WHERE DO WE even start with this one?
There’s a war being waged on the country’s highways and byways at the moment as cyclists, pedestrians and motorists all vie for available road space.
In a lot of cities and towns there are dedicated places for each group – but all are guilty of treading on each other’s territory from time to time….
A couple of weeks ago, we gave you 7 of the most annoying things a cyclist will encounter on a commute and now we’ve turned the tables.
Here are a few reasons why motorists absolutely cannot stand cyclists…
1. Cyclists are smug and self-righteous beings
Cyclists tend to think they can save the world from itself just by pedaling to work every day while expecting every other commuter to make way for them on the road or footpath.
Cyclists would be less annoying if they weren’t so smug about being cyclists. We all know lycra shows off one’s athletic features and cycling does the earth’s atmosphere far less (ie. none) harm than driving but keep it to yourselves. Nobody cares.
2. Cyclists ignore red lights
We suppose motorists are far less likely to break red lights than cyclists. The latter, upon seeing the coast is clear, often edges forward ever so slightly and then take the chance ‘feckit, there’s nothing coming’.
Red light, yes. Red rags to the bull behind the wheel, definitely.
3. Cyclists endanger others
Motorists will generally stay inside their lines but cyclists do anything but. They mount kerbs, ride down one-way streets the wrong way, bunnyhop onto the footpath…thinking a blast of the bell and a polite ‘sorry’ will excuse the pardon of others. It doesn’t.
4. ‘Cyclist driving a pedal cycle without reasonable consideration’
This, believe it or not, is now a cycling offence in Ireland and will attract a €40 on the spot fine.
Yes, Gardai are now able to use their discretion to fine cyclists for using footpaths under the “driving a pedal cycle without reasonable consideration” provision.
And not before time, we hear the motorists say.
5. Cyclist failing to stop for a school warden sign
This is where cyclists attract more haters, by believing they’re pedestrians and exempt from the rules that apply to motorists.
However, if caught failing to stop for a warden who is there to protect the interests of pedestrians and pedestrians only, she or she will collect another fine of €40.
Cyclists tend to have selective beliefs when it comes to the rules of the road.
6. No front or rear lights lit during lighting-up hours
Morning and evening rush hours are stressful times for everyone and those in cars have enough to watch out for.
But they shouldn’t have to squint to check whether there’s a cyclist screaming up the inside…particularly not at this time of year.
It’s the duty of a cyclist to make themselves visible.