I Pay Road Tax - Latest Comments

Re: “I knocked a cyclist off his bike. I have right of way, he doesn’t even pay road tax”

Gail Bishop — Wed, 22 May 2013 10:28:30 -0000

Talk about tarring every motorist with the same brush.... not all of us are out to get you. I like being able to see cyclists in plenty of time to give me a chance to slow down and not hit them. However much it irritates me/scares the crap out of me that some ride along in the dark in black clothing and no lights, that still doesn't mean that I then deliberately drive at them trying to take them out. They have as much right as I do to be there, I just wish some of them were a bit more visible from afar in the dark. It's not a nice feeling when you suddenly catch the dull glow from the reflectors on the pedals a few metres ahead of you and either have to slam your brakes on or swerve towards the other side of the road. I do keep an eye out, but without hi-vis clothing, some are practically invisible until you're a few metres away. Even when I'm running late (often happens), I still slow down for cyclists as soon as I've clocked them because it's just not worth putting their physical wellbeing in danger.

On a slight tangent, several years ago, one of my motorcyclist friends took me out on pillion - it gave me a totally different perspective of the road and a sense of the vulnerability when you're not inside a vehicle. Since then, I have made a more conscious effort to keep an eye out for cyclists and motorcyclists. Little things like if I do overtake a cyclist and then have to stop at some traffic lights, there's a good chance they're going to pull up alongside me and not just forget about them just because I'm further ahead. I keep my music at a fairly low level so that I can hear what's going around me (my biker friends taught me how to recognise the sound of a motorbike engine so I hear them before I see them - also useful for emergency vehicles). Although cyclists are a fairly quiet bunch, so that requires more mirror checking and exercising caution when pulling out of junctions because your eye will naturally be drawn first to the larger and faster moving car than to the comparatively smaller and slower moving cyclist - a glance is not enough, you need to stop and look properly.

I would love to cycle. But at my primary school the Cycling Proficiency course was only done every other year, so my class missed out. I learnt to ride a bike at Center Parcs (and still ended up in a lot of ditches). I tried a Boris Bike on the cycleway in Hyde Park and ended up falling off sideways onto a grassy verge when I hit a small bump. I have no confidence or experience, so I would be too terrified to ride on the road. I admire the courage of anyone who does.

Re: “I knocked a cyclist off his bike. I have right of way, he doesn’t even pay road tax”

Volcanic Plug — Wed, 22 May 2013 10:23:38 -0000

I'm not sure where in my post you got the impression that I don't realise the danger of cars, but that is totally not the case! I wouldn't dream of doing any of those things while driving - I barely play with the radio (there's usually someone else in the car to do that for me!). I am a less experienced driver, but at the moment that is making me pay attention more, not less.
I guess I feel pressured to overtake if there's a big queue behind me, but I wouldn't if I didn't think it was safe. That is the difference between people like me who don't like coming across cyclists and the woman in this article, who would clearly just overtake anyway with risk to the cyclist and anyone else.
I just wanted to express a different way of looking at it. Just because I don't like a cyclist ahead of me on the road, doesn't neccessarily mean I'm going to be a danger to you or 'vilify and mock' you.

Re: “I knocked a cyclist off his bike. I have right of way, he doesn’t even pay road tax”

JD — Wed, 22 May 2013 10:22:59 -0000

Except drivers shouldn't ever try to overtake even a solo cyclist without going into the oncoming lane, because that breaches the Highway Code's recommendation that motor vehicles should give cyclists the same amount of room as they would another motor vehicle.

Or as Eddy Merckx put it "cars should always give cyclists enough room to fall off into".

Bottom line is ... if you are passing a line of cyclists without going over the central white line, you are too close.

Re: “I knocked a cyclist off his bike. I have right of way, he doesn’t even pay road tax”

JD — Wed, 22 May 2013 10:14:48 -0000

A quick trip to YouTube will show you how little difference widespread dashcams have had on driver behaviour in Russia. The thousands of videos you find would be hilarious, if they weren't so frightening.

Re: “I knocked a cyclist off his bike. I have right of way, he doesn’t even pay road tax”

JD — Wed, 22 May 2013 10:10:41 -0000

Sorry, but I think you are "just unlucky". I have been driving for 26 years, and never once had a cyclist crash into my car at any point (nor have I crashed into one), so for it to have happened to you 5 times in 6 months I find incredible.

Likewise, I have been cycling on the road for over 30 years and have never hit a car, although I have nursed several bruises to my right elbow from cars overtaking far too close (none of whom even seemed to notice they had hit me), nor have I ever seen it happen.

