Despite my earlier attempts to be a wind up merchant, I can assure you that I am very careful on the road.
But you see, I qualified as a mountain bike leader in 2002. I spent my first few years after uni teaching outdoor education, so I did the whole climbing, walking, biking, boaty stuff for several years.
I for one do stop at the line for traffic lights, I usually go just over it, so drivers of large vehicles can see me though if they are there, I do not jump red lights unless I have a serious reason to do so, eg escaping from a T1t in a car who wants to squish me.
I have been cycling on the roads since 1990 and the only time I was hit was when a Caravan pulling driver crushed me between the curb and his caravan. I was furious because I could have been very badly hurt, but the guy was a P***k who even failed to stop when I came off my bike due to being hit by his caravan. I wish I had got his number plate or smashed one of his windows.
I understand that Switzerland has a plate system for cyclists and they have to pay road tax. If it gave us safe and reliable cycle ways that do not get covered with filth, oil or rubbish and did not turn into Parking lanes for gits in cars with those park anywhere lights, I would gladly pay it. Instead I pay money to Sus Trans, the national Cycle network builders.
http://www.sustrans.org.uk/
Anyway, happy cycling Orgers! Loves ya really.
