UPDATED: Teenager struck by cyclist "critical but stable" (From Southend Standard)
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Teenager struck by cyclist in Southend "critical but stable"
2:30pm Monday 4th February 2013 in Echo News
The shared space zone
A TEENAGER who was struck by a cyclist in Southend’s shared space area is "critical but stable", police say.
The 16-year-old, from Benfleet, collided with the bike in Marine Parade just after 9.45pm last night.
She was taken by ambulance to Southend Hospital and then transferred to Queens Hospital, in Romford, with a serious head injury.
Police initially described her condition as life-threatening, but on Monday said she had stabilised although she remained in a severe state.
The cyclist, a man in his 20s from Leigh, was uninjured.
Anyone with information about the incident should call PC Paul Calpin, at Laindon road policing unit, on 101.
Comments(134)
Shoebury_Cyclist
says...
10:05am Sat 2 Feb 13
The story is a bit bare on facts. (Though I doubt that will stop the cycle haters from crawling out from under their stones).
Where in the shared space was she struck?
Was the cyclist looking where they were going?
Did the cyclist have lights?
Were they riding in a safe manner?
Were either inebriated?
Did the cyclist stop and help?
Was the cyclist questioned by police?
Keptquiettillnow
says...
10:13am Sat 2 Feb 13
reptile
says...
11:05am Sat 2 Feb 13
Cosmo Spring
says...
11:51am Sat 2 Feb 13
Shoebury_Cyclist wrote:was the teenage girl looking at her phone while walking along?
I hope the girl makes a swift and full recovery. And if the cyclist was riding illegally or dangerously they should be prosecuted.
The story is a bit bare on facts. (Though I doubt that will stop the cycle haters from crawling out from under their stones).
Where in the shared space was she struck?
Was the cyclist looking where they were going?
Did the cyclist have lights?
Were they riding in a safe manner?
Were either inebriated?
Did the cyclist stop and help?
Was the cyclist questioned by police?
Did she suddenly walk right into the path of the cyclist without looking leaving him no room or time to avoid her?
Having said that, I hope he recovers fully from her injuries and suffers no lasting effects.
Shoebury_Cyclist
says...
12:02pm Sat 2 Feb 13
Cosmo Spring wrote:Also were there many cars parked on the pavement blocking sight-lines.
Shoebury_Cyclist wrote:was the teenage girl looking at her phone while walking along?
I hope the girl makes a swift and full recovery. And if the cyclist was riding illegally or dangerously they should be prosecuted.
The story is a bit bare on facts. (Though I doubt that will stop the cycle haters from crawling out from under their stones).
Where in the shared space was she struck?
Was the cyclist looking where they were going?
Did the cyclist have lights?
Were they riding in a safe manner?
Were either inebriated?
Did the cyclist stop and help?
Was the cyclist questioned by police?
Did she suddenly walk right into the path of the cyclist without looking leaving him no room or time to avoid her?
Having said that, I hope he recovers fully from her injuries and suffers no lasting effects.
Joe Wildman-Clark
says...
12:58pm Sat 2 Feb 13
DogsMessInLeigh
says...
1:00pm Sat 2 Feb 13
the side where the amusements are where cars always seem to park (is there parking allowed there..?) is a bit tight and more pedestrians that side, so would seem daft if it was a shared space also.
i always feel pedestrians have no idea its a shared space...but cyclists do.
Cosmo Spring
says...
1:21pm Sat 2 Feb 13
DogsMessInLeigh wrote:whenever I cycle along that stretch of the 'front' I always use the road in order to avoid any accidental contact with pedestrians, unfortunately the motorists don't seem to like it when you're going at the speed limit of 20 MPH and they're much more likely to kill you in an accident than a pedestrian...
Is one side shared space or both..?
the side where the amusements are where cars always seem to park (is there parking allowed there..?) is a bit tight and more pedestrians that side, so would seem daft if it was a shared space also.
i always feel pedestrians have no idea its a shared space...but cyclists do.
UKGovnor
says...
2:17pm Sat 2 Feb 13
saarfender
says...
3:18pm Sat 2 Feb 13
Shared space works. It relies on vehicles and pedestrians sharing the same space (the clue is in the name) and as a result is safe for all as vehicle speeds are very low. There are many very good examples of shared space.
The seafront flouts two fundamental rules of shared space.
1) it clearly isn't shared space as it is a clearly marked road with clear pavements either side.
2) The traffic volume is way too high for it to work as a true shared space.
A clear indicator of why this is not shared space and is unsafe is for a pedestrian to just walk from the beach into an amusement arcade. If it is true shared space then they will be able to do that without having to stop or put themselves at risk. Southend fails that simple test as there is a busy road that they have to cross, and cannot (hence all the calls originally for pedestrian crossings).
I wish the pedestrian a speedy recovery, and I also hope that this incident puts an end to the farce that is the seafront and the "shared space" label be recognised for the lie that it is and it be removed from this road.
saddo99
says...
3:24pm Sat 2 Feb 13
saarfender
says...
3:32pm Sat 2 Feb 13
I have my fingers crossed for her. I really hope she pulls through.
Southend Council need prosecuting over that road layout.
stopmoaning1
says...
3:37pm Sat 2 Feb 13
Cosmo Spring wrote:Which is EXACTLY why 'shared space' does not work.
Shoebury_Cyclist wrote:was the teenage girl looking at her phone while walking along?
I hope the girl makes a swift and full recovery. And if the cyclist was riding illegally or dangerously they should be prosecuted.
The story is a bit bare on facts. (Though I doubt that will stop the cycle haters from crawling out from under their stones).
Where in the shared space was she struck?
Was the cyclist looking where they were going?
Did the cyclist have lights?
Were they riding in a safe manner?
Were either inebriated?
Did the cyclist stop and help?
Was the cyclist questioned by police?
Did she suddenly walk right into the path of the cyclist without looking leaving him no room or time to avoid her?
Having said that, I hope he recovers fully from her injuries and suffers no lasting effects.
The clowns at SBC need to sort this NOW!
ShrimperSS0
says...
3:41pm Sat 2 Feb 13
Shoebury_Cyclist
says...
4:16pm Sat 2 Feb 13
ShrimperSS0 wrote:In truth the actual collision doesn't have to be particularly serious at all, it's how a person - cyclist or pedestrian -falls that makes the difference. (You can sustain life-threatening head injuries simply from tripping in the kitchen and your head hitting the counter edge)
There are so many facts that currently remains open to speculation. Where was the cyclist (road or footpath on either side), did they have lights, how much attention were both taking, how much time did the cyclist have to react to the presence of the pedestrian, how fast was the cyclist travelling as am shocked to read the headline that she's now "fighting for her life" as it must've been a heavy contact for injuries to be that bad. Hope she does make a good recovery.
In this case it is likely - but I am only speculating - that her head hit the ground. I hope to high heaven she didn't hit her head on one of those ludicrous razor-sharp kerb edges that are all over the City Beach area.
whataday
says...
4:21pm Sat 2 Feb 13
whataday
says...
4:24pm Sat 2 Feb 13
It can't be that well marked as I would have thought I would have noticed it. Hope I haven't driven through it without realising
Broadwaywatch
says...
4:34pm Sat 2 Feb 13
Shoebury_Cyclist wrote:Did the Cyclist have a bell?
Cosmo Spring wrote:Also were there many cars parked on the pavement blocking sight-lines.
Shoebury_Cyclist wrote:was the teenage girl looking at her phone while walking along?
I hope the girl makes a swift and full recovery. And if the cyclist was riding illegally or dangerously they should be prosecuted.
The story is a bit bare on facts. (Though I doubt that will stop the cycle haters from crawling out from under their stones).
Where in the shared space was she struck?
Was the cyclist looking where they were going?
Did the cyclist have lights?
Were they riding in a safe manner?
Were either inebriated?
Did the cyclist stop and help?
Was the cyclist questioned by police?
Did she suddenly walk right into the path of the cyclist without looking leaving him no room or time to avoid her?
Having said that, I hope he recovers fully from her injuries and suffers no lasting effects.
Sean4u
says...
4:43pm Sat 2 Feb 13
Joe Wildman-Clark wrote:I have had insurance for outdoor pursuits that covered me on my bicycle for years, a long time ago. The year after I stopped the insurance I was being a young idiot on a new bike and lost control going down a long steep hill somewhere up north, couldn't stay on my side of the road going around a bend and went into the oncoming traffic. I paid out £600 for a new bonnet, grille and valance for the first car I hit - the one I landed on did a 3-point turn and burned away, dumping me on the ground in the process. I have a dim recollection of there being too many people in it.
Many cyclists are a menace, they zoom along expecting pedestrians to get out thier way, prehaps it is time for all cyclists to have insurance and identity tags on their bikes in the event they knock somebody over the identity tags much like a car number plate can be noted down and the police visit the registered keepers house.
I've had bumps with pedestrians leaping in front of the bike - never at great speed - and if either of us has come off worse, it has been me: buckled a wheel or fallen to the ground. Wild pedestrians never give me the impression they'd be interested in exchanging insurance details.
There has to be some minimum point at which the hazard we (including pedestrians) present to other road users is simply not worth insuring for. If you're in the wrong, you can be sued for damages anyway. I'm ambivalent about cycle insurance - I see no reason why most of us on bikes shouldn't be covered by our car insurance.
If you see a cyclist "zoom along expecting pedestrians to get out thier way" and you're on a pedestrian way, stand your ground and tell them to ride in the road or ride with consideration for others. That's what I do when circumstance parts me from my bike. Some trivial wrongs should be 'policed' by all of us.
