Funny comments aside life on the bike is fraught with danger when motorists are asleep at the wheel
Operating a vehicle is a fulltime effort not a platform to use as you carry out other tasks such as texting or reading !
Too often those in authority blame the cyclist for sharing the road because of their OWN prejudgices and behaviour towards cyclists . How can the same authority send a cyclist to jail for damaging a car but free a person for maiming or even killing a cyclist ? Regulations should be Clear and consistent.
Cycling is being encouraged by Governments of all levels and countries as they are coming to realise the importance of exercise in the health of their community . Many politicians now make a point of being seen on a bike as a "Vote Grabber" but also to reinforce their desire to see their citizens adopt a healthier lifestyle .
Media sensationalise traffic accidents involving cyclists and particularly death and then go out of their way to publish "Anti Cyclist Nonsense " ! We have heard from Celebrety cooks as well as Motoring Correspondents braying like asses their dislike of cyclists . Result is some of their persuasion then go on to behave badly thinking that because it has been on TV it is acceptable to continue behaving badly on the road.
Helmet Cameras at present are regarded as novelties but rarely admitted as evidence in court because the operator is a civilian and vunerable road user . When they put Police Officers in plain gear with Helmet Cameras will they admit their evidence in court ?
There are so many Internet sites out there ALL trying to help cyclists but UNTIL they come together and adopt a common approach with a following Authorities in ALL Countries are going to ignore them . A few hundred here a few thousand there are voters who can be ignored BUT when they lobby En Masse then perhaps things will get done !
CyclingSilk.blogspot has 135 followers and yet a letter to the British Home Secretary is ignored and his Camera Evidence is being investigated after initially being treated with disdain tells you that "joe Blow the plumber" has little chance on his own ! For those interested to see more of my thoughts on Cycle safety : http://skippi-cyclist.blogspot.com/2010/12/cyclist-safety.html
Fatty has a huge following throughout the world and there are others like him who could rally their following to make a difference BUT is it their issue ?
Each of us has a busy lifestyle and too much to cope with let alone add additional objectives but unless SOMEONE picks up the Banner there will be people commenting to those blogs about their negative experiences and that will be all that is done !
New Zealand Earthquake has shown that Mother Nature
has caused a few cyclists grief amongst the carnage wrought during the latest episode , this sort of injury and death is misadventure BUT a truck skittling a cyclist because the driver was busy with shuffling papers or texting is Manslaughter if not Murder !
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