DISQUS

Grace Australia · 3 months ago

Thanks Wade for giving us an opportunity and 'forum' to raise our voices on CT - and beautiful to read your comments on The Age. Kudos for being such a brilliant cycling ambassador.

In2Deep · 3 months ago

Big ups Wade, your a champion!!!

Have Bike will travel · 3 months ago

Mr Wallace you are a legend!
You are a gift that keeps on giving.

Dave · 3 months ago

Well done everyone who took action e.g. sent an email, left comments, discussed the topic with your work mates to raise awareness etc. (I did the latter).

I do have to ask, where are Bicycle Victoria? Aren't they meant to be our cycling ambassadors.

Grace Australia · 3 months ago

Looks like people have chosen their leader ;-)

Marchello · 3 months ago

Wade for President!! :)

Billy Buster · 3 months ago

CT, it could be a decent part-time job? How can we get you into CV?

Seriously, I pleadge $200 to start a campaign.

Grace Australia · 3 months ago

I'll add $50 to that (children's author royalties don't pay that well - unless you're JK Rowling) = total $250... anyone else???

Peth · 3 months ago

I think the response from a cyclists perspective has been terrific, and Wade well done on speaking up and being heard on this topic. I agree with Dave, where is the voice of cycling, be it Bicycle victoria or the other state bodies, Cycling Australia or relevant state bodies, or the Amy Gillet Foundation. Magda had her opportunity on National Television to rant, but to date the response is on a more local level.

From my point of view her apology is hollow until it is followed up on a national level addressing the audience that had to endure her recommendations of how to treat cyclists

Timbo · 3 months ago

Her reply was snide and forced upon her.

Until she gets out onto the road and learns what the hell she is on about, she should cease, desist and shoosh-now.

Get her riding down the Chapel St "bike lane" at 4PM. See how she goes.
Or Beach Rd peak hr commute.

What a clown.

MrT · 3 months ago

Well done Wade for bringing it up and well done all for following it up. Collectively we made a difference on this occasion. Let's keep it going whenever the need arises again.

Steve · 3 months ago

I blame Magda: Cyclist struck by truck.

Had enough of cyclists, Sydney · 3 months ago

You blame magda? that is the stupist thing Ive ever heard. do you want to know whose fault it was??? The cyclist's!!! If he hadnt been on the road he wouldnt have been hit now would he?

You are missing the point peop · 3 months ago

People, you are totally missing the point of what Magda was saying. She is expressing an incredible amount of frustration by motorists who are trying to deal with the generally poor attitude and lack of road sense of cyclists particularly when you travel in a big group. There is no way she was suggesting drivers run you over. To blame Magda for a cyclist getting hit is wrong and is meant only to deviate the attention away from the cyclists. To all the cyclists out there - get you act together and show respect to everyone who uses the road. Perhaps then motorists will show you more respect.

Timbo · 3 months ago

So, the part where she said run them over, and open doors on them, we all imagined that.

We don't care what the point is.

There are enough angry dimwit rednecks on the road who are itching at the chance to haze a rider.

If you don't ride, you don't know what the hell you're on about.

How about motorists show respect.

You guys are hypocrites. Day in day out, I see cars run reds (deep reds), speeding, not indicating, hazing riders -- how about drink driving.

Seriously.

Gawd.

James · 3 months ago

Yes, because the actions of a few bad apple cyclists should result in EVERY cyclist being run over and doored.

To the few BAD cyclists out there - get your act together and show respect to everyone who uses the road

To the many BAD motorists out there - get your act together and show respect to everyone who uses the road - you are driving a lethal weapn after all.

Steve · 3 months ago

(1) Names, such as Magda, should start with capital letters.
(2) Sentences should also start with capital letters.
(3) There should be an apostrophe in Ive as it's an abbreviation of two words.
(4) Again, sentences should also start with capital letters.
(5) Multiple question marks do not bring about a greater questions.
(6) There shouldn't be a question mark in cyclist's.
(7) There should be an apostrophe in hadnt as it's an abbreviation of two words.
(8) The injured cyclists is a she, not a he.
(9) There should be an apostrophe in wouldnt as it's an abbreviation of two words.

AND FINALLY

(10) My post was written with the same humour that Madga sought to convey when stating that motorists should "just drive and take them out." If we cyclists are to lighten up, perhaps you should too (after you get a better command of the English language).

Conor · 3 months ago

"(3) There should be an apostrophe in Ive as it’s an abbreviation of two words.", "(7)" and "(9)"

Actually Steve, those are contractions (the shortening and joining of two words. as in "I've"), an abbreviation is the shortening of a single word i.e. "Doctor" becomes "Dr."

It's fun to be a pedant!

Oh and by the way, I'm glad you ran with this Wade, as you are certainly becoming a voice of Australian Cyclists.

Conor

Steve · 3 months ago

Bugger.

Contraction was what I was racking my brain for, and abbreviation was all that arrived. Now to find my copy of The Style Manual and spend the week re-reading it.

Thanks for the correction.

Noodles · 3 months ago

(5) Multiple question marks do not bring about a greater questions.

But perhaps being a pedant brings about mistakes of one's own???? Which is the greater question(s)???

Conor · 3 months ago

It's always scary claiming to be pedantic, you have to spell check 100+ times before hitting post!

Conor

Had enough of cyclists, Sydney · 3 months ago

steve, your'e a dickhead mate. its a blog. the spelling etc doesn't have to be accurate. and you didn't even address the point, which was that the cyclist male or female wouldn't have been injured if they weren't on the road in the first place.

Justin · 3 months ago

How is it that you are so fixated on this point...?
You are aware that cyclists have equal right under the law to use the road as a car/truck/whatever?

I don't get it (much like you don't seem to get how writing like you dropped out of school age 10 makes you sound moronic)...

HOC, Syd · 3 months ago

I don’t get it (much like you don’t seem to get how writing like you dropped out of school age 10 makes you sound moronic)…

Justin did you read my earlier post. the spelling, grammar don't have to be perfect, this is a blog\forum. Im not writing a novel.

p.s youre a dick head too mate.

Steve · 3 months ago

Had enough of Cylists
You are a goose and whats more you could not even spare the 10 seconds it took to click on the article and read it. So to you you idiot if you are as ignorant as you appear to be, please keep yur comments to yourself!

Mr amu · 3 months ago

Totally agree with "have bike will travel," You're a champion Wade.

Tommy P · 3 months ago

CT, well done. Quality work. Proud to have you as our ambassador. Of course with this role comes responsibility. I will expect nothing less then for you to front up to ride to work day, shake hands with Magda, take photos etc. With all these duties and your weekly rides with Wendy you might however miss a few quality MTB & Road rides. I'll be thinking of you! ;)

cyclingtips · 3 months ago

Thanks guys but I'm not doing anything except giving you guys a platform to be heard on. My job is really quite easy (except for my grammar and spelling which I find very difficult!). The people who visit here are the ones adding value.

My hope is still that Michael Forbes is successful in meeting Magda for a coffee. Apparently she lives in the same suburb as Michael and myself (I'll stay out of it obviously). He'll succeed in making a stronger point than any of us ever will.

Christian · 3 months ago

I opened my car's door on CT this morning...but just to hand him over something

Good woork Wade

cyclingtips · 3 months ago

yeah..I thought you were a driver about to bash me!

;-)

Leigh · 3 months ago

I too, was a little concerned until I saw the bike wheels on the back seat and the friendly smile.

