Cyclists - a love and hate relationship

I guess how you feel about them is partly dependent on if you've ever cycled yourself.  I've done a bit when I was younger but not spun the pedals round for a good while now.

I really enjoyed cycling, notwithstanding some of the less pleasant things. I have had a half-finished Macdonalds thrown over me (including Coke) by two yobs in a Fiesta, just for devilment. That really got me annoyed - I much prefer Burgerking. I've been cut up, almost knocked off, almost blown over by HGVs too close, shouted at, sworn at, spat at, physically threatened - but hey, any regular cyclist will have experienced much of this, maybe worse.

But love cyclists or hate them most people will have an opinion. I'd like to explore briefly some of the things that irritate motorists and others, with my comments alongside.

Riding two abreast - incredibly irritating to drivers but actually this is perfectly legal in almost all cases and in fact makes good sense. Motorists are less likely to squeeze past when there is also oncoming traffic. A group of cyclists riding in twin formation is twice as likely to be spotted and only takes half the time to overtake. Think about it.

Cyclist not giving way at roundabouts - unacceptable and asking for trouble.

Not giving hand signals - as above.

Ignoring traffic lights - as above.

Riding on pavements - as above. Just because cyclists can feel intimidated by
HGVs doesn't mean they should inflict the same treatment on pedestrians. A very stupid and illegal thing to do.

Don't pay road tax - neither do you. Ring-fenced (or hypothecated) taxation for roads disappeared in 1936! You pay a duty to the Government based on how much your vehicle pollutes if your vehicle is post -1 March 2001. If it's older than that it's based on your engine size and if you are still running a vehicle made before 1 January 1973 you pay nothing at all. Cyles do not pollute, and most adult cyclists also own cars and pay VED just like you. Oh - and lots of other people on the roads pay nothing - do you want to moan about them too? Vehicles used by the disabled, disabled passenger vehicles, mobility scooters, electric vehicles, mowing machines, steam vehicles, vehicles used for agriculture, horticulture and forestry! Lots of the costs for basic road maintenance (e.g. pothole repairs) is met out of Council Tax. Most cyclists live in houses and pay that tax too - just like you.

Don't have insurance - lots of serious cyclists do actually have insurance policies for public liability cover, personal injury and legal costs. Also if they are at fault and not insured, your insurance company can sue them if required. I'd like to see all cyclists take out a basic insurance - it doesn't cost much.

No helmet - not illegal but amazingly stupid. Have you ever actually seen how thin a human skull is on a medical programme? Helmets should be made compulsory and for the cyclists that disagree, let me ask you "would you send your children to ride on the roads without one?"  If you said of course not, then you've proved my point - you see the value of a helmet.  If you'd send them out without one then you are a bloody idiot who doesn't deserve the blessing of children. Set a proper example!

No lights at night - take their bikes off them until some are fitted. Those flashing lights you get these days can be helpful even in daylight.

Dark clothing - not a good idea in the day. Stupid at night. Lots of fashionable hi-viz clothing available without having to look like the Morrisons car park attendant.

No lights AND dark clothing at night - you got a death wish or what! If you want to kill yourself that much then find a way that doesn't ruin the life of the poor motorist that hits you.

So some things to think about for cyclists and motorists there.  

But seriously it's a great leisure activity despite the problems you can get with motorists and we have some wonderful cycling opportunities around here, both on and off-road. So if you have a chance to get on a bike - take it. If you get really keen join a cycling club - they all welcome newcomers and can give you some great advice.

 But stay safe!


Stan

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OUTSIDE IN

Did I have a surprise today when the postman knocked the door. A package that felt very much like a book but not from one of my usual book suppliers and I hadn't ordered any in the last fortnight. Opened it up and there was a surprise. Just what I'd always wanted (!) - a copy of Peter Hain's autobiographical book "Outside In", about his remarkable life saving South Africa from the evils of apartheid, then how against all odds he rose almost to the top of the New Labour Government, only to fall at the last hurdle.

I have so many great works of literature that I want to read but I'll definitely fit this into my list.

I had another surprise when I opened the front cover and just inside there was a handwritten note addressed to me. It said:

"Hi Stan - I have heard you have been written to by several political giants from various countries since you have been writing for the Neath Ferret. I have taken the liberty of enclosing this book, written, in my opinion, by a real Labour Party heavyweight - an icon in his own lifetime.

The book is aimed at deep thinking intellectuals such as yourself though I hope that Mrs Stan can enjoy it too if you help her through it by explaining the difficult bits.

Let me know what you think of it.

Kind regards

Peter"

I couldn't believe it. How did he know I wanted (?) to read this book? Had Mrs Stan secretly told him? And what generosity - to send me a hardback copy, plus a personal letter as well. I was ecstatic. Without further ado I looked up the telephone number I needed to personally thank Peter and I rang it.

As expected, my Uncle Pete was in but out - a bit like the title of the book but in reverse.  My Auntie Jan told me he was home but he was in the shed seeing to his pigeons. I should have known.  He loves those birds more than my Auntie Jan, and keeps them warm in the winter with the heat from an oil fired Aga. He actually warms the pigeon seed on it and reckons that the pigeons appreciate it more than if the seed is just dished up cold. What a load of b******s. At least he wasn't down the pub but it was still quite early. I left a message for Jan to thank him for me. (Don't tell me you seriously thought it was Mr Hain who sent me one of his books?)

I now have to find time to read this book and it will take a while as it's not short . After all, it's quite a tale to tell.  Like my blood pressure tablets it's in my interest not to exceed the prescribed amount and Mrs Stan has told me, under no circumstances am I to read more than a chapter per night - otherwise I'll be back to the doctor for stronger tablets.

I will get there, and I promise you my thoughts on the book in the fullness of time. Health permitting!

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