Now before I start, I've cycled all my life, so I know the problems all too well, but is there a new generation of idiots taking to the roads.....? I was always a defensive bike rider...riding down the Tees Road taught me that, but some have no conception of danger.
I was driving to Gateshead along Easington Road near the General, where a very generous cycle lane has now been applied.....but two lycra fundamentalists were having none of it and riding side by side blocking the inside lane causing a nice tailback.
Also... will cyclists please invest in lights, light clothing or reflective strips and could the police actually start fining people for not having lights......
Finally, could the morons who casually cycle on the wrong side of the road towards traffic even in the dark, realise they aren't indestructable and just fuck right off.

Well said. I'm a cyclist too, and there's too many dickheads out there giving the rest of us a bad name.

The kind of cyclist you refer too are often found with a helmet camera strapped to themselves. They will then shout at passing motorists who incur their displeasure and if the motorist reacts will post the video looking for sympathy.

Like the utter gimp in this video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVcpJ7nnLHM

Is that really the van driver fault?

I cycle to work in Exeter quite often,a 15 mile trip.I'm shocked by how many don't have helmets,lights or any reflective kit.personally I'm lit up like the blackpool tower.best not to give bad drivers any excuse

I avoid the roads like the plague, even if it adds more time to my journey, when I'm on my bike. The cycle paths are there for a reason, so I use them.

Exeter is one of the worst places to drive your car let alone ride a bike third only to Oxford and Cambridge

I have a feeling that not all deaths of cyclists in Oxford and Cambridge are entirely accidental. Surely young Boris Johnson types on old bikes with baskets on the front have to be considered fair game for any sensible motorist?

Someone told me if you knock over a cyclist who doesnt have a light on then you cant be done for it. Presuming that is bollocks but would be good if true. Nearly hit 2 or 3 this past week alone.

To be honest a few now use flashing lights and they distract the hell out of me.

What if you knock them off and nick their lights?

It's a shame a cyclist without a light wasn't the other side of that red light.... the perfect crime.

agreed.but the cycle routes are pretty good, at least to get out of the city.devon is spending fortunes building designated cycle paths that don't meet traffic at all which is great for tourists tootling along admiring the scenery but not for when you're bombing home trying to beat your strava record