Cyclists and motorists

I have just read that the new transport regulator will promote cycling at the expense of motorists. Without going into the merits of any accident or mishap, the main danger is the fact that our roads are too narrow and the mixing of the two modes of transport is prone to danger from both parties. Cycle lanes should not occupy part of any road; if need be there should be a hard elevated shoulder and cyclists would not be allowed on the carriageway.

Having said this, I must highlight certain unfair assumptions by those who consider the car as the devil's work. If certain drivers are irresponsible, arrogant or ignorant, the fault lies clearly with ADT and the authorities. The few traffic wardens are in fact misnamed. These are purely there to issue parking tickets. The state of certain cars, VRT or no VRT, is pathetic. The lack of signals is criminal, jalopies are allowed without restraint. Potholes require last-minute swerving. The list is endless.

On the other side of the coin we have the saintly cyclists. Up to a certain age I used to cycle, in fact I cycled in many countries. All road users, be they pedestrians, cyclists, motorists or otherwise must obey the safety rules. I shall mention a few of the faults as seen personally on our roads.

No reflective wear, no clearly visible lights, cycling two abreast, racing in an effort to keep up or overtake cars, swerving from the cycle lane, behaving the same irrespective of whether there is a cycle lane or not, training and practising alone or without proper signs on major roads, ignoring traffic signs or traffic lights, ignoring pedestrian crossings, ignoring one-way traffic movement and carrying a second person. Plus many other bad practices.

Another aspect is the contribution (or lack of) towards the road upkeep. If a bicycle uses, say, a third of the space of a car, it should pay the proportional ratio.

Preparing and maintaining cycle lanes costs money. Why should motorists, already heavily taxed, sponsor other users? Bicycles do not carry any identification and licence plates are needed.

It has been known that cyclists knocked down children.

The lower and upper age limit of the cyclist on the road must also be controlled. Cyclists need to be tested and licensed.

The idea that cars are bad is a travesty of the truth. Properly driven, cars are essential and help the economy. Let us not make a scapegoat of car drivers. One or a few accidents do not justify the hate campaign between the two users.