Residents fed up with the persistent droning engine noise from nuisance bikers tearing round a playing field have had some good news today.

Officers from the Maidstone Neighbourhood Task Force are targeting bikers in the Mangravet, Shepway and Parkwood areas in a month-long campaign.

This morning police revealed that they arrested one 17-year-old on Wednesday who was riding a quad bike in Northumberland Road without a licence or insurance. The vehicle has been seized.

PC Ashley Bates said: “Owners of vehicles not designed for public roads should take care to use them lawfully on private land.

“Those who fail to heed this warning could have their vehicle seized, appear before court and face prosecution.”

He urged the long-suffering public to report incidents so that the police could act.

Kent Online has previously reported how nuisance bikers have continuously circled around Mangravet Playing Field all day.

This has been disturbing neighbours and putting the lives of children using the play area at risk.

https://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/quad-bike-rider-has-machine-removed-289347/

On 02/07/2023 01:33 pm, swldx...@gmail.com wrote:

> Residents fed up with the persistent droning engine noise from nuisance bikers tearing round a playing field have had some good news today.
> Officers from the Maidstone Neighbourhood Task Force are targeting bikers in the Mangravet, Shepway and Parkwood areas in a month-long campaign.

Do you know anything about the area (or parts of it)?

No. Didn't think you did.

> This morning police revealed that they arrested one 17-year-old on Wednesday who was riding a quad bike in Northumberland Road without a licence or insurance. The vehicle has been seized.
> PC Ashley Bates said: “Owners of vehicles not designed for public roads should take care to use them lawfully on private land.
> “Those who fail to heed this warning could have their vehicle seized, appear before court and face prosecution.”
> He urged the long-suffering public to report incidents so that the police could act.
> Kent Online has previously reported how nuisance bikers have continuously circled around Mangravet Playing Field all day.
> This has been disturbing neighbours and putting the lives of children using the play area at risk.

> https://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/quad-bike-rider-has-machine-removed-289347/

QUOTE:
He urged the long-suffering public to report incidents so that the police could act. ENDS

Does that mean that you will act on video evidence of dangerous close passes more often now?
Excellent news!

swldx...@gmail.com <swldxer1958@gmail.com> wrote:
> QUOTE:
> He urged the long-suffering public to report incidents so that the police could act. ENDS
>
> Does that mean that you will act on video evidence of dangerous close
> passes more often now?
> Excellent news!

Are you sure they aren’t speaking of videos of RLJing cyclists?

--
Spike

On Sunday, July 2, 2023 at 4:16:48 PM UTC+1, swldx...@gmail.com wrote:
> QUOTE:
> He urged the long-suffering public to report incidents so that the police could act. ENDS
>
> Does that mean that you will act on video evidence of dangerous close passes more often now?
> Excellent news!

Sadly, it will mean that "Near Miss of the Day" will not clock up its 1000th edition

swldx...@gmail.com <swldxer1958@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Sunday, July 2, 2023 at 4:16:48 PM UTC+1, swldx...@gmail.com wrote:
>> QUOTE:
>> He urged the long-suffering public to report incidents so that the police could act. ENDS
>>
>> Does that mean that you will act on video evidence of dangerous close
>> passes more often now?
>> Excellent news!
>
> Sadly, it will mean that "Near Miss of the Day" will not clock up its 1000th edition

If you’re easily impressed by numbers, consider this…

40m vehicles and 3m cyclists clock up 350bn miles per year, and you’re
struggling to get to a thousand so-called ‘close passes’ after all this
time?

You’re getting 1 per week and you have 140 to go to reach your 1000. So
that’s nearly 3 years…Don’t hold your breath.

--
Spike

QUOTE: This has been disturbing neighbours and putting the lives of children using the play area at risk. ENDS

Remember how the residents around Snake Pass rejoiced when all motor vehicles were banned for weeks?

PEACE AT LAST.

JNugent <jnugent@mail.com> wrote:
> On 02/07/2023 01:33 pm, swldx...@gmail.com wrote:
>
>> Residents fed up with the persistent droning engine noise from nuisance
>> bikers tearing round a playing field have had some good news today.
>> Officers from the Maidstone Neighbourhood Task Force are targeting
>> bikers in the Mangravet, Shepway and Parkwood areas in a month-long campaign.
>
> Do you know anything about the area (or parts of it)?
>
> No. Didn't think you did.

