London cyclists need a license

The Issue

Banning goods vehicles isn't the answer. Making cyclist's that ride in the congestion charge pass a test and hold an endorsable licence is. Anyone can ride on Londons roads including children without any kind of training what so ever . Goods vehicles are essential in keeping our shelves and forecourts full and without them would mean endless disruption. Training will save lives and having a license which they can get points for jumping red lights and passing vehicles on the left which is the main cause of serious accidents. Times have changed and the cyclist needs training before more people ride out unaware of the dangers getting themselves killed. Hi viz clothing helmets and daytime lights are also essential for being seen whilst using roads but so many people choose to risk there lives. That in my eyes is the most obvious answer. How many lives are saved by training in work places ? Imagine working out in the community without any training ? So how can this be allowed to go on ? Training will save lives.
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John wildPetition Starter
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This petition had 2,306 supporters

The Issue

Banning goods vehicles isn't the answer. Making cyclist's that ride in the congestion charge pass a test and hold an endorsable licence is. Anyone can ride on Londons roads including children without any kind of training what so ever . Goods vehicles are essential in keeping our shelves and forecourts full and without them would mean endless disruption. Training will save lives and having a license which they can get points for jumping red lights and passing vehicles on the left which is the main cause of serious accidents. Times have changed and the cyclist needs training before more people ride out unaware of the dangers getting themselves killed. Hi viz clothing helmets and daytime lights are also essential for being seen whilst using roads but so many people choose to risk there lives. That in my eyes is the most obvious answer. How many lives are saved by training in work places ? Imagine working out in the community without any training ? So how can this be allowed to go on ? Training will save lives.
avatar of the starter
John wildPetition Starter
Media enquiries

The Decision Makers

Boris Johnson
Boris Johnson
Prime Minister
Responded
“ Dear Petitioner Thank you for the petition submitted on the change.org website about licensing cyclists. Last year, Transport for London (TfL) achieved its original 2020 target of a 40 per cent reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured on the capital’s roads six years early. The Mayor has now set a target of a 50 per cent reduction by 2020. To achieve this, TfL will focus on highway engineering and design to give us safer road junctions and extensive new segregated and partially-segregated cycle lanes. Furthermore, TfL has worked with freight operators, the construction industry and some major HGV manufacturers, to stimulate creative solutions for HGV designs such as direct driver vision, greatly reducing HGV blind spots, in addition to driver training and enforcement. No single solution will deal with HGV safety so I am evaluating a wide range of potential interventions as part of a fundamental reconsideration on managing freight in the city. Reducing the number of freight journeys made will have a profound impact on safety on London’s roads. TfL also looks to ensure that journeys are carried out at the most appropriate times using the most suitable, safe, quiet and clean vehicles for out-of-hours deliveries. TfL has developed a series of programmes working with operators to encourage both retiming and logistics planning. This will not only improve safety but air quality and congestion levels as well. While I appreciate that HGVs can have a significant safety impact on our roads, they play a vital role in keeping London’s economy moving. They ensure the supply of materials for housing and development, deliver food and drink to shops, restaurants and cafes, and make sure our hospitals and hotels are fully supplied. All of London’s businesses, residents and visitors rely on the efficient delivery of goods and services. Taking that into account, any vehicle ban requires a full impact assessment, and includes an analysis of potential unintended consequences, such as an increase in vans on the roads or an increase in HGVs at other times of the day. Any change to the law that would require cyclists to register their bikes, or to carry insurance, would require legislation at a national level and lies outside of the Mayor's jurisdiction. That being said, the Mayor has previously stated that he does not support the registration or licensing of cyclists because of the unnecessary bureaucratic effort that would result. However, the Mayor does encourage cycle training. All London boroughs offer free or heavily-subsidised child and adult cycle training to anyone who lives, works or studies in London. TfL funds cycle training through the boroughs’ Local Implementation Plans, its Borough Cycling Programme and other funding streams. The majority of cycle training is delivered at schools, though many boroughs also offer holiday courses and family training. TfL works closely with the boroughs and the cycle training industry to ensure all cycle training delivered in London complies with the Bikeability national standards set by the Department for Transport. Bikeability is a progressive syllabus that sees trainees progress from level 1 (off-road training), through level 2 (basic on road training) and eventually to level 3 when they are ready (advanced on-road training). In the financial year 2014/15, 27,381 children took part in a level 1, Bikeability training session, 24,207 of these children went on to level 2 of which 580 took part in a level 3 session. In the same financial year, 7,910 adults received training through the boroughs. As part of Cycling Workplaces, employers can request Commuter Cycle Skills Sessions (cycle training) for their employees. These can be one-hour taster sessions delivered by a cycle trainer at the workplace, or two-hour 1-2-1 sessions. There is no legal requirement in the UK for cyclists to wear high visibility or protective clothing and it is currently a matter for the individual to judge what they consider is appropriate. TfL encourages cyclists to be safe and to be seen by wearing bright and reflective clothing. Similarly, the use of cycle helmets in the UK is not a legal requirement, which means it is up to each individual to decide whether or not they wish to wear one. Cyclist safety tips on the TfL website and information provided to Cycle Hire users encourage cyclists to consider wearing a helmet. If you would like to find out more about cycle training, I would encourage you to visit TfL’s website at: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/cycling/cycling-in-london/cycle-skills. Yours sincerely Public Liaison Unit Greater London Authority ”

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Petition created on 18 November 2015