You are reading a single comment by @hardcorebikepunk and its replies.
Click here to read the full conversation.
London Fixed Gear and Single-Speed is a community of predominantly fixed gear and single-speed cyclists in and around London, UK.
This site is supported almost exclusively by donations. Please consider donating a small amount regularly.
@hardcorebikepunk
Interesting discussion...
I got pulled over by two city cops while taking the lane on tabernacle st a couple of weeks ago. From the subsequent discussion it became apparent the driver felt I was "in his way" and had "given him a dirty look". As far as I was concerned I was riding in a safe, assertive position and making eye contact to make sure the aggressive, in terms of his proximity to my rear wheel, driver behind had seen me. My explanation of this seemed to fall on deaf ears, and I'm certain he got back into his vehicle having manipulated the discussion to reinforce his prejudicial views of cyclists.
Raising driver awareness and altering this type of behaviour is a massive task, and as much as we can do as cycle instructors to prepare individuals for these situations it really needs a strategic public campaign to initiate what would a be a massive cultural shift. From what I remember, and do correct me if I'm wrong, my driving test, combined with society's attitude to driving as a right rather then a privilege, taught me to be a rule following (or not if I could get away with it) automaton, rather than an active, considerate member of a community of road users.