[JLasTSR]

Do some motorists dislike cyclists because they think our use of the roads is without a legitimate purpose? 

While we see going for a bike ride to enjoy an hour or so riding out as normal behaviour, do they see that as not a legitimate reason for using the road? If someone is dressed in lycra is this antipathy further exacerbated as they are clearly dressed for a sporting endeavour not for going to the shop, place of work, pub, friend’s house? 

If cyclists were perceived as being on essential or unavoidable journeys would it change the perception?

I am not sure it would entirely but I do think there is a feeling among some motorists that cyclists lack legitimacy hence the repeated calls for Tax and Registration and Insurance. Then Cyclists would have to obey the rules of the road wouldn’t they? I mean no car driver has ever sped, jumped a light, have they? People that behave less than well exist in every class of road user. 

I do think the advent of 20mph limits for cars will see cyclists eventually having to observe the 20mph limit as well. When 20mph roads were uncommon it did not matter but as they become more common I think it is inevitable. How they bring it in I don’t know, speedometers on a bike fitted from new would have to happen but what about people like me riding bicycles built in the 1970’s I do have a phone but I don’t always have it with me or turned onto a bike computer app especially if I am miles from home it is then probably on google maps so I don’t get lost.

 

 

Topic

[chrisonabike]

I’m sure that’s one reason. 

I’m sure that’s one reason.  The top ones I’m guessing are:

1) We’re in the way.  Also – Schroedinger’s cyclist – holding everyone up and going way too fast.  This points to:

2) Features of individual psychology – we seem to have low-level mechanisms for a) detecting “cheaters” and b) “us vs. them” / in-group and out group.

The first gets triggered by cyclists sharing the same spaces as others (road, shared use path) but not “playing by the same rules” e.g. on roads cyclists can filter (“undertake”) cars and of course we “don’t pay road tax” and ride through red lights.

In spaces shared with pedestrians cyclists can “cheat” by also choosing to ride on the road (pedestrians aren’t going to walk there).  We are going faster for less effort and are reluctant to come to a complete stop.  (Cyclists are also fast and quiet – we maybe trigger an “alert! predator ambush!” response?)

Our “out group” triggers means that – at least while there are only a few “cyclists” in society – it’s very easy to stereotype and misunderstand.  (This of course can affects anyone in some ways – “bloody BMW drivers” etc.)

On top of all that there may be cultural points – which may be useful for media / politicians to take advantage of which further shifts the dial.  So cars are associated with status / respectability / responsibility.  As you say – we have to drive; we’re not doing it for fun you know!

[Author]

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