Comments on: Are you a Cyclist or a Person?

By: Cyclomaniac

Cyclomaniac — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 08:26:07 +0000

Today I was reminded about this post. When I commute I use my bike or my car but always take the same route. When I drive the (City Care) cones indicate (sometimes non-existing) roadworks, implying serious concern for my safety as a driver. When I cycle, these very cones make me feel unsafe because they block my path completely and swerving towards cars is the only option. The whole city is littered with these cones and while I understand the need to indicate roadworks or potential dangers I cannot see why cyclists are not considered when placing these cones. Why do these cones need to block the complete parking/bike lane? Why I am so looked after as a driver and not as a cyclist?

By: Schrödinger's Cat

Schrödinger's Cat — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 01:24:43 +0000

Hi Lennyboy,

Interesting article! I’m the author of the UK article you linked to (great minds think alike, eh!), and I’ve added a link from mine to yours.

I find it strange that The Press claims not to have room to use “person cycling”, because after all it’s just one word, and the phrases you suggest are much more consistent and unbiased across all articles.

I think calling someone a cyclist does imply that the person is a cycling enthusiast, someone for whom cycling is a lifestyle, rather than just someone who is using a bike as a mode of transport.

Finally, I love the photo at the bottom, it sums up the point very nicely!

All the best,
S.C.

By: Lennyboy

Lennyboy — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 00:56:55 +0000

A really interesting discussion about this topic also turned up recently on this UK blog:
http://departmentfortransport.wordpress.com/2013/02/02/cyclists-you-have-a-language-problem/

By: Shane G

Shane G — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 23:15:27 +0000

Some days i’m a cyclist and other days I just ride my bike! ….. Very much depends on the moment and frame of mind.

By: Cyclomaniac

Cyclomaniac — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 05:07:41 +0000

I see your point Lenny and a very small (shrinking?)minority think cyclists can not be classified as human beings but I would be proud to be called a cyclist. I have been cycling nearly all my life and I am afraid it is now ingrained in my psyche, nothing I can do about it. I am driver too but only when I can not avoid it (which is still quite frequently). Being a driver is certainly not a part of my personality and it never will be as far as I am concerned.

By: Robert

Robert — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 19:47:07 +0000

It is great that my ramble has been read , and flattering even that it should raise a comment . I see exactly where you are coming from and it does seem these days that the word “cyclist” creates a stereotype of either lycra clad aggressive machine on wheels , maniac on a mountain bike, or death-defying poor fecker struggling in heavy traffic because he can’t afford a real mode of transport to get to work . The reality can be very different ( see the families cycling together at Bottle Lake forest or McLeans Island. ) . To my mind “cyclist” means someone who cares about their personal well-being, the long-term future of the planet and someone with a desire to live in an environment that is not completely dominated by cars. However the ‘person who cycles” description is just fine by me , whatever it takes to get more of these creatures in the world has got to be good .