One mode of transport which causes more concern for city drivers than any other is bicycles. Not buses, not huge articulated lorries, not tractors, just those small two wheeled machines propelled by human legs which are so often the bane of a drivers journey in the city. Speaking to a cyclist whose job involves cycling around busy city streets all day gives us an insight into their day to day life and their ongoing battle with cars...
How much do you cycle in the city?
I cycle everywhere; my job requires me to be constantly on the move around the busiest parts of town. I really love to cycle, and enjoy the fact that it is environmentally friendly, good for my health and allows me a sense of freedom which I don't think you get with a car...especially in a congested city.
What is your relationship like with cars?
I am a driver too so I know how cyclists can cause frustration, but in general I think that there should be equality amongst all road users. I find that as long as you show respect to cars, then they will show respect to you. However, the fact that cars find being stuck behind a bike difficult is one which more cyclists should bear in mind. It is easy to forget what it's like to be in a car when you are cycling and often cyclists can forget how easily they can make a drivers life easier by just choosing a more accommodating line on the road.
What sort of bike do you ride?
When I started this job I just had a cheap kids bikes, but now I prefer hybrid bikes as they allow me to make better progress along the road. I still have BMX grips and BMX pedals though just to keep me close to my stunt roots.
What do you think the future holds for cycling?
I think that cities will become more bike friendly as it is a very efficient mode of transport. With the number of roads increasing it is going to become harder and harder to get around in a car quickly. Just a little bit of investment, like that spent on the new London city bike scheme, will get more people into cycling especially as the number of cheap road bikes available is increasing everyday.
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