Cyclists as opposed to people on cycles!

[leftpoole]

Real Cyclists in my area have to endure some nasty car drivers because the perception (due somewhat to the local Councils putting cycle lanes on some pavements) is, that cycles belong off the road. Those who advocate cycle lanes in UK are simply dreaming a dream (in my opinion as a former motor driving instructor ADI) and should make more of road riding.
They should also behave sensibly on the road. I was out yesterday and along came a large 'bunch' of CTC type cyclists 3 and 4 abreast aimlessly riding along with a long queue of motor vehicles behind them. Ignorance for some is bliss?
These yobs who make up large numbers of cycle riders rather than cyclists have done this. Now the cycling on road in the area will be even worse than it is!

http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/11160289.Cyclist_attacks_OAP_after__riding_on_the_pavement__row__Boscombe/
 
Regards,
John

[janeh]

I agree, lots of people perceive the roads as too dangerous to cycle on, but we all (well, all car drivers) make them what they are. We all have to learn to share the space. The increase in the popularity of mountain biking has meant that lots of bikes are taken in cars to "safe places" where thy can be ridden. It has been forgotten that bikes can be useful things to actually get places on!

[Slammin Sammy]

I agree, lots of people perceive the roads as too dangerous to cycle on, but we all (well, all car drivers) make them what they are. We all have to learn to share the space. The increase in the popularity of mountain biking has meant that lots of bikes are taken in cars to "safe places" where thy can be ridden. It has been forgotten that bikes can be useful things to actually get places on!

Precisely the approach taken here in Oz by the Amy Gillett Foundation http://www.amygillett.org.au

"Amy Gillett (9 January 1976 – 18 July 2005) was an Australian track cyclist and rower who represented Australia in both sports before her death in a training accident when a teenage driver crashed into the Australian squad of cyclists with whom she was training in Germany." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amy_Gillett

It's all about education and yes, behavior modification. Most cyclists are car drivers too!