homealone

Some very interesting points raised in this thread. I was very impressed with Nor's dual perspective, especially. I also both drive & cycle (cycle every day to work & back in all weathers) & sympathise with both cyclists & drivers. The thing is we all owe each other a duty of care - the cyclist should make sure they are visible & respect the fact that in an 'argument' with a vehicle, they will come off worse, the driver should respect that bikes are inherently vulnerable & give them space.

As for cycle lanes, I am all for them if they are separate from the road, while taking Incog's point that if provided, they should be used. However, the cycle lanes that have been incorporated into existing roads are a waste of space in my opinion, especially the ones that allow parking in them - and inevitably some people park in the ones where they shouldn't - which means the road has effectively been narrowed & is more dangereous than if the lane wasn't there.

I have cycled to work for about the last 25 years, both here & in London (try the Rotherhithe Tunnel sometime - you HAVE to go on the pavement in there, there is no room for two cars & a bike in such a narrow space) and have survived without major incident, so far, so I can't be doing too much wrong. But I have seen some horrific behaviour from both cyclists & drivers in that time - so neither group should be complacent!

Gaz