The incident sounds awful. I hope the young woman makes a speedy full recovery.
1nails
says...
4:49pm Sat 2 Feb 13
Cosmo Spring
says...
5:10pm Sat 2 Feb 13
ShrimperSS0 wrote:yes regardless of the circumstances of this unfortunate incident I hope she makes a full recovery in time.
There are so many facts that currently remains open to speculation. Where was the cyclist (road or footpath on either side), did they have lights, how much attention were both taking, how much time did the cyclist have to react to the presence of the pedestrian, how fast was the cyclist travelling as am shocked to read the headline that she's now "fighting for her life" as it must've been a heavy contact for injuries to be that bad. Hope she does make a good recovery.
bigmak
says...
5:16pm Sat 2 Feb 13
And before Shoebury cyclist shouts me down, ask the many people like me who walk the path daily, that's the reality, we've complained to our local Councillors about defining who has he right of way, to no avail! I am not complaining about the scores of normal cyclists, family groups etc who are happy to share the path. Just those who seem to have lost their Tour de France or cyclocross team mates!
Shoebury_Cyclist
says...
5:44pm Sat 2 Feb 13
bigmak wrote:I cycle that path daily and always use the bell.
I wouldn't follow Sean4U's advice on the 'shared ' path from East Beach to the Shoebury Coastguard Station, the cyclists don't stop, they shout abuse at you if you suggest that it is shared resource and none of the Lycra-clad ' 'look at me I'm the bee's knees, I've got 50 gears for a 7 mile flat path' ever have a bell or other audible warning device. Their normal warning is to shout at you and refuse to slow down. Isn'yt a warning device still compulsory under the Highway Code?
And before Shoebury cyclist shouts me down, ask the many people like me who walk the path daily, that's the reality, we've complained to our local Councillors about defining who has he right of way, to no avail! I am not complaining about the scores of normal cyclists, family groups etc who are happy to share the path. Just those who seem to have lost their Tour de France or cyclocross team mates!
Keptquiettillnow
says...
6:19pm Sat 2 Feb 13
Shoebury_Cyclist
says...
6:22pm Sat 2 Feb 13
Keptquiettillnow wrote:Indeed.
Lets hope she recovers, and thoughts are also with the cyclist.
Sean4u
says...
7:21pm Sat 2 Feb 13
One's only *recommended* in rule 66.
https://www.gov.uk/r
ules-for-cyclists-59
-to-82/overview-59-t
o-71
I use a horn ("parp parp") myself, which might be a bit pointless as everybody appears to decide that they couldn't possibly have heard one, it being the 21st Century and all. Sometimes when the horn is ignored several times in a row I shout "Briiinnnggg brriinnngggg!" at a safe distance and apologise for having the wrong audible warning device as I pass.
I don't wear lycra: this time of year I'm the boil-in-the-bag cyclist, complete with wellies - anything else rots away from the swill on the road. Racing gear is probably all right for fair weather cyclists.
I'm not a fan of cycle paths - a bicycle is a road vehicle. Herding cyclists onto pedestrian / leisure paths is probably politically expedient: making the roads safer would cost votes from those who want a free-for-all.
I see occasional suggestions that cycling should be made part of the national curriculum - I think that's a good idea, if only to make people aware of the Highway Code a little earlier!
Shoebury_Cyclist
says...
7:39pm Sat 2 Feb 13
bigmak wrote:Why? Do you 'have a word' with bad drivers?
pleased to hear that Shoebury Cyclist, please can you have a word with the other idiots who give you a bad name?
Elephantman2
says...
7:53pm Sat 2 Feb 13
1nails wrote:That's sensible; tax liability zero (as with all low emission vehicles) cost of paperwork to the great British Tax Payer? Most cyclists are insured so they can sue the arse of the motorists who attempt to kill them!
Bicycles should be taxed and insured just like any other road using vehicle.
whiskers
says...
8:36pm Sat 2 Feb 13
Barry_Shitpeas
says...
8:41pm Sat 2 Feb 13
Devils Advocate
says...
9:15pm Sat 2 Feb 13
I have to say with regard to some of the comments on here, nobody is in any doubt that this area is designated as shared.
I am aware, and, when I drive through it, I drive below 20mph and, if I spot pedestrians moving to cross the road, I will stop and wait for them to cross. Hopefully, I will never cause an accident with a pedestrian. However, I do so against severe peer pressure from the motorists behind me, and many approaching choose not to give way. Yet, when you are old enough to drive a car, you are considered an adult. Why do so few motorists seem to realise this.
Having been in a near miss on the cycle track opposite the Harvester where the road leads to the slipway by the coastguards, I was in the wrong as I thought I was on the path, but the cyclist came at such a speed and made no attempt to slow and must have been aware that I hadn't seen him. I just hope all Southend's cyclists do not drive with that mindset, because if they do, their will sadly be more of this type of accident. It is surely up to the cyclist to behave in a manner that puts them above criticism, which is what I do when I cycle around Basildon (With a bell which was a legal requirement when I was 14, and yet a warning instrument is not required on a vehicle today? Unlikely!)
sophie_pearson
says...
9:53pm Sat 2 Feb 13
Get well soon girl, I miss you already. Love you lots xxx
saarfender
says...
9:56pm Sat 2 Feb 13
I think the law states it has to be fitted to a bicycle at the point of sale, but there is no requirement to keep it on the bike afterwards.
Some of my bikes have bells, some have those hooters with squeezy rubber bulbs, one has a 120db air horn, and a couple have none (yes I like bicycles). They all though have the same thing in common with my motorbike and car.... in an emergency I hit the brakes/steering and not the hooter.
If I've got time to sound an audible warning, I have time to avoid a collision.
If I'm driving up behind a slower vehicle (milk float/tractor/bicycl
e) I don't sound my hooter to make them get out of the way, that's inconsiderate and rude. I do the same when cycling, if there's somebody in my way ahead I slow down and avoid them.
This is also why properly designed shared space does work. I've got some video/photos somewhere of good examples of it. It forces everybody to be considerate to each other. It's exactly the same as when traffic lights fail and drivers give way to each other (often with less congestion than when the lights are working).
So let's cut the cyclist/pedestrian/d
river bashing. We're all people and we should all be considerate to each other. Of course, that road layout doesn't help and it's no wonder there are collisions down there when it's laid out as a road and used as such by some people but as shared space by others.
We don't know the facts behind the collision. A poor girl is suffering, and our thoughts should be there.
Shoebury_Cyclist
says...
10:53pm Sat 2 Feb 13
whiskers wrote:To be fair this is the first cycle/pedestrian collision on Marine Parade in the two years or so the shared space has been open.
Shared space or not,the fact of the matter is cyclist and pedestrians do not mix.
emcee
says...
11:47pm Sat 2 Feb 13
Shoebury_Cyclist wrote:No, but it's not the first accident to happen on this part of the seafront though in those two years.
whiskers wrote:To be fair this is the first cycle/pedestrian collision on Marine Parade in the two years or so the shared space has been open.
Shared space or not,the fact of the matter is cyclist and pedestrians do not mix.
For any "shared space" to work ALL parties using it must:
1. be vigilant to the extreme
2. be considerate of ALL other users
3. SLOW DOWN
However, a lot of cars still speed and still believe the road area is for their use only. A lot of cyclists speed and weave indiscriminately in and around cars and pedestrians. Lastly, pedestrians just do not look where they are going and are oblivious to their surroundings. Is it any wonder, therefore, there will be accidents here. In its present format this space will host many more, I am sure. As will Victoria Gateway.
Carnabackable
says...
11:50pm Sat 2 Feb 13
They are a menace on the road, and as often the case, off the road, on the pavement.
pendulum
says...
12:29am Sun 3 Feb 13
sophie_pearson wrote:That explains why she was badly injured then. An idiot could 'achieve' around 45mph hurtling down a hill as steep as Pier Hill.
she was on the pavement outside chinnerys after having crossed the road, an the cyclist came down pier hill at a ridiculous speed even after being shouted at to slow down after nearly knocking some people over on his way down. Whether or not that area is a shared space seems irrelevant at the moment to be perfectly honest, the speed he was going was ridiculous in any area that pedestrians would be. No she was not on her phone, and yes the cyclist did have lights but was going at too fast of a speed for her to even see them and move before she was hit.
Get well soon girl, I miss you already. Love you lots xxx
gooner44
says...
5:20am Sun 3 Feb 13
InTheKnowOk wrote:Having been a witness to this terrible accident and someone who was first on the scene and helped the young girl i can say that the cyclist involved was on the pavement with no lights on coming down from pier hill at over 30 miles an hour. As he was passing traffic going at 20mph he was still gaining speed when he hit her.A completly reckless act on his behalf which has put a young girls life in danger.The word footpath should be a clue as to who should be on them.
The whole layout is ridiculously consusing as to who can park where in the daytime let alone night, it needs changing before someone dies as there is no safety barriers like before
All the best to the girl that was hurt, let's hope she has no lasting damage.
Shoebury_Cyclist
says...
8:54am Sun 3 Feb 13
gooner44 wrote:That whole area is designated as shared space. That means people cancycle on the 'pavement' areas.
InTheKnowOk wrote:Having been a witness to this terrible accident and someone who was first on the scene and helped the young girl i can say that the cyclist involved was on the pavement with no lights on coming down from pier hill at over 30 miles an hour. As he was passing traffic going at 20mph he was still gaining speed when he hit her.A completly reckless act on his behalf which has put a young girls life in danger.The word footpath should be a clue as to who should be on them.
