Cyclists and drivers should show respect
I do not wish to reopen the debate between motorists and cyclists but I would like to appeal to motorists to be aware of and take more care around cyclists like myself who try to obey the law at all times and just want to be able to travel on their bikes safely.
I stop at red lights, I use lights on my bike when it's dark, I wear bright or reflective clothing according to the conditions at the time. I wear a cycle helmet. In other words I do what it suggests I do in the Highway Code and yet it appears it's still not enough.
Yesterday I was knocked off my bike at a roundabout by a motorist who came from behind me and immediately turned left in front of me into the first exit road. I do not wish to discuss the rights and wrongs of the incident. All I know is that today when I cycled to work I felt very nervous and vulnerable. Motorists are protected by a metal shell that is packed with safety features designed to protect them in the event of a collision. Cyclists have nothing. I was lucky, I only have a few bumps and bruises and less confidence than before, others are not so fortunate.
Please motorists give cyclists more room and thought. Even if you are held up for a few seconds waiting for a cyclist to clear your exit road you can soon make it up in your powerful vehicle. Cyclists take up less room on the road than cars, if all the cyclists got back in their cars your journey time would be lengthened and the jams would be far worse than they are now. All we need to do is treat each other with a bit of respect and respect each others right to be on the road.
Sue Jones, by email.
6 Comments
by Rob, Bristol
Saturday, July 18 2009, 1:17PM
“I have cyclists holding onto the coach going up Whiteladies road, i see every day, cyclists running red lights and these are both young AND old people. Cyclists with no lights or high vis clothing, i indeed have a dent on my car caused by a cyclist that could not be arsed to stop for a red light at a cross roads. All i got when i asked him how he was going to pay for it, i got told in no uncertain terms to go away and be a merchant banker. Called the police who said without a name, they cannot do anything so i agree, bikes should be at the very least taxed and insured if they wish to use the road as i now have to fork out £150 to repair the dent caused by some inconsiderate cyclist. Cheers you pratt.”
by Tony, Bristol
Monday, July 13 2009, 9:48AM
“I see young kids zooming past my house on the pavement
I see grown men on the main avon ring road rather than using the cycle track
I see them riding in pairs on main roads
I see them at night with no lights
I see grown men jumping onto pavements to get around red lights
How can there be a compromise
The debate can never end”
by dale, southmead
Sunday, July 05 2009, 9:36PM
“i cycle 12 miles day to work and back and i drive about the same the rest of the weeks.I have not had a collision with either yet. The only way to avoid these accidents and accidents do happen just remember if you wasn't there it wouldn't of happened regardless of who you think is to blame. Stay at home.”
by Lawrence, Marshfield
Tuesday, June 30 2009, 3:09PM
“I think this type of argument will go on forever, until such time as cycles are registered & taxed, & of course INSURED. No end of cars are damaged, with the car driver having to pay up. NOT Fair”
by Robin, Hanham
Thursday, June 25 2009, 10:18AM
“The standard of driving is rather shocking these days, motorists just seem unable to do the simplest things, such as not stopping inside the cycle box at junctions, that includes some motorcyclists. I have been cycling to work for the last five years but the previous ten I drove on average 40k a year so count myself as both an experienced cyclist and motorist.
Of course there are many bad cyclists out there, I wish the police would do more about them!”
by Abby, Bristol
Monday, June 22 2009, 11:03AM
“I would like to add to your plea. Whilst cycling through the centre last summer, I had a run-in with a bus driver about having the right to use a bus lane in the centre. He decided to make his point by using his single-decker to try to push me out of the bus lane twice! I haven´t cycled on the road since - I´m too scared! I have always followed the rules and tried to have respect for other road users. Motor vehicle drivers, PLEASE read the rules and have more care with cyclists!”