Cyclists

Cyclists these days are very big about their rights. Apparently we aren't according them the respect they deserve on the roads. We don't give them enough room. They want to ride in a three metre wide bubble of protection.

I find this interesting, because at intersections they are happy to burst that bubble and swoop between stationary traffic in order to push their way to the front of the queue, ready to wobble off at the green light and hold up all the other road users. Of course, they are not always traffic - they happily morph into pedestrians at the sight of a zebra crossing. 

As an almost daily walker on the Hutt river trail, this is where I find them the most irritating of all. In a variety of Australian cities, I have shared walkways with cyclists who are unfailingly thoughtful. A cheery 'ting ting' signals their approach and they pass without incident. Here they approach at speed, overtake closely and without warning, and routinely scare the life out of me. Would it be so hard to purchase and use a bell?

It goes on the handlebars!

Family fun out mowing down walkers.

So try paying it forward, cyclists, and maybe you'll get more respect on the road. And while we're about it - lose the bike shorts with the butt implants, you look ridiculous!