From a totally biased bike commuter
I agree with Pete G's brave stance against the judgemental bike haters. Yes, there are some twats on bikes. Yes, they should be punished if they do something overtly dangerous. But it all comes down to common sense really and surely you'd have to admit that a cyclist turning left at a red light when there are no pedestrians crossing isn't exactly a hanging offence is it, given that no one is inconvenienced? There is of course the "but where do you draw the line?" argument, rules is rules etc. but this new found inflexibility and nanny like attitude is for me one of the most irritating and saddening developments in the UK at the moment. Police or cyclist police should be given the power to use their judgement as to whether a cyclist has been acting recklessly or not and act accordingly. and if bikes scare you that much, you'd probably be safer inside with a tinfoil hat on and a cup of soothing tea. Just an idea.
(impossibly witty twat No, YOUR Mum etc etc, Wed 4 Aug 2010, 13:06, 2 replies)

As both a cycle and pedestrian commuter in the city
I've seen arrogance from all sides - pedestrians with a herd mentality who blindly step out in front of a cycle going through a green light through to cyclists passing through a red light at speed and barely avoiding contact with pedestrians.

Frankly, it would be a whole lot safer if more cyclists respected the traffic signals.
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Wed 4 Aug 2010, 13:24, closed)

"Judgemental bike haters"
Both Vagabond and myself have admitted to being cycle commuters at some point in our lives; I've just bought a new bike in fact.

What we're complaining about is the automatic assumption that cyclists should be able to break the law with impunity just because that law inconveniences them a little bit. I'd like to ignore laws that inconvenience me as well, but I don't have the self-assured moral high ground of a cyclist to do that from.
( emvee cruor deo cruoris, Wed 4 Aug 2010, 14:57, closed)