Cyclist Hating, Like a socially acceptable racism/zenophobia?

[PBancroft]

That's not how we interpreted it, although maybe we should have. My two sons and their cousins were watching this episode and one of them is distinctly orange. Cue family argument about ginger discrimination. It has become such an issue, the poor kid feels the need to wear a hat.

It was a reference to the last regeneration, IIRC Tennant said somehing along the lines of "Aww... I'm not Ginger."

So it might just be a bit of a running gag.

 

[PBancroft]

With regards to Cyclism, its not as bad as that. I just think that people don't equate you with person on bike. I was having a chat with someone in my old job about a tour I had recently completed and her response somehow morphed from "That's good, well done" to a so-called debate about tax, all cyclists breaking all laws, licensing, tax, tax, road deaths (we cause the all), and tax.

Oh, and how cyclists really must use the footpath, except when there are pedestrians and they should use the road, except when there are cars.

But still, she said at the end, well done.

 

[Cab]

Cyclists are an outlier group. They're doing something visibly different to the majority, they're therefore viewed as 'other', as 'different'. And like all outlier groups, its basic human psychology to lump them all together and for that, to the individual, to seem reasonable. Hence comments that used to be considered fair like 'I'm not a racist but (insert nonesense about the racial minority of your choice here)' are still made about cyclists, and blanket generalisations about the majority based on a minority support bland stereotypes.

Ultimately, like most prejudice, its all basically ignorance.

 

[Twenty Inch]

Both "outlier/other" and shadow selves, I would say.

Commuting cyclists get up motorists' collective nose because we are faster, fitter, slimmer, less damaging to the environment, not spending money, enjoying ourselves and so on. Every time a motorist sees one of us, they are remined of how they are NOT faster, fitter, etc, and all their failed resolutions to be those things. We are their shadow selves. For some motorists, that's enough to push them over the edge.

 

[stowie]

TBH, I don't give a sh1t who hates me when I'm on my bike. I keep myself to myself, ride defensively (mostly!) and (almost) never gesticulate/shout at drivers. If someone "hates" me for just riding down the cycle lane, keeping out of their way and minding my own business, then that's their problem.

If someone starts with the, "I hate bloody cyclists" rant at me when they hear I'm a cyclist, I patiently wait until they are finished, and calmly say, "I hear that you hate cyclists. That is interesting", in a very neutral tone, and just leave it at that.

I admire your restraint. I don't think it is worth reasoning with the more deranged arguments people have put forward as to why they hate cyclists, but I do succumb to the tempation to lob even more outrageous statements than theirs into the conversation. Things like

"I am saving the planet by cycling, the least car drivers could do is stay a respectful distance behind me"

"You, yes you personally, are polluting the air my baby daughter breathes. Why do you want to poison the children?"

and, one which had someone speechless

"Cyclists have much better road awareness than motorists. Which is why it is perfectly safe for me to jump red lights, cycle around the pavement, and ignore one way streets. It also makes me a better driver than you."

 

[Twenty Inch]

Permission to borrow?

"Cyclists have much better road awareness than motorists. Which is why it is perfectly safe for me to jump red lights, cycle around the pavement, and ignore one way streets. It also makes me a better driver than you."

 

[stowie]

Permission to borrow?

"Cyclists have much better road awareness than motorists. Which is why it is perfectly safe for me to jump red lights, cycle around the pavement, and ignore one way streets. It also makes me a better driver than you."

Of course, be my guest. My contribution to building bridges between ourselves and other road-users.

 

[Rhythm Thief]

If you think people hate cyclists, try driving a truck for a bit.

 

[stephenjubb]

or a white van!!!

 

[Norm]

or a 4x4.

 

[Crankarm]

or towing a .............. caravan !!

 

[semislickstick]

or a jogger!

 

[Norm]

Nope, sorry, Cranky wins.

Although, what if the caravan is towed by a BMW 4x4? Game over, methinks.

 

[Crankarm]

or a jogger!

Jogger ???

Since when were joggers on the roads? Pavements or paths maybe .................

 

[Crankarm]

Nope, sorry, Cranky wins.

Although, what if the caravan is towed by a BMW 4x4? Game over, methinks.

Norm, you beat me to it. I was thinking of the ultimate just like you posting : a huge 4x4 pulling a 25+ foot caravan bouncing and weaving all over the carriageway, sporting a sticker on the back, "Keep a safe distance!" or "If you can read this you are too close!" or "My other vehicle is another caravan."