Dear Sir,
Last Sunday, while on a bike ride minding my own business and abiding
by the Highway Code, I twice, in two different locations, got accosted
by motorists who thought I should be on a bike path. I know this,
because on both occasions, the motorist shouted through the open
window, advising me to get on the bike path. Actually, that was the
abridged version: the language used in reality was a lot more fruity.
Both individuals, as though to emphasise the matter, overtook me so
close as to squeeze me into the curb. One of them, in a white van and
advertising his plastering services, took advantage of a nearby
roundabout to swing round and have another go!
So, may I through your columns, advise all motorists that even though a
bike path may be in the vicinity, it is not mandatory that a cyclist
uses it. Indeed, some local bike paths are so ill-conceived that it is
actually safer to cycle on the road. A fit, strong cyclist clipping
along at 20mph+ almost certainly is, rather than risk a car suddenly
emerging from a driveway. Many other bike paths simply do not take you
where you want to go.
Remember, cyclists (and pedestrians and horse riders) all have an
historic right to be on all public rights of way, unless they are
specifically prohibited: motorists are required to be licenced! In
other words, they have more right to be on the roads than motorists!
I'm wondering if I should pre-empt any respondent to this letter who
says that cyclists pay no road tax? Should they make such a comment, I
would respond by saying that no-one does! What is paid is Vehicle
Excise Duty, which is based on vehicle emissions. So far as I know, a
bicycle is a zero-emissions vehicle.
Yours faithfully
Tony Silver
The reply
I am totally flabbergasted by the arrogance shown by Tony Silver
(letters Nov 2nd)
Firstly, I should point out that cycle tracks are marked by road signs
on a blue background, which means that compliance is compulsory.
I have heard tales of the police in this area cautioning cyclists on
the A 415 between Abingdon and Culham Laboratories, for failing to use
the cycle track.
Secondly, Mr Silver says that motorists do not pay towards the roads,
but they do. The tax disc is often referred ot as the road fund
licence, and they also pay through the duty and VAT levied on petrol
and diesel.
As a bus driver, I can vouch that any cyclist who doggedly refuses to
use a cycle track adjoining a busy rosd constitutes a nuisance and
inexcusable delay.
It is my view that the police should prosecute these riders for causing
obstruction.
While vehicles are in a low gear crawling behind cyclists, they are
generating extra pollution.
When driving a bus in Oxford, one meets all types of cyclists; most
flout every law in the book and can be extremely abusive.
Finally, have any of the more dedicated cyclists ever looked in a
mirror and seen how ridiculous they look?
NA Kendall
Didcot
http://www.cyclingplus.co.uk/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=114827