Two abreast is the safest way

4:40pm Wednesday 2nd July 2008

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AS A cyclist for more than 47 years and an advanced driver for 16 years, I would like to answer the ill-informed diatribe from Evelyn Campbell Smith in Mailbox of June 18.

It is obvious from her letter that Smith has not cycled on the road since she was a teenager and she appears unaware of the danger posed by impatient drivers such as herself.

Riding side-by-side is the safest way for cyclists to travel along roads as following motorists actually have to slow down and wait until there is a safe opportunity to overtake.

This is in contrast to the situation where, if travelling in single file or alone, cyclists are not given the courtesy of following motorised traffic slowing or the motorist even moving over when overtaking - just driving past at 35-40 mph with only inches of clearance.

As to a “selfish attitude”, I note that Smith was alone in her car, taking up as much space as four cyclists, and executed an extremely dangerous manoeuvre by driving alongside them, shouting through the car window - yet she accuses them of being “thugs” for shouting back and banging on the side of the car (which was obviously close enough to be reached).

When I am cycling with friends, we usually ride side-by-side but when motorists are seen approaching from behind we shout “Car up” and single out. Cyclists may be an inconvenience to such impatient drivers, but impatient drivers are a lethal danger to cyclists.

Chris Beazer,

Hillbark Road, Frankby.