He seems to be struggling to understand the difference between a quad bike
and bicycle.
>
>> This morning police revealed that they arrested one 17-year-old on
>> Wednesday who was riding a quad bike in Northumberland Road without a
>> licence or insurance. The vehicle has been seized.
>> PC Ashley Bates said: “Owners of vehicles not designed for public roads
>> should take care to use them lawfully on private land.
>> “Those who fail to heed this warning could have their vehicle seized,
>> appear before court and face prosecution.”
>> He urged the long-suffering public to report incidents so that the police could act.
>> Kent Online has previously reported how nuisance bikers have
>> continuously circled around Mangravet Playing Field all day.
>> This has been disturbing neighbours and putting the lives of children
>> using the play area at risk.
>
>> https://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/quad-bike-rider-has-machine-removed-289347/
>
>

On Sunday, July 2, 2023 at 5:32:38 PM UTC+1, swldx...@gmail.com wrote:
> QUOTE: This has been disturbing neighbours and putting the lives of children using the play area at risk. ENDS
>
> Remember how the residents around Snake Pass rejoiced when all motor vehicles were banned for weeks?
>
> PEACE AT LAST.

That decision prompted the Snake Pass Trespass, an organised 'Trespass' ride that saw around 60 riders climb to the road closure, the route described as a cyclist's paradise free from the high-speed traffic that normally populates the 12-mile winding route out of Glossop.

And with the latest road closure announcement, the 'Trespass' is back, Harry Gray offering cyclists the opportunity to "take a rare chance to ride to the summit car-free" with the ride meeting next Wednesday (24 May) at 6.30pm in Glossop's Norfolk Square.

swldx...@gmail.com <swldxer1958@gmail.com> wrote:

> And with the latest road closure announcement, the 'Trespass' is back,
> Harry Gray offering cyclists the opportunity to "take a rare chance to
> ride to the summit car-free" with the ride meeting next Wednesday (24
> May) at 6.30pm in Glossop's Norfolk Square.

May 24th? Can’t wait to see how that pans out.

--
Spike

A series of lanes on the rural fringes of Stockport have recently (and very quietly) received new “Quiet Lane” signage, but is a sign enough to make a quiet lane?.

Highway Code rule 218 states:

“Home Zones and Quiet Lanes. These are places where people could be using the whole of the road for a range of activities such as children playing or for a community event. You should drive slowly and carefully and be prepared to stop to allow people extra time to make space for you to pass them in safety.”

swldx...@gmail.com <swldxer1958@gmail.com> wrote:
> A series of lanes on the rural fringes of Stockport have recently (and
> very quietly) received new “Quiet Lane” signage, but is a sign enough to
> make a quiet lane?.
>
> Highway Code rule 218 states:
>
> “Home Zones and Quiet Lanes. These are places where people could be
> using the whole of the road for a range of activities such as children
> playing or for a community event. You should drive slowly and carefully
> and be prepared to stop to allow people extra time to make space for you
> to pass them in safety.”

Highway Code *Rule* 64
You MUST NOT cycle on a pavement.

Laws HA 1835 sect 72 & R(S)A sect 129

--
Spike

The lanes in question, or at least those I’ve encountered, are Gibb Lane, Hollywood Road, Mill Brow and Ley Lane around Mellor, and Werneth Low Road near Romiley and Woodley.

All of them are indeed probably what you’d classify as “quiet lanes”, with very low traffic volumes, but still suffer from too many drivers who use them with little patience for other road users, and perhaps unnecessarily or as “rat runs”.

One of the Gibb Lane Quiet Lane signs oddly points towards vehicles joining from the much quieter Whetmorhurst Lane.

https://i0.wp.com/www.peaksandpuddles.com/wp-content/uploads/202107_quietlanes_03.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&ssl=1

On 03/07/2023 12:05 pm, Spike wrote:
> swldx...@gmail.com <swldxer1958@gmail.com> wrote:
>> A series of lanes on the rural fringes of Stockport have recently (and
>> very quietly) received new “Quiet Lane” signage, but is a sign enough to
>> make a quiet lane?.
>>
>> Highway Code rule 218 states:
>>
>> “Home Zones and Quiet Lanes. These are places where people could be
>> using the whole of the road for a range of activities such as children
>> playing or for a community event. You *should* drive slowly and carefully
>> and be prepared to stop to allow people extra time to make space for you
>> to pass them in safety.”
>
> Highway Code *Rule* 64
> You MUST NOT cycle on a pavement.
>
> Laws HA 1835 sect 72 & R(S)A sect 129

All Highway Code "rules" are equal.

But some are more equal than others.

For example:

Rules for cyclists (59 to 82)

Rule 59:

Clothing. You *should* avoid clothes that may get tangled in the chain,
or in a wheel or may obscure your lights when you are cycling.

