WHITE VAN Man

OVER the past few years, countless thousands of pounds have been spent on cycle tracks throughout the west of Scotland, eventually linking all the way up to Inverness.

I am a bike owner but never cycle in Oban as the last time I tried to, I found it a very unpleasant experience.

There’s nothing nicer than to load our bikes into the van and head up to the cycle path at Benderloch.

However, last week, while on the road to Appin, I witnessed a group of cyclists, including minors, who were determined not to use the cycle path 10 yards to their left. They point- blank refused to move to the side of the road, protecting themselves and allowing traffic to pass safely. Many of the drivers did not know the road and were unsure about overtaking.

So what is the point of these cycle paths when you come across this kind of selfishness by cyclists?

Is it time to change the law so that cyclists on a road next to a bike path can be fined?

Or is it time that cyclists should also have to pay road tax and be insured? That would perhaps deter cyclists from using our roads and stick to bike paths

If you are cycling on a road, be aware of vehicles stuck behind you and don’t cause frustration for drivers, many of whom are working. This is what can cause accidents.

And drivers need to remember to think once, think twice, think bike.

Let’s all get to our destinations safely. It makes sense.