The whole layout is ridiculously consusing as to who can park where in the daytime let alone night, it needs changing before someone dies as there is no safety barriers like before
All the best to the girl that was hurt, let's hope she has no lasting damage.
The cyclist was not in the wrong by not being on the road section. They WERE in the wrong in riding so quickly with pedestrians in the area.
As for going 'over 30 miles an hour', that is a matter for the police to decide. Unless you were using a speed gun at the time?
Heavenwilkins
says...
10:03am Sun 3 Feb 13
Heavenwilkins
says...
10:10am Sun 3 Feb 13
Sean4u
says...
10:20am Sun 3 Feb 13
Out of interest, does anybody know how a hypothetical reckless cyclist injuring a pedestrian might be charged? I'm guessing it would be some kind of "Offences / Assaults against the person" such as Common Assault or ABH whereas a car driver would be charged under the Road Traffic Act - is that how it works?
j-w
says...
10:41am Sun 3 Feb 13
saarfender
says...
12:19pm Sun 3 Feb 13
One witness says it occured "on the pavement outside Chinnerys" and the cyclists did have lights Well that's way past the Pier Hill location so the excessive speed from there would have worn off. It's also in the so called "shared space", so there is in theory no such thing as a pavement. Note, I wasn't there and am not defending the cyclist, although I can see that this comment might be taken as such.
The other witness said the cyclist was speeding on the pavement down Pier Hill without lights when the collision occurred... If so then that's not defendable.
Did this collision occur on Pier Hill, or in the shared space? Was the cyclist on the pavement or in the road on Pier Hill?
If I can't avoid going down Pier Hill, I ride it fast. It's a contraflow cycle lane and incredibly scary as it's so narrow you are at risk of a head on collision if a wide vehicle (transit van) is on the way up. It's another lethal design that shouldn't have gone in. I always slow at the bottom though.
Google streetview clearly shows the bottom of Pier Hill, and also shows how that seafront is not shared space. http://goo.gl/maps/6
dAo2 There is a clear road and cycle path layout there, yet the Council call it shared space. If is it actually shared space then not only are cyclists in the right going down the grey paved "pavement" but also so are cars!
Shoebury_Cyclist
says...
12:29pm Sun 3 Feb 13
Likewise, but it isn't just vans we need to be wary of on Pier Hill:
http://youtu.be/DnIN
cubYY7c
Keptquiettillnow
says...
12:31pm Sun 3 Feb 13
Its very sad when these things happen, but isnt it best to wait for the Police to comment before people start to condemn anyone.
Shoebury_Cyclist
says...
12:37pm Sun 3 Feb 13
Keptquiettillnow wrote:It's designated by the eight-foot signs at each end. One just before passing under the pier, and one at the Kursaal traffic lights.
I always thought the shared space area was designated with those spheres at the Hartington Road junction.
Its very sad when these things happen, but isnt it best to wait for the Police to comment before people start to condemn anyone.
DogsMessInLeigh
says...
12:45pm Sun 3 Feb 13
Keptquiettillnow
says...
12:46pm Sun 3 Feb 13
Shoebury_Cyclist wrote:I havent got any problem with that SC, but why is the kerb taken away at that junction in the picture? and the rest of the road, if it is shared space why is there a kerb?
Keptquiettillnow wrote:It's designated by the eight-foot signs at each end. One just before passing under the pier, and one at the Kursaal traffic lights.
I always thought the shared space area was designated with those spheres at the Hartington Road junction.
Its very sad when these things happen, but isnt it best to wait for the Police to comment before people start to condemn anyone.
Shoebury_Cyclist
says...
12:49pm Sun 3 Feb 13
Keptquiettillnow wrote:Because it is badly designed and implemented and doesn't conform to real woonerf specifications.
Shoebury_Cyclist wrote:I havent got any problem with that SC, but why is the kerb taken away at that junction in the picture? and the rest of the road, if it is shared space why is there a kerb?
Keptquiettillnow wrote:It's designated by the eight-foot signs at each end. One just before passing under the pier, and one at the Kursaal traffic lights.
I always thought the shared space area was designated with those spheres at the Hartington Road junction.
Its very sad when these things happen, but isnt it best to wait for the Police to comment before people start to condemn anyone.
jantone
says...
1:35pm Sun 3 Feb 13
there is nothing wrong at all with marine parade, but like crossing ALL roads due care & attention must be followed!! i do, however wish the person well & a speedy recovery.
Ed in
says...
1:39pm Sun 3 Feb 13
I have been hit by cyclists on two separate occasions on the pavement and have had plenty of near misses recently. Witnessing the disregard shown by your average cyclist to every other road/pavement user I think this cartoon published in the Daily Mirror really sums it up. I always have a chuckle when I think of it.
http://i2.mirror.co.
uk/incoming/article1
349336.ece/ALTERNATE
S/s615/Tony+Parsons+
Cartoon
gooner44
says...
1:43pm Sun 3 Feb 13
DogsMessInLeigh wrote:cyclist was injured contrary to what was reported as he was taken to hospital with a spinal board and collar and clearly in some pain
'a ridiculous speed'...and '30mph' has been quoted then impacting the 16 yo girl.... how the rider didn't get injured is amazing.
Keptquiettillnow
says...
3:27pm Sun 3 Feb 13
Oh and guess what, we stood on the side of road waiting to cross and did any traffic stop or slow for us.
asbo. just the truth
says...
3:46pm Sun 3 Feb 13
Purple Om 89-91
says...
4:08pm Sun 3 Feb 13
The poor girl was hit at 9.37pm
The emergency services didn't arrive at the scene until 9.56pm
I was suprised how long it took.
I saw many of the young people gathered around were laughing and joking, as if they were watching some reality TV.
Grim times we are living in.
saarfender
says...
4:37pm Sun 3 Feb 13
asbo. just the truth wrote:If it is shared space, as the Council claim, then the same goes not just for cyclists but for drivers too. i.e. any driver that goes faster than walking speed should be kneecapped.
it's shared space but those that created it assumed the users of that shared space have brains in their heads. any cyclist that pedals faster than walking speed on the space shared with the pedestrians should be kneecapped. cc martin mcguiness.
That is why the seafront is NOT shared space, and why the layout is so lethal. Some treat is as a road and pavement, others treat it as shared space. That conflict of how it can be used can lead to incidents, although maybe not relevant in this case if the cyclist was riding irresponsibly as some claim.
Is there any updated news on the girl? I hope she is pulling through.
saarfender
says...
4:45pm Sun 3 Feb 13
asbo. just the truth wrote:I don't think that's an insensitive post as such. I also used to ride seriously and also know that >30mph on the flat is very hard (as I said earlier about the speed from the hill having worn off if it was outside Chinnerys).
Local yachtsman wrote:so it was the parent's fault but you don't want to comment further? an insensitive post at the very best
Hate to say I told you so but...
Why the speculation about the cyclists speed? I used to race cycles and I know it is almost impossible for even the fittest cyclist to go over 30 mph on the flat unless they have a very strong tailwind so the accusations of speeding are irrelevant.
However, many kids don't seem to have a clue about road safety, they walk straight across the roads without looking because their parents couldn't be bothered to teach them how to cross the road safely. I do not know whether this might have been the case on this occasion so I can't comment further but I do hope this young lady gets better.
I've been knocked off my bike in the past by a pedestrian stepping out into the road while changing tunes on their iPlod. Not my fault, and I couldn't avoid it (nor would i have rung a bell in time), and if I'd been driving I'd have hit them just as hard.
I don't know why there is so much speculation over the speed either. I wasn't there so am not going to say whether it was high or low, nor am I going to say whether it was the pedestrian's fault or not. The whole incident should have been avoided. Sometimes collisions do occur that really are true accidents, but mostly there are contributing factors. In my mind, the whole layout of that road is a major contributing factor, with the Council encouraging pedestrians down there, then labelling it as shared space and encouraging vehicles and cyclists through there too. If they wanted a true seafront promenade for tourism, they should have had the balls to close it to traffic, or they should have kept it as a clear fenced off road and cycle track with ample crossings.
As always, I'm hoping for a swift recovery of the injured.
asbo. just the truth
says...
4:48pm Sun 3 Feb 13
saarfender wrote:no that is not the case. the space for cars is clear with a 20mph speed limit.
asbo. just the truth wrote:If it is shared space, as the Council claim, then the same goes not just for cyclists but for drivers too. i.e. any driver that goes faster than walking speed should be kneecapped.
it's shared space but those that created it assumed the users of that shared space have brains in their heads. any cyclist that pedals faster than walking speed on the space shared with the pedestrians should be kneecapped. cc martin mcguiness.
That is why the seafront is NOT shared space, and why the layout is so lethal. Some treat is as a road and pavement, others treat it as shared space. That conflict of how it can be used can lead to incidents, although maybe not relevant in this case if the cyclist was riding irresponsibly as some claim.
Is there any updated news on the girl? I hope she is pulling through.
saarfender
says...
4:49pm Sun 3 Feb 13
asbo. just the truth wrote:"The space for cars is clear" - therefore proving my point that the seafront is not a shared space.
saarfender wrote:no that is not the case. the space for cars is clear with a 20mph speed limit.
asbo. just the truth wrote:If it is shared space, as the Council claim, then the same goes not just for cyclists but for drivers too. i.e. any driver that goes faster than walking speed should be kneecapped.
it's shared space but those that created it assumed the users of that shared space have brains in their heads. any cyclist that pedals faster than walking speed on the space shared with the pedestrians should be kneecapped. cc martin mcguiness.