Light-coloured or fluorescent clothing can help other road users to see
you in daylight and poor light, while reflective clothing and/or
accessories (belt, arm or ankle bands) can increase your visibility in
the dark.

You *should* wear a cycle helmet that conforms to current regulations,
is the correct size and securely fastened. Evidence suggests that a
correctly fitted helmet will reduce your risk of sustaining a head
injury in certain circumstances.

Rule 60:

At night your cycle MUST have white front and red rear lights lit. It
MUST also be fitted with a red rear reflector (and amber pedal
reflectors, if manufactured after 1/10/85). White front reflectors and
spoke reflectors will also help you to be seen. Flashing lights are
permitted but it is recommended that cyclists who are riding in areas
without street lighting use a steady front lamp.

Rule 62:

Cycle Tracks. These are routes for cyclists that are physically
protected or located away from motor traffic, other than where they
cross side roads (see Rule 206). Cycle tracks may run alongside
footpaths or pavements and be separated by a feature such as a change of
material, a verge, a kerb or a white line. You MUST keep to the side
intended for cyclists as the pedestrian side remains a pavement or footpath.

Some cycle tracks shared with pedestrians will not be separated by such
a feature. On such shared use routes, you should always take care when
passing pedestrians, especially children, older or disabled people, and
allow them plenty of room. Always be prepared to *slow* * down* AND
*stop* if necessary (see Rule H2).

Rule 63:

Sharing space with pedestrians, horse riders and horse drawn vehicles.
When riding in places where sharing with pedestrians, horse riders or
horse drawn vehicles is permitted, take care when passing pedestrians
and horse riders, especially children, older adults or disabled people.
Slow down when necessary and let them know you are there; for example,
by ringing your bell (it is recommended that a bell is fitted to your
bike), or by calling out politely.

Remember that pedestrians may be deaf, blind or partially sighted and
that this may not be obvious.

Do *not* pass pedestrians, horse riders or horse drawn vehicles
*closely* or at *high speed*, particularly from behind.

Rule 64:

You MUST NOT cycle on a pavement.

Rule 66:

You should
- avoid any actions that could reduce your control of your cycle
- be considerate of the needs of other road users when riding in groups.
- You can ride two abreast and it can be safer to do so, particularly in
larger groups or when accompanying children or less experienced
riders. Be aware of drivers behind you and allow them to overtake (for
example, by moving into single file or stopping) when you feel it is
safe to let them do so
- not ride close behind another vehicle in case it stops suddenly
- not carry anything which will affect your balance or may get tangled
up with your wheels or chain
- be considerate of other road users, particularly blind and partially
sighted pedestrians, and horse riders (see Rule H1). Let them know you
are there when necessary, for example, by calling out or ringing your
bell if you have one. It is recommended that a bell be fitted.

Rule 67:

You should
- look all around to make sure it is safe before moving away from the
kerb, when pulling out to overtake or to pass stationary vehicles, or
when turning at junctions or stopping
- watch out for obstructions in the road, such as drains, service covers
and potholes, positioning yourself so you can move to the left (as
well as to the right) to avoid them safely
- take care when passing parked vehicles, leaving enough room (a door’s
width or 1 metre) to avoid being hit if a car door is opened, and
watch out for pedestrians stepping into your path
- be aware of traffic coming up behind you, including other cyclists,
and give a clear signal to show other road users what you intend to do
see ‘Signals to other road users’)
- take extra care near road humps, narrowings and other traffic calming
features
- when cycling on the road, only pass to the left of large vehicles when
they are stationary or slow moving and you should proceed with caution
as the driver may not be able to see you. Be particularly careful on
the approach to junctions or where a large vehicle could change lanes
to the left.

Rule 68:

You MUST NOT
- carry a passenger unless your cycle has been built or adapted to carry
one
- hold onto a moving vehicle or trailer
- ***ride in a dangerous, careless or inconsiderate manner***
- ride when ***under the influence of drink or drugs***, including
***medicine***.
Law RTA 1988 sects 24, 26, 28, 29 & 30 as amended by RTA 1991

Rule 69 (and this is the killer):

You MUST obey all traffic signs and traffic light signals.

People like the Chief Chav, May Sun, don't obey a single one of those
unless it suits them.

QUOTE: All of them are indeed probably what you’d classify as “quiet lanes”, with very low traffic volumes, but still suffer from too many drivers who use them with little patience for other road users, and perhaps unnecessarily or as “rat runs”. ENDS

Residents in Greenwich in south east London are campaigning to keep their town's low traffic neighbourhoods (LTN) in the face of the prospect of a return to rat-running commuters and congestion.

Evening Standard (link is external) health editor Ross Lydall reports that residents fear scrapping the scheme would see the narrow streets return to "race tracks".

