Eugene Suggett: Mustn’t upset the drivers

Whilst I would not disagree with any of the points in the article, I do find that it is extremely one-sided. Also, speaking from my experience as a an Essex Rambler, I would suggest that the number of motorists who behave in the inconsiderate and dangerous manner described is very much the minority. I find most drivers extremely considerate and many of them are surprisingly patient, – waiting whilst a long line of forty-odd ramblers files across a narrow road bridge, for example. In contrast, I find that some of our rambler members seem to go out of their way to inconvenience the motorists, by insisting on walking three abreast along narrow roads, splitting to both sides of the road when a car approaches, rather than all staying on one side. Some ramblers seem to consider that they have scored a success by forcing a driver to stop, when, with consideration on both sides, there would be room for both to proceed without delay or discomfort. I hope that my behaviour as a driver, is such as I would wish to see as a walker. There is room in this world for both, even if on some of our roads we each have to sometimes give way to the other.

Thank you taking the time to read the blog, and for your comments. Rule 170 of the Highway Code gives pedestrians priority at road junctions. ‘If they have started to cross they have priority, so give way’, it says. I watched such a junction in a town centre on a busy shopping day lately, and reckon that 95% of drivers are either ignorant of the rule or choose to break it, leaving pedestrians having to retrace their steps rapidly or stand in the roadway (at risk of being hit by cars from the other direction). I am sure you are right that some pedestrians are discourteous, but what really troubles is that most drivers seem genuinely to think that they’re the ones with the priority, and that it’s the job of pedestrians to scurry out of the way like small prey; and that just isn’t the case. In 2009 The Times in its ‘Have your say’ on-line site drew this comment: ‘If you [as a pedestrian] are hit on the road, what on earth were you doing there?’, which glaringly reflected the misunderstanding that pedestrians have no business on roads even when there is no footway. So did the comment, in a similar web-article (The Times, 16 May 2008), ‘What are pedestrians doing on the road to be hit by a car at any speed? Drivers hitting pedestrians on pavements … should be prosecuted to the limit of the law – agreed. Pedestrians being hit otherwise should be treated likewise, in the event of their survival.’ Your own comment suggests that pedestrians should be deferentially grateful to motorists for doing what they are supposed to do, and that seems to reflect the prevailing culture, which needs altering – comment made on behalf of Eugene Suggett.

I fully agree with Eugene and Sarah. As a cyclist and walker I notice how selfish and inconsiderate many drivers are and how entrenched is their utter disregard for the law and the Highway Code: speed limits are almost universally disregarded, parking on double yellow lines, pavements and cycle lanes is endemic, driving while phoning/texting is commonplace, drink & driving is still a problem etc, etc.

We need both a culture change and changes in the law, such as they have in many other European countries where in an accident between a motor vehicle and a vulnerable road-user the burden of proof is on the driver to show s/he was not at fault.

Perhaps Ramblers and cyclists organisations could mount a combined campaign to influence government?

Well done Ramblers for highlighting a problem which has disenfranchised many of us particularly horse riders.
It makes no sense to me that we are all constantly encouraged to walk or cycle without being given a safe road environment in which to do so.
While the speed limits on the narrow, winding country lanes remains at 60mph there will be little or no consideration for those not encased in the metal box.
For starters all roads which are too narrow to have a white line in the middle should be prioritised for non-motorised use to give us back in some part the freedom to use the highways in reasonable safety which a long time ago we were able to do.
While I am aware that many motorists are careful it only takes one unthoughtful one to kill or maime.
There are also many environmental reasons for considering how the countryside should be enjoyed.

I walk and cycle country lanes. I’ve been doing it since I first stopped clinging on to my parents furniture aged only a few months in or about 1960. I love the lanes! I love the wildlife, I love being able to walk or cycle a few miles without having to “gear up” with expensive clothing and footwear. I can walk along country lanes with my dog dressed in whatever it was I wore to the office that day if I like.

Please, please, someone in authority and with the power so to do, do something about the cars in this country. Please. (And I’m a car driver too.)

When will we be able to walk, cycle or ride a horse peacefully and safely on our lovely country lanes without being sworn at or put at risk by what seem to be an increasing minority of yahoos who think roads are only for cars.

Would it help to have a public information message which clearly gets the message across that cars are supposed to go ROUND pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders, not OVER them, or push them into the hedge.

I stand my ground on the lanes – I do NOT jump onto the verge every time a car approaches. I try to get the driver’s eye and smile at them. Most will go round you. I’m ready to jump on the verge if I have to, but I hold to the view that I HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO BE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD (with or without a cycle or in the company of an animal or animals/children!). In as polite a way as possible, I ask drivers to go ROUND ME please.

I like the idea of designated space either side of the lanes with cars left to do as best they can along the middle.

Peace to you all, and long happy miles along our beautiful lanes. x