James · 3 months ago

It is an interesting issue. When issues against cyclists are raised, they are often done so in an irrational way, making it easy for us to discredit the argument.

But I do think we need to take some responsibility in improving our reputation on the road. This blog seems to have attracted a large readership and a large number of contributors. Can we look at making a few small changes to our behavior, that might help improve our reputation on the road.

It is easy to blame a few Idiot cyclists, but I think things are getting worse not better.

How about we come up with a list of do's and dont's for riding in traffic, similar to the group riding etiquette.

cyclingtips · 3 months ago

you read my mind James. This was what I was gonna post for tomorrow

James · 3 months ago

Great stuff Wade.

I will leave it in your capable hands!

Grace Australia · 3 months ago

Can't wait to read it... I am waiting with bated breath!

nb. Before anyone jumps at the opportunity to comment on my spelling of 'bated' - be sure to read this first: http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-bai1.htm

Steve · 3 months ago

"How about we come up with a list of do’s and dont’s for riding in traffic, similar to the group riding etiquette."

Not to disparage your sentiment James but there are already etiquette guides and codes of conduct for cyclists - you need only look to the Amy Gillett Foundation and St. Kilda Cycling Club websites for such.

Both, from memory, were created in response to community anger stemming from the actions of cyclists and were promoted as genuine, proactive responses to improving relations between road users and cyclists. But once the media glare died down, and sanity prevailed, little has been done. Note that this isn't a criticism of the people and organisations behind them.

It would be fair to say that most cyclists aren't aware of these codes. And even if they were, said codes still wouldn't enjoy any support - where support should be construed as cyclists gaining knowledge of an conducting themselves in accordance with their contents - because they are not enforced and carry no penalties for infringement.

Furthermore, they tend to reinforce road laws that are already in place, road laws that are often unknown, incorrectly understood, or ignored to the detriment of others. You need only look at the video contained within the recently posted WYMTM - North Road Ride to see cyclists riding four abreast at times and occupying all three lanes when entering a roundabout.

Both acts are illegal and contrary to the existing codes of conduct.

If there is a genuine will to improve cyclist behaviour then perhaps it should start with the more respected members of our community policing conduct during organised rides. Or how about combining the cycling and helmet cams to produce a series of videos explaining the road laws as they relate to cyclists? I for one have no idea what the specifics are relating to bike lanes and right-of-way. You could do it in association with VicRoads or rope in Rob Crowe (and RideWise) to show what is and isn't legal. Not only would this allow for greater sponsorship dollars (ads at the beginning/end of the movies) and better authority for the site (not to mention more Google juice), but it would also save people from wasting their lives producing yet another set of guidelines that aren't worth the paper their written on.

Geoffrey · 3 months ago

Wade, my best friend (Bevan) is a sales man in the jewellery trade, he was supposed to be staying with this guy on Friday who I think owns a jewellery store in Ballarat (http://www.thecourier.com.au/news/local/news/ge...). But Bevan got an SMS from this guys wife saying the that he had been hit by a truck and was in hospital on Tuesday night while we were having dinner. The unlucky guy now has broken femur, pelvis, plus all the internal injuries.

Pierre · 3 months ago

This is a great result, I was hoping somehting like this would result while I sat there in disbelief on Tuesday night watching Magda and Julia rip into cyclists. Well done Wade and everyone else that contributed.

Had enough of cyclists, Sydney · 3 months ago

Whilst Magda may have gone a step too far in advocating hitting cyclists with her car on purpose her other comments were right on the mark. the four lane highway is not your gym. I travel down the pacific highway on a daily basis to get to work. This road is clogged to the max and the journey already takes long enough withpout having to slow down for some selfish cyclist who wants to exercise on a main road at peak traffic time.
Whilst I am sorry for the gentleman in hospital mentioned in a post above, if he hadn't been on the road he wouldnt be in hospital now would he. Its time cyclists realised that the road is for cars. If you want to cycle for exercise go to a dedicated cycle track and give us all one less thing to worry about when driving to work.

peter · 3 months ago

maybe the only downside to all this was that they put the CT website address in the newspaper article.

now every 'bike hater' that reads the article will see the website ....

and we will get posts .. like the one above !
I love Sydney it is a great place, if I didn't live in Melbourne I would live in Sydney...

Dave · 3 months ago

I got similar comments when I posed this issue with my colleagues at work and was quite shocked at their similar response.

Even the most placid people had strong opinions about cyclists on the road (especially peak hour when everyone is rushing around).

The build up pressure on our roads is only going to get worse (increased population for example), so I think a big education campaign is in order to help all road users understand the issue, and what is acceptable behaviour/courtesy.

I don't commute to work via car (I mostly catch the train and occasionally cycle), so I have no real appreciation on the impacts cyclist make to drivers on their morning commute.

I'm desperately trying to locate a TV advert I saw when living in the UK that helps put this whole issue into perspective. I don't have the fine details, but the concept was this:
Cyclists hate the pedestrians, cars hate the cyclists, trucks hate the cars and everyone hate the buses......But aren't we all trying to get somewhere?

If anyone can remember it and post a link it would be much appreciated.

JC · 3 months ago

Get real you insensitive moron. I'm sure that if you were unfortunate enough to be involved in an horrific accident you wouldn't appreciate some fool telling you that it wouldn't have happened if you weren't in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Had enough of cyclists, Sydney · 3 months ago

"the wrong place at the wrong time". exactly. what is so wrong with pointing that out? insensitive moron? I said I was sorry for him but the above point stands as you aptly pointed out yourself.

MAX · 3 months ago

Ahhh, the road is for cyclists as well as cars. Sorry to point out facts. To say that cyclists don't belong on the road is just flat out wrong. Not an opinion, a fact. Learn your road laws if you're going to drive.

Ritch · 3 months ago

I've lived in Sydney. I found the roads clogged to the max with cars containing only one person and that more often than not, they were holding _me_ up.

Please don't pretend you're sorry for the bloke in hospital.

Tommy P · 3 months ago

Roads are clogged by other cars. This is because cars are a very inefficient method of moving large groups of people. The problem you describe is created by your and others' cars. You don't want to slow down for cyclists but you are happy to slow and wait behind other cars? No getting around them like you can a bike is there? I don't agree that roads are for cars. Car's are a relatively new addition to our cities and with growing population and congestion they simply don't have a future. It is a big problem, and trust me it will only get worse. I suggest you find an alternative way of getting to work or even better, work with your employers to redesign your work to avoid driving in peak hour. Massive amounts of technology and new work practices are being developed to accommodate flexible work or work in multiple locations such as home. I know, I do work in this area; I mean most people drive to the city to sit behind a desk and use a computer. You could do that anywhere with a power and internet connection. Why is that more important than what others do on the road? Streamline your time to travel into a location for team based activities, do individual work at home. Stop clogging our public spaces and give us one less thing to worry about when we actually want to do something constructive and healthy.

Timbo · 3 months ago

You are a fool.
And you can't see the irony?
I pay my taxes buddy (rego, petrol) so I'm on the road.
Bikes were here long before you, and they'll be here a long time after.

SeTh · 3 months ago

RE:"Its time cyclists realised that the road is for cars."

Roads are for TRAVELING. There are several LEGAL forms of travel including automobiles and bicycles.

End of story.

Five-55 · 3 months ago

Agreed Seth.

I was lucky enough to visit Rome a couple of years ago - we walked down a road that was 2,000 years old.

I'm no expert, but I don't think cars were around 2,000 years ago.