That is why the seafront is NOT shared space, and why the layout is so lethal. Some treat is as a road and pavement, others treat it as shared space. That conflict of how it can be used can lead to incidents, although maybe not relevant in this case if the cyclist was riding irresponsibly as some claim.
Is there any updated news on the girl? I hope she is pulling through.
asbo. just the truth
says...
4:58pm Sun 3 Feb 13
Shoebury_Cyclist wrote:my best wishes to the girl. any speed above pedestrian is totally unacceptable in that space
asbo. just the truth wrote:As usual you jump in mouth open and eyes shut. I wrote earlier:
Shoebury_Cyclist wrote:let me restate. any speed that is faster than pedestrian is totally unacceptable in that space. you do the cause of cyclists only harm with your posts.
asbo. just the truth wrote:I'm doing nothing of the sort. I'm saying that"'I reckon he was goin' at least firty mile 'n hour guv", will be thrown out of court as inadmissible without concrete proof that that WAS the speed he was travelling at.
Shoebury_Cyclist wrote:it goes without saying. but yet again you are questioning and undermining credible eyewitness accounts when you were not there. any speed that is faster than pedestrian is totally unacceptable in that space
asbo. just the truth wrote:I notice that in your usual rush do nothing but attack other posters you have completely failed to wish the injured girl well.
Shoebury_Cyclist wrote:anyone with judgement is able to make good a estimate of speed as a pedestrian. besides we are all trained to know what 30mph is with our eyes closed. you obviously need a speedo but we already know you have zero judgement.
gooner44 wrote:I cycle along there several times a week. I know there is NO designated cycle path on that part of the seafront. I know cyclists can use any part of that section of seafront. I know there are no speed cameras on Pier Hill or near Chinnerys.
Shoebury_Cyclist wrote:u was not there so please keep quiet and get on with ur dinner u kno nothing at all on what so button it
gooner44 wrote:There is no designated cycle track on Marine Parade shared use area. Cyclists and pedestrians are free to use the entire area between the pier and the Kursaal and between the arcades and the beach.
Shoebury_Cyclist wrote:he was cycling on the pavement not on the cycle track provided on the other side of the road and yes speed was clocked at over 30 miles an hour get ur facts correct before u make any further stupid comments
gooner44 wrote:That whole area is designated as shared space. That means people cancycle on the 'pavement' areas.
InTheKnowOk wrote:Having been a witness to this terrible accident and someone who was first on the scene and helped the young girl i can say that the cyclist involved was on the pavement with no lights on coming down from pier hill at over 30 miles an hour. As he was passing traffic going at 20mph he was still gaining speed when he hit her.A completly reckless act on his behalf which has put a young girls life in danger.The word footpath should be a clue as to who should be on them.
The whole layout is ridiculously consusing as to who can park where in the daytime let alone night, it needs changing before someone dies as there is no safety barriers like before
All the best to the girl that was hurt, let's hope she has no lasting damage.
The cyclist was not in the wrong by not being on the road section. They WERE in the wrong in riding so quickly with pedestrians in the area.
As for going 'over 30 miles an hour', that is a matter for the police to decide. Unless you were using a speed gun at the time?
Do you have proof the 'speed was clocked at over 30 miles an hour'? Did you have a speed gun?
No. So the speed is just speculation, and not backed up with evidence at all.
So unless you actually had a speed gun with you to measure the cyclist's speed there is no way at all you can possibly know what speed he was travelling at.
"The cyclist was not in the wrong by not being on the road section. They WERE in the wrong in riding so quickly with pedestrians in the area. "
You STILL have not wished the poor girl well. It seems attacking other posters is more important to you.
leroyjean
says...
5:03pm Sun 3 Feb 13
2009/08/12/cyclist-i
s-jailed-for-killing
-by-1861-law-335527/
). There also appears to be an offence of careless cycling (http://www.visordow
n.com/motorcycle-new
s--general-news/care
less-cyclist-prosecu
ted-for-injuring-bik
er/19266.html), but as a rule cyclists are only ever taken to court if their actions damage other people. Motorists are sometimes prosecuted, or fixed-penaltied, when there has been no 3rd party harm or even involvement, but a huge number of motorist prosecutions only come about because a 3rd party was affected.
saarfender
says...
5:04pm Sun 3 Feb 13
asbo. just the truth wrote:> 30mph downhill is easily achievable. Retaining that speed on the flat up past Chnnerys is much less so. But I wasn't there and am not going to get het up about this. I'm just like one of the preivous posters who is surprised at thow this conversation is so focussed on whether the cyclist was exceeding 30mph or not. The cyclist's speed is irrelevant. A collision occurred and even had it been at very low speed a serious head injury could have occurred (and in fact have known to happen too even when a pedestrian just trips over).
saarfender wrote:you obviously weren't that serious. 30 mph down pier hill with a tail wind is easily achieved
asbo. just the truth wrote:I don't think that's an insensitive post as such. I also used to ride seriously and also know that >30mph on the flat is very hard (as I said earlier about the speed from the hill having worn off if it was outside Chinnerys).
Local yachtsman wrote:so it was the parent's fault but you don't want to comment further? an insensitive post at the very best
Hate to say I told you so but...
Why the speculation about the cyclists speed? I used to race cycles and I know it is almost impossible for even the fittest cyclist to go over 30 mph on the flat unless they have a very strong tailwind so the accusations of speeding are irrelevant.
However, many kids don't seem to have a clue about road safety, they walk straight across the roads without looking because their parents couldn't be bothered to teach them how to cross the road safely. I do not know whether this might have been the case on this occasion so I can't comment further but I do hope this young lady gets better.
I've been knocked off my bike in the past by a pedestrian stepping out into the road while changing tunes on their iPlod. Not my fault, and I couldn't avoid it (nor would i have rung a bell in time), and if I'd been driving I'd have hit them just as hard.
I don't know why there is so much speculation over the speed either. I wasn't there so am not going to say whether it was high or low, nor am I going to say whether it was the pedestrian's fault or not. The whole incident should have been avoided. Sometimes collisions do occur that really are true accidents, but mostly there are contributing factors. In my mind, the whole layout of that road is a major contributing factor, with the Council encouraging pedestrians down there, then labelling it as shared space and encouraging vehicles and cyclists through there too. If they wanted a true seafront promenade for tourism, they should have had the balls to close it to traffic, or they should have kept it as a clear fenced off road and cycle track with ample crossings.
As always, I'm hoping for a swift recovery of the injured.
As for the previous comment about me taking pedentry lessons from Shoebury Cyclist, not the case at all. Go and look at your comment re the road being clearly defined, which I agree it is. Now look at the signage the Concil have erected saying "share space". Now lok at the working examples of shared space in the world.
The seafront is NOT shared space. It is clearly a road with 20mph heavy traffic.
Shared space is low volumes of traffic at low speeds (20mph is too fast) and a place where it is safe for pedestrians to walk. In shared space there are no requirements for pedestrian crossings. Pedestrians can walk without having to look out for approaching vehicles, or cyclists.
Diannah
says...
5:23pm Sun 3 Feb 13
Many cyclists these days attach cameras to their helmets. There could be a slim chance that this particular cyclist has done such a thing which would take away any need for speculation.
asbo. just the truth
says...
5:26pm Sun 3 Feb 13
asbo. just the truth
says...
5:34pm Sun 3 Feb 13
Shoebury_Cyclist
says...
5:42pm Sun 3 Feb 13
asbo. just the truth wrote:No-one is 'permitted to plough pedestrians down' regardless of transport mode. But that doesn't stop motorists driving on that area right outside the arcades every night. See this video from 1.05: http://youtu.be/UM81
cars are not permitted to plough pedestrians down on the space immediately in front of the amusements and pubs
di0u7DU
I'll ask again, does your statement also apply to motorised traffic? Or are you only applying it to cyclists?
sophie_pearson
says...
5:46pm Sun 3 Feb 13
Wishing you better soon girl, I love you loads x x x
Muttles
says...
5:57pm Sun 3 Feb 13
If anyone is to blame it is the Council: there should be designated areas for driving, cycling and pedestrians. It's never happened before since their crazy idea.
sophie_pearson
says...
5:57pm Sun 3 Feb 13
Shoebury_Cyclist
says...
6:00pm Sun 3 Feb 13
Barry_Shitpeas wrote:Here's one example. Driver hits a cyclist carries him 90 yards on his bonnet, hits several signs and a tree, kills the cyclist. Fined £35 and points on licence. No jail time:
Shoebury_Cyclist wrote:Would you like to share a link to those particular statistics?
leroyjean wrote:And even then the great majority of motorist convictions, even if they killed someone, amount to little more than a paltry fine and some points on their licence.
