It only takes a few bad cyclists to give them all a bad name – Hayley Matthews

I’ve never been one for hating cyclists because I admire anyone who can cycle through Edinburgh city centre.
Most cyclists behave responsibly. Picture: Lisa FergusonMost cyclists behave responsibly. Picture: Lisa Ferguson
Most cyclists behave responsibly. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

I took on a cycling in the city challenge for the BBC a few years ago and went without the car for a week, opting for a bike instead, and it was an eye-opener.

But seriously, cyclists have the guts to take on cars, buses and trams so why do they get a hard time of it and get a bad name? Well, just like some motorists get a hard time (BMW drivers – you know who you are), there are good and naughty in all walks of life.

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I had a situation earlier on in the week when I was driving down Morningside Road. Two cyclist in hi-vis, lights, everything etc were cycling sensibly alongside the traffic when some nutjob with earphones in, wearing dark clothing and banging his head to the beat, overtook the two cyclists and just about smashed into the side of me.

I pulled up beside them at traffic lights and realised that he was bouncing away to music and wondered if he’d had too much caffeine (or other things) and how would the situation go if we’d collided.

I would be asking for a drug and alcohol test, which left me thinking that this cyclist is giving other cyclists a bad name.

I’m glad to say we didn’t collide. However, I’ve come to the realisation that just like there are good drivers and idiot drivers, we have good cyclists and idiot cyclist too. So, if we can all just share the road responsibly that would be great thanks.