Cyclists are generally not a problem. Of course, they don't necessarily obey the rules of the road, but as a driver you learn to imagine the worst and give them a wide berth at all times.
Recently however, I've noticed an increase of cyclists around where I live. I assume this is down to people wanting to save money on fuel, get fit and possibly be a bit more eco-friendly. What annoys me isn't that these two wheeled bipeds are using the roads that my road tax has paid for (that's fine!) - it's that they feel no need to wear a helmet, have fluorescent gear on or in some cases even have working lights in the dark.
Being that I reside in a village in the middle of nowhere, I rely on a car to get around. And as I am out 'in the sticks' the roads that leave the village are all national speed limit roads, where you can quite comfortably sit at 50mph round the windy roads.
It's usually at this point that you will come across a cyclist who has decided to go to work/the post office/etc but could feasibly end up with the contents of their head splayed across the carriageway because they don't feel the need to wear a helmet.
The only more appalling sight is that on a Sunday afternoon when Mr Joe Bloggs and his family go on a bike ride. What amazes me is that they'll force their kids to wear their helmets and reflective gear, but mum and/or dad don't! I'm not sure I can understand the logic here. Yes, you want to protect your kids, but if you don't wear a helmet and get knocked over and die, your child will be an orphan- not what you had in mind I hope!
So please, put on a helmet, wear a reflective top and use working lights! It's safer for you, and will mean there less chance of you getting squished!
Glad everything is okay though!
