Two wheels good
Vicky Fairweather
CAR drivers are always being condemned by cyclists for the way they treat them on the roads, and often quite rightly, for dangerous, inconsiderate and intimidating treatment of cyclists is all too prevalent, and completely unacceptable.
But perhaps we as cyclists are too quick to condemn everyone behind the wheel as dangerous idiots; perhaps the problem we should be addressing is just a simple one that drivers are ordinary human beings who make mistakes at times, and as many of them may not ever ride a bike, they might just not know how they should be driving around cyclists. And if no one tells them, they can’t be blamed for not knowing!
So what do we as cyclists want from car drivers then? We are friends to drivers, because being on a bike rather than in a car means that’s one less car on the road causing traffic jams- so it makes sense to treat us nicely and not scare us off cycling and back into a car, otherwise you will have a still more frustrating, time consuming journey.
I think most of us will agree with these points to make cyclists and drivers get on better:
1) To slow down around us. Plan ahead, and don’t come up fast behind a cyclist then slam on the brakes at the last minute – we can hear that and it’s intimidating! Approach slowly; try using a maximum of third gear most of the time in town. Don’t get so close that you’re only inches from our back wheel, and when it’s clear, preferably indicate and move out, giving us plenty of room as you pass. Make sure there’s room ahead for you to move back in without cutting us up – imagine you’re on the motorway!
2) Think about when you’re overtaking – only do so when it’s necessary and suitable. Please don’t overtake at or near a junction, on a bend or on the brow of a blind hill, in lanes of traffic or if the cyclist is travelling at the speed of the traffic or near the speed limit (ie 18mph in a 20 zone). You wouldn’t overtake a car in these situations so please give cyclists the same respect. Don’t overtake and then stop in front– that’s just rude! If you can’t get past and you are following, please remember that in towns at least cycle and car journey times are pretty much the same, and if you could get past the bike in front it would just be to catch up with the next traffic jam! Your journey won’t be slower, just done at a steadier pace.
3) Acknowledge us with a wave when we’ve given way to you. Be friendly and respectful and remember that it’s a person on that bike – treat them as you would wish someone to treat you in that situation.
Everyone is the same really– using the roads to get where they want to be in the best and safest way possible; if we all make an effort to be nice to each other and accept each other’s mistakes we will all feel the benefits in terms of increased happiness, reduced stress, fewer collisions and a more relaxing, improved quality of life.
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Weather for King's Lynn
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 26 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North
