Re:
I've lived and worked in London for the last 18 years or so and have commuted by bike everyday across vast swathes of it since 2010. Cycling in London has boomed in London since 2012 and also with the more recent provision of cycling 'infrastructure'.
I've almost seen everything and nothing surprises me any more. I've kind of developed a sixth sense which is basically expecting that I will see or experience something stupid on the road, from any kind of user, and this has really sharpened my biking skills and my awareness. I don't actually have much bother with motorised traffic but I am staggered at how reckless, inconsiderate, impatient, arrogant and aggressive a lot of London cyclists seem to be. To be honest, I experience more trouble from cyclists than from any other road user. None of them seem to have any bike riding craft, most of them seem to have complete disregard for the Highway Code and have no idea how to behave out there. I can see why people have it in for cyclists as a bunch.
On my way back tonight, I had three run ins. I follow the south riverside of the Thames from Wandsworth Bridge up to Waterloo/South Bank. A lot of the riverside is footpath but gets used by cyclists and joggers on a mission, weaving fast between people on foot (residents, boat dwellers, families with kids, tourists, office workers). Some planters have been positioned at points across the path as barricades to slow cyclists. It's peaceful in the morning but I dread making this journey every evening.
The first cyclist took a swing at me as they went past me on a corner because they deemed me to be on the wrong side or in their way – firstly, it's a footpath, and secondly there's no correct side to be on as it's a footpath and everyone is all over the place on it. The second cyclist came up behind me and called me a twat because I'd slowed for a lady crossing the road in front of me. This was dual carriage road in the city centre now with plenty of road space and no traffic at that point. The third cyclist was a hipster on a Genesis – regulation coiffured hair, bushy beard, extensive forearm tattoo, lumberjack shirt, cropped legged jeans, big headphones (why do people wear headphones on a bike in the middle of traffic?). Traffic was queuing to get past a parked van so he swerved in front of me and on to the pavement to get past everything, scattering people on foot.
Something has gone very wrong somewhere along the line with the attitudes and behaviour of a growing number of 'cyclists'.
Today's verdict of "guilty of causing bodily harm by wanton or furious driving" may potentially have future implications on cycling. Although the defendant seemed to be another arrogant dick on a flash bike, I do feel there's also been an element of negative spin through the case which will do cyclists as whole no favours and only entrench opinion against 'us'.