West Midlands MEP calls for cyclist registration, compulsory high-vis & helmets

IDIOT...NOTHING ELSE WORTH SAYING.

I call for registration and mandatory hi-viz straight jackets for all UKIP MEPs

She said: “I think cyclists need to be accountable. They need to observe the Highway Code.”

Right. Like, say, motorists do?

I can sort of understand where she is coming from!!
I spent 5 days in the West Midlands (Darlaston, Wednesbury area) just before Christmas.
I have never seen so many cyclists riding in the twilight and after dark in filthy weather with no helmet, no hi vis wearing dark clothing and a red glow-worm at the back and a white one at the front or non at all.
I very nearly pulled out in front of 3 and nearly ran one down as I couldn't see them and you know being a cyclist I am looking for other cyclists!!
So what chance has head up the bum Joe tin can driver got.
My wife and I we were so glad to leave the area and come home to get away from the risk of hitting some one.
But as I always say its a two way street cyclists have a responsibility to ensure they can be seen by other road users but other road users need to see us and give us room. Thank the cycle that I live and ride in rural France and yes I wear a bright yellow helmet a hi vis jacket all the time winter and summer and use lights (not glow worms) when the weather is murky or dark
Registration and all the other crap compulsory this and compulsory that no thanks.

Oh dear.

Not a good advert for cycle safety with that helmet.

Hint: straps
Hint: two finger width between eyebrow and helmet

didds

PS this may have been noticed before!

Maybe UKIP are onto something - I'm looking out my window at dark grey clouds and a wet patio. This is clearly the fault of the gays, and the rain that is falling on hetero me is just collateral damage as God is clearly aiming it at my neighbours.

That's why the weather in Russia is so pleasant these days - perhaps Putin isn't actually an evil homophobe, he just likes to keep his bike clean when he rides it. He takes, erm, pride in it's appearance.

The rainbow jersey could be an issue though.....

Weather - pleasant in Russia, where? Let me know.
Dark grey clouds, and wet here too, so maybe gays are about

The cyclists are few and far between, normally wearing black coats, and riding on the wrong side of the road in the wet, with no lights, - a bit like many of the cars!

'What I’m seeking is a registration of cyclists - not on all roads, just on main roads in the city'

This is the key statement. What is being suggested is effectivly a ban on cycles on certain routes. The intention is clearly that cyclists will reject the idea of registering and wearing the compulsary gear and instead choose alternative routes or methods of transport.

Quote:

"The former UKIP MEP, who now sits as a member for the We Demand a Referendum Now party…."

I think I've read all I need to read.

Nothing to see here, move along.

forced to wear ... only certain routes.....

where's my rights, freedom and liberties going here !!!

What a complete pillock !

Just had a very quick read of this and I think it's a fabulous idea. Am I right in thinking she's suggesting all MP's, MEP's etc all ride bikes instead using taxpayer funded cars? And they wear High Viz jackets with a number so you know which crank you're avoiding (or aiming at!)?

It's a great idea and I commend it to the house!

Does anyone know how long a hi-viz vest stays creased, after you take it out of the packet (for the photo-op)?

Hers looks suspiciously brand-new in that photo. Still, at least she's out having fun on a bike, right?

That MEP is a nincompoop. Surely there must be something more important for her to do.

[[[[ Crikey! If the MEP woman insists we must wear the Custard-Coat, I suspect it's because she herself has trouble spotting us....in which case she should be banished from the roads, both as cyclist and driver.
P.R.

Might have to write to my MEP.
Because being accountable and having licence plates prevents other road users from breaking the law all the time.
Next up, pedestrians and horses for tests and licences.
If a pedestrian is found to be walking too slowly, they will be clamped.

Might have to write to my MEP.
Because being accountable and having licence plates prevents other road users from breaking the law all the time.
Next up, pedestrians and horses for tests and licences.
If a pedestrian is found to be walking too slowly, they will be clamped.

Just to clarify matters Nikki Sinclaire was a UKIP MEP for one year only, 2009 to 2010, then after a dispute with the UKIP became an independent before setting up the fantasy party in the article. Chances of her having a seat post next euro election are zero so why BBC West Midlands think her opinion is of any value is a mystery as with proportional representation she no longer represents the people that voted for the party that put her in power.

Why not EVERYONE wear a Hi Viz garment with registration number - or maybe barcode - whenever they leave the house. This barcode could also be tattooed on the individuals forehead at birth and would provide the authorities with an easy and efficient route to NHS, DSS, educational, ethnic, religious and other personal details - after all - THEY know what's best for us .........

"the We Demand a Referendum Now party"

Ah yes, that'll be the party set up by Nikki Sinclaire, which has precisely one elected member...Nikki Sinclaire. As nobody voted for her, or her party, last time round it'll be nice when she's booted out of office in a few months time, and will have less of a platform for her stupid ideas.

Another fruit cake from the UKIP stable, one has to despair at the level of debate and knowledge about cycling and given the 100 plus fatalities every year it is an insult all those who have been killed or injured on Britains roads. The worry must be unless this is countered it adds to the volume of anti-cycling rubbish being put about by publicity seeking individuals.

"so why BBC West Midlands think her opinion is of any value is a mystery"
Simple outrage-stoker that gets people talking, just look at the number of comments here.. ) Why else do low-level journos and politicians come out with this sort of thing?

Don't forget there's an election to the euro parliament this year so we can expect a lot more of this kind of thing until May

The idea of accountability is fine, but since when does a registration number result in accountability unless someone is there to catch someone...the only thing I know for sure is it'll cost money to setup and run.

Registration of vehicles has worked so why wouldn't it for bicycles? I mean it is easy to trace their owners as they keep the DVLA regularly updated as to when and where they move house and who is driving. They all pay their VED and every single one of them pays insurance, has a licence and keeps said vehicle in tip top roadworthy condition and oh now wait a minute?

Do one you F tard!

Yet more retarded comments from a full on retarded politician, she should just insert her head up her own ass and go into the corner for the rest of her life, she clearly has no other use to the human race.

FFS...yes some people on bikes are knobs and yes the police should fine them but let's remind ourselves who is actually doing the killing shall we?

How is this registration tabbard supposed to work anyway? Can't wear a rucksack now as you'd be doing the equivalent of obscuring the reg plates on your car. Panniers? Sure, give passing cars even more stuff to hit when they squeeze past at whatever speed they're doing. No thanks.

This is so frustrating, feels like we have MP's complaining about the kids in an orphanage being rowdy on occasion whilst turning a blind eye to the sexual abuse going on.

This will support cycling how exactly?

I read as far as "former UKIP MEP" and decided to go no further.

The chance of anyone associated with UKIP having a sensible point of view is infinitely small.

As one of her constituents (yes, those annoying little people) I feel it my duty to write to her. She might not like what I have to say... though unfortunately it does mean I'll have to read her comments.

Why not make everything compulsory and then we can safely fill the world with idiots!
I like the idea of fluorescent cars and trucks.
And, all pedestrians should wear serial numbers and hi-viz clothing except for the ones who dye themselves orange - they are already bright enough.
I reckon we could identify and control everything (except MEPs, but they do not live on this planet, so that is okay).

I can understand the reasoning behind this, I find so many London cyclists are total idiots and think they can do what they want on the roads. I see them riding through red lights often, I have nearly been hit by plenty as I cross a zebra crossing and so many have a really bad attitude. Its a totally unenforceable law and they should enforce the current laws better before creating new stupid ones.

Long as they dont have it around the Surrey Hills I dont mind