Almost 900 cyclists were victims of hit-and-runs in London last year

However, the Lib Dems in Northampton have posted some crap through my door, a newsletter type 'progress' sheet, and they are focusing on the 'menacing scandal' of pavement cycling.

They seemingly then go on to fail to recognise any link in this perverse activity by going on to report the state of local roads and huge pot holes, local concerns about increased traffic due to a new 54 home development and small supermarket and the redevelopment of a former Royal Mail sorting office into a huge school and community facility that between them will generate huge increases in traffic volume.

If only there was a cheap, easily accessible, fitness enhancing non road smashing transport alternative for these bright political sparks to get behind eh?!

Politicians = Blind leading the blind meets dumb and dumber.

I could actually cry.

Curious to learn about the conclusions of the RDRF conference.
Personally, I believe throwing money at the problem (policing) without addressing its roots is less efficient. 3 approaches stand out: 1. A long term policy of getting more people on bikes and 2. As reported elsewhere, making insurance companies part of the solution 3. Obliging car manufacturers to (retro)fit alcohol sniffers in cars. 2.+3. could be implemented at once, but displeases the car manufacturing lobby...

The trend goes back much, much further than the last five years. You can take it right back twenty five years, when the hit and run rate in the capital was about 7%.

The most disturbing aspect, is that the trend now appears to be accelerating.

This issue will be one of many discussed tomorrow (November 1st) at our conference
http://rdrf.org.uk/2014/09/22/conference-on-road-danger-reduction-and-en...

Unfortunately, the conference is now fully booked. there will be a report on www.rdrf.org.uk

You do wonder when you read stats like this how come so many people appear to believe that it's only when we're on bikes that people become a problem for Joe Public, but on the other hand when we're in cars, people are virtuous and responsible members of society!

Its about time car drivers were forced to take a test, have insurance, pay road tax and be registered somehow.
That would stop this sort of bad behaviour.

The first two London cyclist fatalities in 2013 were car hit and runs [I keep a spreadsheet]. This driver attitude is widespread. In a friendly way I point out to drivers an illegal turn and risk of fine/points and their response is often "I'll do what I want". Coupled with the belief the police "persecute" motorists and speeding is victimless and not really a crime, the gulf is very wide.

London also has the highest percentage of uninsured drivers in the UK.

Nearly a third of motorists (29%) admitted to driving without insurance in the capital, according to a survey from MoneySupermarket ealier this year.

I think these stats need to be highlighted more widely. They are worrying. I'm curious how many of the incidents involved a driver being on the phone.

Finally a politician seeing the bigger picture. We need more money spent on policing the infrastructure we already have.

And the bottom line stat. How many of those 4154 hit & run was the driver identified?