Keep cycling free.But impose an hefty fine to them for riding on the pavement.I was knocked down by a pavement riding cyclist.

For the benefit of Wood73, most cyclists are not doing it for the planet, it is because costs of motoring, transport etc is so damned expensive.
Most cyclists I have encountered fall into the dangerous to be on the road category because they have about as much road sense as a chicken, they take their time to avoid bumps in the road, pot holes and drains and when they do, they neither look nor signal their intentions.
As to the cycle couriers, they do not have insurance, do not contribute in taxation, and are mostly not trained to ride their bike safely. Cyclists are hated by the majority of other road users, they cause problems, accidents and injuries and quickly disappear so they cannot be held liable for their action; motorcyclists have their bad riders, and from experience, mostly couriers.
Something which all courier companies should do is identify the rider and the vehicle and have a clear contact number, so they can be reported and caught.
I also live rurally and at weekends we get the mass crowds of cyclists in their spandex suits riding three abreast on the wrong side of the centre line approaching bends and we the drivers get the abuse and gestures because we make them bunch up to let us pass to use the road we pay for, but they consider as theirs by right.
I am a motorcyclist, driver and former pedal cyclist, so feel able to comment

Thanks for that valuable contribution, Brian "Never heard of him" Pillock.
Someone seemingly more of an annoyance than either Boris or Ken.

Remind us who's the sensible unknown independent woman standing?

In New Zealand we are building wonderful cycle paths that are mostly offroad and safe . This obviously leaves the roads for motor vehicles which most of us cyclists also pay for as we have cars . There are some little people who enjoy safe cycling to get to school etc and recreation , but much nicer to know our children are safe and healthy.

i am sure as with any moving vehicle , cycles included there will be accidents, i don't know how many pedestrians are killed by cycles each year, if any , but i know many are killed by cars and trucks.

And how many pedestrians get injured with these cyclists that do not take any notice of traffic signals or rules of the road. Unfortunately they cannot be reported or prosicuted because they have no registration numbers or i.d.

it warms my heart to read the co mments below.Full of sympathyfor the bike riders who after all are doing there bit for the planet come on you people where is your milk of human kindness and by the way i dont cycle

VOTE CARLOS

Sorry, Brian, losing your marbles with careless statements are likely to discourage voters for LD party. Or have you reached the decision that you are not going to win already.

Cyclists should have insurance simple and maybe charge the ones over 18 years old £ 5 a year road tax. They use the roads want special cycle lanes but contribute nothing. Ok so some may say hey we are also motorist but if you have two cars you pay twice, wheres the problem??

VOTE BORIS , CANT TRUST KEN , HIS AFTER THE MUSLIM VOTE,

What twaddle.
If cyclists are dying, it's because they're not alert enough.
If you can't cycle safely, get off you bike!

All Bicycles riders of ALL Ages should have a Licence, and also be Insured, if only to remove them from riding upon the Pavements, and in Park's.
So how many times has a Cyclist shot past you from behind going at 30 plus Miles an Hour on a Walk - Way, when the only thing that saved you from having an Accident by being hit from behind, was because you yourself did not move across, and side - step into the path of the Cyclist from behind that you did not see, and /or hear???

a few years ago a friend told me he had been waiting to cross a road a large number of cyclists were coming along blocking the road. the car behind them sounded his horn and moved his arm to show they should go to single file to allow cars to pass. the rear half a dozen stuck their fingers up and shouted abuse. at which point this car lit up like a christmas tree and the two tones went on, causing several cyclists to collide and fall off.
2 police officers got out and went to check the riders. one of the cyclists got and complained , to an officer. the cop spoke to him about them blocking the road and their conduct and abuse. this guy then complained that if they had known it was a police car they wouldnt have blocked the road or shouted foul abuse at them.
really does sum up their attitude.

Hi Dee Hi.
The whole idea of promoting Cycling onto busy London Streets has always been total Madness, since there has been over the last 50 years a heavy rise in motorist using all our Roads and Highways to a point now today whereby simply crossing the Road by foot can lead to someones death.

It is about time that People like Boris Johnson removed their Heads from being buried in the Golden Sands of time and make believe, and stopped trying to act like a modern day Billy Butlins MC whom once upon a time encouraged his Camper's to peddle around in Tri-cycles to go sightseeing in Sea - Side Town's.