Fahrradsozialismus

But some would call that cycle imperialism.

Came across yet another article addressing a driver’s attitude towards cyclists on news.com.au. Whilst no longer too surprised at such apparent display of what can easily be regarded as hatred, it is somewhat curious to observe that from what little data I can discern sieving through the author’s predilection towards vibrant decoratives, the cyclist did not actually infringe upon any road regulations, for as I understand it the cyclist is allowed to use the full width of the road if no dedicated path is available. Whether this is something courteous, safe or indeed wise to do on a busy city road is a different issue altogether. Whilst I applaud the lone rider on his tenacity & audacity in defending his right, I fear many cyclists like myself would not be nearly as confrontational, regardless of road skills. It is simple physics that if any collusion happened, regardless of who is responsible, the cyclist will almost always walk away worse off, if he/she is still able to walk at all.

Cycling is often regarded as being reckless dangerous for both the rider & other road users, whether this is a result or the cause of the decrease in cyclists is unknown, but it is certainly does not encourage any potential cyclists. I personally would think if anything, cyclists, especially those riding alongside traffic would be far more cautious & defensive then car drivers, for the same reason given above.

It is somewhat sad to see that the mentality of regarding cyclists as road vermin, combined with caution/cowardice such as mine to avoid road usage forming a sort of vicious cycle with the latter enhancing further the conviction of the former by the representative lessening of what is already an under-represented road usergroup. With the commuter cycling population being as low as it is, it is difficult to see the situation improve anytime soon without significant changes in road planning & public awareness in these cities.

It is articles like these that make me again thankful for the superlative cycling infrastructure (as opposed to public transportation) in Canberra, which includes extensive shared cycle/footpath all over the city (in addition to the dedicated cycle lanes on many artery routes, sometimes on the same route), thus reducing the need to use car lanes to a minimum. Canberra drivers also seem to be a lot more accommodating towards cyclists, but being a smaller city, Canberrans are more laid back to begin with. Indeed occasionally drivers would slow down or give way even when they have right-of-way, often resulting in confused scramblings from both side (far more ridiculous-looking if you are on a bike).

It shouldn’t be an us vs. them sort of thing, god only knows we get enough of that from every aspect of human interaction, and perhaps it is simply instinct to behave so, but at least we are given the ability to discern & isolate such emotions, and can to a degree check these primordial drives. You can indeed say I am a dreamer, but I know, and sincerely do hope I am not the only one. Man may have brought many unspeakable evils unto the world, but tolerance is something uniquely human, too.

Article here.