Grrrr, car drivers can be so disrespectful of cyclists

Categories: cycling, swansea

Tags: Cycling

Date: 27 May 2005 00:08:42

I've just cycled up the hill from uni in the dark. I had a debate whether it would be safer to go through the park or up the road. I decided on the road because although I've survived worse situations than Singleton park at 11pm (I grew up in central Manchester), the road is much better lit and practically empty. Most of the way up I was ok, but suddenly, for no obvious reason a car tooted his horn 3 or 4 times at me. This completely scared me - I practically jumped out of my bike seat. I turned my head to see what all the fuss was about, couldn't see any reason for the driver to react in that way (though my instincts said it was a some sort of sick practical joke for a vulnerable cyclist). When I turned my head back to face forward, my bike was heading straight for the pavement - I luckily reacted quick enough to avoid this obstacle. I doubt if the car driver would find amusement in this ‘joke' if I had crashed into the pavement and he found me under his wheel. Grrrrrr, car drivers annoy me so much sometimes.

We watched ‘The Incredibles' tonight, and afterwards we were discussing what super power we would choose, if given the opportunity. This isn't something I've given particular thought to (unlike some, I was never into comic books), but after cycling home I have decided. Its not exactly ‘super', but if I had the power to do so, I would make it compulsory for all drivers to have substantial experience of cycling on roads, before they could pass their driving licence. It would probably considerably reduce the numbers of cars on the roads.

Oh, BTW, do any bicycle doctors out there know the best way to sharpen up the quality of brakes? Living in Swansea you have to use brakes a lot more than in Manchester, and the front brake isn't quite as sharp as I would like it to be.