Contrary to popular thought, wearing hi-viz clothing does not create an impenetrable forcefield around you, rendering your every action safe (for you) and convenient (for other road users). In fact, experience would tell me that wearing hi-viz actually turns you into a dim-witted fucktard who should have their tires slashed and road privileges revoked until further notice.

Yes lady, I’m talking to you: the one I called an idiot this morning. Yes, I know I am a cantankerous old cow, but when you weave your way erratically across traffic and then throw yourself into the cycling lane without looking to see if there is anyone using it, you qualify for the idiocy badge.

Simply put, if you are that nervous around cars, then you shouldn’t be commuting to work (etc.). Take one of those ‘cycle with confidence’ courses that the council offer and practise on back streets until you feel confident enough to take your position on the roads. If you are petrified about being around cars, get off your bloody bike and walk. It’s also carbon neutral.
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Posted under advice

Without a shadow of a doubt, the worst place I have ever cycled is Philadelphia, USA. Absolutely hands down, no contest, the worst. The only times I have ever actually been hit were there, and there were three instances over the 5 ½ years I was a resident.

Without a shadow of doubt, the best place I have ever cycled is France. Granted I have only ever cycled the French countryside, but cars would literally drive in the ditch in order to give me enough space. They treated me as I was taught to treat horses by my driving instructor 16 years ago: decrease your speed and give them a wide birth. In the year and a half I lived there, the two cars which did not behave in that way had British licence plates.

Spain is next: the cars never slow down out in the countryside, so the speed can give you a shock, but they overtake on practically the other side of the road, so you are perfectly safe. In the three cities we cycled in, the cars treated you with such respect and gave you a lane to yourself, always exhibiting patience and care. We were never an obvious source of irritation even when we didn’t exactly know where we were going.

And so I’m here again in London. The London I left 10 years ago was a much nicer place to cycle. There were fewer people, which means fewer cars and much, much fewer cyclists. London is still nowhere near as bad as Philadelphia, but it’s closer to that than to the continent; not in terms of the amount of cars (London is much more densely packed), but in terms of the maliciousness and carelessness of drivers.

I can’t help but think about courtesy and about care. I understand road rage – I am possibly the least patient person in the world – but I think it so dangerous that the frustration and rage at these packed and often grid-locked roads means that the care, courtesy and consideration which is vital for safe road usage has all but disappeared.

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Posted under ethics, general