Double standards over motorists and cyclists

363 Bus attempted dangerous overtake 

while advertising Ride London

The Charlie Alliston case has provoked much comment as well as driving some motorists hysterical. Given that this case is unusual it is not surprising that it has created interest. However, this cannot justify the hysterical reaction against cyclists and cycling. 

Of course cyclists like any other road user much obey the laws but there is clear evidence that motorists are too often treated with undue leniency for dangerous and reckless driving. Any road death is regrettable and terrible for the victim's family and friends but the number of deaths caused by cycles is tiny compared to the number killed by motorists. 

The terrible crash today on the M1 with eight killed in a mini-bus collision involving two lorries ought to bring a sense of proportion to the debate. 

'Eight dead in M1 minibus and lorry crash'

According to BBC the two lorries drivers have been arrested for possible 'dangerous driving' with one driver possible over the alcohol limit. 

Here are two very good blogs on the Alliston case from the The Road Danger Reduction Forum. 

The Alliston case: after the verdict

1 Reply

The previous post has had more views than any other in our history. We have received significant support for its content in comments and on Twitter, and also – as one must expect in the age of social media – abuse and insult. Although readers will judge for themselves, it is striking how the insults have been based on a lack of evidence and – above all – misreading of what the piece was about.
So, to repudiate the insults, let’s clarify what the piece was – and more importantly was not – about. We can then move on to an assessment of where we are now after an extraordinary week.

The piece was written before the verdict in the trial of Mr Charles Alliston. This meant we could not legally comment on whether he was guilty of the offences he was charged with. One accusation made on twitter ( from Richard Williams‏ @richw1986 ) was that “Moreover – my point is more that by trying to defend a guy who doesn’t deserve it you’re not encouraging sympathy toward cyclists who do imo”. As I replied, “There is not one single thing in my piece which tries to defend him or his actions.”

Read the rest here from The Road Danger Reduction Forum. 

Eight dead in M1 minibus and lorry crash