When I hear certain people (e.g. Jeremy Clarkson from BBC Top Gear) dismissively talk about cyclists. I often wish they could be made to spend 10 or 20 hours cycling around London. Many drivers have no empathy for a cyclists’ perspective and this is a big factor in causing bad / thoughtless driving. As a cyclist you soon learn how intimidating it can be when cars / buses pass very close or drive on the wrong side of the road e.t.c.
When I drive, I instinctively give cyclists as much room as I would want if I was on a bike. If more motorists had that perspective of also being a cyclist then I’m sure that their driving would become more careful and thoughtful.
It is very difficult for legislation to change drivers attitudes. The best method is to experience other forms of transport for yourself.
A simple thing that could improve standards of driving is to periodically make motorists spend a certain time cycling or at least make people spend some time cycling before passing their test. It could also be a good punishment / rehabilitation for those convicted of motoring offences e.t.c
Empathy with other road users can work both ways. The least considerate cyclists tend to be teenagers / students who have never driven a car.
There is a scheme in London giving cyclists / pedestrian users to sit in Large lorries and see the blind spots that drivers have. This is an excellent scheme and could work both ways (i.e. make lorry drivers have perspective of cycling.
Of course, making drivers spend some time cycling before passing their driving test will never happen. But, it doesn’t stop it being a good idea. Who knows many may even find cycling is not actually as dangerous or difficult as they perceive. And with more considerate driving cycling can actually be very enjoyable!
Another good idea would be to make town planners and those who design cycle lanes spend time cycling Then they wouldn’t come up with these crazy lanes!
I would also love the BBC to make a film of Jeremy Clarkson cycling from one side of London to another. It would be great to see his perspective. Although I don’t agree with his ‘petrol head’ views, he is an entertaining and witty presenter and it would be good to see him suffer trying to cycle through London.
His side kick Richard “hamster” Hammond has cycled across London in a race against Mr Clarkson who was in a boat, but I agree with you, the bbc should put Clarkson on a bike as it would be very entertaining
Si
Bolton