Board title change - Cycling

Bowling_4_Gold

Quinny wrote: »

Then get yourself insured like we motorists have to.:mad:

Seems to me that this is the same view the majority of car drivers have against Cyclists; Because we don't pay to be on the road, we shouldn't be on the road. Well, sorry to bring you to reality, but times have changed now. If we cycle on the pavement, we have to swerve every 100 yds to avoid a pedestrian yet if we cycle on the road (as we have to by law) we get abuse hurled at us by ignorant car drivers who have obviously never invested £2.50 in the Highway Code book, and think they rule the roads. We do nothing wrong and everything right, except we are put down by those nincompoops who do everything wrong and not alot right. Get a grip on reality and start respecting us!!! :mad:

rikbar

Bowling_4_Gold wrote: »

Seems to me that this is the same view the majority of car drivers have against Cyclists; Because we don't pay to be on the road, we shouldn't be on the road. Well, sorry to bring you to reality, but times have changed now. If we cycle on the pavement, we have to swerve every 100 yds to avoid a pedestrian yet if we cycle on the road (as we have to by law) we get abuse hurled at us by ignorant car drivers who have obviously never invested £2.50 in the Highway Code book, and think they rule the roads. We do nothing wrong and everything right, except we are put down by those nincompoops who do everything wrong and not alot right. Get a grip on reality and start respecting us!!! :mad:

I can honestly say I do respect cyclists that respect the highway code, but that accounts for about 5% of them.

Living in Cambridge where there are high numbers of the lycra clad army, it is clearly evident that the majority fail to stop for traffic lights, pull out at roundabouts without even looking. Regularly filter alongside cars where there is clearly insufficient room and generally ignore all signage. If you are lucky in teh evenings and at night they might just have a front light so they can see where they are going, but don't expect a rear one to help you see them.

When cyclists insure themselves so that when they cause an accident they can be brought to book, just like motorists, and also register so that they can easily be prosecuted for poor or illegal riding, like motorists, then they might just get a little more respect.

Its not about paying to be on the road, its about having the same levels of responsibility for ones own actions rather than this whole, 'its always the car drivers fault' attitude.

pogofish

Billy-no-Money wrote: »

Unbelievable!!!!

I've been cycling to work these last few weeks.
I normally ride a motorbike.
I sometimes drive a car.
I even use the bus on occasions.

Guess what? I pay road tax and insurance on the motorbike and car.
Guess what? I have just as much right to use the road on my pushbike.
Guess what? There are actually NORMAL people who CHOOSE to use the bus.
Guess what? I'm the same person whatever mode of transport I use.

I suppose I'm acceptable though because I'm not a 'lycra-clad idiot', I don't jump red lights, and I've fitted a mirror so at least I know in advance when a car driver's going to try to shove me off the road (and no, cycle paths are NOT an effective alternative when you're using a bike as a means of transport - fine for leisure rides I suppose).

GROW UP!!!!!!!! :mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad:

This - in spades.

I don't have much time for bad road users whatever the mode of transport - We are all entitled to be there and need to get along.

Bowling_4_Gold

rikbar wrote: »

I can honestly say I do respect cyclists that respect the highway code, but that accounts for about 5% of them.

I must be in that 5% then. I ensure my bike is fully roadworthy, and if it is not, I do not dare ride it. I look to my immediate right at roundabouts and if there is a car coming, I stop. I have never jumped a red light, but always utilise the cycle 'boxes' the council so gratefully puts in at many traffic light controlled junctions (so long as the middle aged man in his nissan pick-up isn't in it!). I have never caused an accident, but have been a victim of my fair share.

Yet how do I get respected on the roads? The simple answer is, I don't. I have lost count of the number of times I have been overtaken by someone before they immediately turn left, I have been drenched numerous times by idiots drag-racing through fords, puddles etc, I am often knocked off balance by huge gaping pot holes in the road (see fillthathole.org.uk) and I have even had a fishing rod chucked at me!

I agree that some wallies spoil our reputation, but please show us 'professional' cyclists a little respect once in a while. :mad: