Published on Monday 27 February 2012 08:44
AS a society, we have rightly adopted a harm reduction culture in which we
seek to persuade people by law and reason to safeguard their health.
Changes in the law have brought about restrictions on smoking and the
forthcoming crackdown on alcohol will similarly save many lives.
Healthy eating promotion is also playing its part (although the legal route
may yet be needed in this respect). And police will stop and prosecute any
motorist not wearing a seatbelt or motorcyclist without helmet.
Yet, when it comes to pedal cyclists, little is done to enforce existing
safety legislation.
Whereas cycle helmets are not a legal requirement, adequate nocturnal front
and rear lighting is - as well as obeying traffic signals whilst mounted.
Yet, how often does one see cyclists sailing through red traffic lights - if
one actually sees them at night without lights?
Is the only reason that police never seem to enforce cycling law a
Clarksonesque view that cyclists form the natural prey of the four-wheeled
avatar and are a species not worth saving? Or is there some other agenda?
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