Cyclists should do more to help themselves

http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Gu...ail/story.html

Beth Jinks, personal injury solicitor for Rothera Dowson, on calls by crash
expert Dr Donal McNally for a 20mph speed limit in built up areas to protect
cyclists...
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I WAS not surprised to hear about the accident involving Dr Donal McNall,
who was left for dead after being hit by a car.

As a solicitor specialising in personal injury claims, I have acted on
behalf of seven cyclists who were injured as a result of the negligence of a
driver in the past two years.

From the perspective of a driver, I can see why people may oppose the idea
of 20mph limits. In some cases, 30mph often seems too slow and so reducing
the speed limit may not be the answer. It will also increase journey time
and slow traffic.

As a recreational cyclist myself, I believe that more measures should be put
in place to protect cyclists. The increasing number of accidents is
worrying, and drivers should check their blind spots, give cyclists enough
room and stop driving in cycle lanes.

After an accident, one of my clients felt too scared to cycle on the road
and so, as there was no cycle path, she cycled on the pavement - only to be
fined by a traffic warden!

However, cyclists themselves are not faultless either. Some don't help
themselves by failing to wear safety gear, use bicycle lights or stop at red
traffic lights. I was once almost knocked over at a pedestrian crossing,
when a cyclist chose to ignore the red light.

If a cyclist caused an accident or injured someone, the person affected
would not be able to claim back the cost of damage to their vehicle,
compensation or rehabilitation for any injury, as cyclists do not need to be
insured on the road.

I am in full support of any calls to increase the number of cycle lanes and
paths to reduce the number of incidents involving cyclists, but I do think
that the current 30mph limit in built-up areas is inappropriate.

The UK road safety adverts state that if a person is hit at 30mph, there is
an 80% chance they will live. If this speed limit is deemed appropriate in
relation to pedestrians, it is also appropriate for cyclists.