Mike_D says...
11:49am Fri 18 Nov 11
I hardly know where to begin with this, and that's before getting to the usual swivel-eyed frothing from the "waah waah road tax waah waah red lights waah waah" lobby. Anyway.
"ANGER over the increasing number of weekend cyclists visiting the New Forest could end in violence, it has been claimed."
Gets off to a great start, doesn't it? The clear implication here is that cyclists had better watch their step.
"The Commoners’ Defence Association (CDA) has accused cyclists of posing a danger to other road users, some of whom have been “frightened and abused” by large groups of people on bikes."
Ah, the good old CDA. Come on, then, where's the evidence? Which road users have been "frightened and abused" by large groups of people on bikes in the Forest? And what possible danger could they present? In any collision between a bike and a car the bike is always going to come of worst.
"CDA chairman Graham Ferris said: “The roads are effectively obstructed and confrontations leading to a breach of the peace are likely.”"
I've read this a few times and it sounds more like a threat every time. I'm sure that that's not what Mr Ferris intended, though. As for "effectively obstructed", the most notable obstructions that I encounter in the Forest are ponies and cows. I rather suspect that the CDA isn't too troubled by those obstructions. So really, they just don't like bikes.
"The association, which represents the owners of New Forest ponies and other animals that roam the area, is calling for a crackdown on cyclists."
"Crackdown"? What does this even mean?
"Dr Ferris raised the issue at the monthly Court of Verderers in Lyndhurst."
Ah yes, that great bastion of progressive thinking and common sense. Where's the "rolling eyes" icon?
"He said: “Commoners are increasingly concerned about the explosion in cycling, both casual and organised, and the apparent unwillingness of the authorities to take muchneeded action."
How many commoners are concerned about it, really? A lot of the cyclists in the Forest are commoners themselves.
"“The situation on the roads, particularly at weekends, is already critical."
Yes, they're rammed with cars.
"“Organised races, time trials and ‘iron man’ competitions result in huge numbers of cyclists travelling silently at speed on narrow country lanes – at great risk to residents and livestock.”"
None of these events see "huge numbers". The big numbers are on occasional non-competitive events. All events are run in accordance with the law with every effort made to keep everyone safe.
I'm not sure what risk a cyclist presents to a horse or cow. I certainly wouldn't want to run into one, but I suspect it wouldn't even notice if I did.
"Dr Ferris added: “Off-road cyclists are being encountered far from the established cycling routes at any hour of the day or night."
This seems to be an entirely different argument, I doubt there's much danger of conflict with road users if people are riding off-road.
"“This represents a major intrusion into the muchvaunted tranquillity of the Forest. Groups of cyclists at night with bright lights, shouting loudly to each other, is a level of disturbance that neither commoners’ livestock nor wildlife can be expected to tolerate."
Bright lights at night? Whatever next! Best tell all the motorists, too. I'd imagine that the commoners' livestock would react to off-road cyclists at night in much the same way as it does to cars on the road at night, ie not at all.
"“The Forestry Commission should instruct its keepers to enforce the by-laws and take action against persistent offenders.”"
I'm not sure which offenders are being referred to here. Maybe cyclists are persistently riding at over 40mph like many cars do? Personally I can't pedal hard enough, but I may be in a minority.
"A Forestry Commission spokesman said the organisation supported cycling, which it regarded as a healthy and sustainable form of transport."
Yay for the Forestry Commission! Maybe it could open up a few more off-road cycle routes in the Forest, perhaps even ones that actually join up in a meaningful fashion.
"However, he said the commission was working with other members of the New Forest Cycle Working Group to produce a code of conduct for cyclists."
Who's on the New Forest Cycle Working Group, then?
"Last month the issue was raised at a meeting of the New Forest National Park Authority."
Wow, those meetings must just fly by.
"Members complained that tourists were cycling along busy roads, with children as young as seven or eight struggling to keep up with their parents."
These would be the tourists that visit the New Forest because it's all rather lovely and bring lots of money with them and support local businesses, would it? Yes, let's put them off, brilliant idea.
And heaven forbid that children should be out exercising in the fresh air. If the road is "busy" then that's because of all the cars on it, all of which should exercise due care and attention.
"But cyclists hit back, saying they made the roads safer for people and animals by encouraging drivers to slow down."
Best not do that, they'll get all cross. There might be violence. Graham Ferris said so.
Honestly, the whole thing's a nonsense. As far as I can tell the CDA is just a bunch of reactionary NIMBY types who can't bear to see anyone else enjoying themselves in "their" Forest. Who will they have a go at next?”
What an utterly brilliant posting, this person shot down every bit of that
... The ROAD TAX idiots are everywhere
