I have recently been accused of running an anti-motorist campaign (by an Officer of the Law none the less). I was not aware this could be classed as anything illegal, immoral or wrong, or even that I was actually mounting such a campaign but hey - the accusation came from someone who should know these things. So, not wanting to display such a bias and in the interest of balance, I wish to clearly demonstrate I am not an anti-motorist campaigner by pointing out cyclists can be damn inconsiderate as well. I am even willing to admit I have been one of these naughty cyclists and have got in the way of innocent motorists while being allowed to share their road space. No cyclist is innocent or beyond reproach.
Here is clear evidence of a cyclist who has secured their old bike in such a way as to cause an 'Obstruction of the Highway', likely while visiting the local antique shoppe. The inconsiderate chap or chappess has locked the bike in such a way that no pedestrian can make their way along the inside of the lamp post forcing them to travel between said post and the roadside bollards. There is not enough room here for any wide prams or wheelchairs and these would have to move into the road, so potentially forcing a poor motorist to take evading action and maybe even 'having an accident'. This is not a one off occurrence either as Google Maps shows a very similar looking cycle secured to the same lamp post some time ago.
So with my loudest campaigning voice, I call on the police to take the strongest action possible against this wrongdoer and to do so at the earliest opportunity. No motorist should be subjected to this potential hazard. I will gladly make a statement and if needed attend court in the hope of securing a conviction. Lock em up and throw away the key I say!
I hope balance is now achieved and order so restored.
'accused of running an anti-motorist campaign (by an Officer of the Law none the less)'.
ReplyDeleteWell it's about time we fought back, (metaphorically and legally). How many motorists have been killed as the result of your campaign? None, I venture. Nor are there ever likely to be.
I wonder how many pedestrians have been killed in the undeclared war being waged by motorists against cyclists and pedestrians?
Cyclists killed in England
2005 130
2006 127
2007 129
2008 102
2009 93
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm110303/text/110303w0001.htm#11030356002007
Pedestrians killed by motor-vehicles in the UK
2005 666
2006 672
2007 642
2008 572
2009 419
DfT figures
http://tinyurl.com/HansardPedCas1998-2007
Updated with:
Reported Road Casualties Great Britain: 2008
Reported Road Casualties Great Britain: 2009
Maybe the Police Officer should be politely told to stick his opinion up his arse. Or would it be too much to ask him and his colleagues to earn their keep and protect the Public?
Just consider the Laws that protect the Public from licenced gun-owners in the UK. Now I haven't got the figures to hand, but just remember the Public outcry over the tragedies of Dunblane (15 people) and the recent events in Cumbria (12 people).
Look at those numbers, now look at the road casualty statistics. Surely, there's a serious lack of perspective here. We've got killers on the loose, out there every day. They're in our community, but they're everywhere. But seemingly nobody gives a hoot.
When are the Police and the Legal system going to protect vulnerable road users.
IMHO that Police Officer is incompetent and needs to be given the sack.
Maybe the fella should see how close he can stand to a passing speeding car, without letting out a nervous fart.
ReplyDeleteAttempting use a zebra crossing in the presence of your red-Audi friend might be another useful opinion forming exercise for him ;>D
@amoeba
ReplyDeleteFirst of all I wish to distance myself from any talk of waging a 'war on motorists'. Please remember I am not an anti-motorist campaigner.
Secondly, I will make the point many of the pedestrian and cyclist (so called) casualties and fatalities will have been complicit in their own injuries/demise and it follows many, if not most, of the motorists will actually be completely and utterly blameless. They should not be unfairly made to feel in any way responsible for the injuries and death of vulnerable road users their vehicles were involved in maiming or killing.
Finally, I must insist that no further suggestion is made to insert things up the bottom of the PC. There is just no need to be rude. Just for clarification though the PC is actually of the fairer sex.
@Ian
I am shocked you are suggesting putting an Officer of the Law in such a dangerous situation. Oh, actually it is OK as I was informed by the aforementioned PC the Audi driver was not doing anything that dangerous and certainly did not actually cross the central road markings as he drove through the pedestrian crossing at excessive speed. It would therefore be a very interesting and thought provoking exercise.
General Point
I do work closely with many Police Officers and have the utmost respect for most of them. They do a difficult job with often little thanks and an awful lot of hassle. There will always be some who are not as good as others and so colour public opinion. I certainly do not want to give the impression of being anti-police in any way, shape or form. Thanks
I was informed by the aforementioned PC the Audi driver was not doing anything that dangerous and certainly did not actually cross the central road markings as he drove through the pedestrian crossing at excessive speed.
ReplyDeleteI think she needs her eyes tested!
'Well it's about time we fought back, (metaphorically and legally). How many motorists have been killed as the result of your campaign? None, I venture. Nor are there ever likely to be.'
ReplyDeleteI never mentioned waging a war on the motorist. Aren't we allowed to defend ourself within the Law?
There can be little doubt that motorists are waging a de facto war against vulnerable road users.
BTW, I saw a reference to this book.
University of Alberta associate professor of Public Health J. Peter Rothe researched just this topic for his book Driven to Kill: Vehicles As Weapons.
@amoeba
ReplyDeleteIt is quite true you never explicitly stated a war should be waged on motorists. However there is lots of concern in the media (well Daily Mail anyway) about this current war and the present government have made clear they intend to end this savage conflict.
I just want everyone to be very clear I am not waging an anti-motorist campaign and in trying to distance myself from any comments which might be deemed biased against motorists I misrepresented your views. My deepest apologies.
(oh, please drop me an email when you get chance)