Roads are for travelling - in whatever form the travel may take!

Luke · 3 months ago

Many truck drivers have the same attitude about cars. They might say to themselves: "I've got a big day ahead. I have a 1000 km drive ahead of me. Roads are made for trucks, not cars. If I'm late I wont make enough to pay my bills this week. This Sunday driver is in my way. I'll just tail gate him for a few kilometres to see if I can't get him to pull over and let me by. It wont matter if I frighten him or risk causing an accident. After all, he overtook me on the last hill just because I weigh 60t and couldn't keep my speed up. It's his fault that I'm running late."

Is this an appropriate attitude on the roads?

Motorists, today to see me on my pushbike. Next time I will be in my 4x4 motorhome. Show the respect that you will want from me. If I drove my motorhome the way you drive your car I would end up on top of a stupid little hatchback full of kids every day just because they didn't drive the way I wanted them to.

f · 3 months ago

Bikes were on the roads long before motor cars and I expect them to be there long after. Fortunate for you the horses are gone. They might take 5 seconds to pass instead of 3.

The Rabbit · 3 months ago

"Had enough of cyclists."

A statement a child would make. The fact you have had enough is of no significance. It is no better than saying "I've had enough of cold weather" It's a fact of life. Nothing you can do to change it - outside of your sphere of influence. Accept it, work with it and move on. Endeavour to be happy.

I'm not saying that I am any better though. I've had enough of ignorant tools.

Anonymous · 3 months ago

I totally agree!! The road is so dangerous even when your in a car let alone a bicycle. I think it should be illegal for cyclists to ride on the road.

Timbo · 3 months ago

^ tommy P I don't mean you, I mean the other douche "Had enough of...."

Timbo · 3 months ago

Hay-soos this shytes me.
I ride to work, rain, hail, shine.
Cost = $0.
Aggression/stress = zero.
Only time I stop is for lights. NEVER for traffic.

You buffoons in cars -- I usually count 9/10 (and I reckon it would go toward 95%+ over a large sample size) single occupants -- sit there and b!tch and moan about bikes holding you up.

What a load of absolute frogsh!t - seriously. Frogsh$t.

If you can't see it is overloaded roads (with cars), and poor PT/alternatives that cause the issue, well, we have nothing to discuss, because you're just another angry, frustrated, selfish, (probably) overweight, stressed, unhappy worker drone sap, running around for your daily routine.

It does my fking head in.

[Sorry Wade for the vitriol. I don't have your calm balanced nature - it;s the Scorpio in me. STING STING ATTACKEN TO ZE FLANKEN, SCHNELL!]

MRCW · 3 months ago

Wade, well said & congratulations on the nice site turned blog turned forum!

Rhys · 3 months ago

I am a cyclist and not really a fan of Magda Szubanksi. However, I am not particularly keen on associating myself with the well-publicised whining regarding her recent comments. For God's sake, she's a comedian. Comedians make fun of things. If everyone got fired up about every joke at someone else's expense (as much as you guys did), we'd be bereft of humour. Comedians make fun of war, poverty, sex and, God forbid, cyclists too. If it's taken in the context of a comedy setting, why get so annoyed?

This type of whining solidarity will, no doubt, help promote the belief that cyclists can be obnoxious, self-centred and belligerent. As I said above, I'm a cyclist too, so don't write this off as more anti-cyclist ranting. It's just so irritating that, by whining like a bunch of school kids, you lot have become the temporary, defacto voice of cycling.

Timbo · 3 months ago

Yo Rhys.
[say this in a blood diamond Seffa accent, it will be way funny]

Well mor frend, no one lorkes Collingwood supporters do they, but you corn't go round saying, "well why don't we just blow them up eh?" - no you corn't do that, and et's the same theng eh.

--

Silly comment that you make, tres silliment.

When your daughter/son gets smashed into the asphalt by 2 tonnes of steel and ends up in a wheelchair because someone runs them off the road (I have had this happen twice now, once by a tradie and once by the driver of a Toll Priority semi), come back to us then hey pal?

Should be a right lark to see what you think of the sitch then I reckon

t

Had enough of cyclists, Sydney · 3 months ago

there is a safe solution. dont cycle on the road.

Jack · 3 months ago

The safer solution would be for you not to drive a car on the road.

Had enough of cyclists, Sydney · 3 months ago

Jack October 1, 2009 at 12:12 pm
The safer solution would be for you not to drive a car on the road.

that is the dumbest thing I've ever heard.

Timbo · 3 months ago

You don't listen to yourself much then eh?

Jack · 3 months ago

Really? You honestly think it's a better idea to get rid of the cyclists instead of the motorists?

I'm not saying cyclists aren't free of guilt, and I've personally been responsible for hitting a pedestrian before (not since high school, though). You know what injuries they received?

Indignation.

You're kidding yourself if you think that'll be the same outcome in a car. Just remember, that kid you could possibly kill when you hit them is that kid whose leg I could possibly break if.

Jack · 3 months ago

Oh, you stray if, you.

Had enough of cyclists, Sydney · 3 months ago

"Stop clogging our public spaces and give us one less thing to worry about when we actually want to do something constructive and healthy."

this is the attitude drivers are sick of. they are NOT your public spaces, AT ALL. the roads, especially main one are for CARS.

"The problem you describe is created by your and others’ cars. You don’t want to slow down for cyclists but you are happy to slow and wait behind other cars? No getting around them like you can a bike is there?"

If you read my post more carefully you would see that what I am saying is that cyclists are making a long and frustrating commute MORE long and MORE frustrating. it is a pain in the ass to try and overtake a cyclist at peak time when the lanes next to you are already clogged. cyclists who choose to ride on a MAIN road at PEAK time are making the existing traffic problems we have WORSE. it really is quite SELFISH. could I be any clearer.

oh and Ritch, youre right Im not sorry. I was but ive thought about it a bit now and changed my mind. As Ive said several time, If he hadnt been on the road he wouldnt be in hospital would he? The answer???? NO!!!!!! NO-one disputes that Im assuming?

Jono Lovelock · 3 months ago

Hey mate,
I think you're going to have to develop some patience, understanding and most of all get used to us. We ain't going nowhere.

Don't take this as a threat, or a smart arse comment, it's a simple statement of fact.

Your opinion of what roads are for and how bicycles should use them will not change the laws that allow us to use them and thus will not stop us using them.

For your own sake, just relax.

Have a good one.

Kim · 3 months ago

it is you who is selfish to think that i want to be breathing your fumes, all because you think your car deserves more rights than actual human beings i really am trying to bit my tongue and not be rude, but i have to point out that you are retarded, or at the very least suffering some degree of mental impediment
your excessive use of CAPITAL LETTERS is proof my good sir. SHOUTING doesnt mean you win or are right.

Tommy P · 3 months ago

Crystal clear but your reasoning is fundamentally flawed and inflexible.

Kim · 3 months ago

um, okay, so youre saying the united nations are wrong and most of the worlds scientists are wrong and ... let me guess... youre car is right?.. and hang on wait... we shouldnt chose to evolve, but just keep doing what we are doing and go the way of the dinosaurs.. sorry my fault

Tommy P · 3 months ago

Uhm, sorry Kim, my response was to "Had enough"

Let me clarify: I read her original post, understood it and countered it with an argument. (It's somewhere up there amongst the dozens of comments.) A debate, discussion or negotiations involves two parties building on and countering each other's arguments to reach some kind of solution. "Had enough" upon reading my counter simply restated her original point with use of CAPITALS. Simply not taking on board my argument. This showed a lack of flexibility in her thinking.

