Bernie wrote:
>This is only true if you live in a society that doesn't care for the
>cyclists. They should not be driven on road, for the mentioned reason and
>for the risks that it would put the people who do use their bikes. You
>should complain on the people in charge for not making good alternatives
>for the cyclists.
Oh-too-familiar territory here. Similar to people being prompted to use Win9x+
"for the richest experience". All(!) that's required is a tolerant society and means
or incentives to provide for minority interests and requirements. Governments
and the BBC have the budget and inclination to make "any browser" pages.
Likewise Govt may equitably make provision for cyclists, walkers, children,
people with disabilities, riders of low-powered 2-wheelers, drivers or articulated
trucks, 4WD off-roaders etc., etc.
It's a historical fact that the UK road system was much improved as a result
of lobbying by pioneer cyclists. Cyclists today undoubtedly appreciate the
"nursery slopes" but shouldn't be precluded from using most of the regular
road system. Those brave enough to do so provide (hopefully to the majority
of drivers) a valuable mobile traffic-calming service, just as young women on
horses enrich the day for many cyclists, just so long as they (the 2-wheelers)
remember the old saying "sail before steam".
>>Sorry Matey, cyclists get no sympathy from me. When they start to pay
>>a road tax like the rest of us, AND even more important, carry a
>>number plate that will identify them, then I'll give them a chance.
Mel: stand for parliament and lobby for it, if you really care so much. Don't
tar all cyclists with the same brush: I've always carried sufficient ID lest I
be left (again!) bleeding on the roadside by a motorist who's knocked me
down and driven off.
>>You started me! The next worst are cycling clubs. Twenty-four of
>>them, cycling in groups of four, all in line abreast.
My club won't allow you to pass if the road conditions don't allow you to
pass a large group (riding single file) SAFELY. We show excellent discipline
in the majority of cases when traffic may pass safely. Bear in mind that
those guys are in a state of unstable equilibrium -- a touch of wheels and
the whole pack can come down. There is also the adrenaline affecting their
emotional stability. They are in a stone-age "fight or flight" mode being
hooted at by a guy in a relaxed 21st century home-on-wheels, expending
little physical effort. If you threaten the safety of a person, probably a fit
guy in his early 20s, with his "blood up" expect an earful.
Can we start an anti-caravan flame war next? :-)
Regards to all,
Jake
