cyclist along the front

[hoopy]

I would not call this a witch hunt or generalisation Hoopy, members are merely voicing their concerns about some cyclists who are not respecting the rules. We all know that they are in the minority and nobody is threatening violence.

Most cyclists are great and are very welcome in the Port and across the island but those few bad ones are causing major concerns for public safety.

I disagree Sparky. The rage is strong. CAPITAL letters being used, threatening to shove peoples bikes where the sun dont shine etc.

If describing bikers are the "latest road menace" isnt a generalisation I dont know what it is.

I'm sure the percentage of anti-social bikers is far fewer than road users who break the speed limit etc. However to highlight that doesn't suit peoples agendas. If I were a biker reading this I would perhaps choose another location for my trip.

 

[Sparky]

This problem isn't only in PP it's all across the island. With respect, you are not here to see what is going on, yes feelings are running high but i think it's understandable when people fear for their safety. I do believe that the police need to clamp down on the rule breakers before someone is killed, maybe a few hefty fines would make the bad cyclists think about their actions.

 

[hoopy]

This problem isn't only in PP it's all across the island. With respect, you are not here to see what is going on, yes feelings are running high but i think it's understandable when people fear for their safety. I do believe that the police need to clamp down on the rule breakers before someone is killed, maybe a few hefty fines would make the bad cyclists think about their actions.

I'm there enough to know how popular cycling is, especially in spring and autumn and I can honestly say I have never once worried for my safety due to a cyclist. It seems that one one unfortunate incident has tarred most cyclists with the same brush.

 

[Sparky]

But it isn't just one incident Hoopy, it is becoming an almost daily situation.
It is being reported in the press and also on FB, a semi professional cyclist posted an appeal on FB asking her fellow cyclists to stop breaking the rules as she knows the great relationship between the cyclists and the Mallorcan people is at risk. Once again it boils down to respect.

 

[steve&marilyn]

Now I like cyclists and I like pedestrians but who are best? Guess there's only one way to find out.............FIGHT!!!!
Loving this forum these days

 

[hoopy]

But it isn't just one incident Hoopy, it is becoming an almost daily situation.
It is being reported in the press and also on FB, a semi professional cyclist posted an appeal on FB asking her fellow cyclists to stop breaking the rules as she knows the great relationship between the cyclists and the Mallorcan people is at risk. Once again it boils down to respect.

This thread has started on the back of the one incident. There has been no other thread on this forum, that I am aware of that has had a go at bikers anti-social behaviour so thats all I can go on.

I totally agree re respect Sparky, but respect is a two-way street and this thread doesnt show much respect to guys and girls bringing in much needed revenue to the port.

 

[Nick]

E

Nobody does a witch hunt or generalisation quite like pp.com.

The anger is so evident with people threatening violence on people who bring much needed revenue to the port. Calm down folks, the cyclists are a great bunch of lads.

The so called threats of "violence" are banter for goodness sake, you only have to read the context they're written in.

This is a very well run forum and I've never felt anyone's gone overboard. Do you really believe that?

Everyone has said we're talking about the minority of cyclists here. Read my posts properly. The inconsiderate actions of some, and I repeat, some, cyclists is causing problems. It's a fact. In April near the Cappuccino bar I was nearly taken out by a group of German cyclists. The female who nearly hit me was travelling at some speed and was most belligerent. Last summer a young Spanish lad just rode straight into me.

I'm big and fit enough to brush it off but many others aren't. It's a resort for everyone and some cyclists are abusing the laws. Fact.

 

[Timberman]

This certainly is not a one off. On my visit last August I witnessed an accident on the main road from pollenca to the Aries roundabout, a cyclist thought it a good idea to dodge between all his fellow cyclists from the "hard shoulder / cycle lane.
Guess what, he was hit by a car.

