Blame drivers, not cyclists (3)

Joe Borg argues that pedal cyclists are a nuisance to his bad driving habits.

We are told how he "once again" almost ran over a cyclist because he was blinded by lights from an oncoming car. That he continued driving although he could not see did not occur to him as being dangerous, let alone illegal. What if a child were crossing the road instead?

Cyclists are also in Mr Borg's way when he wishes to make a quick getaway at a traffic light. They frustrate him, make the queues longer and create more pollution. He claims the little rectangle giving preference to cyclists at the traffic lights is "silly". What are really silly are, in fact, the arguments he put forward. Pollution is increased by hard accelerations and braking, not the other way round; traffic queues are created by cars, the more bicycles there are, the less cars and hence lesser queues; and finally, frustration is a result of erratic driving and impatience, not because of a few cyclists on the road.

Mr Borg was definitely correct in saying that there is much room for improvement with the Transport Authority's signage and road design. He was also correct in pointing out that cyclists should be educated in safe road driving and visibility. What he failed to point out, however, is that the biggest problem is driver arrogance and irresponsibility. While I do hope that the Transport Authority continues to seek out safer and better planning for all road users, I recommend to Mr Borg and any other driver to get on a bicycle and use it as much as possible. The few extra minutes it takes to get to places will not drastically change any plans or timetable, and the physical effort and exercise of riding will be of great benefit both to the rider's health and outlook on life.