Quote:
Originally Posted by foxy mars  ....Most cyclists are die-hard rebels.... |
Sorry foxy mars, but I feel compelled to comment upon this statement, as it is yet another generalisation that could be construed as confrontational by many of the anti-cycling brigade.
Most (law abiding) cyclists are not in any way rebellious. Would you make a similar statement saying most drivers are die hard rebels?
Let us be quite categoric about the facts. Cyclists are 100% entitled to use public roads. The use of cycle lanes is entirely optional. There is no legal, moral, or implied requirement to make use of them, and the choice not to do so should not be associated with rebellious behaviour.
There are good cyclists and there are bad cyclists, just as there are good and bad drivers, but regardless of whether pro or anti cycling, I would stress to everyone that cyclists are probably the most endangered of all road users, and implore all drivers to apply a little common sense when a cyclist is encountered.
Just some food for thought for some of the less sympathetic drivers out there: -
How many cyclists do you encounter on your daily travels? Five or six maybe?
OK - So you may need to slow down for five or ten seconds until a suitable spot for overtaking appears. Overall, you might lose a full minute of time on your journey
- Is that such a big problem that you would rather risk manslaughter?
Likewise - How many other cars do you encounter on your daily travels? Several hundred I should imagine. Now, considering that between 15 and 20 percent of all cars on the roads are non legal, (uninsured, driver unlicenced etc. etc.), which would you rather have? illegal cars, and there are about 3 million of them driving around in Britain, or a few fully legal cyclists?
Regards,
Mike.