A couple of days later wandering with my wife into the port for dinner from llenaire on the sea side pavement I turned to cross the road when some lunatic Lycra clad cyclist coming fast on my inside. Needless to say I walked straight into the side of him, he fell on top of his son around 10 yrs old and pushed him into the road. I was lucky with little injury.
As I explained to him in the "nicest" possible way he could have caused his son serious injury or death. But apparently I wasn't looking where I was going.

He got the message by the time I left him.

 

[Sparky]

This thread has started on the back of the one incident. There has been no other thread on this forum, that I am aware of that has had a go at bikers anti-social behaviour so thats all I can go on.

I totally agree re respect Sparky, but respect is a two-way street and this thread doesnt show much respect to guys and girls bringing in much needed revenue to the port.

Here is a thread from last year :- http://www.forum.puertopollensa.com/miscellaneous/12057-cycling-pedestrian-area.html.

 

[Sparky]

Here is a thread from last year :- http://www.forum.puertopollensa.com/miscellaneous/12057-cycling-pedestrian-area.html.

Also just to make it clear that these few cyclists are breaking the law, here is a photo of the sign on the pedestrian area, courtesy of Lorenzo :-

13043258_10154780227414606_6786284679794474478_n by lyn.sparkes, on Flickr

 

[eleanor]

This is not about a witch hunt against cyclist. I feel that is a very short sighted view. Neither do people's feelings relate to Just the one incident which I reported but a general feel of frustration arising from various incidents over time. It is accepted that cyclist bring much revenue to the island but so do other visitors. That doesn't mean to say that safety should be put at risk to secure revenue. Common curtesy and good manners is not a lot to expect along with valuing the feelings and emotions of others. My husband was hit by a cyclist who then verbally and physically assulted him. This is unaceptable behaviour by anyone. The fact is these people are putting others at risk. The evidence of this is that they were cycling on a busy pine walk putting people in danger. We have a right to Protest about this and the behaviour and attitude generally. This does not make it a witch hunt but more a call for others to be respected. In my opinion signs or no signs indicating pedestrian only isn't the issue all be it they were there and ignored. It is just pure common sense not to cycle in such a busy pedestrian area. The fact is that common sense wasn't used. A sign shouldn't be necessary when faced with a high volume of people one would expect common sense to hit in and any biker would be aware that to ride was not appropriate. These bikes can hurt someone . To even think of cycling in such an area I find quite unbelievable! I would question why some feel this might be acceptable? May be a child next could be hurt. For the record too having emailed the club I have to date received no response whatsoever!

 

[Nick]

That photo of the sign via Lorenzo is very interesting.

I may be mistaken of course but that reads to me that not only is no cycling allowed but you can't even take a cycle into the area?! Perhaps someone could clarify.
I'll have to Google the Spanish wording.

Update.....on closer inspection that first pic may be a motorcyclist?!

 

[El Gordo]

That photo of the sign via Lorenzo is very interesting.
..........I'll have to Google the Spanish wording..........................

Zona Peatonal (Sp) and Zona de Vianants (Cat) mean Pedestrian Zone.

 

[eleanor]

I have today received an email from Nigel Croxford the chairman of High Wycombe cycling club. I am unsure if I can copy his email to a forum without his permission so I will summarise.

Mr Croxford states that the cycling club take matters such as described seriously and all memebrs are required to comply with a strict code of conduct. The club does operate a formal disciplinary procedure and apply sanctions when necessary. The complaint will be investigated based on evidence provided. Mr Croxford has requested signed witness statements from independent witnesses that saw the entire incident.

Well I am happy that a reply has been received. When I wrote to the club and posted on the forum it was not to get anyone into trouble but to try to get the point across that things were getting out of hand generally. As said the attitude and behaviour of this individual was not acceptable. I feel he knows who is is and i'm sure has had time to question his actions. I would sincerely hope that his behaviour was indeed a one off! The important point was to make cyclist aware generally of the safety aspect which many seem to disregard. Many frustrations and stories have come about from this one incident. From our point of view just bringing to attention is enough as we would hope at the very least cyclist would be more aware and cycle only where they are supposed to be and in a manner as not to put anyone else in a position of possible harm. I hope this incident has allowed cyclists and clubs to take a backward step and be aware of their actions and how some are coming across. I will point Mr Croxford in the direction of this and other groups so he is able to make his own mind up as to how to police his club.

