h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I never cease to be amazed at some car/lorry/bus drivers attittudes towards cyclists. Drivers never make mistakes and never drive badly. It is *always* someone elses fault.

Hence it doesn't surprise me to read "If a motorist has the misfortune to collide with a cyclist you can bet your boots that it is the motorist who ends up in court with a fine and points on his licence - and a bill for the damage to his vehicle." A totally self-centred view. If a cyclist that has the misfortune to be hit by a vehicle 'you can bet your boots' that cyclist will be injured, seriously injured or maybe killed. Poor motorist....

Please ride a bike to work in a major city during rush hour (like I do) and you'll see a very different view. Worse still ride a bike on a country lane at a weekend - then you'll experience the delights of cars blasting past driven by amateur racing drivers playing at Formula 1... But I'm sure that would never apply to you (or any other driver) as you're all perfect...

You seem to have missed the point I was trying to make.

If you read my original piece again you will find that I am not defending the motorist and his/her driving ability - I am critising the behaviour of cyclists on the public road.

Can anyone explain to me why cyclists should not have to obey the rules of the road as laid down in the Highway Code (there is even a section specifically for cyclists).

If other road users acted in the anarchic way many cyclists do no-one would be safe.

You are totally correct. Cyclists do not have the right to ignore the rules of the road. I dont often cycle in city centres but on the occasions I have I have come to the conclusion that (some) cyclists behave like this for self preservation. Cars and lorries don't see cyclists and are much harder!!