HedgehogCycling.co.uk

Yorkshire cycling website

Passing distance petition

6th May 2016

A petition to Parliament asks for the introduction of a permanent, minimum passing distance when overtaking cyclists. 

The petition says:

'Cycling in the UK has become a truly popular sport and way of commuting, but we [are] still vulnerable. In 2014, 21,287 cyclist[s] were injured in reported road accidents in the UK, 113 were killed[,] and 3,401 were seriously injured. The Highway Code, Rule 212 states giving 'plenty of room' when passing cyclists.

The lack of a clear specification may result in a personal decision what a [sic] 'plenty of room' means in terms of distance. Therefore, introducing a minimum legal passing distance when overtaking cyclists will considerably reduce the number of cyclist casualties, aiding in a safe cycling practice. Suggestion of 3.28ft (1m) when overtaking cyclists on roads with speed limits up to and including 30mph. On roads with higher speed limits, the minimum passing distance should be 4.9ft (1.5m).'

At the time of writing, the petition has gathered 11,853 signatures. Since it has passed 10,000 signatures, the government must respond to the petition. If it reaches 100,000 signatures, the petition will be considered for debate in Parliament.

E-petitions are a way for citizens to make sure their concerns are heard by government and Parliament.

Lizzie Armitstead to ride Tour de Yorkshire 2016

23rd March 2016

Lizzie Armitstead will ride the women's Tour de Yorkshire 2016, which is the same route as the men's stage 2. It's to be the most lucrative race on the women's cycling calendar. Read more about Armitstead to ride the Tour de Yorkshire 2016...

Thirsk Yarnbombing for the Tour de Yorkshire 2016

25th April 2016

Yarn Bomb - ducks in the river, by Twilight Taggers, Flickr, Licence CC BY 2.0

Thirsk is getting ready for Stage 3 of the Tour de Yorkshire 2016 with colourful knitted and crocheted decorations, in what is called a 'yarnbombing'. 300 people were involved in creating the decorations, and fifty of them, dressed in black, but wearing pom-poms, put them up around the town so they were in place on the morning of Sunday 24th April. Read more about Thirsk yarnbombing for the Tour de Yorkshire...