David Cameron breaks the rules
It is truly shocking. A politician has flouted the laws of the land. This could lead to a major breakdown in the fabric of our society; life as we know it could come to an end.
Except it won’t, because all David Cameron did was to flout some road laws whilst riding his pushbike. Yet, you’d be forgiven for thinking it was something a lot more serious, given all the media coverage that it’s getting. OK, so he ran a red light and went the wrong way up a one-way street while he was riding through London. Not exactly on a par with Watergate, is it?
It does, though, bring to the forefront an interesting discussion. Do the rules of the road apply to cyclists? You’d think they would, wouldn’t you, but there seem to be a large number of cyclists who don’t agree. Their reasoning is that, as the drivers don’t give them any respect, they need to flout the laws (like jumping red lights) to give themselves an advantage. It’s a safety thing, apparently.
I’ve driven cars, and I ride a motorcycle. I also ride a pushbike on occasion. I’ve seen the argument from all sides. Yes, some drivers are inconsiderate to cyclists. Yes, some cyclists ride like twats. But I remember back to my schooldays, when I did my Cycling Proficiency Certificate (not sure that exists anymore). During our training, we learnt how to be safe on the road, how to be aware of what was going on around us, but we also learnt that the rules of the road apply to all vehicles on the road - and a pushbike is a vehicle.
It’s as simple as that.
Accident waiting to happen
A little while ago, I wrote this post as sort of stream of conciousness rant against British drivers. From my perspective as a motorbike rider, I was commenting about all the things that annoyed or even scared me about modern driving standards.
During the course of that post, I made some comments that were directed at bikers (hey, why should we be left out - we drive badly too). One correspondent made a comment about my anti-biker stance, and I explained that I’m not anti-biker, just anti dumbass biker.
This story (and the accompanying footage) gives a perfect illustration of what I mean; here’s two guys out their sportsbikes who see nothing wrong with weaving in and out of the traffic on a dual-carriageway. OK, not all of their over-takes are dangerous - but there’s enough that are to scare the hell out of me. Especially when they decide they’re going to use the shoulder of the road instead of the actual carriageway.
Both of these riders have now been disqualified for at least a year and will have to re-take their tests, but one of them has proudly stated that “When I get my licence back I will go out and buy another sports bike and pretty much go out and do exactly the same thing again.”
I love my motorbike and I like to ride it fast, as these guys were doing, but what I don’t want to do is put my life - and the lives of others - at risk, which is what these guys were also doing. Looking at the footage, I’d be surprised if 50% of the drivers they passed knew what was happening until it was over - do you really want to be riding with those sort of odds? What if one of the cars braked unexpectedly?
It is unfortunate that bikers who ride recklessly very rarely learn their lesson, as the one time something happens is the time it kills them. These two guys have a chance to re-think the way they ride. Let’s hope for their sakes they do.
British drivers - are they out to kill me?
Over the last four and a half years of riding a bike, I’ve had plenty of time to look at the abilities of other road users. I’ve taken this first-blogging opportunity to compile a list of just some of the things that really tick me off about car and bike users….
Drivers who pull over to the left when they’re turning right – or vice versa.
Drivers who, when their lane is blocked (by parked cars for example), don’t give way because you’re a bike and you don’t need so much space!
Drivers who pull out to overtake without indicating and without checking to make sure that there isn’t already a bike using that bit of road.
Drivers who just suddenly stop for no reason and without warning.
Drivers who don’t think once, think twice, think bike!
Drivers who still don’t use handsfree – aren’t we going to enforce this one, Mr Plod?
Taxi drivers who, because they’re POB, crawl along at 30mph under the speed limit holding up all the other traffic.
Lorry drivers who pull out to overtake as they start to go up a long, steep hill – thereby tailing the dual carriageway back for miles.
Anyone who parks on a “Keep Clear” section – especially if it blocks access to a bike park and even more if there are empty parking spaces on the other side of the road.
Anyone who doesn’t know what a yellow box is for.
Anyone who dawdles along looking at the scenery – you’re driving, concentrate on the damn road.
Anyone who tries to get out of a speeding fine by saying they were rushing to get home because they needed the toilet.
Anyone who doesn’t give a learner (car or bike) the benefit of the doubt – it might be their first five minutes behind the wheel, give them a break!
Bikers who overtake on blind corners and expect everyone else to get out of their way when there’s something coming the other way.
Bikers who over- and under-take between lanes on a dual carriageway or motorway when there isn’t actually any room to do so.
Bikers who expect drivers to get out of their way just because they’re on a bike and want to go faster.
Bikers who think that white lines and speed limits are only for drivers.
Bikers who wear T-shirts, shorts and flip-flops when riding their sportsbike at speed.
Scooter riders.
Scooter riders in packs.
Police bicyclists who ride on the pavement.
Road planners who insist on putting all the slippery stuff right where it’s going to have you off your bike.
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