Do Cyclists Deserve More Road Respect?

Cyclists. We either love them, we hate them, or we are one of them.

All in all, they deserve more respect on our roads. And here’s why: nobody owns the road. (Well, the government might, but no single type of vehicle has the right to say, “This is my road, and only my friends and I may use it”, because that is a total load of rubbish.)

Everyone is free to use the road. Cars don’t seem to have a problem with stopping at the traffic lights and waiting for that poor 90-year old lady to cross in front of them, so why do they have a problem with cyclists riding on their side?

Can you imagine if cyclists tried to dominate the roads? How would you feel as a driver then? You would feel intimidated and would avoid using that road, maybe making your trip three times as long. These poor cyclists are being abused and victimised, and must feel like they should be taking up some other sport because they don’t feel like valued citizens.

They are shunned when they use the bike paths and they are shunned when they use the roads. Seriously everyone, I thought we were over this persecuting thing!

Cyclists are going out, getting exercise and doing something they love. Why on earth are they being degraded for this? It must be the heightened and immoral jealousy drivers feel when they are on the road.

A common phrase I come across in the car with my parents is, “For goodness sake, yet another thing to concentrate on.” I am honestly so sick of society blaming others for when they couldn’t do things right themselves.

Okay, so drivers don’t get much exercise. I’m sorry for their loss. Stop scapegoating those who actually try to stay fit and healthy, and start either shutting your mouth or getting out there and going for a cycle yourself.

Most of the time, cyclists do the right thing. Sure, there may be a couple of bike-riding hoons out on the road, but most of them are just out for a bit of fresh air. Cyclists are perfectly polite to drivers, letting them through and moving out of the way. We drivers should be ashamed of ourselves.

We say stereotyping is a big problem; how ads are sexist and programs racist. It is a big problem. In fact, such a big problem that we often don’t even realise we are doing it ourselves.

Let’s put it into perspective. A 40-year-old man is riding his bike in his Lycra suit; he wanted a bit of exercise and a bit of time away from the kids, like he does every Sunday morning. However, the poor thing is getting dirty looks from every vehicle driving past, as if he has a sign on the back of him saying “I support the KKK!”

He is being stereotyped as a cyclist (without any evidence might I add) who jumps erratically in front of cars and rides too far from the curve. We all just need to chill out, and give these ordinary and healthy people the respect they deserve.

Of course, there are some disrespectful cyclists, just like there are some disrespectful supermarket assistants and some disrespectful train passengers. Yet, every time we get on the train or go to the supermarket, we don’t automatically assume these people are less worthy of our support and respect, do we? No, we don’t. We are good citizens of Australia. So let’s finally show our love to cyclists.

Congratulations to Emer for winning this writing challenge, answering: Cyclists Deserve More Road Respect. Emer wins a $50 Westfield gift card for her submission. For your chance to win, check out our latest writing challenges in our Comps section. Also, be sure to follow this guide on how to win the writing challenge!

Photo: iStock.