I recently got back into cycling to work, I cycle 4 miles each way, on one of the main arterial routes into Edinburgh. I have cycled for years, and have been driving for 7.
I am of the opinion that the most considerate cyclists and drivers are those that do both. They have a better understanding of the capabilities of their respective methods of transport, and are best placed to anticipate the moves that their opposite may take.
When I am driving, I will only overtake a cyclist when it is safe for both me and them, ensuring that my actions will not cause them to deviate from their route, whether by slowing down or by having to move towards the kerb.
When I am cycling, I consider myself to be identical to a car. The only time I will move between lanes of cars is when they are stopped at traffic lights and I am moving towards the dedicated area for cyclists at the front of the line.
I admit freely that if someone cuts me up, swerves in front of me or just generally does not notice me that I will emit a few choice profanities. These will be for my own benefit to curb my frustration at the other person. This happens whether I am cycling or driving, the same applies to both.
I've found overall though that there are proportionately more bad cyclists than drivers. There is no test on your knowledge of the Highway Code before you're allowed to get on a bike, the ability to ride without stabilisers is as far as it goes. I see loads of cyclists paying little or no attention to their surroundings, with some misguided notion that they have the right of way on roads, and that cars can move out of the way of cyclists a lot easier. I'm yet to see a bike with a crumple zone, an airbag or seatbelts, so I think that cyclists in general need to make more effort to be safe and stop having this arrogance that they are above the law.
I'm of the opinion that if someone is riding after dark with no lights, they deserve to get hit. Harsh I know, but it's their own stupid fault.
I know that I'm coming across as being anti-cyclist, this isn't the case at all, I just think that cyclists in general need to take more care and be more aware of their surroundings. Personally I prefer cycling to driving, it's better for me and a hell of a lot cheaper.
As for all the cyclists on the board grabbing people, keying cars or any kind of vigilante actions, I think it's just the immature keyboard warrior mentality coming out. If it's not, I pity you.
I am of the opinion that the most considerate cyclists and drivers are those that do both. They have a better understanding of the capabilities of their respective methods of transport, and are best placed to anticipate the moves that their opposite may take.
When I am driving, I will only overtake a cyclist when it is safe for both me and them, ensuring that my actions will not cause them to deviate from their route, whether by slowing down or by having to move towards the kerb.
When I am cycling, I consider myself to be identical to a car. The only time I will move between lanes of cars is when they are stopped at traffic lights and I am moving towards the dedicated area for cyclists at the front of the line.
I admit freely that if someone cuts me up, swerves in front of me or just generally does not notice me that I will emit a few choice profanities. These will be for my own benefit to curb my frustration at the other person. This happens whether I am cycling or driving, the same applies to both.
I've found overall though that there are proportionately more bad cyclists than drivers. There is no test on your knowledge of the Highway Code before you're allowed to get on a bike, the ability to ride without stabilisers is as far as it goes. I see loads of cyclists paying little or no attention to their surroundings, with some misguided notion that they have the right of way on roads, and that cars can move out of the way of cyclists a lot easier. I'm yet to see a bike with a crumple zone, an airbag or seatbelts, so I think that cyclists in general need to make more effort to be safe and stop having this arrogance that they are above the law.
I'm of the opinion that if someone is riding after dark with no lights, they deserve to get hit. Harsh I know, but it's their own stupid fault.
I know that I'm coming across as being anti-cyclist, this isn't the case at all, I just think that cyclists in general need to take more care and be more aware of their surroundings. Personally I prefer cycling to driving, it's better for me and a hell of a lot cheaper.
As for all the cyclists on the board grabbing people, keying cars or any kind of vigilante actions, I think it's just the immature keyboard warrior mentality coming out. If it's not, I pity you.
