Motorists ‘must show due regard’
How do we convince a parent to let their child cycle to school alone, when there’s a reasonable chance they won’t get there?”
Amanzimtoti Cycling Club felt it pertinent to share points from an article penned by Robert Vogel, CEO of the Pedal Power Association:
“We don’t have the luxury of a steel cage to protect us from fellow road users. Many motorists seem oblivious to our presence and, rather than give us a safe gap, they make a conscious decision to not give us space. It seems like motorists don’t see a fellow human being riding a bicycle but rather someone deliberately trying to inconvenience them.
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They don’t think about slowing down, waiting for a safe opportunity to pass. The motorist doesn’t see someone’s husband, wife, son or daughter riding the bicycle. They see someone who doesn’t deserve respect or consideration, the same respect or consideration they show fellow motorists.
As an organisation, Pedal Power wants to get more bums on bikes – be it for leisure, environmental and health benefits or for commuting. How do we convince a parent to let their child cycle to school alone, when there’s a reasonable chance they won’t get there?” Asked about advice for cyclists to be safe on the road, Vogel wondered why no-one asked for advice to give motorists.
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