The Social Ideology of the Motorcar

"sothach" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Sorry if this is well-known, but I've only just found it. The
> behaviour of my fellow road-users has always puzzled me, especially
> when I relalised that motorists don't really single-out cyclists - they
> are unpleasent to their "own kind" at least as often.

As a motorist I already know this which is why I'm less likely to suffer
cyclists paranoia than some. I'm as likely to receive courtesy (or lack of)
when I'm cycling as driving.
And although I've had "incidents" when cycling I've had more near death
experiences when driving, due in no part, no doubt, that I've spent more
time in cars than on a bike.
The obvious thing is that while a minor prang in a car may result in
scratched paint or bent tin on a bike the same prang could result in injury,
possibly severe.
Once speeds increase of course the shaped tin, sips, air-bags, seat belts,
ABS, etc offers less protection. And if an oncoming **** decides to use
your intended roadspace as an overtaking lane you're in the lap of the gods.
--
Pete
http://uk.geocities.com/[email protected]/Stuff