Scotsman.com News: ‘Factions must learn to live in harmony’

Those that use the city’s roads on a regular basis - whether on four wheels or two - cannot have failed to notice that at times there is a war going on between motorists and cyclists. There are elements in both camps whose attitude towards each other is hostile and encourages behaviour which on occasions is little short of dangerous.

Almost every cyclist can cite an incident where they have been struck by a vehicle or squeezed off the road. Similarly most drivers can quote examples of being forced to stop or swerve suddenly or of having been obstructed by a cyclist intent on commanding the centre of the roadway.

There is little love lost and frequently contact results in at best icy stares and at worst angry exchanges. Already the situation has been exacerbated in some parts of the city with the arrival of preparatory works for trams which has further narrowed the available road space. And when some designated cycle lanes disappear when the network is fully operational cars and bicycles will compete more than ever for what room is left. It is perhaps the right time for both factions to carefully consider their attitude towards each other.

Cycling is healthy, environmentally friendly and a bike takes up far less space than a vehicle. So why is it that the red mist begins to descend on so many drivers when they see a bike ahead of them or approaching as they drive along or sit in a queue? Perhaps it has nothing much to do with differing cultures but part of a general frustration which all too commonly leads to road rage which takes no account of the rights of other road users. But it is not only on the city’s crowded carriageways that conflict arises.

On the extensive network of paths shared by both cyclists and pedestrians clashes often occur. A minority of those on bikes appear to have no regard for the speed at which they are travelling, especially on the canal towpath, and expect those on foot to get out of the way. Similarly, some stubborn dog walkers think their pets are perfectly entitled to suddenly stray in front of passing cyclists.

Against this background it is good to see that Spokes, the organisation which promotes cycling in the city, has again taken the initiative by launching its Bike Polite campaign to encourage its members to be more considerate of others. It may not provide an answer but any campaign that encourages greater consideration deserves support. Bikes are going to grow in popularity the more people are aware of the need for an active lifestyle and are not going to go away. But neither are cars, and the sooner both learn to live in harmony the better.