to think that not only should ALL cyclists wear helmets, but ...

[Tokyotwist]

the Government should build proper cycle tracks and cyclists should pay road tax to use said tracks.

Just that

It's not just motorists that cyclists see as behaving dangerously, if you're out for a leisurely cycle with your DC on cycle paths (or just walking on them) the 'professional' lycra clad cyclists really do tank down them with not a lot of regard for anyone else.

Although you're unlikely to be killed by them, it just adds to the 'unsafe' feeling.

massivemammaries so, how does this work then given that I am a cyclist and a motorist?? shouldn't be funded by motorists who have already been fucked over a thousand times by any number of unfair taxes you think I should pay again because I cycle as well?? That makes so much sense

A tax on cyclists - that's just what this country needs to do right now, tax a form of exercise... not.

I do think that cyclists should be registered as they are in certain Scandinavian countries. Thwa way the rule breakers can be fined when they break the rules.

However, I would like car drivers to stop parking on the cycle paths, trying to knock me over, cutting me off and trying to run me off the road.

I would like councils to improve the cycle paths. Not put them in the gutters where they are full of pot holes and rubbish that will damage my tyres.

As for helmets, well each to their own. You must wear one in Australia or be fined.
I would rather wear one just in case. A helmet does not preotect you when you fall off. It protects you when you hit the ground.

I agree with the OP, except the bit about extra cycle lanes. They should also have to have insurance and have to display some sort of identity.

My husbands car was scratched by a cyclist, and it is wrong that he was able to get away with that just because he was getting some excercise.

I'm a cyclist and a motorist so I pay my car tax thank you very much.

Any motorist who has an issue with cyclists should get on their bike and try it. Getting to work is equivalent to having a deathwish.

And whilst I don't condone it, many cyclists go through red lights with good reason. You can sit there on the line and the driver makes eye contact with you then the minute the light changes he makes a left turn whilst you still have your foot on the pedal and there you are under his front wheel.

"They should also have to have insurance and have to display some sort of identity."

That's a good point, but what about people who damage property while not on a bike or on a car? There are a lot of people on MN who've suffered in this way. I think it's important that, while out and about, pedestrians should also display some kind of publicly visible identity code, plus have insurance to cover any damage, accidental or otherwise, that they may do to others.

This is the plan Toronto uses for cyclists. www.toronto.ca/cycling/map/index.htm#tcm