Cycle Racing on the Highways, 2006

[Colin Coe]

The police reaction to the Beccles race is nothing new but does suggest that the time is long overdue for all of those involved in promoting cycle sport on the roads (BC, CTC, LVRC, RTTC, TLI, etc.) to get together and meet with the police and local authorities to seek a solution, if only on health and safety grounds.

The roads of East Anglia are comparatively free from traffic when you consider Surrey and the amount racing promoted there yet even just driving a car along a road with oncoming traffic is hazardous. How much more so when a race is being contested with all of it's implications?

The Belgian pattern of race promotion should be the target to aim for. Generally smaller circuits (about 6 km/ 4 mile) closed off to through traffic with local residents retaining access but under control. Only major races requiring police escorts.

Not a pipe dream but something that needs to be taken on board urgently. 8)

[Nick E]

I agree, i don't know immediately how this can be done but circuits less than 10 miles are easier to manage and marshal both by the organiser and police.

Can anyone enlighten me as to why the police are so particular about the 10 mile rule??

[pottsie]

Yes, it is part of the Cycle Racing on the Highways act, which will need an act of Parliament to change.

Joan Potts

[Colin Coe]

Yes, it is part of the Cycle Racing on the Highways act, which will need an act of Parliament to change.

Joan Potts

Each Chief Constable can agree to vary the conditions under Regulation 7 (I think that's the one, or is it 5?) or impose other conditions. Length of circuit has never been a problem in my experience and Kent police authorised the use of a 3 mile circuit which we used for the Div Champs. In fact, I think I managed to get a shorter circuit approved although it was never used.

Kent used to object to running two events concurrently, regardless of circuit size, whereas Sussex were more flexible.

One meets a few awkward so-and-so's but individuals move on, thankfully. I once met (Sir) Ian Blair when he was i/c Traffic at Kent and he was very open minded. I think you just have to keep banging away them. Ideally, the police shouldn't have the power of veto.

Cambridgeshire police operate a partnership policy with the county council. I wonder if you've tried talking to them? The advantage of running races in conjunction with local councils and communities is that road works and the like can be re-scheduled although sometimes even council officials fail to communicate amongst themselves. :roll:

[Nick E]

Yes, it is part of the Cycle Racing on the Highways act, which will need an act of Parliament to change.

Joan Potts

Obviously made by a non-cyclist :D :D :D

They just don't want us on the country lanes cos that's where they live... drriving around in their Jags and Landrovers :wink:

[Colin Coe]

Yes, it is part of the Cycle Racing on the Highways act, which will need an act of Parliament to change.

Joan Potts

Obviously made by a non-cyclist :D :D :D

They just don't want us on the country lanes cos that's where they live... drriving around in their Jags and Landrovers :wink:

Surrey's full of them too. 8)