Form a Bristol Cyclists and Motorists Alliance

This is an idea aiming to change attitudes - the anger / hatred / bad blood we see every day on Bristols roads, of both motorists to cyclists and vice versa.  So I'd like to see a campaign and an alliance to end this war, and bring mutual respect and understanding.  We'd need to develope a snappy name and logo, clothing or bibs for the cyclists and bumper or rear window stickers for cars, ( carrying the same colour and logo).

On joining the alliance, cyclists would agree to respect motorists by agreeing not to do those things that cause most driver rage:  jumping red lights, cylcing on pavements (or maybe just very slowly), and cycling without lights.  In short, cycle with consideration and remember motorists are human beings too

For their part motorists would agree to have equivalent repect for cyclists by:  keeping out of cycle lanes, keeping out of junction advance stop boxes, and giving cyclists adequate space when passing

I think the cycling groups might support this and maybe promote it? - I'm certain the police would

 

Why the contribution is important

If this caught on it could make Bristol a happier place.  Lots of us, like me, are both cyclists and motorists, and yet there are these polarised anrgy standoffs as if between rival gangs. So childish.   I've heard both sides of the debate expressed so often and so angrily.  This war leads to angry citizens, people arriving crossly at work or at home.  And I think it also sometimes leads to actual increased dangers on the roads, mainly for the cyclists.

So its an idea for a campaign and an alliance to end this ridiculous war and bring both sides together -  and keep us reminded that we are on the same side anyway!

by user502461 on November 27, 2013 at 09:20PM

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Average rating: 4.0
Based on: 11 votes

Comments

  • Posted by user250198 November 29, 2013 at 08:03

    Thanks, I like this idea. I saw an Evening Post headline recently calling for a truce between cyclists and motorists. It occurred to me that it's better not to start a war in the first place: we all have a responsibility to do this and I think most of us are capable of it, with a little more awareness.

  • Posted by user409960 December 11, 2013 at 10:13

    I've started a manifesto for happier cycling. I'll post a link when (if!) I have time to finish it.

  • Posted by user412750 December 19, 2013 at 22:31

    Well said!

  • Posted by user166992 January 08, 2014 at 16:26

    Sorry, but jumping red lights on a bike is frequently harmless, and often prudent, allowing the cyclist to buy enough time to reach a safe speed/road position, before being swamped by a crowd of impatient motor-cars e.g. M32 J3 roundabout.

    I can't remember the last time I drove (in a car) through an amber light on the cusp of red, and witnessed the car behind respecting the stop signal. Cars jump reds as much as bikes; the difference is that it's less noticeable, because they're all in on it, plus they choose to sail through ambers (which, incidentally, also means "Stop!") and reds at the close of the green, rather than in anticipation.
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