Digging in my Heels

Yesterday I had a rant about cyclists because a dozy student who was cycling on the pavement hit me in the back. Now this seems to have caused a little controversy; I do not intend to defend my corner beyond reiterating what I said about those lunatic cyclists who refuse to obey the rules. These cyclists have no hesitation about cycling on pavements or through a red light whether it be a road junction or a pelican crossing, putting the lives of all around them, not to mention their own, in danger. I did not expand my thoughts because I was having a rant, but it seems that there is little margin for error when letting off steam. I know from experience just how bad it can be cycling these days having been almost thrown into the ditch by a truck when on a cycling holiday in the Czech Republic a couple of years back, and had I not had my wits about me would ineed have wound up in the said ditch. I am the first to admit that motorists are no saints, and that most drivers break the rules at times, but let's take it a step further, there are very, very few motorists who would even contemplate driving on the pavement and I include motor cyclists in that; so why should we make allowances for those cretinous morons who choose to cycle on pavements?

I am not saying that all cyclists are alike, the majority are very good at keeping themselves safe and respect the rules; it is only a minority that make it bad for everyone else. The thing which I cannot understand is why the Yellow Striped Traffic Vultures who see these unruly people cycling on pavements simply ignore them; after all they are quick enough to pounce on the driver who breaks the rules! I respect that handbook "The Highway Code", and consider myself to be a pretty safe driver, OK I may break the speed limit at times, and may park where I shouldn't if I want to drop something in a charity shop or pick up something I have purchased; however I, and I suspect the majority of other drivers, respect cyclists and give them plenty of room. This cannot be said of those who choose to cycle on pavements and in pedestrianised areas; this shows a general lack of respect for all the other people around them, and I for one will not tolerate it, so the next cyclist who hits me whilst cycling on the pavement may just find him/herself in a heap on the ground with his/her bicycle.

Update 7:04 pm

Hey folks I seem to be outnumbered here, see here, I only seem to have one supporter so if you feel like contributing to the debate feel free to wade right on in, that's unless you support the opposition of course!