Cyclist convicted of inconsiderate cycling wins re-trial
Daniel Cadden, the cyclist who was convicted of inconsiderate cycling whilst cycling in accordance with the National Standard for cycle training, has won a re-trial.
The conviction came about when Cadden was approaching a roundabout on a single-lane carriageway. Police stopped him and claimed that his position in the centre of the lane was forcing cars to – illegally – cross the solid white line in the middle of the road.
The use of the middle of the lane is otherwise known as the primary riding position, which Cyclecraft, John Franklin’s book on skilled riding techniques, states ‘should be your normal riding position when you can keep up with traffic, or when you need to prevent following drivers from passing you dangerously.”
The judge at the first trial claimed that Cadden should have not been on the road at all and instead should have crossed three lanes of busy traffic to use a cycle path, which runs alongside the road where he was stopped.
However, in this case the judge and two magistrates ruled that there was no legal obligation for cyclists to use cycle tracks; that the police’s evidence did not support the alleged offence, and that causing only a short delay to drivers did not constitute “inconsiderate cycling”.
CTC has quoted Cadden as saying: “This success serves to reaffirm cyclists’ right to decide when to use cycle facilities and when they are inappropriate or dangerous. The first judgement was unreasonable in denying this.”
LCC local groups rallied together to show their support for Cadden by raising funds for the Cyclists Defence Fund, the organisation supporting Cadden’s case. Tower Hamlets Wheelers raised funds with a trailer auction, while Hackney Cyclists donated the profits from their popular annual Burns Night celebrations last year to the cause.
LCC campaigns for safer roads, routes and facilities and for the safety and health of all cyclists. Click on "Join LCC" to help make London a world-class city, get free third party insurance, discounts in bike shops and more.
