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.

" 80 per cent of all cyclists by the age of 50 need hip and knee replacements"

No they don't. That's patently made-up nonsense.

Collflower and cheese

The fatalities are mainly due to motor vehicles, shall we not allow women out to lower the rape numbers?

Supermarkets deliver, some tradespeople use cargo bikes, car share schemes can be used for trips to tips etc, humans can adapt

Do you have a link to those stats

The "cyclists in particular" in my post referenced the original title of this thread. I have found that horse riders are generally more considerate of other road users than cyclists.

Inconsiderate (not to say crap) drivers are of course two a penny......

If you aren’t looking out for cyclists and pedestrians you are a dangerous driver and shouldn’t be on the road .

What utter nonsense

@mintydoggyv
I’m sure will come back with all their made up statistics to suit their agenda….

You clearly don’t understand living rurally and having no shop, school, doctors etc in our village. The only way to access any services is to drive. The single road through our village truly is a lifeline to the outside World, much more than to people who can walk to a shop or have multiple routes to choose from.

As for the delay caused by cyclists - I do cope, I have to. Doesn’t mean I don’t get frustrated. The OP asked why people might dislike them as a cyclist, and I explained why.

Why do you think you’re more important than them because you’re driving?

They find having to think about cars all the time inconvenient. You are just equal road users.

I live rural, you don’t make any sense.