The statute book isn't really set up for wayward cyclists, but in extreme cases the CPS can prosecute for ‘wanton and furious driving causing bodily harm’. A fatality in Dorset in 2009 led to such a prosecution, and the cyclist was jailed for 7 months (http://metro.co.uk/
2009/08/12/cyclist-i
s-jailed-for-killing
-by-1861-law-335527/
). There also appears to be an offence of careless cycling (http://www.visordow
n.com/motorcycle-new
s--general-news/care
less-cyclist-prosecu
ted-for-injuring-bik
er/19266.html), but as a rule cyclists are only ever taken to court if their actions damage other people. Motorists are sometimes prosecuted, or fixed-penaltied, when there has been no 3rd party harm or even involvement, but a huge number of motorist prosecutions only come about because a 3rd party was affected.
http://www.solihulln
ews.net/news/solihul
l-news/2013/01/17/dr
iver-gets-35-fine-af
ter-cyclist-dies-in-
collision-105074-326
22442/
Here's another. Uninsured, speeding driver hits pedestrian, leaves them unable to walk or talk for life, fined £255 and 9 points. No jail time.
http://www.yorkshire
eveningpost.co.uk/ne
ws/latest-news/top-s
tories/cabbie-is-sen
tenced-for-leeds-stu
dent-collision-1-534
6826
These soft sentences are handed out time and time again to killer drivers. That's why there is now an ongoing Parliamentary enquiry into sentencing for dangerous and killer drivers:
http://allpartycycli
ng.org/2013/01/30/ju
stice-needed-for-cyc
lists-on-the-roads-s
ays-parliamentary-in
quiry-press-release/
Katiealicia
says...
6:20pm Sun 3 Feb 13
sophie_pearson
says...
6:31pm Sun 3 Feb 13
Katiealicia wrote:thank you. This should be full of comments wishing her well, not arguing. Stay strong girly, thinking of you and your family all the time.
This arguing is ridiculous. There is a young girl fighting for her life in hospital, do you think her family and friends want to read all your silly comments people? Stop trying to guess what's happened and stop moaning about how layout on the seafront is. My thoughts are with the young girl & her family and I hope she makes a full, speedy recovery.
I love you xxx
Joe Wildman-Clark
says...
6:39pm Sun 3 Feb 13
Shoebury_Cyclist wrote:Cyclists are a law unto themselves, many use the pavement, most go through red lights, many cycle in the middle of the road blocking traffic.
Barry_Shitpeas wrote:Here's one example. Driver hits a cyclist carries him 90 yards on his bonnet, hits several signs and a tree, kills the cyclist. Fined £35 and points on licence. No jail time:
Shoebury_Cyclist wrote:Would you like to share a link to those particular statistics?
leroyjean wrote:And even then the great majority of motorist convictions, even if they killed someone, amount to little more than a paltry fine and some points on their licence.
The statute book isn't really set up for wayward cyclists, but in extreme cases the CPS can prosecute for ‘wanton and furious driving causing bodily harm’. A fatality in Dorset in 2009 led to such a prosecution, and the cyclist was jailed for 7 months (http://metro.co.uk/
2009/08/12/cyclist-i
s-jailed-for-killing
-by-1861-law-335527/
). There also appears to be an offence of careless cycling (http://www.visordow
n.com/motorcycle-new
s--general-news/care
less-cyclist-prosecu
ted-for-injuring-bik
er/19266.html), but as a rule cyclists are only ever taken to court if their actions damage other people. Motorists are sometimes prosecuted, or fixed-penaltied, when there has been no 3rd party harm or even involvement, but a huge number of motorist prosecutions only come about because a 3rd party was affected.
http://www.solihulln
ews.net/news/solihul
l-news/2013/01/17/dr
iver-gets-35-fine-af
ter-cyclist-dies-in-
collision-105074-326
22442/
Here's another. Uninsured, speeding driver hits pedestrian, leaves them unable to walk or talk for life, fined £255 and 9 points. No jail time.
http://www.yorkshire
eveningpost.co.uk/ne
ws/latest-news/top-s
tories/cabbie-is-sen
tenced-for-leeds-stu
dent-collision-1-534
6826
These soft sentences are handed out time and time again to killer drivers. That's why there is now an ongoing Parliamentary enquiry into sentencing for dangerous and killer drivers:
http://allpartycycli
ng.org/2013/01/30/ju
stice-needed-for-cyc
lists-on-the-roads-s
ays-parliamentary-in
quiry-press-release/
It seems you have a dislike of car drivers and enjoy posting links of cyclists being on the recieving end how about BAD cycling:
Cyclist with toddler on shoulders
http://www.bbc.co.uk
/news/uk-england-der
byshire-20343097
What was IT thinking
http://www.youtube.c
om/watch?v=12fMTAQyX
TI
Path & Red light crazy
http://www.youtube.c
om/watch?v=G7ad6htxR
Ig
Dodge the bus hit the car
http://www.youtube.c
om/watch?v=l6laj5sAN
B8
So is at always the car drivers fault or it it also the cyclist?
Local yachtsman
says...
6:48pm Sun 3 Feb 13
asbo. just the truth wrote:No point until they have been properly assessed by the Police and a court of law. A young girl is fighting for her life so go away and bother someone else.
Local yachtsman wrote:shouldn't you be using the time to get up to speed with those eyewitness accounts?asbo. just the truth wrote: knowing your history you're about the most insensitive bloke on the planetYou must be looking in the mirror. As someone else said (above), all you are interested in is attacking other posters.
Shoebury_Cyclist
says...
6:58pm Sun 3 Feb 13
Joe Wildman-Clark wrote:I was asked for examples of soft sentencing for dangerous and killer drivers. I gave them.
Shoebury_Cyclist wrote:Cyclists are a law unto themselves, many use the pavement, most go through red lights, many cycle in the middle of the road blocking traffic.
Barry_Shitpeas wrote:Here's one example. Driver hits a cyclist carries him 90 yards on his bonnet, hits several signs and a tree, kills the cyclist. Fined £35 and points on licence. No jail time:
Shoebury_Cyclist wrote:Would you like to share a link to those particular statistics?
leroyjean wrote:And even then the great majority of motorist convictions, even if they killed someone, amount to little more than a paltry fine and some points on their licence.
The statute book isn't really set up for wayward cyclists, but in extreme cases the CPS can prosecute for ‘wanton and furious driving causing bodily harm’. A fatality in Dorset in 2009 led to such a prosecution, and the cyclist was jailed for 7 months (http://metro.co.uk/
2009/08/12/cyclist-i
s-jailed-for-killing
-by-1861-law-335527/
). There also appears to be an offence of careless cycling (http://www.visordow
n.com/motorcycle-new
s--general-news/care
less-cyclist-prosecu
ted-for-injuring-bik
er/19266.html), but as a rule cyclists are only ever taken to court if their actions damage other people. Motorists are sometimes prosecuted, or fixed-penaltied, when there has been no 3rd party harm or even involvement, but a huge number of motorist prosecutions only come about because a 3rd party was affected.
http://www.solihulln
ews.net/news/solihul
l-news/2013/01/17/dr
iver-gets-35-fine-af
ter-cyclist-dies-in-
collision-105074-326
22442/
Here's another. Uninsured, speeding driver hits pedestrian, leaves them unable to walk or talk for life, fined £255 and 9 points. No jail time.
http://www.yorkshire
eveningpost.co.uk/ne
ws/latest-news/top-s
tories/cabbie-is-sen
tenced-for-leeds-stu
dent-collision-1-534
6826
These soft sentences are handed out time and time again to killer drivers. That's why there is now an ongoing Parliamentary enquiry into sentencing for dangerous and killer drivers:
http://allpartycycli
ng.org/2013/01/30/ju
stice-needed-for-cyc
lists-on-the-roads-s
ays-parliamentary-in
quiry-press-release/
It seems you have a dislike of car drivers and enjoy posting links of cyclists being on the recieving end how about BAD cycling:
Cyclist with toddler on shoulders
http://www.bbc.co.uk
/news/uk-england-der
byshire-20343097
What was IT thinking
http://www.youtube.c
om/watch?v=12fMTAQyX
TI
Path & Red light crazy
http://www.youtube.c
om/watch?v=G7ad6htxR
Ig
Dodge the bus hit the car
http://www.youtube.c
om/watch?v=l6laj5sAN
B8
So is at always the car drivers fault or it it also the cyclist?
If you want to get into a competition I'm pretty sure that for every example of a dangerous cyclist there are thousands of examples of dangerous drivers.
But that would detract from the topic at hand which is a young girl lying seriously injured in hospital. Allegedly put there by someone who was cycling dangerously.
So I am not going to enter into point scoring with someone who has chimed in solely to have a go at cyclists without saying a word about the poor girl in hospital.
Moomoo2
says...
6:59pm Sun 3 Feb 13
sophie_pearson
says...
7:03pm Sun 3 Feb 13
Moomoo2 wrote:xxx
You know what, how about instead of everybody pointing fingers at what should have been done. Lets all concentrate on praying this poor young lady makes a speedy recovery rather than **** about the where's and whys. If this young lady does make a speedy recovery then yes then point fingers. But at the moment I think that all her family and friends are caring about is making sure she is fighting fit. I and all my family certainly are saying their prayers for this beautiful young lady who we have had the privilege of meeting and send all our love to her and her wonderful family.
Cockle
says...
7:16pm Sun 3 Feb 13
As to the speed of the cyclist involved and whether he could achieve a high speed in that area perhaps an experience I had a few weeks ago can shed some light.
I was driving along Marine Parade one evening, about level with the Olympia amusements, a cyclist passed me on my nearside on the pavement then passed between me and the car in front as I passed the Borough Hotel overtook the car in front on its offside as it passed Chinnery's and then crossed onto the pavement on the seaside of the 'road'.
I didn't have a speed gun but I can tell you that his/her speed was well in excess of mine and my sat nav was reading 19mph as he/she passed the car in front and he was still going away from me. I presume he/she had come down Pier Hill to achieve that sort of speed but was definitely maintaining a speed in excess of the limit in the area of Chinnery's.