She also reverts to fundamental beliefs such as "Roads are for cars" etc. This highlights a lack of reasoning and critical thinking.

As a side note people who enter armed forces or the police and key management roles are measured for critical thinking and reasoning ability. This is necessary to distinguish between right and wrong in complex situations and to develop a sense of morality and ethics. People without these abilities should not be allowed to carry a weapon for example. Let many drive cars that can easily kill. If they fundamentally believe that cyclists should not be on roads and if they get hurt or killed than it's their own fault, and their thinking cannot be changed through reasoning than this is a very frightening reality indeed.

Take care out there.

Kim · 3 months ago

my misunderstanding! Sorry it was misdirected.. All the best to you too my good friend !!!

xox

Anonymous · 3 months ago

NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE TROLL.

Kim · 3 months ago

youre a troll

Conor · 3 months ago

Had enough of cyclists:

If each one of those cyclist you pass in the morning was in a car rather than on a bike, your commute would be even more frustrating. It would be one more car in the traffic jam. And hey, bugger it, why don't we get all those that selflessly catch public transport to jump in their cars too!

They have a right to be on the road too! Majority of them probably own cars! I'm sure that would really help alleviate your frustration and maybe you spiking blood pressure!!! hahaha

Conor

Dear Mr. Had enough of cyclist · 3 months ago

Dear Mr. Had enough of cyclists, Sydney...

Didn't your mother ever teach you to share?

Have you heard that riding a bicycle reduces your carbon footprint?

Did you know the best way to reduce the peak hour traffic congestion is stop driving your car? (especially if there's only one driver behind each wheel - talk about hogging the road!)

Do you want our skies to look as brown as Mexico City's?

Did you know that if more people cycled to and from work, it would not only reduce the pollution and peak hour congestion - it would most likely reduce the obesity epidemic and related illnesses (diabetes, heart disease etc)... not to mention saving people time and money in getting their daily dose of fitness. It's not a bad model for the future, hey?

And finally - did you know that roads were originally built for horses and carts - NOT cars? Cars replaced horses... maybe bikes will replace cars (ESPECIALLY in the City and ESPECIALLY in peak traffic).

Kim · 3 months ago

Timbo I absolutely agree with you !! how did the world get to be populated by such selfish fat and polluting beings. Whether I am on my bike or on foot I am sick to DEATH of giving cars right of way. Ive timed how long it takes me to cross the road where i live in peak hour, and I cannot see the justification that these heaps of metal, being flung down the road by toxic fumes, are more important than me, to the tune of it taking 15 minutes to cross a 10 metre track of road. Just because i am not shrouded in machinery and petrol does not mean I am not in a rush !! I am sick of people complaining about bikes on the road !! Just because you are a) too lazy to walk or ride b) too selfish and ignorant, willing to sacrifice the fate of our planet so they can stay lazy fat and stupid in their little bubble of scrap metal
OOOOO !! feel free to join my facebook group 'cars suck'
how much of our planet has been subdivided for the exclusive use of these dangerous things, harming the ability of wildlife to evolve by segmenting and segregating animal populations. How come cars get the right to life over everything else that exists in the world..?

sean · 3 months ago

I completely agree with Magda!!! Twice in the last year cyclists have physically hit my car and yelled abuse at me. 1st time I pulled in front of a cyclist at least 100 metres in front, ( i would have done this in front of car too) and stopped behind a line of traffic. I have no idea why he thinks he can yell abuse and hit my car when the only place he could go was in between lanes, which he did!! 2nd time was last week the a cyclist appeared from nowhere and again hit my car and yelled abuse. I'm sure he was weaving in and out of traffic as they predominantly do hence why I couldn't see him. When cyclists obey the road rules like motorists, then we will start to respect them and listen to their complaints!!

Kim · 3 months ago

when motorists start using their brains and their legs and stop thinking with thier acceleration pedal and their tooter.

the planet does not belong to cars

Timbo · 3 months ago

I'll bet it was a lot less than 100metres.
A lot less.

Hey Wade, where're all these comedians coming from?

@11.56AM
"When cyclists obey the road rules like motorists, then we will start to respect them and listen to their complaints!!"


GOLD!!!

Crakka · 3 months ago

How many motorists do you think have driven past you and would have done the same thing if they were able to reach your car? I believe there are alot more angry motorists out there then there are cyclists. Just because they can't make physical contact with your car doesn't mean they haven't had the same reactions. Yes there would be a similar amount of idiots on bikes as there are cars, but as stated time and time again. There is a massive difference in the amount of damage that can be inflicted by each. To say "When cyclists obey the road rules like motorists" is ridiculous. Do you seriously believe that fewer car owners ignore simple road rules then cyclist? I ride and drive, I can honestly say I find the ratio to be well in favour of drivers. It seems fewer and fewer actually know the road rules, let alone follow them. Case in point, the many that have commented here that roads are for cars only. And don't get me started on those that drive 4x4's and large sadans with no idea how to control them. That's a whole other disscussion.

Twoeee · 3 months ago

If you pulled out in front of a motorist which was only 100 metres away I am sure you would cop abuse from the motorist as he would be slamming on his brakes to try to avoid the back of your car.

And it is the same for a cyclist, he needs to take evasive action and avoid hitting your car, if the only place to go is in between lanes then the cyclist will go there, its better than getting injured and braking the bike.

Maybe just open your eyes and take an extra second to get appreciation of your current surroundings.

Andy · 3 months ago

Oh boy. Look at all the mud being slung here?! I'm ashamed that it often comes to this; each side slinging sh!te at each other, hoping some will stick! Nobody wins when that starts happening. :(

The big issue here is that both sides need to find some common ground so we can start moving forward to find a sustainable compromise and a better understanding of each sides wants/needs. How can we all get along and "share" the roads? Easy to ask; difficult to answer.

Both sides of the argument need to understand each sides point of view *BEFORE* anything will change. In this country (and many others), the car is king. The average drivers perspective is that they have the right to use the road and cyclists don't. Change this perspective and help *BOTH* sides understand each others wants/needs and things may start to change...

Stop the finger pointing and mud slinging. It doesn't help. Instead, open a dialog; listen and try to understand each others perspective. Wade, via this blog, is doing just that. Give him and others like him your support.

James · 3 months ago

Agree 100%...

Cyclists need to get smarter, not angrier.

I was driving down Dandenong road (major Melbourne road) today at about 8:30, and there were a few cyclist riding along the road. I cycling to work most other days, and would never dream of riding down Dandenong Road, when Alma Road has a bike lane.

All this bickering tells me we are far far away from a solution to this problem. Many more people are going to be injured and killed, and they are all going to be cyclists, not drivers of cars.

Timbo · 3 months ago

I agree with this 100%.
Sometimes you need anger though.

Billy Buster · 3 months ago

James: Bike lanes aren't the answer.
Rolling back from Kerferd Rd 7am-ish this morning after NRR in the new green bike path a TRUCK races to beat me into the merge onto Acland st. Instead of slamming into the traffic at the lights he forces me out of the bike path and off the road.

Timbo: True 'nuff.
We had words. He gets out of the truck, I ask "I was in the bike lane, where would like me to ride?". He couldn't answer, just threaten. So I sent an email to his company.

