London on 1:13pm Fri 22 Feb 08
Ric
"if there was someone about to cross i would say 'go on'"
How very kind of you - they must be so pleased that you let them go before you..... after all, it's not their right of way or anything.
Ric
"if there was someone about to cross i would say 'go on'"
How very kind of you - they must be so pleased that you let them go before you..... after all, it's not their right of way or anything.
Posted by: ric, kingston on 9:05am Mon 25 Feb 08
never got anything more than a smile and thankyou.
do you suggest maybe tea and biscuits. get to know them first?
never got anything more than a smile and thankyou.
do you suggest maybe tea and biscuits. get to know them first?
Posted by: anti cyclists on 5:06pm Tue 26 Feb 08
To be honest cyclists are just annoying anyway. It might be better for the environment but the amount of accidents they cause is immense. They get in everyones way and think they own the road. Just Buy A Car
To be honest cyclists are just annoying anyway. It might be better for the environment but the amount of accidents they cause is immense. They get in everyones way and think they own the road. Just Buy A Car
Posted by: Cycle Hater, London on 7:38pm Tue 26 Feb 08
Just to throw into the mix, what about the ignorant ones that cycle on the footpath. Should be arrested and crushed along with their bike.
Just to throw into the mix, what about the ignorant ones that cycle on the footpath. Should be arrested and crushed along with their bike.
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