It’s been just over two weeks since my last blog, the nights are drawing in and we are less than a month away from Christmas. I have to say I do like Autumn and Winter – although it is hard work commuting to work and back in the dark …..and I kind of forget what my garden looks like midweek.
When I was a wee pup it was driven into us at home and at school about the dangers of cycling during the winter months. Indeed I wasn’t even allowed lights on my bike until I was 13 – if out at a friend’s house I would have to wheel my bike home.
At the time it was a right pain, but now all these years later as a driver I can understand why. I get so cross that people (note: not just kids – adults too) ride their bikes when it’s dark without lights or a helmet and wearing dark clothing. It strikes me as the most stupid thing to do. If a cyclist gets knocked down the cost to an employer while the cyclist is off work…to me and you through the NHS….the cost of insurance…..the damage to someone’s education whilst off school (or cost to parent’s employer as the parent stays off work to care for child) – not to mention the emotional issues to both cyclist and driver afterwards – makes the ‘saving’ of a few pounds on the cost of bike lights seem quite ridiculous. And that’s assuming no one is killed.
But why do the Police seem to tolerate cyclists behaving like this? Why do cyclists not get fined for not using lights?? Surely it’s in everyone’s interest??
On my way home this evening (when it was dark) I stopped at a pedestrian crossing. Two boys were using the pedestrian crossing to cycle across from the pavement on one side to another. Neither had lights and both wore dark clothing. Idiots. Absolute idiots. Why do parents not deal with this???
If I win the lottery this weekend, I shall fund a safety campaign fronted by an influential footballer or pop group to spread the word to the kids. And I shall lobby the Police Authorities to crack down on cyclists who do not use lights. Now, who has the phone number for JLS or One Direction? I’d even use Olly Muirs…oh yes, and what are tonight’s lottery numbers???