Does being a cyclist and a 'dick head' go hand-in-hand?

By Ross B. Taylor

Excercise is a great thing to do. It's also good for you. And riding a bicycle is a wonderful way to get fit and enjoy the fresh air; particularly around Perth with our beaches, river and many parkways.

For too long bike riders - or cyclists - were treated badly by rude and inconsiderate car drivers; but now that appears to have changed.

Recently I have seen so many examples of the 'middle-aged decked-out in licra tights' brigade just acting so arrogantly whilst riding, it makes me sick.

Apart from thirty of them just taking over small cafes en-mass, they also seem to think it's "OK" to ride three abreast with a 'fu-- you' attitude to motorists trying to pass them. Dangerous, arrogant and intimidating to other road users.

I have been abused twice this week for simple being courteous to other road users which apparently annoyed the cyclists who I had 'held up'. Sorry! At a round-a-bout where the two cyclists had to give-way to me, I was abused for not going fast enough and 'forcing' them to slow down. Odd. And today, my friend Les was 'run over' by an angry cyclist who didn't see Les as wasn't watching where he was going. He was texting!!

So if you ride a bicycle, then please enjoy the ride. But remember you also need to act with courteousy and consideration for others-including those 'clowns' in cars who also act stuidly at times.

And whilst you are at it; please get that huge chip of wood off your shoulder whilst riding; it might damage your spandex tights!!

Ross B Taylor
ross@lifeforce.com.au