Greenwich council will soon decide on whether to keep, amend or overhaul the area's scheme, while last week the Labour council opted against introducing two new LTNs to the east of Greenwich Park.

Video footage from the area has shown scenes of impatience and rule-breaking as motorists become increasingly frustrated by restrictions.

In one video drivers can be seen accelerating down the wrong side of Vanbrugh Hill to queue jump congestion.

Residents have also reported "eye-watering near misses", police being called to road rage incidents, and even some families moving out of the area.

Another video shows children walking to school having to wait for more than a minute at a zebra crossing while motorists continue to drive past.

Two-thirds of residents supported the introduction of schemes, with some protected by ANPR numberplate cameras, which prevent commuters following live traffic apps directing them off the A2, through Greenwich, before rejoining the main road.

One campaigner told the London-based newspaper: "This is about safety. We have schools here. We have children crossing in and out of Greenwich Park and going across the heath to attend seven other schools in the vicinity.

"This is the place to target active travel. It was working. We in West Greenwich assumed the council would take this model and roll it out. Why wouldn’t you want safe residential streets?"

Size does matter - when it’s about the narrowness of roads and pavements no. 2 - Crooms Hill pinch point is under 5 metres wide yet was handling traffic volumes of 4200-6000 per day. Pavement mounting were daily events.

Another resident said: "About 80 per cent of the traffic that was passing through our narrow streets was coming from Kent to get to central London. To take the LTN away now would be so cruel and dangerous. It is just asking for trouble."

"I think there is massive support. Pretty much everybody I know who lives in the LTN is ‘pro’ it," said another local.

"I think you would struggle to find anybody whop did not think there has been a real benefit in terms of traffic and the environment. It creates a nice neighbourhood."

On 03/07/2023 04:23 pm, swldx...@gmail.com wrote:

> QUOTE: All of them are indeed probably what you’d classify as “quiet lanes”, with very low traffic volumes, but still suffer from too many drivers who use them with little patience for other road users, and perhaps unnecessarily or as “rat runs”. ENDS
>
> Residents in Greenwich in south east London are campaigning to keep their town's low traffic neighbourhoods (LTN) in the face of the prospect of a return to rat-running commuters and congestion.
>
> Evening Standard (link is external) health editor Ross Lydall reports that residents fear scrapping the scheme would see the narrow streets return to "race tracks".
>
> Greenwich council will soon decide on whether to keep, amend or overhaul the area's scheme, while last week the Labour council opted against introducing two new LTNs to the east of Greenwich Park.
>
> Video footage from the area has shown scenes of impatience and rule-breaking as motorists become increasingly frustrated by restrictions.
>
> In one video drivers can be seen accelerating down the wrong side of Vanbrugh Hill to queue jump congestion.
>
> Residents have also reported "eye-watering near misses", police being called to road rage incidents, and even some families moving out of the area.
>
> Another video shows children walking to school having to wait for more than a minute at a zebra crossing while motorists continue to drive past.
>
> Two-thirds of residents supported the introduction of schemes, with some protected by ANPR numberplate cameras, which prevent commuters following live traffic apps directing them off the A2, through Greenwich, before rejoining the main road.
>
> One campaigner told the London-based newspaper: "This is about safety. We have schools here. We have children crossing in and out of Greenwich Park and going across the heath to attend seven other schools in the vicinity.
>
> "This is the place to target active travel. It was working. We in West Greenwich assumed the council would take this model and roll it out. Why wouldn’t you want safe residential streets?"
>
> Size does matter - when it’s about the narrowness of roads and pavements no. 2 - Crooms Hill pinch point is under 5 metres wide yet was handling traffic volumes of 4200-6000 per day. Pavement mounting were daily events.
>
> Another resident said: "About 80 per cent of the traffic that was passing through our narrow streets was coming from Kent to get to central London. To take the LTN away now would be so cruel and dangerous. It is just asking for trouble."
>
> "I think there is massive support. Pretty much everybody I know who lives in the LTN is ‘pro’ it," said another local.
>
> "I think you would struggle to find anybody whop did not think there has been a real benefit in terms of traffic and the environment. It creates a nice neighbourhood."

What do the people who live on Blackheath Hill say about it, and in
particular about traffic forced to divert from Crooms Hill onto
Blackheath Hill?

LTNs are areas with quieter roads which feel safer, encouraging residents to walk, cycle,
play and meet in a healthier and more inviting environment. This can be done by filtering
roads using planters, bollards or cameras, by banning turns, or by making some roads no
entry or exit, giving priority and access to residents who live in the area.