The above opinion piece was published in Fairfax Last week and it has been interesting to see the result. From the outset I realised that it was meant to be humorous but sadly I only found one line that made me smile. For some cyclists they labelled it a "bike hate article" for others they just see it as poking fun and the stupidity that occurs on our bikeways. I have to say I see it as the latter.
The main thrust of the article to me is that riding a bike even as a way to get to work can be seen as a contest by some. I have to say I see this quite often and sometimes I fall into the trap myself. Countless times I have had someone overtake me on a narrow or blind part of the path because I travel at a slower speed, for me to only to catch back up to them on a nice clear fast & safe section. This need by some to have to overtake intimidates some new riders because it can be down right dangerous. Overtaking needs to be done where it is safe and reasonable not because one infront is traveling a fraction slower then you would like.
I have to say I see the authors point about appearance as well. I ride in normal clothes (thongs* are normal footwear in Brisbane) yes this may result in me riding without a shirt, (it is the sub tropics after all) and I get some very strange looks. I can appreciate why the author is questioning why he has to where Lycra. I say wear what ever you feel is practical and comfortable. On the way to work I wear business pants, casual outings jeans or shorts. Personally the concept of Lycra has always creeped the bejesus out of me when the person riding the bike is bearly breaking jogging pace. hummmm. Clip in shoes goes along a similar line
Oh to the bunch rides. Like the author points out these can be dangerous if they ride to fast and do not keep to the left. These need to be conducted sensibly but some don't and they can leave to you with your heart beating a little to fast and questioning whether you might of rung your bell a little earlier on that blind corner.
These are the main points I could find in it that seamed to upset some. Of course as an opinion piece it was a little over baked but it did hold some truth, hence the reaction the truth can hurt.
For this they are of course valid,
- why can one not ride at the speed they are comfortable at
- why can one not ride in normal clothes without being questioned
- why does one have to anticipate some twit will come roaring around a blind corner on your side of the path.
*thongs are not G-strings and G strings are not thongs in the Australian dialect
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