D
Dave B
Guest
Hi
I've just about reached six months of cycle commuting. I'm not a long
distance cyclist (9 miles a day) but I do cycle hard (but trying my best
not to compromise my or anyone elses safety) and so I think it is a
great way to keep my fitness level up. I see no reason why I won't
manage to keep on cycling through 'the dark months'.
As well as keeping me fit, I think it has improved my driving skills
(yes I am ocassionally a cager!). I think my observation skills have
improved vastly as they are needed when riding the bike.
However, this improvement in observation comes at a price, I now see
much more of the dark side of human nature.
It feels like when I am on my bike some road users no longer see me as a
human being, but rather a play thing or an annoyance. Yesterday (and
most other days), waiting to turn right on a dual carriageway, I
received abuse from several motorists for taking up their road and
holding them up for a whole 10-15 seconds. How dare I! Why is that that
just because I have decided to use a more environmentally friendly form
of transport, and I am not surrounded by a metal cage that I suddenly
don't have any rights any more? Where has courtesy and patience gone?
Why do people feel then need to get from A to B in the shortest time
possible, and damn anyone who gets in their way!
And today a lorry having seen me on a roundabout decides to play a game
with me and pulls right out in front of me forcing me to swerve and
break in the wet. I could have ended up under his wheels but he only
thinks to laugh and joke with his passenger. This sort of attitude
surely costs lifes!?
Of course not everyone is like this, and yes for every bad experience on
the roads I have had 10 good experiences. However, there is no reason
for ANYONE to get upset just because I am on the road!
Anyway, I just feel grumpy this morning, my 6 month old didn't sleep
well last night and some equipment I need to use at work has decided to
give up the ghost, so I felt a bit of a rant would make me feel better!
I must admit it has worked and I am looking forward to the cycle home
already (even though its mostly uphill and it is windy!)
Take care on the roads folks (especially at this time of year) and have
a good Christmas and New year.
Dave
I've just about reached six months of cycle commuting. I'm not a long
distance cyclist (9 miles a day) but I do cycle hard (but trying my best
not to compromise my or anyone elses safety) and so I think it is a
great way to keep my fitness level up. I see no reason why I won't
manage to keep on cycling through 'the dark months'.
As well as keeping me fit, I think it has improved my driving skills
(yes I am ocassionally a cager!). I think my observation skills have
improved vastly as they are needed when riding the bike.
However, this improvement in observation comes at a price, I now see
much more of the dark side of human nature.
It feels like when I am on my bike some road users no longer see me as a
human being, but rather a play thing or an annoyance. Yesterday (and
most other days), waiting to turn right on a dual carriageway, I
received abuse from several motorists for taking up their road and
holding them up for a whole 10-15 seconds. How dare I! Why is that that
just because I have decided to use a more environmentally friendly form
of transport, and I am not surrounded by a metal cage that I suddenly
don't have any rights any more? Where has courtesy and patience gone?
Why do people feel then need to get from A to B in the shortest time
possible, and damn anyone who gets in their way!
And today a lorry having seen me on a roundabout decides to play a game
with me and pulls right out in front of me forcing me to swerve and
break in the wet. I could have ended up under his wheels but he only
thinks to laugh and joke with his passenger. This sort of attitude
surely costs lifes!?
Of course not everyone is like this, and yes for every bad experience on
the roads I have had 10 good experiences. However, there is no reason
for ANYONE to get upset just because I am on the road!
Anyway, I just feel grumpy this morning, my 6 month old didn't sleep
well last night and some equipment I need to use at work has decided to
give up the ghost, so I felt a bit of a rant would make me feel better!
I must admit it has worked and I am looking forward to the cycle home
already (even though its mostly uphill and it is windy!)
Take care on the roads folks (especially at this time of year) and have
a good Christmas and New year.
Dave