law for cyclists

[joe.s-b]

As a motorist and cyclist for over 60 years I am completely confused about the problem with a cyclist entering a gate at Downing Street. I understood that the motoring regulations applied to cyles as well as motor vehicles. If this is the case why is comeone stopped from entering a gate used by other forms of legal transport. I am not interested in the current row about the police and a minster. I also note that many government officials drive off or are passengers in cars without a seat belt without question. Is my knowlege of the law wrong or is there something I don't understand.

[EcclesCake]

I'm inclined to think it is about security, every time the main gates are opened Downing St is made vulnerable to attack.

[FredPuli43]

Depends whether you think Downing Street is an ordinary, public, road ! It isn't. Otherwise anybody could go,without let or hindrance, down it. The gatekeepers, the police, are there to stop that. And it's up to them whether they allow someone in or out, and on what conditions; in this instance, they decided to direct the cyclist to pass through the side gate, a decision which makes sense, for security. The police could also say that they have a power to direct traffic on an ordinary public road too, which presumably includes a power to direct different types of traffic differently!

Seat belts? If the driver without a seat belt on drives out and down Whitehall he's certainly committing an offence. That's plainly a public road to which the law on seat belts applies.

[McMouse]

Downing Street is no longer classified as public highway and has large security gates allowing vehicle access and smaller pedestrian gates. As it is not a public road the Road Traffic Act does not apply.

[Baldric]

Try this;

http://en.wikipedia.o...t#Public_right_of_way

[joe.s-b]

Thank you all. I didn't consider the status of the location.

[Hopkirk]

I bet Cameron regrets giving him his full support, now he has seen what the bully boy said.