Video: Pro cyclist tells drivers: "I am so frightened just to do my job "

Richard D wrote:

Legs_Eleven_Worcester wrote:

Fear has to change sides.

This.  We're scared by drivers.  Drivers are *inconvenienced* by us.

Why aren't drivers scared of cyclists?  Because we cannot hurt them.  Why aren't drivers scared of breaking the law?  Because it does not hurt them.  Why aren't drivers scared of the Police?  Because they never see them.

I'm fast coming around to the view that the only way that drivers will give cyclists the respect we need is if we kill or seriously injure more of them than they do us.  Given that this is almost impossible with a bike, we ought instead to be allowed to carry deadly weapons.  After all, the drivers get one already.

You are allowed to 'carry a deadly weapon'.  You're just not allowed to tell the establishment that you're doing so. 

It's sad that things have got to the stage where cyclists are openly talking about arming themselves.  In my opinion, any cyclist in the UK who goes abroad without a weapon of some sort is either very good at martial arts, or else has a childlike faith in human nature.
 
But we're really hamstrung by the idiots in our midst who squeal that 'ewww, violence is never the answer!'.  You can see them in every thread where someone suggests that cyclists might .. just might want to hit back at the people waging a campaign of assault, intimidation and murder against them. 

But 'violence is never the answer'.  Wooh-eeh.  I'll be sure to remember that if I'm ever mugged.  'Sorry, dude - I can't fight back.  Didn't you know that violence is never the answer?'. 

John Smith wrote:

The more and more I hear the more I think the powers that be don’t care and see cyclists as an irritant. I contacted Southern Gas Network today to complain about the inappropriate use of some “cyclists dismount” signs through some roadworks in Oxford. Their answer? We consulted with the council and we agreed that it was safest for cyclists to walk on the pavement because it is a single lane of traffic. So cars rule the road then? That’s the message this gives out. Cars have more right to be there than cyclists.

For what it’s worth I also contacted the council and they have, so far, said sweet FA.

Please consider proclaiming the Democratic Cyclists' Republic of Oxford (DCRO) - it would be beneficial for all residents.

John Smith wrote:

The more and more I hear the more I think the powers that be don’t care

You think...?

John Smith wrote:

The more and more I hear the more I think the powers that be don’t care and see cyclists as an irritant. I contacted Southern Gas Network today to complain about the inappropriate use of some “cyclists dismount” signs through some roadworks in Oxford. Their answer? We consulted with the council and we agreed that it was safest for cyclists to walk on the pavement because it is a single lane of traffic. So cars rule the road then? That’s the message this gives out. Cars have more right to be there than cyclists.

For what it’s worth I also contacted the council and they have, so far, said sweet FA.

Cyclists at road works, Traffic Advisory Leaflet 15/99

http://www.ukroads.org/webfiles/TAL%2015-99%20Cyclists%20at%20Road%20Wor...

burtthebike wrote:

John Smith wrote:

The more and more I hear the more I think the powers that be don’t care and see cyclists as an irritant. I contacted Southern Gas Network today to complain about the inappropriate use of some “cyclists dismount” signs through some roadworks in Oxford. Their answer? We consulted with the council and we agreed that it was safest for cyclists to walk on the pavement because it is a single lane of traffic. So cars rule the road then? That’s the message this gives out. Cars have more right to be there than cyclists.

For what it’s worth I also contacted the council and they have, so far, said sweet FA.

Cyclists at road works, Traffic Advisory Leaflet 15/99

http://www.ukroads.org/webfiles/TAL%2015-99%20Cyclists%20at%20Road%20Wor...

Thanks BtB, interesting stuff. If I interpreted the data correctly it would be safer to allow cyclists through and make motorists walk!?!

Also,  'However, it also states that long sections of narrow lanes can  cause difficulties for cyclists. Indeed, it may be safer to have lanes that are too narrow for cars to overtake, rather than lanes where passing is possible but unsafe. This theory was borne out at one of the video sites in Oxford where a lane width of 3 metres led to a number of conflicts caused by drivers attempting to overtake cyclists with very little clearance'

burtthebike wrote:

John Smith wrote:

The more and more I hear the more I think the powers that be don’t care and see cyclists as an irritant. I contacted Southern Gas Network today to complain about the inappropriate use of some “cyclists dismount” signs through some roadworks in Oxford. Their answer? We consulted with the council and we agreed that it was safest for cyclists to walk on the pavement because it is a single lane of traffic. So cars rule the road then? That’s the message this gives out. Cars have more right to be there than cyclists.

For what it’s worth I also contacted the council and they have, so far, said sweet FA.

Cyclists at road works, Traffic Advisory Leaflet 15/99

http://www.ukroads.org/webfiles/TAL%2015-99%20Cyclists%20at%20Road%20Wor...

Ta! I had found the rules on various sources, but nothing that succinct and official. I will throw that at OCC if they comeback to me.