britain's hate for cyclists

I'm both a cyclist (actually, these days, an electric cyclist, which maybe doesn't count from your perspective) and a motorist but I also live in Cambridge, which is one of the places which is probably slightly more friendly to cyclists than many in the UK. As a motorist and a pedestrian, I deplore the fact that many people on cycles clearly have no knowledge of or respect for the Highway Code and are a hazard for motorists and pedestrians alike. Of course, this doesn't apply to all cyclists but many (even those who are responsible cyclists and carry lights) are not very visible at night, especially when they are coming towards one. As a cyclist, I am very aware that I am a 'slow' and less visible road user and that I cannot count on motorists to see me quite as soon as they see another car. I'm also aware that (from a motorist's point of view) I occupy less space than I actually need, am more likely to change direction quickly and without warning than a motor vehicle and, in general, am a significant hazard. Therefore I do understand many motorists' impatience. With regard to wearing a helmet, I have to admit that very often I don't, even though I don't feel 'dressed' if I am not wearing a seat belt in a car! I have been cycling for many years before helmets for cyclists (or motor cyclists) were even thought of as a general article of wear. I don't, in any case, believe that cycle helmets offer nearly as much protection as their wearers think they do and I actually feel safer riding without the slight encumbrance of a helmet. I do realise, of course, that if I were to fall or be knocked off, there might be slightly less damage to my head if I were wearing a helmet but I still believe that it is something of a false security. I am not a big believer in 'nanny state' laws which do nothing to protect other people from my actions, so I would tend to oppose any law which made it obligatory for cyclists to wear helmets.

New Zealand is very cyclist friendly. Many places, including where I live, create special cycle tracks. There are currently moves toward creating a national cycle track from the north of the country to the south. Parts of it already exist, but joining it all up will take time and money.

I have came to bicycle about 3 years ago when I stopped jogging and I do 2 rides/week, one on a towpath near a river (about 10 miles), and another one on small roads (30 to 60 miles, depending of the weather and of my mood). I have been horned by cars in the city, but I cannot say that I have had a hate reaction against me, but I live in a country where quite everyone has a bicycle and does at least a few miles every year.

I live in Colorado where cyclists are worshiped as demi gods..none of that here that I hear about. I am sure there is always a few, but in general cyclists get respect here. Sorry you get all that hateful stuff there..dangerous indeed.