Here's the mail I wrote before posting the 'OP'
(And please have a bit of a debate about this eg: Dom's valid point... not just act in a witless way - clear off to soapbox and leave 'us' minor players to talk rather than insult. Ta.)
Dear Mayor,
This is a ridiculous decision that will remove sanctuary for cyclists in
their daily commute through London.
ALL engine powered vehicles can put cyclists at risk. Motorbikes, sometimes
deadline hunting messengers, with their immense and quick acceleration will
cause major problems if they are allowed to roam the whole road.
You are wrong to allow this.
This also means that mopeds and very inexperienced engine drivers will be
allowed similar 'freedom'.
Whilst statistics can prove lots of things, they cannot account for the near
misses, anger and plain difficulty in conducting a commute on a stop start
basis when a clearer path for pedal power allows for reasonable
concentration on the part of the cyclist.
Cyclists cannot compete against the acceleration of all powered vehicles,
they cannot defend against the rapid braking technology allowed to be in
front of them, around them...
You are wrong to allow this.
Forget this, and put more 'plain clothes' police, real police, on bikes to
catch the couldn't care less idiots who drive their cars while texting, or
holding a telephone to their ear. Ban cars altogether if you like but leave
the cyclist a bit of space in which to contribute to London.
I thought that your election would be a 'change of air' in the stuffy room
that is London Government - but, Boris, you are starting on the wrong foot -
for sure.
Yours sincerely,
very sincerely,
Martin -
A cyclist in London