AIBU to think drivers should do a cycle test before being allowed to drive?

[bicuriousgeorge]

Sorry thread about a thread but there are good and bad cyclists and good and bad drivers.
Unfortunately bad drivers are likely to do far more damage than bad cyclists.

"I totally agree that drivers on the whole do need to be more aware of all vehicles on the road but why must they cycle?"

Obviously you missed my comment about drivers needing to have to increasing awareness about who else they share the road with. I just don't think forcing drivers to cycle is a good idea. You asked YABU and I think you are.

But why is it not a good idea candy?

You have zero evidence that it will save lives that's my problem with your idea and cycling is a skill that is very different to driving, why should people spend extra money on something they never want to do?

Why should drivers not take a cycle test as part of their driving test? Unless they can't for whatever reason obviously

A mandatory part of the driving test could be that a driver must encounter a (planted) cyclist, far better learning experience than a driver being on a bike!

I agree.

Flock I see your point about horses but most people who live in cities will never see them on the roads so it is less relevant to most.

I have driven and cycled so can see both points of view.

Oh man....because it doesn't teach you how to drive safely around cyclists! Driving lessons and tests are to teach YOU how to drive, not how other people drive around you.

All the evidence points to a lack of understanding, an us and them attitude. What better way to learn about other road users than by spending some time in their shoes?

I just told you a better way. Out of interest, have you ever had a driving lesson?

bicuriousgeorge

If all Cyclists take one first. then I will.

I think it's a great idea to ensure drivers have the experience of cycling. It's not about being mean to drivers, but a greater insight into the capabilities and limitations of cyclists would be a good thing.

I think candycoatedwaterdrops idea of making passing cyclists a part of the test is good too.

Candy

How on earth could driving round a cyclist be "far better learning" than to actually be driven round.

The feeling of a car driving fast even at a safe distance can cause a suction wind that can make your bike wobble, you can't feel that by being in a car.

Being on a bike in the gutter and constantly having to avoid bits of car/lorry shrapnel and knowing a car is also trying to over take you is not something you can understand by "passed a planted cyclist".

Not a good idea at all... and IMHO there are many cyclists who need to take a test before they are let loose on the roads. One thing that should be made law is that they wear a full jacket or top that is highly visible. I have seen horse riders with ones that have lights on the back in the shape of a big square and an arrow pointing to the left. However vigilant you are when driving in poor visibility i.e: mist, rain etc a cyclist in dull colours can be hard to see at a safe distance and they don't always have their lights on.......

Candy

I stated early I have driven for 30 years in this country and abroad. I am a very very experienced driver.

Until I started cycling I would never have known some of the eventualities that a cyclist came come up against and now I am very much more aware of other road users, all road users. I thought I was careful before but I have a greater understanding now.

The trouble is, who would pay for it? I certainly would have been enraged at the idea of paying extra to learn to cycle when I never wanted to. There are better ways at ensuring drivers are aware of cyclists, horses etc. Are you suggesting that you make horse riding mandatory for learner drivers in rural areas too?

diaimchlo

I agree a cycle test would be a good idea for everyone

I don't disagree with you that many drivers are not aware of cyclists, just that your idea will not help the cause. I have found MN threads really helpful when I've wondered "why is that cyclist doing that?" but cycling for me? Nah, I never was able to cycle as a kid, found it too difficult.

Just like swimming lessons
Cycling is a life skill in my view.

OP you accused Candy of being condescending, I am sorry to say that some of your posts are coming over as very condescending.

You clearly are not even willing to consider that there may be better ways than your idea, so seems a waste of time chewing the fat. If you genuinely thought something needed to be done, I would have thought you'd be more open minded instead of fixated on this idea of yours.

Yabu the onus is not on the driver to ensure the cyclist is keeping themselves safe. A lack of safety gear, running red lights, undertaking cars turning left etc can't be corrected be improving a drivers awareness of some idiots who cycle

Cycle proficiency courses should be mandatory for any cyclist who's caught being a dangerous idiot same with drivers

candycoat

You may well have found MN helpful when wondering why cyclists do x but the vast majority of people on both sides do not seek to understand.

That is why there is such venom from different groups of road users. Lack of education of others predicament. I am not sure it's something you can fully understand by reading about it. better to experience it if you can.

Lacking energy

Please point to where I have suggested the onus is on the driver to ensure the cyclist is keeping themselves safe.

I have never said that ever.

I do not agree that everyone should take a cycle test unless they are going to actually cycle.

I do not look upon it as a life skill, I personally think it is a life choice which you have obviously embraced.

candy
You have come up with one other idea which I don't think would help.