I was disappointed to see that Dave Moulton has decided to retire his blog because he has some excellent articles on cycling. He admits the reason for retiring the blog was that he found himself increasingly drawn into ‘political aspects’ of cycling; a world that is invariably negative. I sympathise with a desire to keep cycling free of politics, but, even more so to avoid the negativity that can easily become an aspect of cycling.
Cycling is one of my favourite hobbies; whether I am commuting into town, training in the Chilterns or racing a 10 mile time trial – I want to enjoy it. This is by far the most important thing involved in cycling.
How To Enjoy Cycling
Be Detached from Bad Driving.
Detachment does not mean we excuse bad driving or pretend it doesn’t exist. It means we don’t permanently carry around bad incidents in our mind. Motorists will drive dangerously / badly; but, we can’t allow this to upset our ride. I don’t expect much and try to let go of negative thoughts about other motorists. If we can’t do this; we can spend a 3 hour ride holding indignant thoughts about the motorist who cut a corner. Indignation doesn’t make the problem go away, but, it can spoil our ride.
Responsible Cycling
One of the most irritating aspects of cycling is being labelled with the so called ‘cyclists’ who ride dangerously. We don’t label all motorists with drunk drivers who kill. But, people will try to label all cyclists together. However, if you ride responsibly; use lights at night, stop at red, don’t cycle on the pavement (sidewalk for our US friends), you feel alot better about cycling. It means you can ignore any criticism of cyclists bad behaviour because you know it doesn’t apply to you.
When I first started cycling 10 years ago, I didn’t always stop at red; I didn’t always use lights; it meant I cycled with a subtle inner tension. It was only when I changed my approach to cycling that I realised I enjoyed it a lot more. Basically, I was cycling with peace of mind.
The Power of Silence
Sometimes motorists or pedestrians shout abuse. The temptation is to respond in kind. But, this is just what they enjoy seeing. They want to see cyclists rise to the bait; this only encourages them to do more of it. If you completely ignore them you give the incident no energy.
People have different ways of dealing with unpleasant situations. My approach is to let it go. I know arguing with a driver is not going to make the roads safer. I just try to enjoy the ride; if I have to deal with bad motorists, that is just something to live with. But, I try very hard to ignore the problems.
Cycling and Politics
Some people try to politicise cycling. I don’t mind if they do; but, it’s not something that interests me so I tend to ignore this aspect of cycling. I am a member of a local cycling group cyclox. But, their attitude is primarily pragmatic and realistic; it is pressure group that doesn’t have a political line.
Basically, cycling is one of those activities that is naturally enjoyable. Just the motions and mechanics of cycling gives me joy. The only problem is that the enjoyment of cycling can be spoilt by others whom we share the road. However, ultimately, it is our attitude that determines whether we enjoy cycling or not.
City Cycling by Richard Ballantine at Amazon.co.uk
Cycling has always had a bumpy ride and has struggled to live in harmony with both pedestrians and motorists alike. Surely a modicum of common sense is in order here as well as some give and take. People need more education on the dangers cyclists face on busy streets and if they could experience them first hand they might be more forgiving. Many cyclists don’t do themselves any favours either through not wearing
mountain bike helmets Hi Vis clothing and other essential safety gear.
Great article by the way
Whenever a motorist cut me up (in my youth) I’d always chase after them and bang my fist on the roof of their cars. It soon became completely instinctive. It improved my sprinting performance tremendously! But I never learned to like dog biscuits.
Great article, in particular the piece of advice about being detached from bad driving.
Having been taken out by a rather horrible driver last year I had real problems getting back out on to the roads. It was only once I got to the stage where I could give up being angry that I started enjoying what is a great sport again.
I actually quite like politics tbh, I dont resent anyone from staying away from it however – thats their choice.
Ok, now that means I have to leave the bazooka at home!? :0)
Excellent article. So many cyclists get sucked into supporting the political ideals of political activists who happen to ride bicycles or use bicycles as a statement of their political ideology. They drive me crazier than the car drivers! You don’t have to be a vegetarian, global warmist, pro-abortion Marxist to enjoy riding a bike! Just ride the damn thing for what it means to YOU.
Global warmist? I would have thought that anyone with half a brain realises this is an increasingly huge problem and that cycling is a good way to help combat this.
Thank you for a terrific article. Can I ask for one clarification? You wrote, “don’t cycle on the pavement.” I wonder if pavement = pedestrian walkways. (In the United States, “don’t cycle on the pavement” translates to “don’t cycle on paved roads”!)
Spendid post. Verily you are a Mark2 Dave Moulton!
And a man after my own heart.