Respect Pedestrians Campaign by Stefano Casalotti

Background

Cyclists’ bad behaviour is often cited in the press and in everyday conversions as a danger for pedestrians, despite the fact that pedestrians are at a much greater risk of being injured by a motor vehicle than by a cyclist. CCC does not condone the disrespectful and dangerous behaviour displayed by a minority of cyclists. Such behaviour gives all cyclists a bad name, and hinders us when we campaign for better facilities or increased rights. The question is what can CCC do about bad behaviour? We do not have the resources and authority to police the streets nor should we. However, as a campaigning organisation we want to do our share to improve safety for pedestrians and indeed cyclists, who can also be victims of bad cycling.

"Respect Pedestrians" is an integral and ongoing part of our cycling campaign. The basic concept is that the faster moving cyclists must show respect to the slower pedestrians. The message we want to give out goes beyond "respect the highway code", which we take for granted, but focuses on vulnerability. Thus, even when a pedestrian is crossing the road not at a junction and without looking, the cyclist should slow down and be considerate. Similarly a cyclist turning left at a junction should always allow the pedestrian to cross first (as stated in the Highway code, a fact often ignored by motorists!).

This sounds very good and noble but how is it going to stop the irresponsible kid zooming down the pavement. Well it is not! This is not what this campaign is about. This is about reminding cyclists about their responsibilities. Sometimes as we cycle from A to B our attention focuses too much on ourselves and we forget about others. Our campaign aims to reduce this selfish attitude while promoting the positive aspects of cycling.

Some of our past and present campaigns

1) Finding Slogans

An essential aspect of the Respect Pedestrians campaign is that it must be felt as a participatory campaign rather than ‘preaching’ from a few individuals, For example on one occasion we have asked our members to find slogans that may be effective in attracting the attention of all those that cycle. Here is a selection of what we have collected :

• Street savvy or pavement pinhead?
• Be a ruler of the road, not pavement pizza!
• Cyclists do it in the street
• Take back the streets - give back the pavements.
• Grown ups ride on the road.
• It's quicker and safer on the road.
• Reclaim the streets not the pavements
• Don't do to pedestrians what bad drivers do to us

2) Finding a partner

We have collaborated with the London Borough Camden on an educational campaign about cycling on pavements . Together we have produced a leaflet that promotes the positive aspect of cycling while reinforcing responsible behaviour. Some of the above slogans were used in the leaflet Leaflets produced by Camden Council

3) Cycling on the canal towpath

The Grand Union Canal and other canals towpath are precious London’s facilities for the benefit of pedestrian and cyclists. It is just common sense that cyclists that use the canal towpaths either for leisure or commuting should give priority to pedestrians. In 2007 and again in 2008 CCC volunteers have supported the Two Ting campaign See news item describing a recent event.

This campaign encourages responsible cycling behaviour and the gentle use of cycle bells to make pedestrians aware of cyclists approaching from behind . Pedestrians are encouraged to continue in their trajectory allowing cyclists to slowly and carefully pass them. CCC volunteers have been on the towpaths as early as 7am to distribute leaflets and free cycle bells collaborating on a initiative coordinated by Groundwork on behalf of British Waterways.

Future plans

In collaboration with other agencies such as London Borough of Camden, Transport for London, the Police and pedestrian associations we would like to identify hot spots of cycling abuse, determine who is misbehaving, identify the reasons/excuses and propose pilot schemes to address the problem in that particular area. We do not believe that increased policing is the only solution and even if it were a solution it may not be economically viable. Street engineering (e.g. removal of one way streets, installation of cycle lanes, etc) could in some places be more effective than policing. Equally, targeting education drives to specific sections of the population may be very important. Such a strategy can be successful only through the collaboration of various agencies. CCC will contribute its expertise and the time of its volunteers to this important effort. At the same time we will ensure that any campaign will not in any way diminish but rather accentuate the positive role that cycling has in the urban society.

What you can do

We welcome ideas and proposals for action. We also need information. If you know of an area which is particularly problematic with respect to cycling behaviour, please let us know about it. Also do not be afraid to talk to a fellow cyclist if you feel that s/he is not cycling respectfully. I have occasionally caught up at traffic lights with cyclists that have not stopped at a pedestrian crossing and told them to be more considerate in the future. Please let us have ideas for action, in the mean time please cycle carefully and Respect Pedestrians!!