adunn01 said:
From reading a few posts recently, and witnessing some poor cycling on my commutes through Glasgow over the last 6 months I've come to the conclusion that drivers general opinion of cyclists as a nuisance is pretty understandable.
We expect to be treated with respect as fellow road users and for drivers to follow every rule with regard to cyclist to the letter, but the vast majority of cyclists have no issues RLJing, cycling without lights in the dark, etc etc.
I had a conversation with a motorcyclist the other week while stopped at a red light which started with him saying "I thought you lot didn't need to stop at red lights" - people don't come to these conclusions based on a handful of cyclists not following the rules.
It's easy for us to complain about being picked on in the media, the police having no time for us, drivers thinking we don't deserve our space in the but until we get our own house in order it's never going to change.
Well it isnt surprising to most people with good sense to see the reasons why this is the case.Just my opinion of course
We have the youngsters that dont give a toss how and where they cycle,we have the primary brigade who stay in that position even if a safer and more amicable position is available bacause its their right to do it,we have the riteous brigade who think every other vehicle is wrong even when mistakes are made,we have the goaders who try to get a reaction from other vehicles because they think its funny,we have the secretive cycling internal affairs brigade who try to catch people out so they can can write a letter to employers,we have the i have the right to be here so every other vehicle has to make allowances for me because i am more important brigade,we have the i dont have to stop or slow down brigade because my journey is more important,We have the even though im a slow vehicle everyone else has to wait for me and give way to me and not pass too close,even though i can do it when it suits brigade,blimey i could think of more but you get the picture.Oh and dont forget the assumption brigade,who assume every mistake is done on purpose so have a go at a shocked female or lone driver,but funnily enough not large or more than one.Basically we dont half have some real plonkers out there on bikes making things worse for everyone else
So yes i think in the general eye of motorists we do deserve this rep.
Now if everyone cycling did so with good manners,and no attitude problems, it might not be as bad a rep,but thats unlikely to happen,there are too many with these sorts of attitudes ,so its going to get worse,it will never get better.All we can do is cycle to how we think is the right way,and treat faster vehicles with respect and act accordingly.