Pierre · 3 months ago

I have only one thing to say to all motorist and that is "We are here to stay, whinge and whine all you like" Cycling is only gaining popularity and hopefully more people will take this up as an option when commuting to work, that way there will be less cars on the road and less traffic which is the real cause of most drivers frustrations. One thing I find amusing is when drivers go on about how we slow them down, normally I see cars squeeze passed me only to end up behind another car as I then ride passed them once again. It's not cyclist holding you up it's the car in front of you.

More bikes and less cars on the roads will only improve the traffic problem, it's obvious. How can you possibly argue with that?

Christian · 3 months ago

The law of the jungle...

Cars drivers hits on cyclists
4x4 drivers hit on car drivers & cyclists
Trucks & Buses hit on all of us....

All of that because here in OZ we don't have this culture to share the
road with whoever is using it. Remember it's a privilege to use the road.
No matter what vehicles drivers may say or think, as a cyclist I will definitely continue to use it because the law allows me to do so.

Dave · 3 months ago

One thing that really annoys me is every morning i sit on the bus and wait till my bus can go around a cyclist on Military Road. Then we get to a traffic light and the cyclist rides on the footpath and gets in front of the bus again. We then start the process all over again. When will cyclists abide by the same traffic laws as cars and wait at the lights in the same order they arrives there.

Timbo · 3 months ago

Hmmm, interesting.

Prithee kind sir, whyfore art thou not on a carbon stallion also?

Michael · 3 months ago

I don't have time for a long reply but just a quick correction here.

It's not illegal for a bike or a motorbike to move up to the front of a queue of cars at traffic lights. In fact a lot of traffic lights are starting to have specific areas in front of the stop lanes to do just this. And it's a lot more common overseas.

It is as you point out illegal to go on the footpath to get there.

Travis · 3 months ago

Please move on

Robert · 3 months ago

Good on you dave. i agree. Cyclists think they own the roads.

jens · 3 months ago

you are become the barrack Obama of cycling in Australia. and Magda in lycra no offence but (N) :|

Caz · 3 months ago

I'm with Dave. It is one rule for cyclists and one for the rest of us. I have seen so many pedestrians almost run down by cyclists in the city as cyclists don't seem to think that red lights apply to them... perhaps when cyclists start respecting the road rules then we will start to respect them...

Timbo · 3 months ago

HAHAHAHAH, POST OF FOREVER.

That's a funny joke.

Wait. It was a joke, right?
Right?

Kim · 3 months ago

actually that was pretty funny. timbo youre my hero !! best dad joke ever today so far

Robert · 3 months ago

Stop being a troll Kim and listen to what other are saying. Instead of sucking up Timbo's Ar#e

Tony · 3 months ago

Just been reading all your comments throughout the blog Kim and you really are just as ignorant as the car drivers you seem to be waging a one person war against.

Three cheers for hypocrisy!

Caz · 3 months ago

So Timbo are you saying that Cyclists shouldn't have to observe the same road rules as motorists?

Timbo · 3 months ago

If you look through my other replies, nowhere do I state that.

I ride every single day and obey the road laws, same as when I am in my car.

I used to be a loony overwight angry commuting motorist. Spitting, snarling...HATRED of other traffic on the road. Impatient. DANGEROUS. Toward EVERYONE.

Then, the soft glow of dawn rose from the horizon, sending me onto the bike and turning me into a completely different being.

Calm (when commuting, not when dealing with ridiculousness). Defensive driver. Obey all laws. No speeding. No running red lights (don't lie, nearly all of us have done/do it). Understanding when driving.

I advocate EVERYONE following the rules, to each other's benefit, mutual respect and safety.

Caz · 3 months ago

Funny then that you dissed my comment earlier. Seems to me that you haven't really changed at all, you still seem angy with the world...

Tony · 3 months ago

I agree with Caz, Timbo you really do seem to have some underlying agression in your posts - possibly from the building sexual tension with Kim?

Robert · 3 months ago

All hail King Timbo, self proclaimed leader of the road. You and your trusty wench Kim.

Timbo · 3 months ago

I have a wench? Radical.
Praytell, from where may I collect her?
Tallyho!

Don't be a douche. You called me out on something and I responded.

And yes Caz, I'm super angy with the world.

Andy · 3 months ago

Yep, very good point Caz. As a Cyclist I've been guilty of that. Not often, but I have. :(
Most of the time, however, I do my best to allow other road users to move around me easily. I routinely wait behind a bus, truck, large vehicle at the lights as it was hard enough for them to get past in the first place, why tempt fate and/or annoy them any more? I also try and pick roads with wide shoulders and/or low traffic such that I'm not blocking a significant amount of traffic during peak periods. This isn't always possible, but I do try to minimise my impact on other road users.

I won't say I'm a saint and always be considerate of other road users, but I do try to be aware that we are all trying to get somewhere.

You are right Caz, we all need to be respectful of each other; it's the only way things will improve.

Robert · 3 months ago

Good on you Andy. Great attitude. That is all anyone wanted. Just to be listened to without smartar#se car hater comments. Timbo you need to be cuddled. Stop being so sensetive, or does that happen when you start shaving your legs.

Andy · 3 months ago

Darn, almost Robert. The first part of your comment was exactly what I wanted to see more of; understanding.
The last little bit of mud wasn't so good...
Yeah Timbo is raging a little bit, but his last post is spot on and summaises my point:
Timbo @ 1:07pm "...I advocate EVERYONE following the rules, to each other’s benefit, mutual respect and safety."

Both sides: please put down your "mud" and use this platform, so generously provided by Wade, to provide your perspective on this debate.

Maybe this might be a good topic to be aired on SBS's Insight http://news.sbs.com.au/insight/?

Kim · 3 months ago

this is would be a perfect topic for insight !! So divided. Magda really let the cat outta the hat

Andy · 3 months ago

Topic suggestion sent in. If they get enough ppl suggesting the same thing, then maybe they'll run with it?

*puts on flame proof suit*
Maybe we should thank Madga for highlighting this issue and getting this debate going?

Justin · 3 months ago

Really hope they pick this up... Have sent in also.
+1 for Wade in the audience!

Timbo · 3 months ago

Hey Robert.
I'll stop being sensitive when you learn to spell.

I'm not a car hater. I'm a hater hater. I hate hate haters (NOFX much?).

Pardon my apparent insensitivity but it's warranted given the constant "get the fkuc off the road you lycra c@rrrrrnnnnnnnts" and aggro.

And I suppose, the numerous times I've been put onto the road by motorists (hard to believe right?) turning across me, swerving across me, not giving way and tboning me into 3 lanes of traffic (a semi trailer did this -sublaxated collarbone, blood, etc etc) and generally flouting the very laws you allege you "always" follow.

Well, pardon my [swearword] sensitivity.

-t

anonymous · 3 months ago

Robert i bet you havent done any sort of exercise for the past 10 years so that was a pretty crap comment. Maybe you would get to work quiker if you road your bike to work

Tony · 3 months ago

the verb of 'ride' is 'rode'.

Robert · 3 months ago

Being busy does not mean i cant spell. My apologies, i didnt realise typo's would annoy you, I just forgot how sensitive you are. From your last post it sounds like the road is pretty dangerous for you. Are you sure these close encounters are from strangers??? My guess is that they are probably people that have had to speak to you. And, anonymous, just because i am not a cyclist does not mean i dont exercise. God forbid you guys actually believe there are other forms of excercise in this world.

anonymous · 3 months ago

is your exerise drive thru Mcdonalds followed by krispy kreme??

