Why Are Cyclists So Hated...

We've all got it pretty good in london you know. Drivers here actually aren't too bad when you compare them to some other places. At least they (drivers) are used to seeing cyclists on the road.

I'm from Perth, Western Australia and the flak cyclist get over there is down right shameful. People yell abuse, throw beer bottles and McD's drinks at you, don't see you and pull out on you on a regular basis and if they knock you off your bike you'll "be firmly in the wrong" as far as they are concerned. I stayed firmly on the tracks and trails back home because of this as i'd heard far too many stories and seen first hand my old man (now in his mid sixties and still competitive mind) get knocked off on a regular basis - about 6 years back he got knocked off bad - someone tried to overtake him and then turn left!! Over the bonnet and a somersault between 2 signposts later he gets a cracked hip, a mangled bike and no sympathy from the driver at fault. He now only rides on the street rarely, as do his cycling mates and does more organised racing and track events.

Seriously, london is sweet for cycling - mainly because there are so many of us about - we can't be ignored.

I must says I quite agree, I have the same mindset about Peru as well, an incredibly unsafe city to cyclists (and corruption mean you can drive without even a license there), however it's by European standard (Amsterdam, etc.) London is shit.

but then, if my girlfriend can ride around London on her bike without making me sweat with worried, then London is safe.