Deter our bad drivers in Bristol

If Bristol is really to tackle its traffic issues and become a better place to live, we will have to deal with the snarling, aggressive and unpleasant minority of drivers who foul our streets. These are invariably (but not always) young males.

For example – last Thursday evening at 7.26pm some pedestrians were crossing at green opposite Brown's in Clifton. A waiting black hatchback driver started hooting when the lights turned to flashing green pedestrian. You could almost hear him thinking, "Hurry up, hurry up! You're in my way!". But pedestrians have right of way to finish crossing in such circumstances. I used the green to ride off down Park Street, keeping pace with a vehicle in front. But our Boy Racer had horn-itis; even though he couldn't possibly overtake, he hooted at me. For what gain? That car I was keeping pace with was a police car in case you hadn't noticed. Bottom of Park Street he overtook passing very closely, slowed his car and wiggled from side to side, then slammed on his brakes for no reason, causing me to brake.

Responsible motoring? No, just some idiot who should observe the Highway Code.

Yes you can find irresponsible cyclists, and they should face sanction, but cars have a potential lethality which bicycles do not. If we report more errant motoring, maybe this would deter the behaviour. Better still, why not have some plainclothes police out on bicycles observing driver behaviour – just the knowledge that a cyclist could be a police officer would, I am sure, influence some of these drivers for the good, and cyclists too.

A Bristol cyclist, Knowle.