"Stephen \(aka steford\)" <
[email protected]>typed
> Peter Clinch wrote:
> > Roger Barker wrote:
> >
> >> It's definitely anti-cyclist, and contains an implied threat - "So come on you arrogant
> >> cyclists - obey the laws of the road or you will be sorry."
> >
> > The start implies (though does not actually state) that cyclists (as in general) "think that
> > road laws and courtesy are not for them", and this I find annoyingly sweeping into
> > stereotypical pots.
> >
> > Howvwer, the sentence you quote above doesn't really bother me at all: IMHO arrogant cyclists in
> > particular (as opposed to cyclists in general) *should* get with the programme and respect the
> > rules of the road. Aside from anything else it stops me getting tarred with their rather grotty
> > brush.
> I would say everyone breaks the law on the road every time they go out - cyclist and
> motorists alike.
I would say you are wrong there. NOT everyone breaks the law.
> Not signaling,
This is NOT a legal requirement.
> going through reds, driving over the speed limit.
No, cyclists and motorists do not necssarily infringe.
> It's just that on bikes we have the option (and can get away with things easier)
This lack of enforcement serves to degrade the image of cyclists who obey the law. Much of the time,
I get the impression that the Plod could
harrassment, pavement cycling or even crashes.
> which annoys a lot of motorists who have spent lots of money on their precious cars and feel hard
> done by with supposedly high fuel charges, road tax, insurance etc. They therefore don't like to
> see anyone going faster than themselves
I think that's true. Its called envy.
> and if that means hopping up on to a pavement or going through a red they get even more angry.
But then the indignation is righteous.
> Of course even just getting in their way cycling legally also makes them feel like this. I'm also
> generalising of course and those that are actually annoyed by cyclists is very few and those that
> are dangerous to cyslists probably also ingnore red lights and other cars and are dangerous to
> pedestrians and other motorists alike. Those that can be bothered to pick up a pen and paper and
> write in to their local papers have nothing better to do than moan about most things I would have
> thought and that same bloke would be just as likely to write in complaining about immigration or
> the ban on fox-hunting.
You're probably right here, if my local paper is anything to go by.
> Personally I see nothing wrong with riding on the pavement
I do. I have MS and am very unsteady on my feet. Cycling can really baulk me. DON'T RIDE ON THE
PAVEMENT, PLEASE! STAY ON THE ROAD!
> or going through a red as long as I'm not putting myself or others at risk or inconvenience (which
> I see daily)
You can't always see all the risks. Being seen going through red lights just reduces the low respect
Joe Public has for cyclists and encourages him to tar us all with the same brush. If you want
respect, you must act respectably. Otherwise, we'll all suffer.
--
Helen D. Vecht:
[email protected] Edgware.
