Website to challenge attitudes towards cyclists

[Shut Up Legs]

If mentioning the highway code, it maybe useful to link (or quote) the exact rule number, so motorists can look it up for themselves, as they will tend to discount anything NOT from the official source.

Yes, provide a link to the Highway Code, because if looking up the rule involves the slightest bit of effort, many just won't bother .

 

[Crankarm]

Stupid idea. There is already enough anger on the roads without encouraging knuckle dragging motons.

 

[downfader]

Actually I think this is a good idea. In the same mould as ipayroadtax.com this could draw the antis in with a little bit of bias that is then challenged. What sites like ipayroadtax do well is to effectively take the astroturfing of those against cycling, and instead of using their tactic of misinformation (or damned lies) use official information and data that can be proven, backed up.

This is the mould you have to take imo. Make sure the info is short, concise, accurate. Then we can promote the hell out of it via social media for you...

MODS!! Is there a way of hiding this thread from non-members? So that only those logged in can see? It might make ideas a little more free, and protect Andrews interests for the moment until its properly set up?

Just an idea.

 

[Slaav]

This is possibly mis-guided, but I've started a VERY simple website at http://wehatecyclists.com/

The idea is that I'll print some stickers and if folk were to stick them wherever they thought appropriate the alarmist URL might entice some motorists to visit the site. There are purposefully no contact details on the site and there's no record of me owning the domain name, so the only trace back to me personally is this post!

I know this is possibly all a bit futile, but if just one motorists changes one attitude it could lead to a life being saved, and all it cost me was the domain name.

I've had a look in 'myths and rebuttals' in the commuting section, but I want the posts on this site to be very brief, preferably with a link to a government site to back up the meat of the post.

Can you think of other good myths I should cover?

Is it mentioning that an awful lot of cyclists also own a car which, by definition, may be parked up at home and possibly even off road? Many of us cyclists are therefore 'paying for the roads' and not congesting them or wearing them out? Etc etc.

 

[ufkacbln]

Getting a little sick of tiny company vehicles with 'cyclists stay back' - like Corsa sized vans. We need, 'Get a proper vehicle' sticker.

Had one the other day with a sticker saying "This vehicle may turn left"

They forgot the second line..... "Without bothering to signal or look" as he overtook a cyclist sand turned left across his path

 

[Andrew_Culture]

On reflection I really don't like the idea of stickers everywhere saying "We hate cyclists". I feel it would easily activate a feelings of validation in the minds of people who are prey to this sort of mindless knee-jerk meme - and they wouldn't necessarily visit the site, they'd just think "yeah, good, there's someone speaking up about hating cyclists". We all know how easy it is for members of a challenged majority to start thinking they are victims. They'll think someone is empathising with them, as they feel they can't say they hate cyclists without getting a lot of stick.

However good the site may be - I think it could be counter-productive.

Ooooh, you've raised a very good point. I'm not so sure about this whole endeavour now!

 

[Ganymede]

Ooooh, you've raised a very good point. I'm not so sure about this whole endeavour now!

Also, although I feel your frustration at wanting to something, there is plenty of info out there on the points you want to raise. Maybe have the website but not the stickers? But perhaps call it "Why people hate cyclists". Otherwise I just feel the risk is this

Scene: A street with stickers on posts.

Enter a knuckle-dragging petrol-head.

KDPH sees sticker "wehatecyclists.co.uk"

KDPH (thinks): "..............[time for thinking muscles to be found and engaged]......... "YEAH......!!!"

Exit KDPH to go and buy a pint.

FINIS

N'est-ce pas?

 

[jefmcg]

MODS!! Is there a way of hiding this thread from non-members? So that only those logged in can see? It might make ideas a little more free, and protect Andrews interests for the moment until its properly set up?

Well, quite.

There are purposefully no contact details on the site and there's no record of me owning the domain name, so the only trace back to me personally is this post!

When I read andrew's post, I thought "that's a challenge". Momentarily forgetting the whois command, I decided to do a naive google search ...

oops!

 

[Andrew_Culture]

Well, quite.


When I read andrew's post, I thought "that's a challenge. Momentarily forgetting the whois command, I decided to do a naive google search ...
View attachment 52420
oops!

Wow that indexed fast!

This has also been picked up by social media, which I really didn't see coming. I think nuts to the stickers and if anyone wants to contribute anything to the site then that's fine, otherwise I'll let this fade into obscurity.

 

[Cuchilo]

I've found a place that will print them A4 on sticky back plastic. The unit costs are minimal but it costs £24 to get the job done, so £24 for one, about £12.20 for two and so on. I think it might be possible to do plain ones and simply use an indelible marker pen to write whatever anyone wants underneath
View attachment 52402 -> View attachment 52403

What do you reckon?. Do you think others might be interested in ordering some?

I love this idea . It seems everything bigger than a car ( apart from my van ) has a cyclist stay back sticker . It would be great if every car had a spoof one . I'd like one that said " Lorry drivers , use your farking mirrors "

 

[Das]

With regards to Cycle lanes "Use of cycle lanes is not compulsory" as covered in Rule 63 of the Highway code.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

I love this idea . It seems everything bigger than a car ( apart from my van ) has a cyclist stay back sticker . It would be great if every car had a spoof one . I'd like one that said " Lorry drivers , use your ****ing mirrors "

But that has the potential to cause unnecessary aggression. I'm more interested in subverting that sticking plaster/poster approach to road responsibility. And reminding cyclists that some drivers are cyclists too - and not at all anti cyclist.

 

[Richard A Thackeray]

Should electric cars, & other low-emissions vehicles be incorporated into the 'taxation' question?????

 

[Shaun]

MODS!! Is there a way of hiding this thread from non-members? So that only those logged in can see? It might make ideas a little more free, and protect Andrews interests for the moment until its properly set up?

The only forum that is completely members only (not visible to guests) is Society, Culture and Politics. If @Andrew_Culture wants it moving there, just report your OP Andrew and ask for the thread to be moved.

However, it might be easier to simply change the thread title to something like "Website to challenge attitudes towards cyclists" (or whatever Andrew prefers) and remove the link in the opening post. It should be re-indexed by Google fairly quickly.

Cheers,
Shaun

 

[Andrew_Culture]

The only forum that is completely members only (not visible to guests) is Society, Culture and Politics. If @Andrew_Culture wants it moving there, just report your OP Andrew and ask for the thread to be moved.

However, it might be easier to simply change the thread title to something like "Website to challenge attitudes towards cyclists" (or whatever Andrew prefers) and remove the link in the opening post. It should be re-indexed by Google fairly quickly.

Cheers,
Shaun

Done! Please can you change the thread title for me