Perhaps the issues raised there are more important than most people realise ! Fact is the open road has degenerated into “ Open warfare ” since there are elements of society that think that being in their “ Mobile coffin ” makes them invulnerable to tragedy to them and their families ? Wrapped in a steel environment a small minority think they are isolated from responsibility , or so they think ! Cyclists and Pedestrians will always be the losers when in contact with some “ Careless or Inattentive “ vehicle operator ! That there are Vulnerable Road Users moving around and not paying attention to their circumstances is true also is a certainty ! That the Authorities have enough Legislation in place to deal with collisions between vehicles and Vulnerable Road Users is a given BUT there does not seem to be the “ Political Will ” to deal correctly with obviously outrageous behaviour on the “ Open Roads” . Too often the attitude is “ We can’t undo what has happened “ so a far too lenient penalty is imposed ! “ Road Slaughter ” could be a better description of some of the “ Accidents ” !
As voiced in another blog “ The Times ” has now weighed into the “ Cycling Debate ” due to a member of their staff being Hospitalised whilst riding to work . “ The Thunderer ” has caused “ Parliaments ” to fall and influenced the forming of New Governments during their history , so one hopes that they will succeed with influencing New Legislation to make the roads SAFER for all !
This is my comment to Martin Porter’s Blog which is followed by around 200+ regularly , I wish some of his followers would boost my numbers .
“ Followed link to "Bristol Traffic " and your post is being quoted there already !
Dominating the road is the only safe way to ride considering that you have to dodge potholes , gutters , opening car doors and even rubbish dropped out of vehicle windows !
Some vehicle owners are only safe when they leave the vehicle parked ! That said , it amazes me that in this day when traffic jams are the norm , why any driver expects a clear road because they are running late ?
People need to realise that a Driver's license is a privilege subject to good behaviour and abusing other road users does not qualify for discussion amongst normal people , yet there are some who will regale their group with their latest antics .
Your perseverance in seeking justice is to be commended and I hope your following will adopt the same stance . “The Thundered “ would do well to invite you and like minded to make their views known ! Only when motorists know that their bad behaviour will result in them being sent to “ Kindergarten Driving School ( their vehicle/car carrying a suitable recognisable placard also ) ” as well as financial loss and inconvenience will the message to the few determined bullying drivers be recognised !
No driver will want to wear a “ Learner / Convicted Bully “ placard on their vehicle , imagine the ribbing from colleagues , friends and family ?
Many of your commenters made good points worthy of the “ Funding Authorities ” giving favourable consideration and implementation . Oxford City is just about to spend £1m to move the % of local journeys that can be made by cyclists from 15% closer to 25% ,and that current level is less than Cambridge’s current 21% ! At the same time the Police decide to “ blitz ” cyclists for riding in an area that busses are free to travel and does this send an encouraging message ? So much easier and better for statistics to detain a slow moving cyclist than stop a vehicle with a driver with phone held to ear ? Like other cities Oxford has Cycle Cops and they could have been used to detain and instruct rather than plodders issuing £30 penalties !
Interesting email on “ Bristol Traffic ”blog , typical of the selfish driver , who looks at the momentary inconvenience ! Generally this frustration is down to the driver not planning to arrive on time !
"were you the idiot driver of the grey van who on Wed Feb 1 was swearing at me down at Muller Road because all the way down Romney Ave he hadn't been able to pass me, because I didn't get out of the way of traffic?"
"If you were, can I point out that I was doing 30 mph, so you had no justification to pass me, and as I was following a car doing the same speed about three bike lengths in front, you had nowhere to go anyway."
"I hope you enjoyed the long traffic jam on Muller Road with no bicycle in your way to get upset about"
Leaving late and expecting to catch up along the way never EVER works , leaving early and arriving early gives a person time to relax , read a book or enjoy some other activity !
My blogs highlight plenty of bad behaviour and even at the Tour de France drivers rushing to view the spectacle will hassle cyclists ! They are there to watch the racers and Cyclists are stopping them from speeding , sorry getting , to the spot they will spend 5hrs or so awaiting the Peloton ? After the roads open they will then even prevent those , the racers and team vehicles , that provided their entertainment , from exiting the Finish Area ! With this sort of behaviour it is little wonder the normal roads are treated as a battle ground ! ”
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