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Just been reading a article on the BBC news website, and it got me wondering how they can fine a cyclist for using the "games lanes"... I can understand a vehicle with number plates being spotted on the CCTV and a fine sent out, but for a bike, are there "games lanes" "police / wardens" patrolling every inch of the lanes ?
... and isn't it far safer to ride in / on the edge of a games lane that against the curb in all of the no doubt mental traffic ?
Anyone have the answer ?
(I don't live in London BTW)
So you want to ride in an express lane (cars travelling quite fast) that is reserved for the 'Lympics Lot?
I'd suggest you'd be far safer in the left hand gutter where we tend to ride rather than in the left(ish) part of what will become a very fast lane indeed.
For instance the A2 is mental at the best of times, they've cordoned off a section and there is NO WAY I'd ride in it.
The other routes I'd suggest would be flowing far quicker than "normal" London traffic.
I ride around London quite a lot.
I will almost certainly be riding in the one through Wandsworth on my way home as it would be extremely inadvisable to attempt to ride in the remaining lanes. I ride a lot in London (200 miles a week+)
I don't think they're intending to fine cyclists.
My understanding is that they've set up strategic sniper posts...
That's what the SAMs* are for...
* secret anti-mamil missile - with appologies to the extra M
We were all taking a cheeky right-hander at Tower Gateway this morning to get on to East Smithfield. Seemed to work...
You wont get fined if you're in a lane which is closest to the pavement, Eg, the usual cycling position.
Think you could only get a fine if you sailed down the outside lane of traffic, which you wouldn't normally do.
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sailed down the outside lane of traffic, which you wouldn't normally do.
lol, commute much? Manchester drivers see a cyclist coming up the inside and pull in to the kerb to block you!
http://www.getaheadofthegames.com/things-you-should-know/cyclists.html
"Cyclists risk a fine for [b]obstructing[/b] Games Lanes when they are in use."
hmm, its not crystal clear. Sounds like you won't get a fine if the games lane was in action, but had not traffic in it? How likely that is i've no idea. I'd also bet money there'll be lots of security/police who are just as confused as we are.
and will have more important things to worry about than try to stop you unless you're really taking the piss.
Think you could only get a fine if you sailed down the outside lane of traffic, which you wouldn't normally do.
Sailing down the outside lane of traffic is *far* safer than trying to ride up this inside. You've got to be crazy to ride up the inside of traffic.
Go full chav, buy a BMX and ride on the pavements.
I don't have any details, but have heard that access to these "Olympic Lanes" has been available to purchase through the right channels.
Possibly in connection to the band-A tickets or corporate hospitality.
So the congestion's just for the plebs.
I read in a newspaper ( at kebab shop so not sure , but red top ) that it was £132 fine or bike confiscated if unwilling to pay.
£15 dump bike anyone? .- FS and everything.. nb not everything will work
"Cyclists [b]risk[/b] a fine for [b]obstructing[/b] Games Lanes when they are in use."
Can't see how they can do anything as it only says risk (doesn't say will receive) & obstructing. Now to me causing an obstruction isn't riding in the lane...
Just buy a VIP ticket and you get a sticker saying 'F*** you, I'm rich' which you can stick on your car or bike and then use the lanes at will.
I might buy an Olympics t-shirt and pretend I'm an official lane tester.
OR I'm going to mug one of the millions of do-gooders who are milling around looking meek in their "I'm a LODNON 2012 Helper" gear and steal their outfit and ride to work in it.
Starting from 06:00 BST, a £130 fine has become enforceable for drivers and cyclists driving in the Games Lanes.
ripped off here.- http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-18977640
Not sure about car drivers actively blocking cyclists on the inside, certainly nothing i've come across in London.
Whilst I agree that using the outside lane is often safer for cyclists if you're moving at a good pace, for the vast majority of riders it would be dangerous, I suspect that is what the Olympic Lanes are trying to stop?
Anyway the only bit of Olympic traffic i've come across is Park Lane, apart from that it's been fine so far.
Can't see how they can do anything as it only says risk (doesn't say will receive) & obstructing. Now to me causing an obstruction isn't riding in the lane...
That website is not a statement of the law.
theflatboy - Member
and will have more important things to worry about than try to stop you unless you're really taking the piss.
The ability to remove/arrest/conviscate bike/fine was put in place as a measure to be used in case of rent-a-crusty Olympic lane blocking protests not as a means of busting regular cyclists who take a cheeky shortcut....
[i]That website is not a statement of the law.[/i]
Exactly. Thats what [b]this[/b] website is for.