Increase in cycling highlights need for awareness skills, insurance and licensing

One thing confirmed from the increase in cycling during the current crisis is how little knowledge and road-user awareness many cyclists actually appear to have.

Interestingly, having observed the behaviour of a frighteningly large minority of cyclists on the road/pavements from a motorist and pedestrian point of view, it’s been depressing to have that compounded by recent frequent experiences as a return cyclist. They’re contributing

to giving the majority of considerate cyclists a bad name.

As a pedestrian, on numerous occasions being shouted at/threatened by adults: “I’m allowed to cycle on the pavement!” and “I don’t need lights at night!”, friends and I have just hung our heads in disdain.

Many bicycle riders show they have no idea that if they signal their intentions as they should, they are much safer and will have a better riding experience. However, it’s become much more serious, with pedestrians narrowly having to avoid the “Red Light Runners” whilst crossing at traffic lights. It seems the aggressive just continue to be pandered to.

Observing objectively over the past few months as a fairly regular cyclist once more, perhaps upsetting those with idealistic preconceptions here, the main offenders seem to be those who appear to be regular bike users.

The usually more mature “born again” seem to do strange actions, such as stopping at traffic lights and crossings, looking around them, signalling and being courteous to others. Probably this stems from previous training. Or possibly licensed car/ motor cyclist drivers who are aware of the rules?

Implementing these basic car-driving skills as a cyclist and motor-cyclist, I have only experienced great courtesy from motorists, motorcyclists, some other cyclists and most pedestrians.

For motorists and pedestrians it is very difficult to anticipate what cyclists are going to do in the absence of signalling or lack of awareness of those around.

When a motor vehicle causes an accident, mandatory thirdparty insurance ensures fairer outcomes. Non-insured cyclists can cause damage to others with little or no comeback. This needs to be addressed now.

Cyclists quite rightly ask for improved cycle routes where possible. However, politicians seem to cave in when a minority aggressively demand everything their own way, and fearfully, don’t address the points above.

Money generated by a small (annual?) cycle licence fee could well contribute towards improving the cyclists’ lot on the roads. Also, some form of bike ID would enable identification of dangerous cyclists for other road-users.

IAN ANDREW

Adelphi Place, Edinburgh