My son was a passenger in the car that night and he actually commented that it was lucky there was no one on the pavement.... Sadly, on this occasion there was....
I won't get draw into blame about this incident because there will obviously be investigations ongoing but if someone is doing that sort of speed, in an area that most reasonable people would regard as a pavement, then I would argue that it would show a certain degree of recklessness.
Sean4u
says...
8:36pm Sun 3 Feb 13
Speed is irrelevant: speed limits don't apply to cyclists. It's one of the reasons I don't agree with Sustrans' push for 20mph speed limits: it'd take an exceptionally sanguine driver to accept being overtaken by cyclists on a clear road. 30mph over several hundred metres is well in reach on a good surface with a slight down grade for me.
I guess that's why the measure is "wanton or furious" for the applicable law (thanks for the links - didn't know that) rather than anything physical. If hypothetically speaking a cyclist in such a position were to have been shouted at several times about their behaviour before a similar incident, a charge of "wanton" would seem reasonable.
I'm guessing the police haven't charged yet: won't we all be erased when it becomes a police matter?
EssexBoy1968
says...
8:56pm Sun 3 Feb 13
There is no point speculating about this tragic event here, let us hope that the authorities can ascertain what did happen, & that any measures that are deemed necessary are imposed.
Moomoo2
says...
9:23pm Sun 3 Feb 13
harry6
says...
9:37pm Sun 3 Feb 13
Heavenwilkins
says...
10:20pm Sun 3 Feb 13
msw_116
says...
1:50am Mon 4 Feb 13
Shoebury_Cyclist wrote:I too wish the girl a full and speedy recovery.
I hope the girl makes a swift and full recovery. And if the cyclist was riding illegally or dangerously they should be prosecuted.
The story is a bit bare on facts. (Though I doubt that will stop the cycle haters from crawling out from under their stones).
Where in the shared space was she struck?
Was the cyclist looking where they were going?
Did the cyclist have lights?
Were they riding in a safe manner?
Were either inebriated?
Did the cyclist stop and help?
Was the cyclist questioned by police?
I'm certainly no cycle hater. It does seem that you have now discovered a requirement for more information to enable an informed view. Is this coincidence because a cyclist was involved here and actually has caused harm, as opposed to "incidents" involving vehicles that might hurt school children outside a Leigh school?
Either way, I welcome your call to seek the truth :).
msw_116
says...
1:52am Mon 4 Feb 13
Heavenwilkins wrote:Apologies - only just got to the bottom and agree :).
Nuff said on the subject now?
Sean4u
says...
8:24am Mon 4 Feb 13
"this matter can be dealt with once"
"Nuff said"
I learned at least one new thing ('wanton or furious') in the comments below this article. Censorship keeps us all ignorant.
InTheKnowOk
says...
10:12am Mon 4 Feb 13
Katiealicia wrote:EXACTLY !!!!
This arguing is ridiculous. There is a young girl fighting for her life in hospital, do you think her family and friends want to read all your silly comments people? Stop trying to guess what's happened and stop moaning about how layout on the seafront is. My thoughts are with the young girl & her family and I hope she makes a full, speedy recovery.
stopmoaning1
says...
11:18am Mon 4 Feb 13
sophie_pearson wrote:EXACTLY. Everybody’s suddenly an expert yet few people who have posted were actually there. SBC and the Police need to investigate the actual cause and take any actions necessary as a result. We all have our opinions on cyclists and shared space, and we’ve all had a go at speculating what happened and proportioning blame. NOW LEAVE IT
there was a broken light on the floor so I assumed the cyclist had a light, perhaps it was not working. She was on the pavement outside chinnerys when the cyclist came down from pier hill, therefore any road safety you may be talking about would be irrelevant, seeing as when you are walking on the pavement you do not expect to have to act as if you were crossing a busy road. it is a combination of both the council and the cyclists fault in my opinion, as the area is not marked clearly to say 'watch out for cyclists' and the cyclist should not have been going at such a speed.
crowny
says...
12:15pm Mon 4 Feb 13
echoforum
says...
12:21pm Mon 4 Feb 13
On top of this is the fact that many visitors to Southend won't even note the sign saying shared space let alone understand it,i don't know if the speed cameras are nicking people but many travel at 30mph simply because 95% of the seafront has maintained this as the speed limit.
DogsMessInLeigh
says...
1:32pm Mon 4 Feb 13
foxy108
says...
1:38pm Mon 4 Feb 13
Shoebury_Cyclist wrote:I think it's best to leave all these questions to the police as I'm sure they'll be looking at all the angles. Let's not speculate and wish her speedy recovery.
Cosmo Spring wrote:Also were there many cars parked on the pavement blocking sight-lines.Shoebury_Cyclist wrote: I hope the girl makes a swift and full recovery. And if the cyclist was riding illegally or dangerously they should be prosecuted. The story is a bit bare on facts. (Though I doubt that will stop the cycle haters from crawling out from under their stones). Where in the shared space was she struck? Was the cyclist looking where they were going? Did the cyclist have lights? Were they riding in a safe manner? Were either inebriated? Did the cyclist stop and help? Was the cyclist questioned by police?was the teenage girl looking at her phone while walking along? Did she suddenly walk right into the path of the cyclist without looking leaving him no room or time to avoid her? Having said that, I hope he recovers fully from her injuries and suffers no lasting effects.
asbo. just the truth
says...
2:19pm Mon 4 Feb 13
DogsMessInLeigh wrote:the only confusion re the shared space exists in the heads of the befuddled echo readers
yes most don't know its a shared space..but a genuine cyclist will, just like many people don't know the green cycle lane's purpose so they just stand in it or walk along it or just step on to it without a care in the world...but genuine cyclists do.
Biker One
says...
3:29pm Mon 4 Feb 13
Let's all hope she makes a full recovery.
.
This topic deserves further debate on the ridiculous shared space!!
Local yachtsman
says...
3:52pm Mon 4 Feb 13
whiskers
says...
4:22pm Mon 4 Feb 13
Shoebury_Cyclist
says...
4:28pm Mon 4 Feb 13
Local yachtsman wrote:Coventry:
The shared space concept seems to work in a few other places but I cannot find a single example where the shared space is a busy main road and therein lies the problem. Having pedestrains share a space with occasional traffic is one thing but along a main road where the traffic is often bumper to bumper is a completely different kettle of fish. This always was a daft idea, novelty for the sake of novelty. Bring back the pedestrian crossings before someone else is hurt.
http://youtu.be/i4LZ
iWZvLfk
Exhibition Road, London:
http://youtu.be/DQI_
LUDIiIk
firedog
says...
4:29pm Mon 4 Feb 13
asbo. just the truth wrote:well said Asbo.I hope the lady recovers,and whoever was in the wrong gets their just desserts.
DogsMessInLeigh wrote:the only confusion re the shared space exists in the heads of the befuddled echo readers
yes most don't know its a shared space..but a genuine cyclist will, just like many people don't know the green cycle lane's purpose so they just stand in it or walk along it or just step on to it without a care in the world...but genuine cyclists do.
stopmoaning1
says...
5:04pm Mon 4 Feb 13
DogsMessInLeigh wrote:What makes a ‘genuine’ cyclist. One would assume that if the man was on the bike riding it at the time of the accident, he would be a ‘genuine’ cyclist. However, if he were playing a computer game where he was on a bike, he might be a ‘cyber’ cyclist
yes most don't know its a shared space..but a genuine cyclist will, just like many people don't know the green cycle lane's purpose so they just stand in it or walk along it or just step on to it without a care in the world...but genuine cyclists do.
Time to leave this now and let the police sort out the facts and deal with it accordingly.
The__Truth
says...
5:07pm Mon 4 Feb 13
Local yachtsman wrote:You may wish to look at the Ashford Ring Road project.
The shared space concept seems to work in a few other places but I cannot find a single example where the shared space is a busy main road and therein lies the problem. Having pedestrains share a space with occasional traffic is one thing but along a main road where the traffic is often bumper to bumper is a completely different kettle of fish. This always was a daft idea, novelty for the sake of novelty. Bring back the pedestrian crossings before someone else is hurt.
Local yachtsman
says...
5:11pm Mon 4 Feb 13
Shoebury_Cyclist wrote:There has been a fatality in the Coventry shared space and Exhibition Road is just a side road off Cromwell Road so it's not really a main road which is why it was considered in the first place. We have been keeping traffic on roads and pedestrians on pavements for a very long time for a very good reason, they don't mix.
Local yachtsman wrote: The shared space concept seems to work in a few other places but I cannot find a single example where the shared space is a busy main road and therein lies the problem. Having pedestrains share a space with occasional traffic is one thing but along a main road where the traffic is often bumper to bumper is a completely different kettle of fish. This always was a daft idea, novelty for the sake of novelty. Bring back the pedestrian crossings before someone else is hurt.Coventry: http://youtu.be/i4LZ iWZvLfk Exhibition Road, London: http://youtu.be/DQI_ LUDIiIk
andy:)
says...
5:14pm Mon 4 Feb 13
InTheKnowOk wrote:I agree mostly, but if the layout of the seafront is somehow to blame then surely it is right for us Southend taxpayers to express concern, as we all know, the shared space has been questioned since the begining and Southend council have been forced to make changes due to previous incidents.
Katiealicia wrote:EXACTLY !!!!
