Public perception

[classic33]

View attachment 360069
This is two years out of date, but, if a cyclists party was formed and stood for parliament, with these numbers could we not now be in a coalition with Saint Theresa and the Tory's?

See https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/australian-cyclists-party.142257/post-2740694

 

[John the Monkey]

That would be classed as a sweetener and I'm not sure that would be regarded as ethical.

Tangfastics then?

 

[bonsaibilly]

Why is it that non-cyclists either think I'm this year's favourite for the Tour De France or that I spend half the year on Rainbow Warrior and set out to make car drivers' lives a misery? These misconceptions always make me chuckle.

About four years ago, on the way into work (while actually static at traffic lights), random bloke in car: "wheeeyyy, Wiggo". Me: "lol".

Bb

 

[Flick of the Elbow]

About four years ago, on the way into work (while actually static at traffic lights), random bloke in car: "wheeeyyy, Wiggo". Me: "lol".

Bb

When the police stop you for speeding, do they still ask 'Who do you think you are - Stirling Moss ?'

 

[Drago]

Many, many, many years back a hapless copper stopped a speeding motorist in Kent, and said just that.

The driver, a Mr Ayrton Senna from Brazil, politely explained that he was not Stirling Toss.

 

[John the Monkey]

About four years ago, on the way into work (while actually static at traffic lights), random bloke in car: "wheeeyyy, Wiggo". Me: "lol".

Bb

I think I've said it before, but one of the triumphs of British success in the Tour de France is surely that drivers no longer shout "Get off the f*cking road Lance Armstrong" (or similar) but "Get off the f*cking road, Bradley".

 

[sheddy]

BBC Policy states that Cycling can only be portrayed in a derogatory or humorous manner

 

[jefmcg]

What I don't understand is why the most right wing parties seem the most determined to impose extra rules on cycling.

Is that true? The most onerous legislation imposed on me as a cyclist was introduced by a Labor government.

 

[Drago]

Much like their reporting on every political party that isn't Labour.

 

[mjr]

Is that true? The most onerous legislation imposed on me as a cyclist was introduced by a Labor government.

Look at the UKIP and BNP policies on cycling over the years. Blanket bans from A roads, compulsory use of even crap cycle lanes are frequent and even tax discs or registration plates make frequent appearances. Fortunately, they've never had a firm enough grip on power to implement them but I don't understand how one can cycle and vote UKIP in the last few elections without it being regarded as an attempt to self-harm.

 

[jefmcg]

Look at the UKIP and BNP policies on cycling over the years. Blanket bans from A roads, compulsory use of even crap cycle lanes are frequent and even tax discs or registration plates make frequent appearances. Fortunately, they've never had a firm enough grip on power to implement them but I don't understand how one can cycle and vote UKIP in the last few elections without it being regarded as an attempt to self-harm.

Well, they are fringe organisations. I assumed you meant main stream parties.

And they are both "impose less laws on us, more laws on others". There is nothing libertarian about either group

Edit: turns out I don't know what libertarian actually means .... so UKIP and BNP may be actually libertarian, but only in the meaning of "more freedom for people exactly like me". Either way, it's not surprising that if their members and people they hope to attract don't ride bikes, then they will be happy to impose laws on those that do to increase their on perceived liberties.

 

[mjr]

Well, they are fringe organisations. I assumed you meant main stream parties.

I think that's an odd definition of what a political party is. I mean the sense in English law.

And they are both "impose less laws on us, more laws on others". There is nothing libertarian about either group

The libertarianism point was not about those parties, just an example of how cycling can embody one philosophy that's usually seen as right-wing.

But both those and many other right-wing parties claim to want to reduce the size of government, while their rule-happy policies would seem likely to require massive hiring of administrators and enforcers. Like I said, I don't understand such policies.

 

[Drago]

Oh. I thought UKIPs transport spokesman was a keen cyclist.

 

[jefmcg]

Like I said, I don't understand such policies.

I understand practically no policies of either party, so not liking their cycling policy would come as no surprise to me.

However, I will never bother to read their manifestos so won't be aware of their detailed policies until they are adopted by the next Tory PM terrified of losing an election.

 

[al78]

Is that true? The most onerous legislation imposed on me as a cyclist was introduced by a Labor government.

I must have missed that. What was it?