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Myths and Rebuttals

Discussion in 'Commuting' started by magnatom, 23 Jul 2008.

    magnatom Captain Cameraman

    Location:
    Torrance
    This thread will serve as a place to post the myths that are often used in arguments against cyclists with relevant rebuttals. For example, cyclists don't pay road tax, cyclists are supposed to use cycle lanes where they exist etc, etc.Where possible rebuttals should be referenced to confirm the source of the information.

    The aim of this thread is to allow all of this information to be collated and brought together in a document which cyclists could refer to in the future. This document will acknowledge any contributions made by forum members.


    So, who's first? :smile:

    Crock of Gold are you looking at me...

    Location:
    Englands Dreaming
    Cycle hemets :smile:.

    Not trying to throw the Post OT (as it's important) but it is a topic that certainly will need to be at least flagged up.

    But (for adults certainly) the wearing of a cycle helmet may need a myth buster (or not). Both for cyclists and drivers (and general populace).

    Maybe a solution to the topic of Cycle Helmet wearing is to simply refer to the other debates on this subject instead of using loads of this Thread space up, as it will no doubt become a heated subject.

    So people can make up their own minds.

    Cab New Member

    Location:
    Cambridge
    Myth: "You should be in the cycle lane!"

    Rebuttal: No, its your choice as to whether or not to use a cycle lane. If it is safer and convenient then do so, otherwise you're not obliged to use the cycle lane or any other facility.

    There was a bit of a scare a while back when the highway code was updated, but the current text says:

    "Cycle Routes and Other Facilities. Use cycle routes, advanced stop lines, cycle boxes and toucan crossings unless at the time it is unsafe to do so. Use of these facilities is not compulsory and will depend on your experience and skills, but they can make your journey safer."

    In fact, many cycle lanes are poorly designed, ill maintained, badly thought out and, on occasion, completely un-navigable. It is entirely appropriate to choose not to use such facilities.

    dondare New Member

    Location:
    London
    A common myth is that cyclists who don't obey the Highway Code are breaking the law.
    Rebuttal: "Now you're just being ignorant."

    HLaB Chief Crash Test Dummy

    Myth: the Legality of flashing lights
    Rebuttal: Can't think of anything witty but Flashing Lights are Legal.

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    4F Quill stems rule !

    Myth: You don't pay road tax
    Rebuttal: F off lard arse
    mickeyt69 likes this.

    ChrisKH Shorts Adjustment Expert

    Location:
    Essex
    For the slightly portly cyclists on being called 'fat' by a passing motorist

    "Well of course I'm fat; everytime I shag your wife she gives me a biscuit".

    Source: Wisdens book of Cricket sledging.







    What do you mean, not that sort of rebuttal? :smile::biggrin:
    Maylian and Arjimlad like this.

    GrahamG Executive Member

    Location:
    Bristol
    Right, I'm going for the 'same-level' rebuttal that is not confrontational and might appease the average Sun reader:

    Cyclists don't pay road tax - "Don't worry mate - I still get fisted by Brown on everything else, believe me"

    Cyclists should use cycle lanes - "You know the council can't do a f**king thing right - those lanes included"

    Get out the middle of the road - "F**king council don't sweep the roads enough to be riding in the guttter - it's a disgrace I tell you"

    Get out the middle of the road - "Could you smell my fart? I was trying to share it with you!"

    Nigeyy Member

    Location:
    Westwood, MA USA
    Oh this is a weak one, but here goes:

    Myth: my average speed is 23mph! I can easily keep up 20mph (caveat: this may not be applicable to everyone).

    Rebuttal: "average" speed really depends on how you measure it (hey, going down a steep hill, my average speed is over 30mph!). Generally speaking, measuring average speed by looking down at your cyclocomputer when you are cycling for 30 seconds on the flat does not qualify, rather your speed calculated for your whole journey -preferably a complete loop back to where you start to offset a strongly downhill course -does.

    Mister Paul Honky

    Location:
    North Somerset
    Myth: You're holding me up and making my drive into work longer.

    Rebuttal: "And how long do you think your journey would take if all of us cycling commuters drove in separately?"

    spindrift New Member

    Mister Paul Honky

    Location:
    North Somerset
    Who is Chapman?

    TwickenhamCyclist Executive Member

    Myth: “I’m allowed to knock you off if you’re not in a cycle lane”
    Rebuttal: Huge dent in vehicle belonging to driver that just tried to put that one into practice.

    Myth: “You don’t pay any road tax so I’m not giving you any respect.”
    Rebuttal: See above

    Myth: If you purposely cut up a cyclist in London, just call them a w***er and drive off quickly – they’ll never catch you up.
    Rebuttal: At next set of lights - See above

    Cab New Member

    Location:
    Cambridge
    Myth: "You don't pay road tax so..."

    Rebuttal: It doesn't matter what follows the above statemet. No, we don't pay road tax, but neither does a motorist. 'Road tax' has been 'VED' since 1936, and is completely unlinked to spending on road maintenance and road building. We have every bit as much right to be on the road as motorists, there is no taxation or payment argument.

    Or, if you like, point out that we pay the same amount of road tax as any other bottom band vehicle with zero carbon emission; i.e. none.
    But of course, if we were to pay zero tax but have to go through the rigmarole of having a free valid tax discs on display and all of the incomprehensibly expensive admin spent on this, estimated to be in the region of £50 per disc, then each and every tax paying motorist would see a rise in how much they would pay.

    Disgruntled Goat New Member

    "'kin Puff!!"

    Blow them a kiss.

    Carwash Señor Member

    Location:
    York
    Minor correction:

    More, actually: cyclists - along with pedestrians, horse riders, etc - are allowed to use the roads by right. Motorists use them by license.

    (Or am I perpetuating another misconception here?)
    MarkyMark292 likes this.

    Mister Paul Honky

    Location:
    North Somerset
    No, you're not, but you're at risk of opening a huge can of worms.
    MarkyMark292 likes this.

    Cab New Member

    Location:
    Cambridge
    You're right, but I didn't want to start coming over 'holier than thou'. I'm not aiming to tell motorists to get off the road because we've got more right to be there than them, I'm aiming to state why the claim that we've got less right to be there is incorrect.

    Carwash Señor Member

    Location:
    York
    One which I did not meant to open! I had no idea it was such a touchy subject, nor any intention of hijacking this thread with what I considered to be a mere statement of fact. Apologies.

    Maz Vice President

    Location:
    Leicester
    Rebuttal: Worms don't come in cans.

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