RIDE OF WAY
Cyclist blasts ‘ignorant’ police officer over Highway Code mistake – but who’s in the right?
A CYCLIST has slammed a police officer as "ignorant" after he was forced to correct his knowledge of the Highway Code while out on a ride.
Grahame Cooper, from Bolton, Greater Manchester, caught the incident on camera while out on a group ride through the city.
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The cyclist was riding two abreast along the road when a Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer rolled down his window to tell them they should be riding in single file instead.
However, the officer was surprised at the cyclists' response, as he was seemingly unaware the road rules were updated in January of this year.
Grahame had to correct the cop, describing his knowledge of the highway code as "shocking".
In the cyclists footage, posted to YouTube, the officer can be heard telling them: "You can't be riding out in the road like this," to which Grahame replies: "Yes we can!".
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After being told he needed to ride in single file "next to the kerb", Grahame responded: "Talk to the people in your traffic division... they'll explain to you what correct road positioning is for cyclists."
He has since received an apology from GMP, who say they will "educate" the officer involved.
Following the altercation, Grahame took to Twitter to share his reaction, which has divided opinion among some road users.
He posted: "It's always annoying when a van driver tries to lecture you on his ignorant, made-up rules for cyclists.
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"It's even more shocking when it comes from a serving police officer driving a liveried @GMPolice van!"
Some responded supporting the cyclist, with one saying "that's awful," and another branding the incident "unacceptable".
"I don't blame the individual officer so much as the apparent lack of training," said a third.
However, others took the side of the police officer, with noting: "The highway code says you can ride two abreast when it is the safest thing to do - not when you fancy a chat!"
"No need to be cycling side by side in the middle of the road", commented another motorist on Facebook.
Despite the hostile encounter, Grahame has said that after submitting a complaint with the force he is "satisfied" with their response.
He told : "It would be good if the opportunity could be used to explain the changes that were made earlier in the year to clarify existing guidance on cycle road positioning, which has been in place, and taught on the national Bikeability training programme, for decades."
The Highway Code was updated in January, and saw changes made to how cyclists should take up space on the road to "enhance safety for all road users [and] particularly those most at risk”.
The new rules state that cyclists should ride in the middle of a lane for increased visibility and safety.
The rules also note that it "can be safer'" for cyclists to ride two abreast, "particularly in larger groups or when accompanying children or less experienced riders".
Following his complaint, a GMP spokesman told Grahame they "would like to apologise on behalf of GMP and the officer that had spoken to you.
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"I am a cyclist myself and can understand your frustrations.
"I will ensure words of advice are given to the officer along with some education around traffic offences/cycling legalities."