 

[hoopy]

I have today received an email from Nigel Croxford the chairman of High Wycombe cycling club. I am unsure if I can copy his email to a forum without his permission so I will summarise.

Mr Croxford states that the cycling club take matters such as described seriously and all memebrs are required to comply with a strict code of conduct. The club does operate a formal disciplinary procedure and apply sanctions when necessary. The complaint will be investigated based on evidence provided. Mr Croxford has requested signed witness statements from independent witnesses that saw the entire incident.

Well I am happy that a reply has been received. When I wrote to the club and posted on the forum it was not to get anyone into trouble but to try to get the point across that things were getting out of hand generally. As said the attitude and behaviour of this individual was not acceptable. I feel he knows who is is and i'm sure has had time to question his actions. I would sincerely hope that his behaviour was indeed a one off! The important point was to make cyclist aware generally of the safety aspect which many seem to disregard. Many frustrations and stories have come about from this one incident. From our point of view just bringing to attention is enough as we would hope at the very least cyclist would be more aware and cycle only where they are supposed to be and in a manner as not to put anyone else in a position of possible harm. I hope this incident has allowed cyclists and clubs to take a backward step and be aware of their actions and how some are coming across. I will point Mr Croxford in the direction of this and other groups so he is able to make his own mind up as to how to police his club.

Did you report the incident to the police Eleanor?

 

[ChrisW]

I also received a reply from Mr Croxford which i reproduce in full:

"Dear Chris,

I am sorry for the delay in replying to you.

Yes, I had already been made aware of this incident, and I can assure you that High Wycombe Cycling Club takes matters such as this very seriously. All members are required to comply with a strict code of conduct, and the club operates a formal disciplinary procedure to investigate and apply sanctions as deemed necessary. The club will fully investigate this complaint based on the evidence provided to it (from both sides), and will then act accordingly.

Kind regards,

Nigel Croxford "

I have forwarded him one of the photos of the no cycling sign to help him in his investigations.

Chris

 

[animagic21]

This was not a 'one off' incident. We were chatting to a fellow diner last night who informed us that a lady had been knocked over on a pedestrian crossing at the weekend. Apparently a group of cyclists had swung round the corner without stopping. Think this was by the 1919, as we saw the Police there ourselves.
Additionally, we have been driving round the island on our 3 week stay. Unfortunately every trip has become frustrating, encountering many cyclists who refuse to move over into single file. We have never seen so many cyclists in the 20 plus years we have been visiting.
None of us wish to prevent cyclists from coming to Majorca. However, a strict code of conduct needs to be implemented so that the pedestrian, motorist & cyclist may all co-exist.

 

[eleanor]

No Hoopy we decided not to report this to the police. We felt that informing the relevant club and making the problems known by using social media would be more productive. It was hoped it would be enough to ensure nothing like this happened again and they would police their own.

 

[Chelseadons]

Just out of interest whilst walking past Marina cafe I was caught in a swarm of cyclists heading towards the roundabout and 4 others heading in the opposite direction. Both of them would either have gone past or had to pass the pedestrianisation signs !! I'm pretty certain they can't read as another swarm out of Tolos road the wrong way up the coast road straight past the 2 No Entry signs showing the route is now one way. Having said that some of them must be able to read as another group decided to mount the pavement so they could continue in the direction they wanted to go meanwhile scattering pedestrians trying to use the Europa supermarket. It beggars belief !!

 

[Sparky]

It is getting out of hand now with cyclists ignoring the signs, high time that the police started to sort these people out before someone gets killed or seriously injured .