Our two-wheeled debate sparks massive response
Our article in the Observer (November 1, 2011), in which councillors suggested police should treat cyclists who use the road irresponsibly in the same way as they deal with inconsiderate motorist, prompted more than 500 comments on our social media pages. Here’s a flavour:
Bill Bruce: `Totally agree. Some cyclists have unbelievable arrogance and intolerance to car drivers and pedestrians alike. It is as if they think they’ve got more rights than others on the roads, putting themselves and others at risk of injury. Those who are`club members’wearing their Lycra superhero gear, are the worst and prefer to maintain their high speed (even on country roads) and some don’t think twice about relieving themselves out in the open either, without any consideration for farm folks or casual walkers passing in the same area.’
Rachel Muirhead: `I have always been of the belief that people need to take a level of responsibility for their own safety on the road. I see so many cyclists without lights, wearing black clothing, driving on dark roads with no street lights, wearing no helmets. And this is in heavy rain or foggy conditions where visbility is poor. As a cyclist you are responsible to ensure you do everything you can to be seen and as a driver you are responsible for looking out for cyclists and giving them space as you pass.’
Duncan McGougan: `As a cyclist who’ll be clocking 10,000 miles this year then yes, bad practice on the roads by cyclists should be penalised. I own a car but choose to commute by bike to better the environment but I still pay vehicle tax on my car regardless as the cost of that is largely based on its emissions, something my bike is free from. I, and many like me, don’t wear earphones or use my phone when cycling. I don’t jump on pavements, nor do I jump red lights. That is all bad practice and hence it should be penalised. There is good and bad on both sides. The minority always tarnish the majority.’
Kathy Pidgeon: `Can anyone tell me if there is any law that requires cyclists to use a bell or some other means of alerting pedestrians to their presence. There are many considerate cyclists who call out or use a bell when I am out walking my dog on the old Glen Road between Bridge of Allan and Dunblane but there are many who don’t. I have a well trained dog who will go to the side and stop when she sees a bike but I have lost count of the number of times we have nearly been hit by bikes approaching us from behind,at speed,without warning.’
John Harvey: `I get annoyed at the ones who cycle on the road when there is a cycle lane next to it and at the ones who cycle on the pavement when it is not part of a designated cycle lane. My front door opens right onto the pavement and I have lost count of the number of times I have been almost run down by cyclists speeding on the pavement.’
Matthew Evans: `Posts like (these) just serve to deepen the divide between cyclists and drivers.You only have to read the tone of the replies to see the problem. I’m use both two and four wheels to get about and so do most of my mates. I stick to the rules and am considerate. I’m sure police time is better spent on more serious matters.’
Pamela Miller: `The road between Alva and Stirling is a nightmare with cyclists. But what is more frustrating is the fact that there is a cycle path there for them to use but they choose not to. The road is very bendy so can be very difficult to overtake. All I would ask is that if there is a cycle path available, which councils have spent money creating, cyclists should use it instead of thinking they own the road.’