Interesting how thread is going the usual way. Wish i hadnt started it.
The first post was meant to be a statement of a journey of awareness over my prejudice with bikers. How id realised drivers vitriolic and prejudiced views on cyclists matched my views on bikers. I was stating how ive learnt not to use irresponsible bikers as an excuse to ignore my responsibility to think about other road users as much as me. What this thread has become is a set of opposing opinions where people are blaming others road users for the perceived sins of minorities in the opposing side. Time to change the debate perhaps?
A few pointers from a cyclist's view. London has boxes at lights for cyclists to wait in so they can be seen and can get a head start when lights change. Cars bikers trucks and buses arent allowed in them for this reason. That is not being enforced so doesnt happen. Cyclists have had to find a survival strategy. That is in certain situations to jump red lights. Dont condone it, never done it, but if the choice is going under a large truck turning left ill do it.
If motor vehicles kept out of those red cycle lanes and advanced boxes at lights then perhaps fewer light jumpers and fewer cyclist deaths.
Also cyclists are encouraged by cyclist bodies even police to own their space on the road. Riding in the middle of the road might slow cars but might stop adangerous overtaking move without space for it.
Cycle lanes on roads are not cycle lanes because vehicles use them even if red cycle lanes. Should be gaining the drivers a fine but no enfor ement so no real cycle lane. How is a red surface colour and a white line going to stop a car hitting a cyclist?
I do an 8 mile commute (used to anyway) at average speed of 24mph. Actual range is stationary to high 30s. I accelerate initially faster than a car but take longer to reach 30mph obviously. If you see a gap for overtaking please bear in mind i am still on a road vehicle in motion even if it is a bicycle. If you cant make the overtake imagining me to occupy the road space of a car at the same speed then you wont be sure to make the manouevre without affecting my motion. Ill be forced to slow or worse get hit/swerve toavoid getting hit.
I have often been faster than the traffic. Even on open road! My top speed has been 58mph. I can, on certain roads consistently get into the 50s mph! Im no ultra fast racing cyclist neither. Cyclists can be fast, unpredictable, safe, dangerous, stupid,safe,etc. Just like motorists. What sets us apart is flesh. Flesh that can contact your 1500kg hunk of metal with only fabric for protection. Something for cyclists and motorists to remember. No matter who's fault it was, a cyclist or indeed biker is easily killed. Would you want to be the driver involved in the death of another person whether it was your fault or not? Seriously, could you live with that? Think bike! Think cyclist! Think car, truck, bus, taxi, heck just think!
You got any relatives who bike or cycle? Want to go to their funeral?