A council has explained the “mandatory” 15mph speed limit for cyclists on the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway shared path – and readers have been sharing their thoughts
Readers of CambridgeshireLive have been sharing their views on a proposed 15mph speed limit on the guided busway’s shared path. A council has clarified why a “mandatory” 15mph speed restriction for cyclists has been introduced on a track in Cambridge.
The limit was implemented on the maintenance track running alongside the guided busway, which is used by both cyclists and pedestrians. Cambridgeshire County Council described it as an “important control measure to enable safe active travel for all users of the shared use pathway”, stating it is designed to minimise accidental conflicts between those using the shared track.
Motorcycles have also been prohibited from the maintenance track, and electric bikes capable of exceeding 15mph are not permitted. These measures were put in place in collaboration with the police.
One reader, Scepticalfish, comments: “15 mph seems reasonable… What’s the problem?”
While Whynot2 asks: “How are they going to enforce it? Send a NIPS to the registered bike owner. Does this mean that CCC are going to make it mandatory for cyclists to register their bikes?”
Calumen Nomen replies: “Enforcement, I suspect. Not sure how a cyclist is supposed to know they’re doing 15.1 mph as opposed to, say, 14.8.”
Dragon33 says: “Electric bikes that exceed 15.5mph (without pedalling) ARE motorcycles. They require all the compliance necessary for riding a normal motorcycle. Limit the cycle speed, and you may as well take a car to your destination. The problem is not the speed the cycle goes, it’s the difference in speeds between the users. Separate the cyclists from the pedestrians and avoid speed limits.”
Inner questions: “How many bikes are fitted with speedometers, and if they had them, they wouldn’t use them?”
Throatwobblermangrove writes: “So will a 15mph limit be imposed on other shared-use routes elsewhere? By the council’s logic, those are just as dangerous. Or is this just another excuse to blow more taxpayers’ money on the busway?”
Brexit498 feels: “It will never be enforced. The busway is not wide enough. A part of the problem is cyclists don’t use their bells.”
Rootintootinredux says: “Here it is folks. The very reason that mandatory bicycle license plates and registration need to be implemented. When they freely brag that they act with impunity and claim the law doesn’t apply to them, it’s time to regain control for the safety of our fair city’s pedestrians.”
Over on our Facebook page, Dean L comments: “15mph? That’s faster than the buses.”
Nicola K says: “If they wanted to ask people to please limit their speed to below 15mph as a voluntary, unenforceable request, they could have said that. Pretending that it’s got the same status as limiting the speed of cars on roads just makes them look disingenuous. Those of us who understand shared space already know to limit our speed when near other path users. The people who ride inconsiderately will pay absolutely no attention to this rule while giving vulnerable path users a false sense of security.”
Lynette W thinks: “The statement that electric bikes that exceed 15 mph are banned suggests there is some lack of understanding about the legal definitions. A e-bike can go faster than 15mph, however once it reaches 15mph the electric assistance stops, the higher speeds are 100% attributed to the riders effort. An electric bike that is electric assisted or powered above 15mph is not a bicycle, it is a motorised vehicle that must comply with the law, I.e. registration, driving license for operators, insurance etc.”
Do you think a 15mph speed limit for bikes on the busway shared path is a good idea? Comment below or HERE to have your say.
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