Cycling UK Forum

more pathetic stereotyping of cyclists here:

http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/cars-motorbikes/2009/01/sorry-turns-out-i-am-a-nesh-bi.html

I know we shouldn't rise to the bait on this kind of thing, but I also think we need to challenge this kind of opinion. especially when it's on a big site like mirror.co.uk

CC

A CBF 125? Isn't that virtually a moped? Isn't that virtually a bicycle?

glueman wrote:A CBF 125? Isn't that virtually a moped? Isn't that virtually a bicycle?

Not quite. If it were a bicycle it could go through red lights. (Apparently).

It's just perception, innit? When i ride in to work I mostly see the transgressions of motor vehicles. When I get the bus I see cyclists doing stupid things (mostly related to going up the inside of the bus). I don't even think it's a problem of perception, it's just about the relative speeds of different modes of transport

Incidentally, I walked home from town yesterday in less time than it took to get the bus there.

Yep, I hardly ever see pavement cyclists when I'm riding (and I do mean that, because when I do I post them on Youtube).

However when I drive, there is probably a 50/50 chance that I'll see a transgressor.

It takes me the same length of time to get to work either way, so it's a real puzzler.

Try walking a mile in another mans shoes. I drive, cycle and ride a motorbike (not a moped like yer man). things wind me up in all forms of transport and user. You just have to try and not get wound up, just keep smiling. Nobody is perfect. People on push bikes probably get the most wound up because they are the most vulnerable. But cyclists jump lights, motorcyclist speed and car drivers are oblivious to everything.

Graham

There are some irresponsible cyclists out there. I assume they are erstwhile motorists who believe self-propulsion absolves them from any obligations whatsoever.

Wheras he aims his comments at cyclists in general, I am inclined to agree with him in his specific criticisms. Excepting the fact that it can be difficult to stop a bicycle (and even a light motorcycle) from wobbling on occasions.
Also you dont have to look over your shoulder to know something is behind you when you have ears and a brain.

There are a couple of comments in his article that reveal what he really is, speaking as a lifelong motorcylist (up to 1200cc).
His comments about invisible cyclists on his inside would suggest that his powers of observation are not that great, but most importantly he says "when you begin riding a powered two-wheeler"
He's a learner, in other words, treating the world to the benefits of his, er, months of experience.
No more needs saying.

What a complete and utter wonker.

Tony wrote:He's a learner, in other words, treating the world to the benefits of his, er, months of experience.

The media all over in other words. I changed a lightbulb last night, perhaps there's a Sun column in it?- 'Britain's electricians and where they're all going wrong.'

I have sent a reply suggesting that the author is suffering a little road rage and perhaps could try encouraging road safety instead of bad mouthing a road group.

I've known a fair few motorcyclists and they are all cool. All seem to give us the space we need - and this guy appears to be a bit of a plank who has just taken up the two wheeled challenge.

In support of our sibling (powered) 2-wheeler enthusiasts, the term "bicycle" has changed its usage since about 1950. When the Featherbed suspended frame was developed, the rolling chassis less engine was referred to as a bicycle. Of course in those days, there was far less integration between the powerplant and the cycle parts.

Perhaps matey-boy with his Mr. Honda product would care to ask his local dealer how the Honda Cub came about.

Kind regards, Punk_shore