Robert · 3 months ago

no, its making love to your mum for hours on end. Tell her to call me.

Caz · 3 months ago

Wow, how enlightened of you 'Anonymous' to think that anyone who doesn't cycle must be an obese, mcdonald's and krispy kreme loving drain on society! Please give us more of your wisdom...

Sean · 3 months ago

This is SO entertaining!!

Moving speed bumps · 3 months ago

Good on Magda, someone had to say it. When bike riders pay rego and contribute to keeping the roads maintained then maybe i'll think about sharing the road with them, until then, your all just moving speed bumps. Get off the roads!

anonymous · 3 months ago

hey mate lets see you do it and see what happens to you when your put in jail for a few years. Then we will see who has to get off the road

Twoeee · 3 months ago

Yo Moving Speed Bump.

I am a cyclist, I own a car, I pay rego, I pay taxes, I pay for road up-keep. When I don't drive, I ride - therefore I have paid rego and I make the most of it.

You could almost say the majority of 17+ (allowing for other states)cyclists own a car so this argue has no weight at all.

At least make an arguement which is valid.

Tony · 3 months ago

Twoeee your arguement has a flaw in it's logic.

If you shouldn't have to pay for road up-keep a second time because you've already paid for it in registering your car, then by the same logic a person who owns a second car shouldn't have to pay registration because they've already paid for the road up-keep via the first car's rego.

You are using the road, not the cycle track at Centennial Park so I think it is a legitimate arguement to make that Cyclists should be asked to contribute to maintaining roads.

Having to pass a test to qualify for a Cycling licence would ensure that cyclists understand their responsibilities to other road users (especially the one about not causing undue disruption to other traffic) and by including more questions in Car licence tests dealing with cyclists, drivers would become more aware of the dangers faced when they encounter cyclists on the road.

James · 3 months ago

We do contribute to maintaining roads, through our income tax, GST and a VERY SMALL portion of the registration that we pay for the cars that most of us cyclists own, you knuckle f**ker.

Twoeee · 3 months ago

I have passed my driving test, I know the road rules.

Moving speed bumps · 3 months ago

How about this arguement, if cyclists weren't on the road, wait for it.... They wouldn't be hit. Or maybe that's just too complicated.

Crakka · 3 months ago

If IQ test were included in granting licences, you wouldn't have one and we would all be a lot safer. Go figure.

Also, to those talking about rego for upkeep of roads. You do understand the minimal impact a bike has on the roads in comparison to a motor vehicle, right? As the others before me have said, ALL tax payers contribute to road infrastructure and upkeep. So being that we cyclists have way less impact, we are actually subsidising you car drivers. Still think you have more right to use the roads?

Twoeee · 3 months ago

or maybe motor vehicles should not be on the road and the road toll will be much lower and cyclist wont have to be worried about being hit.

I love my roads! · 3 months ago

Please have a look at the break-down of your rego. You will find only a small portion is put into road infrastructure. If you took time to educate yourself on these matters you would find roads exist through government funding. For example sorced from income tax. Perhaps the kind cyclists pay while at their jobs during the working day. Maybe the registration on the cyclist's car left in the garage might help a little too.

Godfrey · 3 months ago

Actually - your car rego pays nothing whatsoever towards the upkeep of roads (look it up). That money comes out of general taxes and we all pay those. Then we die – the 2 certainties of life. I used to love Magda, now she's lost me.

Travis · 3 months ago

Hey Wade,

Can i make suggestion as cyclist and a motorist.

Can you shut this thread down as it is now just becoming a bunch of kids slinging mud at each other and fueling the anger..

Would you all grow the fark up!!!!!

Travis

Twoeee · 3 months ago

Why Travis?

We don't need censorship unless it gets out of hand.

Travis · 3 months ago

because it is going nowhere Twooee.

Sorry mate but it is like watching water going down a sinkhole it just goes round and round in circles.

Andy · 3 months ago

I give up...

Here's some gloves...everyone jump in the ring and beat each other senseless...

*DING DING*

cyclingtips · 3 months ago

I'm beginning to agree Travis. I won't shut it down but as a motorist and a cyclist I'm starting to become embarrassed to be either. Besides, I've made $2.82 on google adsense today. A new record! ;-)

Just like Jesus vs Ala, Mac vs PC, and Campy vs Shimano, no one will ever win this argument. Agree to disagree and everybody be safe out there.

Travis · 3 months ago

Oh no Wade we all know that Shimano craps on Campy :-)

Andy · 3 months ago

+1 Campy for da win! ;)

cyclingtips · 3 months ago

You guys are forgetting about SRAM (with shimano chain of course).

Andy · 3 months ago

Interesting group set and the whole double-tap shifting is curious. I'm just not convinced about the whole concept of "one lever to rule them all...". Seems related to some dark power. ;)

Justin · 3 months ago

Don't even get me started about my Mac... Oh dear...

Travis · 3 months ago

Wade your $2.82 would have increased to another new high by now I would imagine?

How did you get Magda to get that rant happening? ;-)

Paul · 3 months ago

I think the article in the Age and SMH has opened the door to "anti cyclist's", who look for any reason to complain about cyclist's. Otherwise why would they be on a cycling website? Don't get into a slinging match with them, you know that it will make them more angry and aggressive towards us!!! Be careful on the roads the next few days!!!!!!!

Max · 3 months ago

“As a gesture of solidarity I have offered to participate in the National Ride to Work Day on October 14. Apologies again … and, yes, I will be wearing lycra.”

*shudder*

Please, god.. no... anything but that!!! :-O

MH · 3 months ago

Good work Wade, but I think that's enough now. We are going around in circles. It is a very sensitive topic for me too though, don't get me wrong.
I too have been hit by an older lady, she didn't even see me and broke my back, a collarbone and four ribs. But I've heard and read enough here.

How about a few posts on something completely off topic like... fixing tubes - whatever - anything.

Anonymous · 3 months ago

Riding on the road is so so dangerous why do it?? Why put yourself in such danger???

Danny · 3 months ago

Hello to all and CT. I have read most of the comments.

I have driven on the roads for the past 20 years. I have always owned a car and a bicycle in some form or another. Recently taking my cycling a bit more seriously. As a driver I have never had an issue with cyclists. It's quite simple. They are usually on the left, as they are slower. I indicate, change lanes and look ahead for anymore. If there are none ahead, I move move back into the left. Easy concept, don't you think.

My point...... Well there are places to race bikes (called bike races) and there are places to race cars, you get the point. We have small a percentage of cyclist who persist on racing on the road ( e.g. The hell ride ) which attracts aggression from a motorist who has the view which is that large group, is a group that is percieved as racing. Same with a guy driving a hotted up, why drive it if you are only going to drive around the speed limit. However, most cyclist know that not to be the case.

Why do these people, overtly exist. They are in essence a contradiction. If you have spent $5000 (just a number, most have probably spent more or less) on your bike gear or $5,000 (again just a figure) on modifying your car, why can't you spend money on going to races and display your prowess or talent to people who are interested. If you prang your car ( and its an geniune accident ) then insurance, if you have it you will resolve it. Why risk damaging your bike racing along a road which would not be covered by insurance.

In all it comes down too ATTITUDE.

Drive and ride safely................

Travis · 3 months ago

I am now thinking that campy is sauron, shimano is frodo or bilbo and Sram is gollum!

