Page 10 - Frittenden Parish Mag - June - 2021

Views Views

Cycle-ology better at braking. With that has come a (frequently The brings me to one of the second great myths that lot of fashionable cycling kit can be. Bike lights are
polarises opinion: that cyclists should not ride two
no longer just about being seen at night – they are an
mistaken) belief that drivers can stop when they need
abreast. As a club cyclist, I am frequently told that
important part of being seen at all times. And with
to – which in turn encourages them to go faster.
Paul Brown Of itself, that combination has made the roads a riding two abreast is “against the law”. Again, it’s not the advent of LED and rechargeable batteries, they
are far lighter and cheaper than they have ever been.
true (if you don’t believe me, look up Rule 66 of the
more dangerous place, but it is one which, it seems to Highway Code). In fact, if done appropriately, riding
me, has produced a vicious circle: because there are two abreast is both safer, and more considerate. Looking back over the last 12 months, there is
more cars driving faster, fewer cyclists, pedestrians In particular, on a narrow lane where there is no not much about the pandemic that seems worth
Perhaps it’s just me, but in recent years the word and horse-riders feel safe using the roads, which room to overtake, riding two abreast stops rash celebrating. However, one of the things about the first
“cyclists” has seemed to polarise opinion in ways it has led car owners to become accustomed to roads drivers from attempting the impossible (and you lockdown that I thought was truly wonderful was the
never used to. Certainly, if you engage in any kind where they seldom encounter non-motorised would be horrified by how many drivers do); while way in which, with almost no cars about, cyclists and
of social media, it is not hard to find websites in traffic, which has encouraged them to go faster, on a road with ample room to overtake, riding two pedestrians began to reclaim roads which they would
which diatribes about the inconsiderate behaviour which has led … well, you get my point. abreast provides a shorter “pack” to get past. previously never have used. And I don’t just mean
of cyclists are pitted against cyclists’ complaints More relevant (at least for the theme of this article) cycling clubs or middle-aged men in lycra: there were
(accompanied by some truly alarming video clips) is that the experience of encountering less non-car Once again, this requires common sense and whole families out, with young children experiencing
about irresponsible and dangerous drivers. So traffic has led to a sense of entitlement amongst courtesy from both sides. It is standard practice the same thrill that I had when I was their age. Most
at the start of this piece, I’m going to declare an motorists – the belief that the roads are meant for amongst all cycling clubs for the back rider to call bike shops literally sold out of stock, while repair shops
interest: I’m a cyclist. But I’m also a driver. In an cars, and that everyone else has less right to be there out when there is a car approaching from behind, were booked solid as people dusted down bikes that
ideal world, that should mean I can see both sides and so is obliged to get out of the way. Twitter is and for that message to be passed up the line so hadn’t been out of the shed for years. It was a brief
of the argument. Whether that is true is something full of motorists asserting that they have a better riders know to single out. Any considerate group of window back into a different time. As the restrictions
I’ll leave you to judge for yourselves, but what I’d right to the road “because they pay road tax”. cyclists should be willing to do this. But drivers need have eased, the roads have become busier again, but I
like to explore is why cycling is such a divisive issue, to understand that it may take 10 or 15 seconds for really hope that the experience has shown a few more
and what we might be able to do to change that. In my view, this is one of the great myths that that to happen, and to be patient while it does. drivers that cycling and driving does not have to be an
contributes to the polarisation of opinion. Leaving “us and them” world. With a little courtesy, patience
I’m going to start with an observation which I suspect aside the fact that (a) road tax is actually a charge on There are other ways in which cyclists don’t always and understanding, there is room for us all out there.
will resonate more with people of my age (mid 50s) pollution, and not a fee for using the road, and (b) help themselves. I know hi-vis clothing is never going
than it does with younger generations. From the most cyclists also own a car and therefore also pay to look as trendy as black, but whenever I’m out on Comments to:
age of 7, I cycled to school, on my own, every day. road tax, this argument is simply not true. Most of the the bike, I always try and apply my experience as a
My primary school had a covered bike stand with roads we use are ancient highways which existed long car-driver, from which I know just how invisible a frittendenparishmagazine@gmail.com
enough spaces for at least half of the pupils to arrive before the motor car, and (aside from motorways)
by bike, and it was always full. At the weekends, if I pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians have just as much
wanted to visit friends or do anything that did not right to “pass and repass” along them as anyone else.
involve my parents, I got on my bike. That wasn’t
unusual, it wasn’t controversial, it was just what kids Don’t get me wrong. I’m not suggesting this is an
did. And it was good for us – it gave us independence excuse for cyclists to hog the road, but it calls for
and freedom, it taught us responsibility for our patience and consideration on both sides. As a driver,
own actions, we were healthier for it, and – though I understand the frustration of being stuck behind NECK KNEE BACK PAIN SPORTS
we didn’t think about that way at the time – it was a peloton of lycra-clad cyclists on a narrow lane,
environmentally friendly. But if I wind the clock but I also know how rarely this actually makes any INJURIES SPRAINS & STRAINS
forward to the last few years, when my own children significant difference to my journey time. What may High Street, Staplehurst, TN12 0AD
were at school, I know that, as a parent, I would never seem like an eternity waiting for an opportunity to
have let them out on the roads to do the same thing. overtake is rarely anywhere near as long as we imagine, 01580 892266
and almost always results in us arriving at the next
So what has changed? The obvious answer is that car intersection immediately behind the same car we have
ownership today is far higher than it was when I was following all along. But equally, any cyclist should be SUE SMITH. Grad.Dip.Phys., MCSP. HCPC.
growing up, with the result that there are far more cars aware of what is happening behind them, and make Serving the community for over 25 years.
on the road. In addition, cars are bigger, faster, and space for traffic to come past when it is safe to do so.

10 Frittenden Parish Magazine June 2021 Frittenden Parish Magazine June 2021 11