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Alternative Transport Week, 'Love To Ride' Jersey, the Chief Minister’s media posts... it seems we are being encouraged to cycle in Jersey.
Could Jersey become well known for it’s courteous, safe cyclists? Many cyclists that use the cliff paths, are very courteous to walkers.
In Yorkshire, they needed to introduce a campaign to encourage cyclists to be nicer to other users.
Pictured: "Could overtaking cyclists adopt the 'Be Nice, Say Hi' system introduced in Yorkshire?"
In many counties in the U.K., they have been campaigning for better safety, by reminding drivers to overtake with at least a 1.5-meter clearance.
But what about Jersey? What about cyclists and scooter riders overtaking other cyclists and pedestrians? Separate lanes have been painted on some sections of the seafront cycle track, but is this encouraging fast cyclists and scooter riders to feel secure in going faster “in their lane"? Some bikes overtake at well over 20mph, so close, that you could touch them.
Do fast cyclists believe they can read minds? Can they anticipate when other cyclists will suddenly swerve around a puddle, drain or broken glass on the track? Can they judge when walkers will suddenly step across their path? Of course, they can, and if the unexpected happens, they feel confident that they have the speed and agility to swerve. This is great for them, but what about the people they leave behind?
How many slower cyclists and walkers spend their time feeling like they have to constantly look behind them? How many are left shocked, because they forgot, for a moment to look behind, whilst trying to relax and enjoy their walk or cycle?
Some would suggest the police should be doing speed checks, some call for bikes to be licensed, be insured and all-sorts of regulatory measures.
Pictured: "In many counties in the U.K., they have been campaigning for better safety, by reminding drivers to overtake with at least a 1.5-meter clearance."
So, how could Jersey become a safer, more courteous place to cycle?
Could overtaking cyclists adopt the 'Be Nice, Say Hi' system introduced in Yorkshire? Could they say “passing on your right” before they overtake? Or, some cycling organisations suggest saying “good morning” or “good afternoon” before overtaking.
Some cyclists consider that ringing their bell can be frightening to others and shock them. If bells were used more, would they still shock, walkers and other cyclists?
Sometimes the easiest solutions are the simplest. In this case, being more courteous and safer, is also FREE!
Could cyclists and scooter riders change their habits when it comes to overtaking? Surely, it's worth a try? Maybe the more people that find cycling more enjoyable, because other cyclists are so considerate, could lead to more people feeling more confident to cycle, and result in better investment in improved cycling tracks, parking and facilities for all cyclists?
