Was he a cyclist? As in the headline "cyclist steals from Sainsburys" V's "Thief caught stealing from Sainburys". I know it's only wording but it does matter to people's perceptions.
It makes me think about the way cyclists are depicted in the media "Cyclist hits car", "Cyclist hit's pedestrian etc."
The local rag around my way had a spate of pieces along these lines where some author took offence at the way some bikes were being ridden by the local town's kids. Riding off of pavements, across the road, and the usual stuff we all did as kids. Not that that is a defense of course. These kids were defined as cyclists.
Later in the series the author made comments about 'lycra louts'. This caused the local cycle clubs to row in with a mixture of comments ranging from similar attacks on drivers down to the "We need to educate everyone". I agree with the latter.
Anyway, back on the point : These letters changed the attitude to cyclists to drivers. Less patience, more complaints and general Agrro.
