I was driving home through Leicester today (sorry, but a 50 mile each way commute is not on), when I saw a cyclist. He had a large suitcase across his rear rack, and a large rucksack over his right shoulder. He was moving downhill erratically at a fair speed, shouting at a passing ped, gesticulating with his right hand. "You'll never be able to stop at those lights" I thought, but he had no intention of stopping, or even slowing. He didn't even seem to check the traffic. Straight across on red. I saw him do this 3 times, at speed, once swerving around between 3 lanes of waiting cars to the right hand lane, where he nearly took out a ped on the pelican before launching himself across the ring-road traffic with no precautions at all. This wasn't some young kid though, he looked distinctly middle aged and should-know-better-ish. I even started to think that number plates for bikes might not be such a bad idea after all, then I realised it didn't matter. He wasn't going to live much longer anyway. --
I was driving home through Leicester today (sorry, but a 50 mile each way commute is not on), when I saw a cyclist. He had a large suitcase across his rear rack, and a large rucksack over his right shoulder. He was moving downhill erratically at a fair speed, shouting at a passing ped, gesticulating with his right hand.
Maybe hs brakes had failed?
Quoted message said:
"You'll never be able to stop at those lights" I thought, but he had no intention of stopping, or even slowing. He didn't even seem to check the traffic. Straight across on red. I saw him do this 3 times, at speed, once swerving around between 3 lanes of waiting cars to the right hand lane, where he nearly took out a ped on the pelican before launching himself across the ring-road traffic with no precautions at all. This wasn't some young kid though, he looked distinctly middle aged and should-know-better-ish. I even started to think that number plates for bikes might not be such a bad idea after all, then I realised it didn't matter. He wasn't going to live much longer anyway.
Saw one yesterday as I was heading off to the dump. Sailed straight through the red light by my house. I passed her 20m after the junction (having waited for the green) despite towing the trailer and it being slightly uphill. I did make comments which she affected not to hear. I suppose the bright yellow jacket makes one invulnerable..
I was driving home through Leicester today (sorry, but a 50 mile each way commute is not on), when I saw a cyclist. He had a large suitcase across his rear rack, and a large rucksack over his right shoulder. He was moving downhill erratically at a fair speed, shouting at a passing ped, gesticulating with his right hand. "You'll never be able to stop at those lights" I thought, but he had no intention of stopping, or even slowing. He didn't even seem to check the traffic. Straight across on red. I saw him do this 3 times, at speed, once swerving around between 3 lanes of waiting cars to the right hand lane, where he nearly took out a ped on the pelican before launching himself across the ring-road traffic with no precautions at all. This wasn't some young kid though, he looked distinctly middle aged and should-know-better-ish. I even started to think that number plates for bikes might not be such a bad idea after all, then I realised it didn't matter. He wasn't going to live much longer anyway.
Don't forget though, there are equally crazy drivers. Yesterday I saw a car with learner plates on (and driving like a learner) where the passenger (instructor?!?!) had a child on his lap. Poor kid wouldn't have a chance in a accident. There are idiot cyclists and drivers, it's just that drivers seem to grump more at the cyclists.
It's the cry that goes up when arguments are on their way to a loss on one side or another (which isn't really applicable as a follow up to your post which didn't seem like a WSTOTC post at all) [1]. I think it's meant to appeal to people's more emotional side. This kind of sentiment is used a hell of a lot here in Australia, particularly in charitable appeals, "It's for the kids!" is heard most days in one context or another. "So ****ing what!" is my usual reaction, even though my son is one of those who benefits from one of those charities. Why should a kids' charity be more worthy of donations than any other? Sorry, I'd better stop now before I get into even more of a rant 🙂
Graeme
[1] It's also been used in The Simpsons to good effect.
Don't forget though, there are equally crazy drivers. Yesterday I saw a car with learner plates on (and driving like a learner) where the passenger (instructor?!?!) had a child on his lap. Poor kid wouldn't have a chance in a accident. There are idiot cyclists and drivers, it's just that drivers seem to grump more at the cyclists.
Quite. I don't know whether the WVM I encountered on the North Circular in Neasden last night was drunk, stoned or having a mid-life crisis, but when his wasn't bouncing off the central reservation, he was straddling lanes 2 and 3 with gay abandon. Illegal I know, but I felt it prudent to undertake him as quickly as possible and proceed upon my merry way, lest I get caught up in his accident.
