King of the Road by Susie Field

Who is King of the Road? The motorist versus the cyclist.  Many cyclists would have us believe the motorist is the bad guy, forcing them off the road at every opportunity and, of course, this sometimes happens, but not in the majority of cases. New updates state cyclists should cycle in the middle of the lane on quiet roads, in slow-moving traffic, or when approaching junctions or road narrowings. The code also says cyclists should maintain a distance of 0.5 metres from the kerb edge when cycling on busy roads or with traffic that is moving faster than them. Mmm. In theory this may work, in practice, I am not too sure. When cyclists are going straight ahead at a junction, they have priority over traffic waiting to turn into or out of a side road, unless road signs or markings indicate otherwise. Really!! How ridiculous. Of course, the motorist must abide by these rules, yet cyclists seem oblivious to some basic rules which also apply to them. In my hometown, they constantly cycle on the pavement at high speed, with no respect for pedestrians, and no bell to warn of their fast approach. Red lights are often ignored, and the one-way system does not apply to them.  Cyclists are only allowed to travel the wrong way up a one-way street where the road is two-way for riders but one way for motorists. If the street is not designated two-way for cyclists, then it is illegal to ride the wrong way. Very confusing! Many side streets are too narrow for cyclists to ride safely against the traffic flow, but who cares, not the cyclists.

I recently travelled approximately five miles along a B road behind a group of cyclists, who I felt deliberately blocked the way rather than move into single file to allow the traffic behind to flow freely. Childish and petty behaviour to say the least, and I felt they were just trying to make a point. It’s a good way to explore our countryside, but not at the expense of others.

Motorists pay to use our roads, cyclists do not. I have no objection to this, although many do.

Other road users are, of course, pedestrians. They are not always in the right. Watching them crossing a road at busy junctions without looking, is quite alarming, and dashing across the road when a red man is clearly visible, is somewhat annoying and I admit, I have been guilty of this at times, but usually I do check to make sure the coast is clear before making this dangerous manoeuvre.

A pleasant walk along the canal bank is fraught with danger for the poor pedestrian. One would think much safer than our busy town centres, alas, this is not the case. Although the signs clearly state - Pedestrians have Priority, cyclists race along the banks and there is no escape.  A quick movement to the left, and the water beckons. To the right, and one is forced straight into the nettles and brambles. No sooner has one dusted oneself down, then another cyclist hurtles past, and the vicious circle continues.

I have a solution. Pedestrians, motorists and cyclists should respect each other and abide by a few simple common-sense rules as well as those stipulated in The Highway Code, as surely there are faults on all sides. Maybe then we could all get along.