Mate of mine runs SRAM loves it except for train stretch 3rd chain in 12 years

Steve F · 3 months ago

CT et al,

The perception amongst many motorists is that as cyclists we should all shove off and use the designated cycle path. This is apparent from the latest tirade from Magda and with many motorists using Beach Road here in Melbourne.

I am therefore suggesting someone (CT?) arranges a new ride - the BRMR or Beach Road Mayhem Ride.

During the ride all cyclists must use the cycle path. Depending on the day this could include riders from the North Road Ride (545, 600) or perhaps the Hell Ride.

The aim of the ride? To educate motorists that it is totally impracticle for bunches of cyclists 100+ travelling at 30,40,50+kph to travel on a shared path with pedestrians, mummys, seaguls, magpies, grannys, roller bladers.

Jake · 3 months ago

To all the people claiming cyclists slow down cars: I unfortunately had to drive to work today, but in doing so I checked out the average speed on the car's trip computer. 26km/hr. Not too bad, traffic was light and it was mostly freeway where bicyles are not allowed to ride.

Average speed on my bikes trip computer at the moment is 29.5km/hr. My question to you is how's the bicycle, the faster vehicle, slowing down the car??

Also- if you check state and federal budgets, you will see that roads are subsidised by the greater tax payer. They ARE NOT funded solely by registration and petrol excise tax. You should, if anything, be thanking us tax payers for subsidising your use of such an inefficient form of transport. But I won’t take the high moral ground since as you’d have noted I too own a car.

James · 3 months ago

Exactly! My trip to work on my bicycle takes 18 minutes, by car it's usually 20 minutes or more, plus the time it takes to find a park.

Pierre · 3 months ago

Its not on all roads, but i have witness fellow cyclists in the bus lanes holding up hundreds of commuters by blocking the lane.

James · 3 months ago

I think that's a great idea Steve, but remember it's a shared path, on which I assume pedestrians have right away.

I reckon if you all ride on the path it would help get our message across, but, don't ride fast and make sure you give way to pedestrians or you'll just make us look even worse.

You can still get your point across simply by clogging up the pathways.

James L · 3 months ago

Agree with many of the more recent comments of the need to stop the thread, I have to say though there is a lot of energy and passion out there - if only we could harness this and direct it to the right manner -- road safety.

How could we infulence Drivers (as drivers too)?
How can infulence riders who do piss off drivers by doing silly things?
How can we make a change on a day to day basis that will solve this?
What are the small things that will make our roads better?
How do we build advocacy for cycling from the community?What can we do to make the road more friendly to more forms of traffic?
Where are the areas of greater risk - e.g. bike lanes evaporating then starting again?
How do we successfully lobby the state Govt?

Im for sure, I think ill have to move to somewhere like Mallorca - http://www.cyclingtipsblog.com/2009/04/planning... if it does get worse as im sure not stopping riding :-)

James

speed hump · 3 months ago

get off the road you dont even pay rego

David Rafferton · 3 months ago

Is that the best you come up with?
I'll make this very clear so you can follow-

Rego does NOT pay for roads. Taxes do. And we ALL pay taxes.
Go on- look it up if you don't believe me!

Now, how about ALL cyclists get off bikes and get in their cars. Would that make you happy? Do you have any clue as to how many MORE cars that would put onto the road? Think about it. Seriously!

WTF · 3 months ago

The irony in this thread is that Magda and others vent their frustration and abuse cyclist because of the congested traffic created - as a result of bad planning - by cars themselves. Now cyclists use Magda’s dumb and irrelevant comments to vent their anger about motorists and little wonder this circular argument ends in a circus.

We are our own worst enemy. Go and check out the NRR one sunny morning, it is mayhem on wheels on an unbelievable scale. No responsible bike rider should take part in bunch rides like that, and until we do we should not expect any respect from any car driving past bunches like that. There are no more than 15 riders in that bunch who can safely do those speeds, the rest barely hangs on the back to dear life while risking the same, only to think that they can ride as well as guys half their age and weight. Time to grow up, if you can’t do a turn on the front than it’s time to find a slower bunch.

There are good reasons why we are the target of frustration everywhere as we put ourselves on the line by behaving like idiotic 15 year olds whilst the average age of any bunch is now at least three times that!

As a retired Navy captain once said, himself a cyclist: the number one rule to keep in mind for safe cycling is the rule of gross tonnage!

Tim · 3 months ago

You drivers don't seem to realise that for every bike on the road, it frees up space.

And according to the Victoria Police statement issued today...
Sgt Lavos said motorists also carry a lot of responsibility when it comes to cycle safety and encouraged them to be constantly aware of who they share the road with.
"When drivers see a cyclist on the road, they need to be patient and give them plenty of room," he said.
"Cyclists are allowed to ride two abreast and may sometimes need to use the whole lane to make themselves more visible, particularly at intersections or roundabouts."

Anonymous · 3 months ago

I think cyclists need proper cycle paths. Until then they should stay off the roads. Why put yourself in danger??

Anonymous · 3 months ago

Yeah it's a shame we don't have better cycle paths, I want to cycle to work each day but it is too dangerous. So many cyclists get injured it is just not worth it. It's much better just to take public transport and cycle in the park on weekends instead.

Stephen · 3 months ago

I am 1 of the luck ones. I commute to work daily in Melbourne, due to my home location I am able to use the Gardiners Creek path from Chadstone to the City. In a 19km bike ride I spend about 1km on the road.

It would be too much stress on my wife if i had to travel on the road all the way.

This is where more investment needs to be placed.

speed hump · 3 months ago

you also need number plates, i see at least 10 of you lycra wearing hommas going through red lights every day. and you ride 6 abreast in peak hour, something needs to be done about these menaces.

Beagle · 3 months ago

Why is there a speed hump so close to a set of traffic lights?

anon · 3 months ago

so we can run over the ignorant prick on our bikes

David Rafferton · 3 months ago

Really? How many drivers do you see running red lights each day? Do the number plates stop them from breaking the law? DO THEY? What about speeding fines? Or failing to give way? Dangerous driving? Or any one of the other 2.25 million traffic fines handed out in Victoria alone (and this is 03-04 figures)?

Don't get me wrong- I drive too and I'm not advocating the removal of cars, but attitudes like yours are moronic and baseless.

I bet you don't have a well thought out and logical answer to my questions. In fact, I bet you don't even answer this post and if you do, it will just be a random series of insults.

PS- By the way, I believe it is spelt Homo's.

speed hump* · 3 months ago

Actually, I've had a re-read of all my comments on here. Sorry, I actually am a bit of a tool. I realise now that bicycles are fully entitled to be on the road and that the majority of cyclists out there do obey the road rules. Even for those that don't, it's no excuse for me to rant and rage like a complete f******t. I shouldn't have carried on like a pork chop and I will now look to amend for my sins by getting my own bike and seeing what all the fuss is about.

Peace!

xxx Speed Hump*

speed hump · 3 months ago

you are a homma in spandex mate go play with your fairy mates at the coffee shop

Anon · 3 months ago

It's Homo Speed Hump if you are going to attack another minority group you homophobic redneck dumbass at least learn to spell.

Paul · 3 months ago

Hey speedbump you sound like you like to go fishing! You cannot be as silly as you sound!

David Rafferton · 3 months ago

Ah yes, just as I suspected. Can't string together a logical argument or sentence together, nor spell a simple word (even when the correct spelling is given to him).

