Petrol prices in Newbury Options

[Jonno]

I realise this has been discussed before but, for the last week, we have reached an even higher level of pricing inequality! It now costs 6p per litre more to buy petrol in Newbury than it does in Swindon. As I do about 20,000 miles per year that is £180 extra for the privilege of buying it at home. Possibly we should have a town-wide collection to help Asda fund a local store with a petrol station. I'd throw in £180........

[Blake]

Still, one good thing is that the government is to invest £94 million in a cycling revolution akin to the infrastructure in the Netherlands. Cycling is a green and efficient means of local transport so it should help us stay fit, help cut CO2 emissions and save us money in gas.

[Biker1]

Still, one good thing is that the government is to invest £94 million in a cycling revolution akin to the infrastructure in the Netherlands.

Pity that cyclists aren't paying for it!

[Andy Capp]

Pity that cyclists aren't paying for it!

They are, along with everyone else!

[Biker1]

along with everyone else!

Exactly!
Why shouldn't cyclists contribute, as do other users of vehicles especially if they want all these wonderful facilities?

[dannyboy]

Exactly!
Why shouldn't cyclists contribute, as do other users of vehicles especially if they want all these wonderful facilities?

Most cyclists do pay tax and therefore will be paying towards these 'wonderful facilities'.

[Biker1]

Most cyclists do pay tax

Not many of the cyclists I see.
Probably on benefits and unlikely they even paid for the bike!
Look, I'm not against cycling and cyclists and agree that it is a good thing both from a health and environmental point of view, but I think they should pay their way and they should adhere to the laws and regulations of the highway.
That's all I ask.

[Andy Capp]

Not many of the cyclists I see.
Probably on benefits and unlikely they even paid for the bike!
Look, I'm not against cycling and cyclists and agree that it is a good thing both from a health and environmental point of view, but I think they should pay their way and they should adhere to the laws and regulations of the highway.
That's all I ask.

Such is the way of our capitalist democracy works, most people, let alone cyclists, pay tax (admittedly, some more than others). If public health and the environment can be improved and we can get car journeys taken of the road, we all benefit. Whether 90 million is enough is another question.

The idea of charging cyclists is ridiculous and would be counter productive. As for law breaking: there are times I see a cyclists behave inappropriately, but due to the infrequency I see this and because the damage they can do to others is slight, I see it as unimportant. However, it would be a different matter if cycle traffic was heavy.

[Biker1]

The idea of charging cyclists is ridiculous and would be counter productive.

Fair enough but then don't expect large sums of money to be spent on their benefit.

As for law breaking: there are times I see a cyclists behave inappropriately, but due to the infrequency I see this,

You must see different to what I do then.

because the damage they can do to others is slight,

I was knocked down by a cyclist ignoring a red light at a pedestrian crossing. (the one at the Pound Street junction)
The damage was not "slight".

[Andy Capp]

Fair enough but then don't expect large sums of money to be spent on their benefit.

People exchanging car journeys for bicycle journeys would be for everyone's benefit, especially if they could separated from other road or path users.

I was knocked down by a cyclist ignoring a red light at a pedestrian crossing. (the one at the Pound Street junction) The damage was not "slight".

Because you had a bad moment doesn't prove that this is a big issue - you were unlucky - just like my motorcycling friend who was knocked off his bike by a pedestrian.

[Biker1]

Because you had a bad moment doesn't prove that this is a big issue - you were unlucky - just like my motorcycling friend who was knocked off his bike by a pedestrian.

Oh!, my situation was unique was it?

[Andy Capp]

Oh!, my situation was unique was it?

Where did I say that?

I'm not saying cyclists are faultless, but it is a fact cars and motorbikes pose a greater danger to cyclists than than it is the other way round. Notwithstanding this point is straying from the point: do you not see the benefit of the government promoting cycling as an alternative form of transport?