The hatred towards cyclists/horse riders etc

[RH1234]

Following on from a conversation on another thread; AIBU to think that the hatred towards all cyclists/other road users I.e. horses is completely atrocious and unjustified.

Lots of people will make comments about “I bet they were in Lycra”, “I dislike road cyclists”, “they don’t even pay road tax”.

My question is not; do you hate cyclists. My question is why do you hate me someone you have not met) as a cyclist?

For perspective:

1. I pay VED (Road tax doesn’t exist) on 3 vehicles.
2. I have insurance for my bikes - which includes public liability etc. My cycle insurance is genuinely more expensive than my car, I also have free insurance through British Cycling.
3. I don’t run red lights (for transparency, I have been through one red light, floor sensors don’t pick up carbon fibre, it was 5am, after waiting a few minutes, with no cars I went through)
4. I cycle an average of 19-23mph, I can overtake tractors near me, I’m smaller than a tractor surely you can pass me.
5. I do ride two abreast if in a group, but if passing is difficult, as per the Highway Code we ensure you can pass when safe.
6. When riding on my own, I wave cars past so they can often go before they can see.
7. Yes I wear Lycra - but you try cycling 100 miles without decent chamois in place. I won’t mention leg hair as that’s a whole different subject for you.
8. My wife use to love cycling, but won’t ride on the road now due to the drivers attitudes.

AIBU to be annoyed that I don’t do any of the things people moan about, yet people will hate me, some people will hurl abuse, some people will literally try and drive me off the road (luckily not that often for the last one)

All I want is, to enjoy the sport I’m love, get fit and then spend the time with my family. Yet my wife has said to me, she is anxious when I’m out and follows me on find my iPhone, because she’s terrified someone will one day leave me for dead in a ditch.

Surely a two minute delay is not unreasonable? I don’t judge based on hobbies or backgrounds, why am I judged?

AIBU in thinking that those who state they hate cyclists clearly are either media influenced or just plain horrible people.

Apologies, this has turned into more of a rant than a AIBU, but I’m sure you get the gist.

Exactly, horse riders are the public too!! We have the right.
It is responsibility of drivers, by law, to drive safely and responsibly around vulnerable road users.

Who's allowed to use a public road, just car drivers?

You do have the right, at the moment. But motorists need to demonstrate some competence before being let loose on public roads imo horse riders should too.
Have you ever seen a horse bolt in a public place? It is quite scary for all involved .

All those horses, cyclists and pedestrians are massive problem

I've been rising for 40+ years so yes I have.

That's why they are classed as vulnerable road users and it is very clearly stated how you should pass them ie 10mph maximum speed and at least 2m gap of going over the white line to do so.

Most people of average intelligence can understand that.

There is no intention to change the law so you can stop with the "at the moment"

Someone who may have passed a driving test 30 years ago has in no way demonstrated they can handle a car today, and a car can cause significantly more damage than a horse or a bike.

So that doesn't really work as an argument either.

I ride and believe me, we'd love to stick to bridleways but unfortunately they're few and far between and you have to use the roads to get to them.

Luckily, the horse I ride is of epic proportions and most drivers think twice before getting up the arse of a horse his size. He also more likely to kick back in irritation than panic if they did.

@Gloriiado you have any experience of horses at all? I’m guessing not!
How would you propose you get horses used to being on the roads without going on them?
You do realise that horses were quite literally the reason roads exist don’t you?
There is absolutely no reason all road users can’t have safe journeys on the road whatever form of transport they use. All that is asked is a little consideration by all users. And more often than not sadly cyclists don’t consider other road users or indeed their own safety. Horse riders on the other hand are on the whole far more aware of their vulnerability on the roads and act accordingly.

Velo cycling is not remotely the same thing.

You’re showing your ignorance now.

Its been brought up many a time with our council. It wouldn't surprise me if one day if not banning horses from public roads then maybe some basic competency assessment for riders may be introduced.

Surely that would be a good thing, have you ever seen a clearly inexperienced rider try to cajole a scared horse down a street?

Ah shame there is no solidarity between 2 vulnerable road user groups

Or you could stop, get off and let the cars past? Who made you guardian of the traffic? Such an entitled attitude!

Because of shit inconsiderate drivers? Yes? Do you know how many riders and horses are killed on the roads due to shit drivers?

FYI many of us do sit our Ride Safe/Road Rider test. Sadly it doesn't protect us from shit drivers

It's not just for cars either

'Luckily, the horse I ride is of epic proportions and most drivers think twice before getting up the arse of a horse his size. He also more likely to kick back in irritation than panic if they did.'

Your horse of epic proportions is likely to kick back if irritated? I mean there you go, says it all.

I am saying that emergency services workers should take priority and they can’t always use public transport finishing at 3 am etc.
Tradespeople physically can’t cycle. If they are refitting a kitchen for example they need a van. Both of these categories of people are likely to need equipment that cannot go on a bike. Therefore if bikes take priority how could you get things fixed such as a plumbing problem or get a new boiler? People who need to drive vans to work etc do need to use the roads.

If it is safe to do so then cycling is a good idea. In the town where I live there are cycle tracks that link it to the next city so I think bikes should go on that. It’s what it is designed for. I don’t understand why they would need to go on the roads when there is an alternative. I think it is selfish because they could cycle on the cycle tracks. The cars/ vans can’t go on the cycle track.
I am aware this isn’t the case throughout the UK but it is where I live. In places such as Majorca the roads are safely set up for cyclists with a separate, clearly marked lane and so it’s safe but where I live it really isn’t due to how narrow the roads are in the city centre.

Are you this boring at home OP?

Literally letting people past, surely your attitude is more entitled that you feel you have priority.

For some education, I am not stopping on a grass verge, where I’ll get mud in the cleats, that then makes it difficult to clip in.

@Gloriia I have my riding and road safety qualification, my BHS exams, my coaching qualifications and have been producing horses for 35 years.
Believe me, I know how to train and ride a horse safely on the road and I know exactly which horses that I wouldn’t ride on the roads.
Please don’t treat me like an idiot.

Plenty of tradespeople can use a bike

No it isn’t. It’s for everyone. So cycling in cleats (which is why they never want to break or slow down) like you’re in a time trial on the main road during rush hour and doing slalom with Cars and people is inconsiderate and dangerous.

the same way that 50 people running in the main road or 50 cars drag racing is inconsiderate.

Well that sounds perfect, my point is everyone should have similar qualifications and experience before being let out on a road with as a pp said a horse of 'epic proportions' that kicks back when irritated.

Who made you the guardian of the traffic?

Heavens, it’s never crossed my mind that people might hate cyclists or horses on the road.