Keep digging your hole mate. The walls are caving in on you.

speed hump · 3 months ago

ill dig a whole right in the bike lane for all you hombres to fall into when i go past in my ute

David Rafferton · 3 months ago

Hole- A hollow place in a solid body or mass; a cavity: a hole in the ground.

Whole- The whole assemblage of parts or elements belonging to a thing; the entire quantity, account, extent, or number: He accepted some of the parts but rejected the whole.


Gee you are just too easy to take down. Come on, if you are going to put up a fight, at least make me work for it you simpleton?

Ezy · 3 months ago

Dear Speed hump.

You are APPLES.

speed hump · 3 months ago

more like you are apples

Fall through a road grill · 3 months ago

Why dont bike riders be considerate and get off the road for 2 minutes and let a build up of buses go past them when they are riding in the bus lane. I know its not your fault that you cant go as fast as a bus, but what ever happened to a little bit of courtesy. After all, i believe that is what you are asking for from drivers.

Anon · 3 months ago

Fair question Fall.

why dont motorists when they are passing cyclists give themselves more space rather than nearly takin out our front wheel?

speed hump* · 3 months ago

Grr... must.... control.... split.... personality....

Want.... the... love..... to ..... arrhg!!!!! ..... shine..... through......

Gribble.... argh.... cyclists.... killl.... argh.... love.... help me....

Caz · 3 months ago

I thought spandex went out in the 80's!!

Have Bike will travel · 3 months ago

To all who are against cyclist,
Please take a chill pill and drink some cool aid. I do understand where you're coming from however “Give, and it shall be given to you. For whatever measure you deal out to others, it will be dealt to you in return.”

Fall through a road grill · 3 months ago

And whats with you all having the ego the size of a house trying to look like you have sponsors. Dont they sell those gay outfits without company names on them. Is there a reason you cant wear board shorts, because i am pretty sure it wont affect your performance riding to work. You are not in the tour de france.

David Rafferton · 3 months ago

Why do V8 fans walk around in polo shirts as part of their everyday attire, plastered in logos? Why do football fans walk about in club gear with the clubs sponsors on them? And F1 fans? At least we just wear in when taking part in our sporting activity.

FWI- Lycra is worn because it is practical in oh so many ways. Go ride a bike for several hours and see how you like the chaffing.

Anyway- what's it to you? How does it affect your life what I wear when I take part in my sport? Get over it. Better yet, come for a ride and see what you are missing. Join Magda on Ride to work day. You'll never know unless you try it.

Speedhump · 3 months ago

dont try and come on to him homo. you want to ride off into the sunset together.

Bobman · 3 months ago

I'm actually curious why some cyclists refuse to use the bike lanes on Beach Road which not shared with the road.

I have heard about cars coming out of beach car parks, etc. But would like to hear from you guys why they're not used?

David Rafferton · 3 months ago

Cyclists travel at 30+ kph. The "shared" path (its NOT a bike path) is used by walkers, runners, people walking their dogs, kids and more. To put cyclists travelling at that speed on the same path is just plain dangerous and foolish for all. Add to that the fact that thousands of cyclists ride along Beach Rd, you would need a path the width of 2 on road lanes (which would be somewhat silly would it not?.

The shared lane is fine for slow, casual rides, but any more than that and its plain dangerous.

Is it REALLY that hard to, slow, indicate, change lanes and move on? I drive also and I don't seem to have a problem with cyclists.

Clive · 3 months ago

Keep off designated bus lanes. you can tell these apart because they actually say bus lanes on the road.

Helpful hint - if it says bus lane it's not appropriate for bicycles, penny-farthings, rocking horses or any other mode of transportation that isn't a bus.

David Rafferton · 3 months ago

Clive, I think you will find that many bus lanes are actually bus/cyclist lanes.

Speedhump · 3 months ago

Where are all you homos gone. Left early to beat peakhour i hope. So you wont slow us all down.

Justin · 3 months ago

What is a 'homo', are you sure you don't mean 'homma', lol!?!
It's ok - easy mistake to make... ;)

Have a safe drive mate, see you out there...

David Rafferton · 3 months ago

Oh the irony!

Hey little Speedy-baby, we don't have to worry about peak hour. We just ride on past you while you are stuck in a traffic jam. We get home in half the time it takes you. Must suck to be you huh?

speed hump · 3 months ago

you guys are such knobs stealing someone elses name. cant wait to run some of you down tonight.

Anonymous · 3 months ago

Who's the knob? Speed Hump, you've named yourself appropriately. Why don't you be a good little speed hump and lay down on the road.

my_name · 3 months ago

Training cyclists (those racing at a club level or above) will travel at speeds between 30 and 60km/hr. The "bike path" on Beach Rd is a shared path suitable for recreational riding. It would be irresponsible to train on the bike path on Beach Rd, it is shared with walkers, joggers etc.; it would be too dangerous at those speeds.

speedhump. · 3 months ago

ok i admit it i actually fantasise about your asses when i see them and that is why i drive so bad becoz i cant stop my urges i just wish yous guys would stop at the dunnys on beach rd where i am waiting for you but you never do :(

speed hump · 3 months ago

BTW - I love men in lycra.

There I said it. I feel so much better now. A hole lot better.

David S · 3 months ago

To all you anti-cyclists posting on this forum.

GET OFF THIS FORUM. This forum is for cyclists only. Stick to your own pages - you can talk about cars and being fat and man-bras and have a circle jerk for all I care!

You have no right to be on this forum and you're clogging up valuable internet space. If you want to post a comment then post your full name and address so if you say something we don't like we can track you down.

If you're not a cyclist then you're probably an overweight, lazy, dimwitted, car-drivin' loser (with a secret lycra fetish) qualified to only dig holes for a living. Or is that "wholes". Get a job or, better yet, get some exercise.

And learn to spell.

Bec · 3 months ago

Some people here are WAAAAY too uptight. Magda's 'rant' was a joke! It's a comedy programme - stop being so serious and laugh for once in a while.

To save you arguing back, I'm both a cyclist AND a motorist.

Chaz · 3 months ago

Good News Week is a comedy programme?
well there you go...

Andy · 3 months ago

*sigh* I don't know why I bother... Slow day at work I guess...

BOTH sides of this debate need to chill out and stop this insane name calling and bitching. It's not going to solve anything!

As a cyclist all I ask is that other road users give me a little bit of room so I can make it to my destination safely. I know I'm slower than most of the traffic, but I also take up less room. Please give me just a little consideration. This is all cyclists are really asking for: to arrive at their destination alive and well.

Now that's the cyclists request, what about the motorist? Well all they really ask is that we, the cyclist, do not hinder their journey significantly. I say significantly, as indicated above, cyclists are moving slower. How can cyclists do this? Well its easy really; be aware of your surroundings and those other road users. If the road is narrow and riding is a group, drop to single file if that will provide a safe passing environment for both motorists and cyclists. Try and pick time and roads that are either not as busy or have sufficient room for both motorists and cyclists.

Essentially, courtesy and respect must go in both ways. The roads are there to be shared. It can be done (looking at Europe). We all have some where to be and someone who cares about our safety. It's every road users responsibility to ensure their fellow travelers arrive at their destination safely. Be safe; be smart; be considerate. And stop this darn road rage! Not helping ppl!

Oh and why is it that many people assume that just because cyclists wear lyrca they are Gay? Never worked that one out. It's part of the uniform. Are Surf Lifesavers gay because they wear speedo's? Are rugby players gay because they hold onto their team mates backsides to form a scrum?

Right, I really am done with this topic. Good night one and all.

Be safe out there...