BentMikey said:
Cager automatically applies to all drivers of metal boxes. Lycra lout, however, is derogatory and doesn't apply to all cyclists, or to all wearers of lycra.
I was self-debating whether to come back in here.
I just want to say that I'm sometimes a cyclist, I'm sometimes a motorist and I'm sometimes a pedestrian. Probably just like most on this forum. As far as this forum, and anyone else is concerned I'd like to think that the most appropriate one word description of me is a cyclist.
Now why is there such antipathy towards motorists as a general group that some here think they must invent derogatory terms for members of other groups? To be frank, I don't see that much bad driving, yes there are one or two occasions, I had one today, but they're in the minority and quite heavily so. Maybe it's different in the smoke or central Manchester or some other big city, I don't really know but maybe bad motoring behaviour is more prevalent there.
Whatever the case, why does it seem to go so much against the grain to remain mostly civil and courteous, and to only descend to insults where a specific case or example is so deserving of it?
So, in a nutshell, why "cagers", or "motons" as general terms? That's no different from calling all cyclists "lycra louts", the description simply does not fit the majority. It's just primary school playground name-calling.
Well, in that sense, I'm past caring too. I started the thread with a simple question or request. If some bigots wish to remain bigoted then so be it, just be aware that, for no reason except your own prejudice you do not promote cyclists, and therefore cycling in a positive light to those other groups we'd like to engage.