I didn’t want to start 2009 with a rant, but you really notice it when the schools go back! The last few weeks have been a joy for me as a cyclist and for the wider road using community I would imagine as the streets are much more free-moving first thing in the morning.
I live in a road that has a primary school at the end of it and if I leave at a certain time it’s anarchy out there. Cars not only double-parked but actually blocking the end of the junction. If you’re going in the other direction to a mummy hell-bent on getting her little darling to school then you’d better get out of the way, cos she’s not moving over for anyone.
And therein, I think, lies the problem: it’s like having small kids gives you some sort of licence to be incredibly selfish. Yes, your kids are your priority, but don’t expect them to be everyone else’s too.
So this morning I was cycling up a hill with a dedicated cycle path. Got to the top and there was a junction to my left and a woman in a massive Volvo waiting for a gap to pull out. Realising that little Fenella is going to be late for her hand painting class, she decides to stick her nose into the oncoming traffic and RIGHT across the bike lane. This forced me to brake hard (just as I was picking up some momentum on the flat) then swerve in front of her.
I didn’t lose my temper… just pulled a “great, thanks very much” expression. She just stared at me – no change of expression on her face, no acknowledgment…. she either didn’t notice me, or felt that I was so insignificant that me nearly riding into her side was no concern of hers (given the fortess-like protection she had invested in for her brood).
On a positive note…. I bought a Bern helmet for my wife from the very nice people at www.cyclechic.co.uk which was the wrong size. They’ve been nothing but helpful in changing it and not charging me any extra for postage. They also have some quite cool stuff there (not really for boys), but I like their style.
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