And, as far as insurance is concerned, most household insurance policies include this kind of liability cover as standard at minimal cost, which only serves to show how infrequently claims are made and how little they cost in the whole scheme of things.

Don't get me wrong, I am not sitting here claiming that you made it up, but in my experience what you have experience is highly unusual and does not reflect the vast majority of car drivers or cyclists.

Re: “I knocked a cyclist off his bike. I have right of way, he doesn’t even pay road tax”

Andy — Wed, 22 May 2013 09:56:59 -0000

While it frightens me to know that people driving include inexperienced and fearful drivers, I do commend you for being honest. I hope that you realize the danger of cars, and especially understand that most of the danger comes from inexperienced drivers who are not paying attention because they are otherwise busy texting, applying makeup, etc. Keep your focus solely on the road, and pass others only when it's safe. Trust me, you'll get there in the same amount of time, so don't risk putting someone else in danger if you aren't comfortable passing in a tight spot.

Re: “I knocked a cyclist off his bike. I have right of way, he doesn’t even pay road tax”

Andy — Wed, 22 May 2013 09:49:54 -0000

"cyclists have every right to use the roads" well, apparently unless they are in your way? Get over yourself. Cyclists may be riding as a group because it would be no safer in places for you to pass a string of 30 single file cyclists than to wait a moment to pass them as a much tighter group.

We all have rights to use public roads. But those who drive cars have the licensed PRIVILEGE to do so with a huge motor. That is why you pay taxes on it and have laws designed around cars because they are inherently the least safe way to get around as proven by the number of deaths caused by cars (compared to single digits for bikes).

Re: “I knocked a cyclist off his bike. I have right of way, he doesn’t even pay road tax”

Andy — Wed, 22 May 2013 09:42:24 -0000

"what i find most annoying .. is the cyclist who wont use a cycle route when its there" And I find it annoying when car drivers don't stick to the highways. But, all the roads are public, and we all are allowed to use them.

Re: “I knocked a cyclist off his bike. I have right of way, he doesn’t even pay road tax”

Andy — Wed, 22 May 2013 09:40:55 -0000

"I am sick of cyclists zooming along these cycle paths" Then get off the cycle path? Unless you are mixing words here, if you are on a CYCLE path, don't be surprised to see someone cycling.

Re: “I knocked a cyclist off his bike. I have right of way, he doesn’t even pay road tax”

coully — Wed, 22 May 2013 09:32:35 -0000

Judging by her pic, she looks thick as mince, we should probably be surprised its taken her this long to have an accident

Re: “I knocked a cyclist off his bike. I have right of way, he doesn’t even pay road tax”

TallFitIrishCyclist — Wed, 22 May 2013 09:29:11 -0000

Well said,Janet!:)

Re: “I knocked a cyclist off his bike. I have right of way, he doesn’t even pay road tax”

Max — Wed, 22 May 2013 09:22:19 -0000

This is all irrelevant. Roads in the UK are paid for by local councils with a portion of council tax. So everyone pays "road tax" therefore everyone has right to use roads (actually called "public highways") whether in car, on bike, on horse, or on foot. This doesn't include "motorways" (the clue is in the names) which are responsibility of the highways agency and their upkeep is paid for by the treasury with a portion of income tax via HMRC.

Re: “I knocked a cyclist off his bike. I have right of way, he doesn’t even pay road tax”

Guest — Wed, 22 May 2013 09:21:39 -0000

Uh, being that she's in the UK, that would be 95 kph not mph, no? Not fast for a highway.

(My defense of the 95 is certainly not meant to be a defense of the cycling incident.)

Re: “I knocked a cyclist off his bike. I have right of way, he doesn’t even pay road tax”

Psycholist — Wed, 22 May 2013 09:05:53 -0000

I think it's good you are afraid to knock someone off their bike - all that means is you understand the consequences of driving a "one tonne killing machine" - as the car can be.
You would probably get the same nervousness if you had a gun in your house or if you were asked to hold a brown bag by a stranger.
It's called responsibility - and there is nothing wrong with you for feeling it.

Re: “I knocked a cyclist off his bike. I have right of way, he doesn’t even pay road tax”

Psycholist — Wed, 22 May 2013 09:02:19 -0000

Of course other selfish motorists will defend her - they are defedning their righteous belief that they 'own the road'.
Truth is - in my experience - those who are most righteous usually have the least to be righteous about and they use it as cover for their lack of driving ability.
Even though I cycle regularly I also drive, I own my own car and I have had 2 driving jobs. I passed my test just before my 18th Birthday.
I have NEVER had a "at fault" accident - how many motorists can boast that record?
My car insurance is less than £150 a year (and I'm limited to 7 years NCB) - and I have only been in 2 other accidents - on both occassions someone ran into the back of me.
Not bad for a 20 year driving history - now I wonder how many people who support this silly girl on twitter are paying over £1000 a year in motor insurance?

