Looks like I am not going to be commuting. :(

[Matthew_T]

As for this woman's opinions of cyclists and cycling throughout the year particularly winter, the comments you attribute to her are just not the ones I have heard before in all the years I have had to endure ignorance about cycling. How does she think other cyclists manage, student cyclists as well, who cycle in all weather most fowl (did you notice the deliberate mistake?)? Surely you could tell her you plan to take the bus or get a taxi when there are storms and only cycle when the weather is dry or fine?

The thing is, she works at a University. And just as we were leaving the building, four cyclists passed us in the rain going away from the cycle parking facilities. She suggested that I didnt ride in bad weather and yet people ride to her university in bad weather? Does she go around telling them not to do so.

Her words werent really advisory (but obviously they are), she was making it sound more like she was telling me not to ride to college. Unfortunately my dad was sat next to him and she repeatedly looked at him in disbelief of my suggested travel option. Sadly my dad was nodding and agreeing. I have told him that I will cycle on good days and get the bus on bad days.

 

[DCLane]

Sadly my dad was nodding and agreeing. I have told him that I will cycle on good days and get the bus on bad days.

Sensible choice; that defeats the arguments that parents/advisors have to offer.

Oh, and if they want a different university lecturer's view, I say "cycle anyway, I do".

 

[Crankarm]

Good points ........... but maybe you have troll tendencies?

As I say I'm not sure. You are probably 100% legit but I can't seem to shake this nagging feeling .....

So what you going to do about the chance of being blown off the North Wales Coastal path into the sea on a windy day, wear a parachute just in case?

 

[Crankarm]

The thing is, she works at a University. And just as we were leaving the building, four cyclists passed us in the rain going away from the cycle parking facilities. She suggested that I didnt ride in bad weather and yet people ride to her university in bad weather? Does she go around telling them not to do so.

Her words werent really advisory (but obviously they are), she was making it sound more like she was telling me not to ride to college. Unfortunately my dad was sat next to him and she repeatedly looked at him in disbelief of my suggested travel option. Sadly my dad was nodding and agreeing. I have told him that I will cycle on good days and get the bus on bad days.

Maybe she is feeling maternal towards you, doesn't want you to put yourself at risk?

 

[Matthew_T]

Maybe she is feeling maternal towards you, doesn't want you to put yourself at risk?

Possibly. She was elderly and I know that both my grandparents are concerned about me when anything happens.

When I came off my bike almost a year ago, my Nan came to hospital twice (I was there for 5 days) and was very concerned for my safety.

 

[Matthew_T]

So what you going to do about the chance of being blown off the North Wales Coastal path into the sea on a windy day, wear a parachute just in case?

I'll take one in my panniers.

 

[Peowpeowpeowlasers]

Maybe she is feeling maternal towards you, doesn't want you to put yourself at risk?

Like the overprotective parent who won't let her children out of her sight, but who will let them stay with their uncle.

 

[crazy580]

When I had my needs assessment, I was asked how I was going to get to the assessment centre, I said I would cycle. My assessor had no problem with that and she had a bottle of cold water waiting for me when I arrived.

 

[mr_hippo]

Perhaps the woman was talking to a cyclist friend and mentioned, not naming names, that she was assessing a young lad who wanted to cycle in from about 15 miles away. Her cyclist friend, who is also a CC member, said "Is his name Matthew?" and she confirmed it - "Do your best to put him off. He posts too many stupid non-incident videos on youtube and a lot of crap on the forum!"

 

[classic33]

Why not turn the problem back on them. Get them to prove their reasons for advising against cycling are valid points. If they can't do that, or don't want to even try, their arguments are defeated.

Had the same problem. Distance to be covered, bad weather & disability thrown at me as arguments against cycling 18&1/2 mies each way five days a week. I've even had bets placed on how long I'd last, with working outdoors & having to cycle there & home. Twice a day each way, with a weekend total just shy of 250 miles(different job). Longest I was given was three weeks. Three years later I was still there.

 

[MrJamie]

Maybe working as an advisor for people with disabilities, she feels its her job to make sure shes happy with their arrangements for education and she simply couldnt see someone reliably cycling 30 miles a day everyday. Perhaps when you disagreed and told her the distance was fine, she just moved through alternative reasons why it would be too much or to reinforce the idea to your dad to get her point accross to him instead. Maybe she assumes the uni cyclists are local and that noone cycles if theyre coming more than a few miles.

In the past ive wondered a similar thing, if employers would be less likely to give a job to someone who said that they were going to cycle in 10+miles each way, because theyd be worried that its unrealistic, you wouldnt be able to keep it up and would either be knackered at work or quit the job (or in this case your course) siting no transport.

 

[subaqua]

Perhaps the woman was talking to a cyclist friend and mentioned, not naming names, that she was assessing a young lad who wanted to cycle in from about 15 miles away. Her cyclist friend, who is also a CC member, said "Is his name Matthew?" and she confirmed it - "Do your best to put him off. He posts too many stupid non-incident videos on youtube and a lot of crap on the forum!"

hello Mr Kettle, meet Mr Pot. ( not Pol)

 

[BentMikey]

Perhaps the woman was talking to a cyclist friend and mentioned, not naming names, that she was assessing a young lad who wanted to cycle in from about 15 miles away. Her cyclist friend, who is also a CC member, said "Is his name Matthew?" and she confirmed it - "Do your best to put him off. He posts too many stupid non-incident videos on youtube and a lot of crap on the forum!"

Based on your posts on here, for a long time I was convinced that you were not a decent human being, and did not have a nice internet personality, but I now know I was completely wrong. I really enjoyed those exchanges where we got on well and could see some common ground. I'd like very much to see much more of that side of you.

 

[roadrash]

Perhaps the woman was talking to a cyclist friend and mentioned, not naming names, that she was assessing a young lad who wanted to cycle in from about 15 miles away. Her cyclist friend, who is also a CC member, said "Is his name Matthew?" and she confirmed it - "Do your best to put him off. He posts too many stupid non-incident videos on youtube and a lot of crap on the forum!"

out of order..

 

[mr_hippo]

out of order..

If you feel that it is out of order then report it - it is not rocket surgery, is it?