An open letter from a disgruntled cyclist
We received this letter and with the permission of the writer we wanted to share it with all our readers. We have posted many articles on the feud between motorists and cyclists, but this letter made us see things from a different angle and we hope it does the same for any frustrated drivers out there who loath the cycling community.
Open letter: The life of a cyclist
You see me as someone in your way, someone who delays you, irritates you and inconveniences you. You dont see me as a father of two, a husband to a loving wife, a son to two loving parents and a brother to a sister. You dont see me as someone who legally has every right to be on the road or in the forest exercising and taking some time out to myself. The consequences of your actions “to show me” and swerve in front of me or hoot at me and drive as closely to me as possible are unimaginable to you because you are in the safety of your car.
I completely understand the frustration of driving behind cyclists who are also trying to prove a point and ride side by side in narrow roads without letting cars pass them easily. I also get angry and frustrated but whats important to remember is that for the most part this is a small minority of cyclists that do it. It is no different to the small minority of drivers who break the law and do as they please without thinking about it. Im talking about speeding, parking in the bicycle lanes, speeding up to get through an orange traffic light and many other violations of the law (don’t get me started on taxis). I do not condone cyclists disobeying the law and I try my best to adhere to the laws of the road but there are times where it is simply safer for me to continue on and protect myself than stopping at a red light.
We may look stupid at restaurants in our “funny kit” but hey who is to say what art is and the same could be said for skinny jeans and DOC martins but thats not the point, Im asking cyclists to adhere to the laws of the road and Im asking motorists to please see us as as you see yourself. We have families and loved ones, think about your actions the next time before you try and prove a point..
Disgruntled Cyclist.