Intolerance from those 'saints' on two wheels

George Debono (August 31) and James Wightman (September 4) took me to task and accused me of intolerance.

I tried my best to be balanced in my approach. I criticised the irresponsible drivers but also pointed out the arrogance of certain "saintly" cyclists.

Both need to learn and appreciate the importance of tolerance and good manners. Bad drivers annoy me as much as they annoy the cyclists. On the other hand, if the two gentlemen are drivers, surely they have met irresponsible cyclists.

I have had long experience with both types of transports and do not need anyone to teach me my duties.

To certain cyclists it seems that motorists should not be intolerant to cyclists but the two wheelers are exempt from any control. All road users should show restraint.

An experienced and qualified cyclist should be able to assess the state of the road and traffic. No cyclist should expect or demand priority for the use of the road.

As long as a child would have learnt to keep his balance on two wheels, he can go wherever he (she) likes.

There are no proper teaching and training schools. There are no tests. There are no exams on road and signs use. Bicycles do not carry any identification; they do not pay for the use of the road; they are not covered by insurance; they do not signal their intentions; they ignore signs at their whim. This is sheer preferential treatment. How many fines were imposed on cyclists for bad and irresponsible use?

In many countries, especially in the north of Europe, cyclists behave within certain laws and parameters. Why should not this be the case in Malta? In my letter I listed a number of shortfalls by cyclists.

Not one single contributor bothered to remark on these. Therefore it seems that there could be more intolerance from the people on two wheels who might not appreciate the difficulty and stress involved in driving a car on our lawless roads. The state of anarchy is fully and completely the fault of the authorities in general and ADT in particular. Discipline is bad propaganda while anarchy is advocated and encouraged.

Racing and training on highways is a crime. This does not justify bad drivers as two wrongs do not make a right.

My original letter was in reaction to the heavily biased petition doing the rounds. That petition is based on sheer arrogance and intolerance of other road users. I object to any preferential treatment as being demanded by the cyclists against drivers and pedestrians.