John the Monkey
Frivolous Cyclist
- Location
- Crewe
So, I'd picked up my new Brompton, and was riding it back from the station.
On the way, I'd discovered that the left hand gear shifter incorporates a bell, so rather than my usual "Excuse me", I decided to do the considerate cyclist thing and ring the bell.
Riding up a shared path near the university halls of residence, students are, (as they usually do) walking towards town using the full width of the shared path (no problem, I'm the only cyclist around at that time). I ring my bell, they move over to the pedestrian side, and I smile and raise my hand in thanks.
At which point, one of them tells her friend loudly how much she "Hates f***ing cyclists."
Which was odd - I thought the whole encounter quite positive, myself, with all parties doing the right thing. Ho hum. Maybe she'll change her point of view once she starts driving a car, eh?
On the way, I'd discovered that the left hand gear shifter incorporates a bell, so rather than my usual "Excuse me", I decided to do the considerate cyclist thing and ring the bell.
Riding up a shared path near the university halls of residence, students are, (as they usually do) walking towards town using the full width of the shared path (no problem, I'm the only cyclist around at that time). I ring my bell, they move over to the pedestrian side, and I smile and raise my hand in thanks.
At which point, one of them tells her friend loudly how much she "Hates f***ing cyclists."
Which was odd - I thought the whole encounter quite positive, myself, with all parties doing the right thing. Ho hum. Maybe she'll change her point of view once she starts driving a car, eh?