Should bikes and cars share the same road

[Sara_H]

n

But is that due to other factors:

Laziness?
Convenience?
Weather?
Habit?
Lack of time?
Inability?
Health reasons?
Simply don't enjoy it?
Simply don't want to / even think about doing so for whatever reason?

I know very few people who ride bikes - those who don't, don't because of the safety aspect as far as I know (although it may be some sort of latent / sub conscious reason I suppose)...even though I've personally ended up with two nasty chronic injuries from bike falls! I am more nervous and less tolerant of other drivers and indeed cyclists since my February accident but it hasn't put me off despite the pain (and it's probably not doing me any good actually)!!

No, the number one reason that people don't ride is fear of traffic. That result is repeated time and again when studies are repeated.

 

[vickster]

Maybe in studies...people aren't going to admit they can't be arsed when presented with a list that includes safety/fear of traffic...that's the cynical professional market researcher in me!

 

[Sara_H]

Maybe in studies...people aren't going to admit they can't be arsed when presented with a list that includes safety/fear of traffic...that's the cynical professional market researcher in me!

Hmmmm...... I think you may be in denial!

 

[vickster]

I doubt the people I know who don't cycle don't do so because of fear...but maybe this depends on the demographic, so if you can point me in the direction of studies, cool (which includes the actual questionnaire used, in terms of question, format, sample, sponsor of said study etc)

I've written many a questionnaire and am more than happy to be proven wrong

 

[GrasB]

No, the number one reason that people don't ride is fear of traffic. That result is repeated time and again when studies are repeated.

Cambridge guided busway cycle path - Out of 6 slightly out of weight people who said cycling was too dangerous to ride to work, when presented with the guided busway they all don't cycle to work because now they need to look presentable & it'll take longer. The few people I know who do cycle in because of the busway do so to save time, they no longer need decent see-by lights & it's less stressful than driving down the A14. Oddly they were more honest about it and basically said it was too mentally exhausting riding on the back roads.

 

[MontyVeda]

It seems to me that some people in this thread seem to think we can either have segregated cycle lanes or exert our right to use the roads and be the traffic. Segregated cycling need not be at the expense of using the roads too... and as things stand, we have a mixture of both here in Blighty, and from what i can see, things are better because of that.

 

[Phil Fouracre]

No, not saying either or. Of course it would be great to have a complete, segregated system. But, being realistic it will only be limited at best. What I am saying is that people not cycling because they have to use the roads means we will never get a great increase in numbers. Getting people to ride confidently and positively allows them to cope with this and manage any perceived risk. Got to agree with vickster about people giving fear as a reason when asked in a survey. Everything controlled by the questions and questioner. Old bloke asked by young woman why he doesn't cycle? Ain't going to say 'I'm a lazy xxxx' but, don't you know, it's much too dangerous!

 

[Mugshot]

Maybe in studies...people aren't going to admit they can't be arsed when presented with a list that includes safety/fear of traffic...that's the cynical professional market researcher in me!

Agree 100%, I think for the vast majority of people it's a cop out. So many people are inherently lazy, they'll drive round and round a car park until they can park as close as possible to the shop, they'll find any excuse they can to avoid doing anything more strenuous than pushing a button to lock the car. I find it can take more than a bit of will power to pull the bike out of the shed sometimes and I commute 6 days a week, if I didn't ride and I was asked whether it was because I was a lazy arse that lacked self discipline or because I thought the roads were too dangerous I know which one I would say.

 

[Markymark]

Most of my friends do some sort of fitness/sport. Most say cycling is too dangerous.

 

[vickster]

It may not be pure laziness, but people have busy lives - it's easier to jump in the car even if the journey may take longer potentially!

 

[vickster]

Most of my friends do some sort of fitness/sport. Most say cycling is too dangerous.

Maybe it's an age thing, a life stage thing, how old are you? Most of my friends actually don't (other than running around after kids, walking the dog etc)

 

[Markymark]

Maybe it's an age thing, a life stage thing, how old are you? Most of my friends actually don't (other than running around after kids, walking the dog etc)

40.

 

[raleighnut]

40.

Midlife crisis time soon then.

 

[Markymark]

Midlife crisis time soon then.

Haven't got time for that as I'm busy looking at shiny red sports cars.....

 

[raleighnut]

Haven't got time for that as I'm busy looking at shiny red sports cars.....

Maz has promised that if she wins the lottery I can have a brand new Morgan.
The 3 wheeler with the V-twin sticking out the front. ( only car I'd be bothered to pass my test for)