“there are a few idiots spoiling it for the rest of us”

“we’re not all thugs and idiots, most of us are normal”

“they give us a bad name”

Heard them before? These quotes aren’t about Neanderthal England “fans” wreaking havoc after 15 pints in a quaint European city. They’re quotes from cyclists describing how they feel about the moronic few who cycle in the way that Toad of Toad Hall drives a car.

Most cyclists are quiet, well-mannered sort of people, just trying to get from A to B in a quick, fun and healthy way. Similarly, most England football fans are just normal people looking to enjoy the game. In both cases however, there are a small minority of idiots who behave in a totally juvenile, obnoxious and frequently dangerous way.

Before I get any flack, may I point out that unless I’m out of town, I ride every day from Hackney to central London and back. I’ve had my fair share of rows with dangerous drivers (ending up with a black eye in one case) but I always stop at zebra crossings, and at most red lights – certainly if there is a pedestrian green light.

I also never swear or shout at pedestrians to get out of my way – I even find using my bell obnoxious so instead I slow down, say “excuse me”, or let them cross the road before I go on.

However I’ve seen cyclists almost hid pedestrians who were crossing with the green man, or on a zebra crossing. My wife pushing our daughter was nearly hit on a zebra crossing by a cyclist who refused to stop, and we know a mother with child who challenged a cyclist who failed to stop and received a volley of abuse for her trouble.

Charming.

Recently I was with a group of colleagues looking around cycle facilities at Milton Keynes station, when a cyclist came riding through at high speed, swearing and shouting as if we’d just nicked his wallet.

Isolated incidents, but I bet if you ask 10 people (especially in London) at least one of them will be able to cite an example of idiotic cyclist behaviour.

As I say, it really is just a few muppets spoiling it for the rest of us, but THESE PEOPLE MAKE DRIVERS HATE CYCLISTS!

So if you’re one of the morons, think about this: The pedestrian you swore at or nearly rode into probably owns a car, and at some point will be driving near a cyclist. Do you think your abusive behaviour will make them more or less likely to slow down and pass by safely?

Alex Veitch, for We Are Futureproof