From the cab - a HGV drivers view

I think that all of these discussions could be dispelled simply by a grand investment in proper bike lanes.

I absolutely agree. I've cycled a lot in Germany, and also in Copenhagen, and I have to say, after cycling in those places I have no desire to cycle on the road, if there is a reasonable alternative.

I believe, though I may be wrong, that in Germany, if there is a cycle lane, you are required to use it rather than the road, and that was no problem for me at all.

Many people here say, that as cyclists, we have as much right to be on the road as other vehicles, and of course they are right. But having the right doesn't mean it's always sensible to use it, and it doesn't take a genius to realise that having heavy vehicles sharing the same space as flimsy bikes with no protection is a recipe for disaster (as is proven time and time again).

I don't think that the green strip on the side of the roads achieves much, but a double level pavement, or a separated cycle path is in my mind much safer for cyclists.