Cyclists, architects of their own downfall??
Discussion
Let me start by saying I am a sometimes cyclist myself so not a "hater" in any way, but having listened to some cretin from a cycling pressure group on the radio the other day spouting crap about how lorries should have extra sensors to protect cyclists, and motorists are the devil in their metal cages etc I have come to the conclusion that cyclists are their own worst enemies. The fad of cyclists putting cameras on their bikes and filming transgressions from other road users is somewhat hypercritical when witnessing what the standard of their riding is like in towns.
I went to Cambridge with the missus a week or so ago and was shocked at the risks that cyclists take and their attitude to other road users including pedestrians. It started poorly when in the outskirts of town a cyclist darted up the inside of my car at the lights and cut right across me and the oncoming traffic just as the light changed to green - had I have been faster off the line I would have collected the cyclist across my bonnet and doubtless this would have been my fault.
Then walking round in dimly lit streets after dark I would estimate that over half the cyclists weren't using any lights or hi-viz clothing, many were ignoring no entry signs and traffic lights, riding on pavements and generally riding like a
holes. As it stands if they get knocked off through their own negligence the motorist gets stuck with a repair bill as the rider won't be insured, the blame culture generally sides with the "poor" eco warrior cyclist, and the motorist who has to have insurance, tax and is paying to use the roads is demonised.
Is it time that cyclists were firstly made to have insurance, and also a system of licencing to make them accountable so when they do jump red lights and cause accidents they can be held accountable?
Rant over...
I went to Cambridge with the missus a week or so ago and was shocked at the risks that cyclists take and their attitude to other road users including pedestrians. It started poorly when in the outskirts of town a cyclist darted up the inside of my car at the lights and cut right across me and the oncoming traffic just as the light changed to green - had I have been faster off the line I would have collected the cyclist across my bonnet and doubtless this would have been my fault.
Then walking round in dimly lit streets after dark I would estimate that over half the cyclists weren't using any lights or hi-viz clothing, many were ignoring no entry signs and traffic lights, riding on pavements and generally riding like a
holes. As it stands if they get knocked off through their own negligence the motorist gets stuck with a repair bill as the rider won't be insured, the blame culture generally sides with the "poor" eco warrior cyclist, and the motorist who has to have insurance, tax and is paying to use the roads is demonised. Is it time that cyclists were firstly made to have insurance, and also a system of licencing to make them accountable so when they do jump red lights and cause accidents they can be held accountable?
Rant over...
Generally, I think the consensus among cyclists is that going under the wheels of a bus is bad news, and yet so many of them just completely and utterly take the piss. Red light? Who cares, we can cut through the gaps! Right of way? It doesn't matter if that car is already turning, he will see me and stop in the middle of the road because I'm wearing fluorescent green lycra and I've got an indignant attitude!
Despite being among the most vulnerable road users, a lot of cyclists seems to think that they can ride with absolute priority and that their safety is someone else's problem. When you are so exposed, common sense would dictate that some "best practice" is used, but it seems that "practice" is rarely used at all, along with things like common sense and manners.
Worst of all are the Lance Armstrong wannabes who ride side by side, clogging up A roads and causing massive tailbacks as they inconvenience just about everyone else on the road to live out their Tour de France fantasies. These types are the kind who usually give you an arsey wave to slow down if you overtake them at the NSL, even if you give them so much room you could park Concorde inbetween their bike and your car.
Despite being among the most vulnerable road users, a lot of cyclists seems to think that they can ride with absolute priority and that their safety is someone else's problem. When you are so exposed, common sense would dictate that some "best practice" is used, but it seems that "practice" is rarely used at all, along with things like common sense and manners.
Worst of all are the Lance Armstrong wannabes who ride side by side, clogging up A roads and causing massive tailbacks as they inconvenience just about everyone else on the road to live out their Tour de France fantasies. These types are the kind who usually give you an arsey wave to slow down if you overtake them at the NSL, even if you give them so much room you could park Concorde inbetween their bike and your car.
sjg said:
Couldn't you find one of the several thousand other threads to post this in?
Naa, quite fancied one of my own....tell ya what, save your energy and time and don't reply if you haven't got anything worthwhile to say. I dare say most topics have be broached at some point so close the forum, we're done here.....Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff