I have come to the unerring conclusion that we are a nation of selfish control freaks with chips on our shoulders. IMO large section of people think their way is the only way and everyone else should be doing what they are doing, thinking what they are thinking, wearing what they are wearing etc. It wouldn't occur to the average motorist that cycling is an enjoyable, great, efficient and fast way of getting about. And yes I am a motorist and, unfortunately, have to drive most days.
Your average motorist drives like they can't wait to get out of their vehicle. Any obstacle in their way is something to get past as quickly as possible in the haste to get to the next set of lights. This includes getting past cyclists. It probably doesn't occur to them that for each cyclist there is one less car in front of them at the lights, which = less queueing = cyclists ARE the motorists' friend.
The fact is there is very little road space. The roads are full to bursting. The pace of life is frenetic and lets face it, driving isn't fun. It certainly isn't cheap. It isn't fun sitting in queues to and from work during the week. Nor in the shopping areas at weekend. That dream of getting your licence and being free with the open road in front of you is a hollow promise and a cruel hoax. If you want that, get a bike!
It would seem a large section of motorists hate having to share the road with anyone let alone the comparatively slow cyclist.
It is amazing how getting behind the wheel turns normally reasonable people into obnoxious grumps and all too often, dangerous, obnoxious grumps.
Drivers in this country are pretty poorly educated with regards to driving and believe that the car is king. That perception has to be changed. Speeding for instance. The howls and cries when another speed camera goes up always amazes me. Speeding is not a right, it is actually against the law!! Don't speed and you won't get fined. And if you get fined then you can have no quarrel! Stop being a victim and take personal responsibility!
I don't like to inconvenience anybody and don't like holding people up, but I do have the right to ride my bike on the road in peace and without harassment. It is perfectly legal so I don't appreciate being tooted and won't be bullied. Just as I won't be harried into doing the seemingly obligatory 40mph on 30mph roads when driving. I don't rush and won't be rushed – especially not by the type of person who makes the roads unpleasant for everybody else. Life becomes a hamster wheel with that mindset.
I really think the perception of having a license has to change. It has to seen as a privilege rather than a right. Anti-social driving should be cracked down on in a massive way. For me the car is only good for getting the shopping home once a week.
There's room for all.
