Why did that annoy me?

[PBancroft]

On top of our pergola trimming back the wisteria and climbing roses, and the neighbour sees me. "Hullo!" I say.

"That looks dangerous" his wife says.

"Not as dangerous as cycling to work" neighbour says.

"Nah, that's just fun," I note

"You should hear what drivers say about you."

I didn't answer that. Wasn't really worth it - but why did it annoy me? I know that by "drivers" he meant him, and possibly his work mates, and it'll be the usual lumping all cyclists in the same red light jumping, tax-avoiding, traffic slowing, baby eating category, rather than anything I've done.

But still...

 

[Dayvo]

I know what you mean, but don´t let it bother you!

If they (motorists in general) don´t or can´t see the benefits and advantages of cycling as a hobby/means of transport, then there is NO point trying to get them to understand! Dull fukkers!

 

[ComedyPilot]

I know what you mean, but don´t let it bother you!

If they (motorists in general) don´t or can´t see the benefits and advantages of cycling as a hobby/means of transport, then there is NO point trying to get them to understand! Dull fukkers!

+1

 

[ComedyPilot]

They say, "not as dangerous as cycling to work"

They don't think for a second that it's them, and others like them, in charge of 1+ tons of metal travelling at high speed that makes it dangerous.

Apart from the stupid pillock knocking down an old man after cycling on a path, just how much danger does a cyclist create?

 

[akaAndrew]

I think I might have been tempted to smile and say something along the lines of 'there are two sides to every story'. Not aggressive nor inviting a response but hopefully common sense enough to provoke some reflection.

 

[PBancroft]

Apart from the stupid pillock knocking down an old man after cycling on a path, just how much danger does a cyclist create?

Apparently four people were killed in accidents involving a cyclist and a pedestrian in 2007, according to the office of National Statistics.

 

[PBancroft]

I think I might have been tempted to smile and say something along the lines of 'there are two sides to every story'. Not aggressive nor inviting a response but hopefully common sense enough to provoke some reflection.

That's kind of why I let the conversation die, to make him wonder why I walked away.

Or rather, climbed away, as you'll recall I was on top of a pergola at the time.

 

[ComedyPilot]

Apparently four people were killed in accidents involving a cyclist and a pedestrian in 2007, according to the office of National Statistics.

And how many killed in collisions involving cars/trucks/buses etc?

 

[PBancroft]

And of those four, only one death was subsequently ascribed to the fault of the cyclist.

Correct, I believe. But the National Statistics report doesn't record blame, only outcome.

And how many killed in collisions involving cars/trucks/buses etc?

Approximately 97% of all casualties (not deaths) involve vehicles. The remainder, I suspect, are MTB or similar related accidents where the rider or terrain is at fault.

 

[MartinC]

The standard reply is "Cycling isn't dangerous, f**kwits in cars are though."

 

[purplepolly]

or "which drivers are saying what specifically about my cycling"

 

[Corvette chic]

On top of our pergola trimming back the wisteria and climbing roses, and the neighbour sees me. "Hullo!" I say.

"That looks dangerous" his wife says.

"Not as dangerous as cycling to work" neighbour says.

"Nah, that's just fun," I note

"You should hear what drivers say about you."

I didn't answer that. Wasn't really worth it - but why did it annoy me? I know that by "drivers" he meant him, and possibly his work mates, and it'll be the usual lumping all cyclists in the same red light jumping, tax-avoiding, traffic slowing, baby eating category, rather than anything I've done.

But still...

Sounds as if he wanted a go - he made the comment "not as driving to work" W*nk*r

 

[PBancroft]

Sounds as if he wanted a go - he made the comment "not as driving to work" W*nk*r

I think, in retrospect, it may have just been an ill-judged joke. He's normally pretty friendly and I can't say I've noticed him on the roads, but he's certainly not someone I've noticed as a nuisance.

 

[Corvette chic]

Fair enough -

I'm naturally suspicious of comments like that but that's why I'm half evil

 

[NormanD]

I would have just replied with .. "Oh I bet they jealouse because they can't live life with out their cars"

Someone else willl be the topic of conversation between them tomorrow

Norm