Re: “I knocked a cyclist off his bike. I have right of way, he doesn’t even pay road tax”

percrime — Wed, 22 May 2013 09:02:15 -0000

$hit :(

Re: Why do people hate cyclists?

Andrew White — Wed, 22 May 2013 09:00:57 -0000

I get it. iPayRoadTax is ironic. Do you have to constantly tell us? I didn't even need to be told it was ironic. I could have worked it out.

Re: “I knocked a cyclist off his bike. I have right of way, he doesn’t even pay road tax”

Psycholist — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:56:42 -0000

Will,
I would share your concern but the figures don't add up.
Pedestrians killed by motorists per year = 300
Pedestrians killed by cyclists each year = 0
....and that's WITH cyclists regularly running lights - and of course the motorist who 'never does'.
Most motorists don't know that the amber light means STOP - so what chance do the rest of us have?

Re: “I knocked a cyclist off his bike. I have right of way, he doesn’t even pay road tax”

percrime — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:55:57 -0000

Cyclists can ride 2 abreast. And cyclists can overtake cyclists. Even cyclists riding 2 abreast. Which is still going to be less than most lane widths.
Seriously .. were you expecting them to cringe left fro you?

Re: “I knocked a cyclist off his bike. I have right of way, he doesn’t even pay road tax”

percrime — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:51:44 -0000

My friend Robyn was rear ended last tuesday. Her car is actually going to be a write off I fear. Way more than 1000 quid too. She pulled over. THe other driver took off in the peak hour traffic in his ford ute (I found a shop with CCTV footage ) She was way too shaken to get his number. Yes you are right its all about social responsibility.

Re: “I knocked a cyclist off his bike. I have right of way, he doesn’t even pay road tax”

Gail Bishop — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:44:54 -0000

Errr, where did I say that I hate cyclists? I'm happy to share the road with them, but because they are skin, flesh and bone and I am in a tonne of metal and they are likely to come off far worse in a collision, I would like as much advance warning as possible that they are there, so that I can slow down in time (without having to slam my brakes on and posing a danger to anyone behind me). If the road is wide enough and it is safe to do so for all concerned, I will overtake. I would never deliberately put someone's life at risk and I would hate to do so by accident, too.

I am not a confident cyclist. When I was in primary school, the Cyling Proficiency Scheme was held every other year. So my year got missed out but my brother who is 3 years younger got to do it. I had a go on a Boris bike in Hyde Park (so no cars) and it was terrifying. I ended falling over sideways on a grass verge. There is no way that I would ever put myself on the road with so little experience. But that does not prevent me from accepting cyclists on the roads.

I'm a first aider, I am familiar with concussion, but compression is a bigger danger with no helmet.

Re: TV quiz show host surprised at comeback after Wiggo-dissing “cyclists don’t pay road tax” rant

Chris McNeillie — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:44:09 -0000

I'm a keen cyclist. I think we all know when we are annoying a driver. Personally I try and avoid annoying them for my own safety. Reading between the lines, I suspect that Ralph Dadswell knew he was winding up the driver of the van. Given the number of idiot drivers, and the facts that us cyclists are mere flesh and bone, was this wise? I dont think so. 'Winning' the altercation with the driver may have been satisfying, but losing it could have been fatal. Us cyclists should be more respectful of drivers, because ultimately they are unpredictable and dangerous hazards.

Re: “I knocked a cyclist off his bike. I have right of way, he doesn’t even pay road tax”

percrime — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:38:00 -0000

I think you will be fine. You are a realist. And capable of thinking. THat will get you through. If you insist on thinking and dont get pushed into mistakes.

Re: “I knocked a cyclist off his bike. I have right of way, he doesn’t even pay road tax”

percrime — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:36:09 -0000

You have 8 feet or so of car between you and the ass behind you. Just ignore them. Seriously. Should you hit someone.. you will be damn lucky if the car behind stops to help you pull the body off the road.

Re: “I knocked a cyclist off his bike. I have right of way, he doesn’t even pay road tax”

Will — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:35:26 -0000

Now I have read the account of the cyclist she hit I'm even more concerned! I assumed she'd done something at low speed! I ride to work every morning and have to say that around London most drivers seem much better. Mind you the infrastructure is great!

I must say though that even as a hard core cyclist I do get annoyed by those of us who ride and full speed through red lights and play chicken with pedestrians crossing the road. Until we deal with them, there will always be problems. I mean I am not whiter than white, I jump red lights but when the road is clear (of cars and people) and I also slow down.