Public perception

[mjr]

I must have missed that. What was it?

I assume the spelling without the U signifies the Australian law that must be discussed elsewhere on this site.

 

[jefmcg]

I must have missed that. What was it?

Note the spelling of "Labor".

http://www.cyclehelmets.org/1108.html (not trying to derail the thread)

Edit: Hey! Not fair. No TMN to mjr when the question was clearly asked of me.

Now which is the sulky emoticon?

 

[mjr]

Edit: Hey! Not fair. No TMN to mjr when the question was clearly asked of me.

It didn't have your name on it. If people want a private conversation, they use the "conversations" system. If I break into your discussion there, you'll be justified in getting upset - and I suspect Shaun will too

 

[al78]

Note the spelling of "Labor".

http://www.cyclehelmets.org/1108.html (not trying to derail the thread)

Edit: Hey! Not fair. No TMN to mjr when the question was clearly asked of me.

Now which is the sulky emoticon?

Oh I see, different country. I missed the subtly different spelling.

 

[jefmcg]

To be fair to @mjr's point, the current draconian legislation in NSW (eg fine for not having a bell == smallest fine for speeding in a car etc) is being introduced by the centre right Liberal/NP (basically equivalent of the Tories). It purpose seems to be to get cyclists off the roads.

 

[Colin_P]

I'm sure I'm not alone in being one of those who is out to change negative perceptions.

I dodder along so giving way and making it easier for cars instead of being a self righteous beligerent knob / tit-witch which many cyclists are is no bother for me. It is a lot safer too.

But off the bike I can quite often be a beligerent knob / tit-witch (due to moobs), but never self righteous.

 

[mjr]

I'm sure I'm not alone in being one of those who is out to change negative perceptions.

I dodder along so giving way and making it easier for cars instead of being a self righteous beligerent knob / tit-witch which many cyclists are is no bother for me.

It ain't working. Can you be more supine so that I get less abuse, please?

It is a lot safer too.

There's no evidence for that, is there? In the past, some have claimed that riders who obeyed even the most stupid of stop lines and cycle lanes were actually in more danger than those who take a pragmatic approach.

 

[classic33]

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.

There's a David Coulthard lives round here. Got stopped following a call made, vehicle matched description given by a witness. Had a bit of a problem convincing them he was genuine.

 

[John the Monkey]

It ain't working. Can you be more supine so that I get less abuse, please?

There's no evidence for that, is there? In the past, some have claimed that riders who obeyed even the most stupid of stop lines and cycle lanes were actually in more danger than those who take a pragmatic approach.

Quite, it's bollocks. I've been hassled by drivers who've been able to see me scrupulously observing the Highway Code and general politeness throughout my ride. The best reason for being polite on the UK's roads, possibly the only reason, is that a significant minority of drivers *will* put your life at risk if they feel you've slighted them in some way, and no one with the power to do something about it gives a toss about that.

 

[Colin_P]

It ain't working. Can you be more supine so that I get less abuse, please?

There's no evidence for that, is there? In the past, some have claimed that riders who obeyed even the most stupid of stop lines and cycle lanes were actually in more danger than those who take a pragmatic approach.

Quite, it's bollocks. I've been hassled by drivers who've been able to see me scrupulously observing the Highway Code and general politeness throughout my ride. The best reason for being polite on the UK's roads, possibly the only reason, is that a significant minority of drivers *will* put your life at risk if they feel you've slighted them in some way, and no one with the power to do something about it gives a toss about that.

I agree but at the same time disagree.

A good example is a longish lane I cycle up and down every day. It is one of those where a car could overtake but it would be too close for comfort therefore on a bike you have to take a primary position. However instead of having a car sat behind you all the way down that lane, I pull over and let them pass where ever possible.

But as with everything, sometimes the law / rules and regs are an ass and whilst on a bike sometimes need to be ignored in the name of self preservation.