I'm the kind of cyclist blokes iike Clarksn go on about. I go through red lights, up one way streets the wrong way, on the footpath if necessary. Road rules don't apply to me. Though I got more occasional abuse from other cyclists than drivers, at least in the uk and australia, brazil they dont give a fuck.
But I almost never block cars, and if I'm forced to i'll make damn sure they know what I'm doing in advance . To me, cyclist who do it when they could easily cycle on the left and let cars pass are the bigger pricks, though this bloke might have had one cone too many
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cumquat may will not be commenting further on the allegations, Thu 22 Dec 2022, 0:40,
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For me it's not the blocking that really bothers me.
I'm seldom in a rush when I drive and I know I'll pass eventually. The problem is that I'm wary of cyclists and like any dumb ape I end up disliking things that frighten me, like the prospect of running over a cyclist who just happens to fall over in front of me.
As for red lights that's a dick move; if/when you end up killed it will be small consolation to the driver that you were in the wrong.
One-way streets? If you must. You're coming at me head on so I can easily see you and the right of way is never in question.
Footpaths are a no-brainer. I don't live in the city any more so the roads lack cycle lanes and the footpaths lack pedestrians. That's good for both of us.
As regards Clarkson I would say that uninsured drivers are bad enough, but every cyclist is an uninsured rider. If someone rides into the side of my car and caves in one of the doors I'll be lucky to get them to pay for it even if they don't scarper immediately. I find that inequality, compounded by the whole it-wasn't-my-fault-but-I-still-just-killed-someone thing a little... irksome.
tl;dr Cyclists: I'm sorry, but even with the best intentions bike never beats car. Consider that before you get on one.
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jonbob loves you, Thu 22 Dec 2022, 2:11,
Reply)
all fair points
But I'd contend that the amount of risk and riding within the rules can be mutually exclusive. I've ridden all my life through traffic in busy cities, and I consider myself a defensive aware rider who minimises risks where I can. Part of that "not impeding cars" means less reliance on them having to see you and adjust. As you are wary of bikes, likewise I treat cars as capable of unpredictable behaviour. It's that unpredictability that often results in accidents. As you said, car beats bike, so you can be within the rules and have the right of way, but if they car doesn't see it that way you'll be right and dead. I don't sail through reds oblivious. that would be stupid, but I read the traffic and if I can go I will, I don't feel bound by them.
As a philosophical argument. I don't think bikes enjoy the full protections of the highway code in the way cars do. And we probably wouldn't want to, as it's kind of cuntish to assert car like privileges. We travel at slower speeds (in theory), and cars can pass us without changing lanes. we don't have indicators, break lights, horns, don't pay road tax or pass a licence. So I don't feel bound by those rules like waiting at traffic lights with no other traffic.
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cumquat may will not be commenting further on the allegations, Thu 22 Dec 2022, 3:30,
Reply)
Drivers have been the overwhelming beneficiaries of transport policy for the last 60-70 years
Thinking you're at the arse end of some inequality because you drive a car really is quite odd.
(, Thu 22 Dec 2022, 5:36, Reply)
Bring back spiked hubcaps
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Fadgebadger Sweaty sumo wanks for everyone!, Thu 22 Dec 2022, 8:24,
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