A PLEA FOR THE CYCLIST

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22139, 19 June 1935, Page 14

A PLEA FOR THE CYCLIST

Sir, —Being a motor, driver, I wish to express my opinion on reckless cyclists. I quite agree with " Nervous" that there are more accidents than enough through careless bicycle riders, but why condemn all for the sake of a few who are ignorant of the road rules? I have had the experience of driving along the road between Auckland and Manurewa for quite a long time, and at all hours, but I have never encountered the four and five abreast riders, of which "Nervous" writes, and I have always got a three abreast to break into single file at the sound of the horn. Repeatedly I have noticed the same happen to other motor vehicles. I think if "Nervous" was to ride a cycle on metal roads he would not make such a suggestion as that a cyclist should move over to within ISin. of the edge of the road. A metal, road is an absolute death-trap to cyclists when a motor vehicle is passing. I am a cyclist, and I say that cars and trucks should give more room to cyclists on loose metal and sand roads, 'as the bike rider is liable to skid on such roads. It is quite a common thing for a motorist to run quite close to a cyclist, even when well over on the right side. This may cause the cyclist, through surprise, to partially lose his balance, and be struck by the" rear mudguard. According to "'Nervous" the unfortunate cyclist is to blame for this. It has often happened to me, but by luck I have got away from the motorist. C. W. Oldham.