This arguing is ridiculous. There is a young girl fighting for her life in hospital, do you think her family and friends want to read all your silly comments people? Stop trying to guess what's happened and stop moaning about how layout on the seafront is. My thoughts are with the young girl & her family and I hope she makes a full, speedy recovery.
I also find it strange that people say the cyclist was going way to fast at 30mph but it is deemed perfectly acceptable for cars weighing a hundred times as much to travel 30mph as a minimum.
I wish a speedy recovery to all concerned and an end to the pathetic bickering and cyclist bashing, its the same old ill informed comments about red light jumping and the ultimate dumb comment about 'road tax' which as we all know would be £0 for bikes !
Alekhine
says...
5:16pm Mon 4 Feb 13
stopmoaning1 wrote:Trick cyclist?
DogsMessInLeigh wrote: yes most don't know its a shared space..but a genuine cyclist will, just like many people don't know the green cycle lane's purpose so they just stand in it or walk along it or just step on to it without a care in the world...but genuine cyclists do.What makes a ‘genuine’ cyclist. One would assume that if the man was on the bike riding it at the time of the accident, he would be a ‘genuine’ cyclist. However, if he were playing a computer game where he was on a bike, he might be a ‘cyber’ cyclist Time to leave this now and let the police sort out the facts and deal with it accordingly.
The__Truth
says...
5:21pm Mon 4 Feb 13
asbo. just the truth wrote:Maybe you are confused too. My understanding is that the sea side of the promenade is a shared cycle way/footway but the amusement side is for pedestrians only. Well that's what Southend Council put in a notice in the Echo in March 2011. "The Borough of Southend-on-Sea, Seafront (Western Esplanade/Marine Parade/Eastern Esplanade) (Section 3) Cycleway" notice which describes the south footway but not the north.
DogsMessInLeigh wrote:the only confusion re the shared space exists in the heads of the befuddled echo readers
yes most don't know its a shared space..but a genuine cyclist will, just like many people don't know the green cycle lane's purpose so they just stand in it or walk along it or just step on to it without a care in the world...but genuine cyclists do.
Shoebury_Cyclist
says...
5:25pm Mon 4 Feb 13
Local yachtsman wrote:There are fatalities on roads every day all over the country, by your logic that means roads don't work full stop.
Shoebury_Cyclist wrote:There has been a fatality in the Coventry shared space and Exhibition Road is just a side road off Cromwell Road so it's not really a main road which is why it was considered in the first place. We have been keeping traffic on roads and pedestrians on pavements for a very long time for a very good reason, they don't mix.
Local yachtsman wrote: The shared space concept seems to work in a few other places but I cannot find a single example where the shared space is a busy main road and therein lies the problem. Having pedestrains share a space with occasional traffic is one thing but along a main road where the traffic is often bumper to bumper is a completely different kettle of fish. This always was a daft idea, novelty for the sake of novelty. Bring back the pedestrian crossings before someone else is hurt.Coventry: http://youtu.be/i4LZ iWZvLfk Exhibition Road, London: http://youtu.be/DQI_ LUDIiIk
Local yachtsman
says...
5:31pm Mon 4 Feb 13
Almeda11
says...
5:35pm Mon 4 Feb 13
reptile wrote:A Prediictable comment from you!.
Bloody cyclists.
Although l agree there are cyclists that annoy the hell out of me by jumping red lights and going all over the place, l would point out that there are also bad car drivers too, and careless pedestrians!
l am 66, and have been cycling since the age of 7. l passed my cycling proficiency test at the age of 11, and have never been involved in any accidents, although a couple of times some idiot car driver did not check before opening his car door.
Luckilly for me, once it was in a secluded place, the other time the road wasn`t busy so it was not meant to be!
Also, l am continually AMAZED at the number of truly stupid people who will simply step out right in front of my bike whilst l am cycling, either that or they are blind, and have also seen mobility scooters on THE ROAD AND ON THE WRONG SIDE of the road!! Do these people have a death wish or something?
So please don`t tar all cyclist with the same brush, ( SO easy to do with a one word comment!! ) we ARE NOT all the same! and the government should bring this country into line with most of Europe and provide safe cycle tracks, unfortunately there is nothing they can do for stupid people, be they cyclists, car drivers, scooter users or pedestrians!
Shoebury_Cyclist
says...
5:35pm Mon 4 Feb 13
Local yachtsman wrote:It doesn't disprove it at all. Each year there are 1,818 fatalities, 13,284 seriously injured, and 88,399 slightly injured on Motorways, A(M) and A roads.
SC, by your logic the shared spaces should be safer but the fatality in Coventry disproves that doesn't it? As for Ashford, this is a much smaller town than Southend and they still have pedestrian crossings in place so no comparison.
That sounds decidedly more dangerous than ONE fatality on shared space.
asbo. just the truth
says...
5:38pm Mon 4 Feb 13
The__Truth wrote:no i agree 100% with your description. got to be a first time for everything i guess!
asbo. just the truth wrote:Maybe you are confused too. My understanding is that the sea side of the promenade is a shared cycle way/footway but the amusement side is for pedestrians only. Well that's what Southend Council put in a notice in the Echo in March 2011. "The Borough of Southend-on-Sea, Seafront (Western Esplanade/Marine Parade/Eastern Esplanade) (Section 3) Cycleway" notice which describes the south footway but not the north.
DogsMessInLeigh wrote:the only confusion re the shared space exists in the heads of the befuddled echo readers
yes most don't know its a shared space..but a genuine cyclist will, just like many people don't know the green cycle lane's purpose so they just stand in it or walk along it or just step on to it without a care in the world...but genuine cyclists do.
Almeda11
says...
5:38pm Mon 4 Feb 13
reptile wrote:A Prediictable comment from you!.
Bloody cyclists.
Although l agree there are cyclists that annoy the hell out of me by jumping red lights and going all over the place, l would point out that there are also bad car drivers too, and careless pedestrians!
l am 66, and have been cycling since the age of 7. l passed my cycling proficiency test at the age of 11, and have never been involved in any accidents, although a couple of times some idiot car driver did not check before opening his car door.
Luckilly for me, once it was in a secluded place, the other time the road wasn`t busy so it was not meant to be!
Also, l am continually AMAZED at the number of truly stupid people who will simply step out right in front of my bike whilst l am cycling, either that or they are blind, and have also seen mobility scooters on THE ROAD AND ON THE WRONG SIDE of the road!! Do these people have a death wish or something?
So please don`t tar all cyclist with the same brush,( SO easy to do with a one word comment!! ) we ARE NOT all the same! and the government should bring this country into line with most of Europe and provide safe ctcle tracks, unfortunately there is nothing they can do for stupid people, be they cyclists, car drivers, scooter users or pedestrians!
asbo. just the truth
says...
5:43pm Mon 4 Feb 13
Nebs
says...
6:15pm Mon 4 Feb 13
Shoebury_Cyclist wrote:There are about 33,000 miles of A roads and motorways in the UK. So on your figures that works out at an average of about one person being killed or seriously injured for every 2.2 miles of these type of roads per year.
Local yachtsman wrote:It doesn't disprove it at all. Each year there are 1,818 fatalities, 13,284 seriously injured, and 88,399 slightly injured on Motorways, A(M) and A roads.
SC, by your logic the shared spaces should be safer but the fatality in Coventry disproves that doesn't it? As for Ashford, this is a much smaller town than Southend and they still have pedestrian crossings in place so no comparison.
That sounds decidedly more dangerous than ONE fatality on shared space.
How many miles of shared space are there in the UK, and how many serious injuries or fatalities have there been in shared spaces in the last year?
Then you can compare shared spaces with other roads.
Maybe a better comparison would be to just to compare the stats for A roads, as this shared space is part of an A road. To include motorways does not really give a like for like comparison.
Joe Wildman-Clark
says...
6:32pm Mon 4 Feb 13
It is what they the "High Street" whilst cars are not permitted double decker buses are the only way to spot where the road starts and the path ends is a drain cover, which is mostly obscured by people walking about on it, there is no diffrence between the materials use don the path and road.
Local yachtsman
says...
6:39pm Mon 4 Feb 13
Nebs wrote:Motorways are actually much safer per mile travelled than most other roads whereas rural roads are statistically the most dangerous. As you, and I, said the seafront is a major A road.
Shoebury_Cyclist wrote:There are about 33,000 miles of A roads and motorways in the UK. So on your figures that works out at an average of about one person being killed or seriously injured for every 2.2 miles of these type of roads per year. How many miles of shared space are there in the UK, and how many serious injuries or fatalities have there been in shared spaces in the last year? Then you can compare shared spaces with other roads. Maybe a better comparison would be to just to compare the stats for A roads, as this shared space is part of an A road. To include motorways does not really give a like for like comparison.Local yachtsman wrote: SC, by your logic the shared spaces should be safer but the fatality in Coventry disproves that doesn't it? As for Ashford, this is a much smaller town than Southend and they still have pedestrian crossings in place so no comparison.It doesn't disprove it at all. Each year there are 1,818 fatalities, 13,284 seriously injured, and 88,399 slightly injured on Motorways, A(M) and A roads. That sounds decidedly more dangerous than ONE fatality on shared space.
ShrimperSS0
says...
6:41pm Mon 4 Feb 13
ScaffoldPlank
says...
