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I thought that bike riders were trying to make a stance -to create a harmonious union between drivers and cyclists. The bikers that I just followed showed absolutely no respect for the road rules or any concern for the pile up of cars that followed behind them as they rode two abreast from Mt. Martha to Safety Beach on a single laned road. The signs every 5 kilometres saying "Bicyclists, single file only" did not deter them. Nor did the long line of cars behind them. Advertised on their backs was their sponsor "Unibet". I wouldn't want my business name splashed all over the back of these jerks.
Bike riders are trying to make a stand to create harmony between themselves and oad users.
When a car dirver does something really stupid to me, I dont consider it to be the fault of everyone who dives a car (after all a lot of cyclists drive too)
When a car driver does something, I'll take it up with them. A raised hand, a shake of the head, a load yell, or even jotting down the number plate and then go into the cop shop (if they have done something illegal that seriously endangered my safety)
I would encourage drivers to do the same. Nothihng makes me angrier than cyclist who break the road rules and aggravate drivers. They are usually the ones who complain the loudest when a driver makes a mistake (rather than actually does something malicious).
Im sick of being held responsible for, or having to answer for, the actions of others just because Im a cyclist too.
Here is a situation to imagine...
A guy in a pub mentions that he has a new car and enjoys goining for a drive on the weekends. Staright away, everyone starts having a go at him and chips in with a story about how they were out in their car once and a guy in a car ("bloody drivers") did something to hold them up or inconvenience them while they were trying to get somewhere in a hurry.
I bet that NEVER happens.
Now, insead of being a guy with a new car, he's a guy with a new bike who likes going for a ride on the weekends. Same response as above situation, except this time its "bloody cyclists".
I bet THAT happens every day of the week!
My point? That in both cases, the person being subjected to the rant has absolutely nothing to do with the cause of it in the first place.
Oz_Matt, couldn't have said it better myself.
NB: I do believe cyclists should obey the road rules and it does make me cringe when I stop at a traffic light on my bike, and see another cyclist go straight through (one of many similar situations).
I am thankful to be currently living in a country where it is the law to give cyclists 1.5m clearance. I am most impressed though by the lack of urgency at which these motorists display - they are happy to sit behind your for the 5, 10, 15, 20, or 30 seconds it may take until they can safely pass. Never a honk, thrown a bottle/drink/food, or the usual behaviour displayed by so many Australian drivers.