Just as cyclists get harassed by some thoughtless or aggressive car drivers, pedestrians do get harassed by a few cyclists; this cycling minority turns trying to get better facilities for cyclists into a more difficult task. Yet pedestrians and cyclists are in the same boat, with the motor car causing by far the biggest threat to our collective safety.

And just because you have been given a hard time by a car driver, does not mean that it is appropriate to take it out by bullying a pedestrian. Intimidating behaviour towards pedestrians, whether its not stopping for them when they are on zebra crossings or crossing the road at a red light, or cycling agressively on the pavement, does no one any favours. The main result is a lessening of support for cyclists from the general public, which in turn makes it much trickier to get cycle facilities in place.

You might even consider stopping to let a pedestrian cross the road when you are under no legal obligation to do so. Give it a try - the chances are that your thoughtfulness will be acknowledged by the pedestrian, and you will cycle off with a warm glow from having helped offset the growing tide of travellers in our city who seem to have no time for anyone other than themselves.

So chill out a little, and enjoy the more relaxed benefits of cycling round our wonderful city.

© Paul Gasson