The Change.org petition calling for cyclists to hold insurance and pay road tax (online petition calling for cyclists to be obliged to hold insurance to use public roads,) has reached over 30,000 signatures – this is enough evidence to show the public’s discontent with the way in which cyclists and other vehicles share the road.
Change is certainly needed but the blame game has to stop; collaboration between the logistics &construction industry and cyclists, and an education for both sides, is paramount.
While I think it's impractical that cyclists must sit theory and practical tests in the same manner as drivers, they can help by not using earphones in both ears and wearing high visibility clothing. It’s amazing how many cyclists I see breaking these basic rules, like jumping red lights!
Cyclist insurance is also paramount so that drivers are equally protected if there is a collision caused by cyclist error.
I would like to see bikes issued with an individual ID number, to enable behaviours to change due to repercussions of illegal acts, such as jumping red lights and allowing fines to be issued where necessary.
There is a very real problem around road safety – cyclists and motorists have a joint responsibility to tackle it together.