6:41pm Mon 4 Feb 13
Shoebury_Cyclist wrote:Exhibition road is awful. Here's one blog about it:
Local yachtsman wrote: The shared space concept seems to work in a few other places but I cannot find a single example where the shared space is a busy main road and therein lies the problem. Having pedestrains share a space with occasional traffic is one thing but along a main road where the traffic is often bumper to bumper is a completely different kettle of fish. This always was a daft idea, novelty for the sake of novelty. Bring back the pedestrian crossings before someone else is hurt.Coventry: http://youtu.be/i4LZ iWZvLfk Exhibition Road, London: http://youtu.be/DQI_ LUDIiIk
http://crapwalthamfo
rest.blogspot.co.uk/
2012/09/exhibition-r
oad-revisited-with-f
ootnote.html
There is a small bit south of the main road that works, as the road doesn't go anywhere, and there are very few cars. Most of the road, however, is intimidating and not really any better than it used to be before they spent gazillions of pounds on it.
Shoebury_Cyclist
says...
7:32pm Mon 4 Feb 13
asbo. just the truth wrote:I cross the road and continue in the road until the gasworks jetty.
the end of the cycle lane at the bottom of pier hill is the clue. cyclists are not guided onto the north side.
Shoebury_Cyclist
says...
7:35pm Mon 4 Feb 13
Nebs wrote:My point was - to use the logic expressed by yachtsman that ONE fatality was reason for not having shared spaces - that thousands die on Motorways each year, therefore Motorways are too dangerous and we should get rid of them.
Shoebury_Cyclist wrote:There are about 33,000 miles of A roads and motorways in the UK. So on your figures that works out at an average of about one person being killed or seriously injured for every 2.2 miles of these type of roads per year.
Local yachtsman wrote:It doesn't disprove it at all. Each year there are 1,818 fatalities, 13,284 seriously injured, and 88,399 slightly injured on Motorways, A(M) and A roads.
SC, by your logic the shared spaces should be safer but the fatality in Coventry disproves that doesn't it? As for Ashford, this is a much smaller town than Southend and they still have pedestrian crossings in place so no comparison.
That sounds decidedly more dangerous than ONE fatality on shared space.
How many miles of shared space are there in the UK, and how many serious injuries or fatalities have there been in shared spaces in the last year?
Then you can compare shared spaces with other roads.
Maybe a better comparison would be to just to compare the stats for A roads, as this shared space is part of an A road. To include motorways does not really give a like for like comparison.
shoeburyden
says...
8:06pm Mon 4 Feb 13
Nebs
says...
8:43pm Mon 4 Feb 13
Shoebury_Cyclist wrote:Yes. I appreciate that. My point was to try and put your statistics into a form that are comparable with similar incidents in shared spaces. It may well be that motorways are more dangerous, or it may be that they are less dangerous, but simply saying there are more accidents on Motorways compared to shared spaces does not really cut it.
Nebs wrote:My point was - to use the logic expressed by yachtsman that ONE fatality was reason for not having shared spaces - that thousands die on Motorways each year, therefore Motorways are too dangerous and we should get rid of them.
Shoebury_Cyclist wrote:There are about 33,000 miles of A roads and motorways in the UK. So on your figures that works out at an average of about one person being killed or seriously injured for every 2.2 miles of these type of roads per year.
Local yachtsman wrote:It doesn't disprove it at all. Each year there are 1,818 fatalities, 13,284 seriously injured, and 88,399 slightly injured on Motorways, A(M) and A roads.
SC, by your logic the shared spaces should be safer but the fatality in Coventry disproves that doesn't it? As for Ashford, this is a much smaller town than Southend and they still have pedestrian crossings in place so no comparison.
That sounds decidedly more dangerous than ONE fatality on shared space.
How many miles of shared space are there in the UK, and how many serious injuries or fatalities have there been in shared spaces in the last year?
Then you can compare shared spaces with other roads.
Maybe a better comparison would be to just to compare the stats for A roads, as this shared space is part of an A road. To include motorways does not really give a like for like comparison.
Shoebury_Cyclist
says...
8:48pm Mon 4 Feb 13
Nebs wrote:I didn't say more accidents, I said more deaths. There are no 'accidents' on the roads, that's why the police refer to incidents or collisions.
Shoebury_Cyclist wrote:Yes. I appreciate that. My point was to try and put your statistics into a form that are comparable with similar incidents in shared spaces. It may well be that motorways are more dangerous, or it may be that they are less dangerous, but simply saying there are more accidents on Motorways compared to shared spaces does not really cut it.
Nebs wrote:My point was - to use the logic expressed by yachtsman that ONE fatality was reason for not having shared spaces - that thousands die on Motorways each year, therefore Motorways are too dangerous and we should get rid of them.
Shoebury_Cyclist wrote:There are about 33,000 miles of A roads and motorways in the UK. So on your figures that works out at an average of about one person being killed or seriously injured for every 2.2 miles of these type of roads per year.
Local yachtsman wrote:It doesn't disprove it at all. Each year there are 1,818 fatalities, 13,284 seriously injured, and 88,399 slightly injured on Motorways, A(M) and A roads.
SC, by your logic the shared spaces should be safer but the fatality in Coventry disproves that doesn't it? As for Ashford, this is a much smaller town than Southend and they still have pedestrian crossings in place so no comparison.
That sounds decidedly more dangerous than ONE fatality on shared space.
How many miles of shared space are there in the UK, and how many serious injuries or fatalities have there been in shared spaces in the last year?
Then you can compare shared spaces with other roads.
Maybe a better comparison would be to just to compare the stats for A roads, as this shared space is part of an A road. To include motorways does not really give a like for like comparison.
Salty0103
says...
8:53pm Mon 4 Feb 13
Devils Advocate
says...
8:58pm Mon 4 Feb 13
If I remember correctly that debate turned into a fracas in these columns, with some of those very cyclists arguing the toss about their rights and how they don't stop if a police officer asks them to, and would not give their name to a Police Officer as "He has no right to ask" and so on and so on. The one thing that became patently obvious was that, among some of Southend cyclists, there is a very anti-social and anti-law and order attitude. Considering they were sharing (possibly illegally) the pedestrian's space, I think the need to bring in the Police for safety actually points at a certain selfish minority among Southend's cyclists. Oh, and I am aware that there are many, many motorists who treat the car as a high-speed thrill maker, sadly, all to often at the expense of the pedestrian.
I am very relieved to read that the young lady is showing improvements and hope she and her family will all fully recover from this dreadful incident.
Sean4u
says...
9:24pm Mon 4 Feb 13
I believe the Echo website is refreshingly light-handed when it comes to comment moderation. Light censorship isn't to everyone's taste, but I urge all those attempting to suppress discussion to extend the benefit of the doubt to those commenting here. Almost all have expressed their concern and best wishes towards the injured young woman and those most anxious about her. It would be churlish to impugn their motives.
Salty0103
says...
11:27pm Mon 4 Feb 13
madmark50484
says...
2:05am Tue 5 Feb 13
These "shared spaces" are not they governed by a law which only includes road as far as I see it thats what they are.
Someone has suggested bikes should have tax ins etc why ? tax is free and if you are responsible you dont need insurance I have never had an accident involving a third party on my bike.
I can't comment on the seafront too much I drove down there once that was bad enough but I can Victoria Gateway an accident waiting to happen people walk in front of buses with little regard as I pointed earliar its a road and would be the pedestrians fault but as a responsible driver you don't want to plough someone down !! As far as I am concerned Southend Council really screwed this one up.
As for the story in hand it does seem the cyclist was to blame going by the witness reports regardless of speed you should always be prepared for a situation such as this. If riding on footpath I always use courtesy and appropiate speed. I do wish all parties a full recovery.
Now in my book the important part would be trying to prevent this kind of incident from happening again but unfortunately this council seem hell bent they have it right shame they dont just venture out of their offices and see the mess they have made
stopmoaning1
says...
9:15am Tue 5 Feb 13
Salty0103 wrote:Distressing as it all is, there are always two sides to a story. ‘Questions asked’ is a reasonable reaction. ‘Accusations made’ is not.
With the words "show more respect" I intended to ask people not to ask such disgusting questions such as 'Was she drunk?' and 'Was she not concentrating?' The girl in question is one of the most kind-hearted, intelligent and hard-working people I know. She doesn't drink, smoke or do drugs and for people to ask such hurtful questions is quite annoying. Im sure the cyclist will also be quite upset with what has happened and I believe debating over who is to blame is disrespectful. So I believe suppressing discussion is possibly the best course of action considering people close to this girl are deeply offended some of the comments on this story.
Regardless of how each person involved was behaving, the fact of the matter is that as a ‘shared space’ it doesn’t work and SBC need to see that and put it right with the most utmost urgency.
sophie_pearson
says...
2:46pm Tue 5 Feb 13
Salty0103 wrote:agreed
With the words "show more respect" I intended to ask people not to ask such disgusting questions such as 'Was she drunk?' and 'Was she not concentrating?' The girl in question is one of the most kind-hearted, intelligent and hard-working people I know. She doesn't drink, smoke or do drugs and for people to ask such hurtful questions is quite annoying. Im sure the cyclist will also be quite upset with what has happened and I believe debating over who is to blame is disrespectful. So I believe suppressing discussion is possibly the best course of action considering people close to this girl are deeply offended some of the comments on this story.
madmark50484
says...
1:20am Wed 6 Feb 13
boyracer21
says...
6:07pm Wed 6 Feb 13
Nebs
says...
2:21pm Thu 7 Feb 13
Devils Advocate
says...
8:41pm Thu 7 Feb 13
InTheKnowOk says...
10:05am Sat 2 Feb 13
All the best to the girl that was hurt, let's hope she has no lasting damage.