Comment: Bristol cyclists and drivers need counselling
It is fair to say Bristol's cyclists and motorists have not had the best of relationships.
Some would describe it as stormy, and some members of both sides are seemingly unable to see any good in the other any more.
They have grown further and further apart over the years and it seems like they have very little in common any more other than the use of wheels.
They were originally brought together in a union on the city streets but those streets have become a battleground.
Like most squabbling couples, there have been innocent victims. The authorities have stepped in on many occasions to prevent upset, but there have been many distressing incidents. At times the law has been broken, for example when the cyclists have resorted to using the pavements or running red lights.
The cyclists say they are being pushed to breaking point by the motorists and the roads are often too dangerous. Stress levels all round have been through the roof.
It's a relationship in need of some counselling but instead it has got Councillor Jon Rogers.
Mr Rogers wants to close part of the Portway to cars, as part of a plan to give families what he describes as a "fantastic opportunity" to cycle on a main road in safety.
Motorists, in the shape of the Association of British Drivers, are furious. It may take some serious counselling to bring both sides together on this one.
The principle behind Mr Rogers' idea – floated after Bristol's Biggest Bike Ride on Sunday – is great.
The problem may be the location. The Portway is one of Bristol's main roads. A better suggestion may be to close parts of the Downs to traffic on Sundays. The Downs is already a place for leisure and the upset would be less significant.
Mr Rogers has good intentions, but the proposal will need to be well thought out or we could be looking at an irreconcilable separation.
7 Comments
by Rob, Knowle
Wednesday, June 24 2009, 11:37AM
“George, is 'being original' not in the 'Pub Bore' handbook?”
by Admin, Bristol Evening Post
Wednesday, June 24 2009, 9:11AM
“Ooops, sorry George, we retract that last comment..
Looking over old messages you've posted, it seems the distance you have to travel is too far to cycle or walk and of course as we all know, public transport in Bristol is terrible... It is unfortunate that you have to use your car to get to work. Hopefully, there might be adequate cycle lanes or bus routes, I think then we might see a reduction in the use of cars and thus ease of congestion/pollution. There are some people who love their cars more than life itself, and clearly you are not one of them, judging by the way you post - you are not a "petrol-head" or "car-addict".. I trust you have a low emmitance of Co2 car, though?
Our apologies.
BTW, that Stan Fermunder/Rob/David T Wyatt is the biggest bore of them all on here, and in the past 7 days, we've counted 198 posts under 7 pseudonyms.. What a sad case, guess he craves attention - I suggest you ignore him”
by Admin, Bristol Evening Post
Wednesday, June 24 2009, 7:09AM
“"it would also educate people about reliance on their cars"
Perhaps you could extend that 'education' to yourself, and maybe stop using your car for your daily commute to work, and use your bicycle, walk or use the bus, as you so strongly advocate EVERYONE else to do. Yes, George, we read the comments too, and know you have been 'caught out' about your hypocrisy. As we said, do yourself and every other reader a favour, go gracefully, and get yourself a new life, away from this website.”
by George, Bristol
Tuesday, June 23 2009, 10:11PM
“A car-free city centre on two sundays every month would be excellent option, much better than closing the portway which is a main arterial route.
Not only cyclists, but pedestrians could also enjoy a city centre space without cars around and it would also educate people about reliance on their cars.”
by NS, Radstock
Tuesday, June 23 2009, 6:47PM
“I agree with Alice and Jane. I'm both a driver and cyclist so I'm in no position to point an accusatory finger at anyone.
And in no way does the ABD represent my views as a driver - way too extreme for me.
I also agree with the two ladies that it would be rather good to be able to share the roads 365 days a year without all that conflict. We can but dream, sadly.
Wow. 3 comments on a cycling/driving subject and we're all still being nice to each other.
Welcome change.
Maybe there's hope after all.
Won't be holding my breath... ;-)”
by Jane, Bristol
Tuesday, June 23 2009, 6:14PM
“I agree with Alice and, also, who does the Association of British Drivers represent, anyway? Everyone in my office thinks its a great idea - some cycle, some motor, some do both - and none of them had heard of this "association". I wonder how many members it actually has.”
by Alice, Bristol
Tuesday, June 23 2009, 5:04PM
“It would be great to have the Portway and other roads safer to cycle on more than just the once a year for Bristol's Biggest Bike Ride. We are living in a so called "Cycling City" and a small amount of road area is set aside to be safer to cycle on for 1/365th of the year. That's around 0.4 percent. And the rest of the city is still just as dangerous for cyclists on that day.
As for the "stormy relationship" between drivers and cyclists, the Evening Post has been one of the main stirrers in that haven't they?
It's often forgotten that sometimes drivers cycle too and some cyclists also have cars. The two "sides" are not clear cut as the Evening Post would like them to be for the ease of writing their wind up articles.”