Cyclists 'less human' when wearing a helmet.

[Cycleops]

A survey from down under has found that a lot of people think of Cyclists as less human when a helmet and hi Viz jacket.
Do you think there might be any truth in this finding from your own experiences?

https://road.cc/content/news/cyclists-wearing-helmets-seen-less-human-301661

 

[Bollo]

The worrying thing is that this is even a question.

 

[Drago]

The typical motorist is less human when wearing a car.

 

[alicat]

There was a study in the UK where someone who looked like a wobbling about female non-cyclist with long flapping hair got way more room than cyclists with helmets who were handling their bikes well. If I'm sensing that I'm about to get a close pass, I try to do something erratic.

 

[alicat]

I've observed people who look like inexperienced bike riders coming in the opposite direction. The drivers behind give them a lot more room than usual for a cyclist. It's the "elephant next to the mouse in the bed" syndrome.

 

[slowmotion]

It doesn't surprise me. If you look like other people's idea of an "expert cyclist", people will drive more riskily around you. It's unfortunate.

 

[tinywheels]

indeed it's a worry.
unfortunately its something we all live with.
I think it's possibly getting worse.
The hatred that is aimed at roadies is almost palpable.
I find it inexplicable.

 

[presta]

When people see a member of an out-group being harmed, their brain scans show the same lack of empathy as is found in psychopaths:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDjWryXdVd0&t=474s

There was a study in the UK where someone who looked like a wobbling about female non-cyclist with long flapping hair got way more room than cyclists with helmets who were handling their bikes well. If I'm sensing that I'm about to get a close pass, I try to do something erratic.

That was Ian Walker's study. It's interesting to read Jake Olivier's attempt to discredit it, and Walker's reply showing his analysis to be deliberately biased.

 

[alicat]

That was Ian Walker's study. It's interesting to read Jake Olivier's attempt to discredit it, and Walker's reply showing his analysis to be deliberately biased.

Thanks for the info @presta. I couldn't remember who had conductied the study and wasn't aware of the aftermath.

 

[tom73]

It's all part of a much wider impact of social attitudes to the car. Walkers wider study on "car brain" or as the study calls it motonormativity.
Walker believes the car is rewiring the brain to accept the risks around its use.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipe...l_Norms_Hide_a_Major_Public_Health_Hazard.pdf

 

[HMS_Dave]

I remember a few years back before i got back on the bike, I was driving to Stafford. I saw a cyclist and i realised id by on his tail on a blind corner, so i held back and maintained his pace and overtook when the coast was clear after the corner. Cars behind were furious with my decision, pipping and flashing their headlights, confirming to me they would at least pass part of their MOT, but the cyclist put his thumb up and waved. How bad have things gotten that a cyclist thanks me for doing what i thought was normal and what i have always done. It's the wild west out there on a bike at times...

 

[sleuthey]

My gut reaction is yes I agree with the statement in the OP. Joking aside, there is principally truth in @Drago comment.

 

[matticus]

indeed it's a worry.
unfortunately its something we all live with.
I think it's possibly getting worse.

Easily avoided ... by not wearing a helmet

 

[Drago]

there is principally truth in @Drago comment.

Truth in a comment is a first for me!

 

[Cycleops]

My gut reaction is yes I agree with the statement in the OP. Joking aside, there is principally truth in @Drago comment.

I'd say it's a cast iron truth. People's entire character can change when they get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.