The cyclist hate is really demoralizing sometimes. Like, I'm out here trying to enjoy life and be healthy and people think it's funny to joke about murdering me.
I have no hate towards them, what I said what tongue in cheeck. After relying on two wheels (motorbike mainly) for about 10 years, I get the cyclists viewpoint. It's certainly not cool to joke about murdering anyone, cyclist or not.
It's just that ... they do tend to flaunt the rules here in Brussels. It's partly clear why (losing momentum on a bicycle sucks) but also extremely stupid to throw yourself (and your two kids on the back) in front of 2000KG of metal moving at speed, expect that metal so accommodate you (something no sane motorbiker will do) and if not start screaming and punching the metal.
I get annoyed at cyclists who ride irresponsibly too - I also live in a place where people HATE cyclists beyond any and all reason, and in general I think we're all being failed by our infrastructure first and foremost.
You didn't joke about killing cyclists, but that's where the culture is where I'm from, so I'm touchy about it.
I've long believed that riding a bike should require a license and that cycling laws need to be part of getting licenses for both the cyclist and drivers. Part of the problem is, most people don't actually know the laws for operating a bicycle, including most cyclists. I know this is an unpopular opinion.
It's exactly that. The problems that exist with cyclists and people riding steps does not exist with people riding motorbikes for which you need a license.
I love that attitude - we have a safety issue, so let's victim blame and ignore the infrastructure issues, poorly trained HEAVY MACHINERY OPERATORS, safety-hostile vehicle design, and generally enormous subsidies for using cars everywhere.
It also leads to restrictions on walking "for safety". For instance, note attempts in Ireland to make it illegal to walk at night without high visibility gear.
Cars ruined cycling. The only way to avoid cars is to use a car yourself. The problem is then you need to do pointless supplementary exercise lest you become an incapable blob like they are. Driving to the gym it is then.
Maybe this is just me, but combining exercise with commute has never been practical for me. I still cycle to work, but I don't do it for exercise, only because it happens to be the fastest method in my present circumstances.
But still using it as an example, on my way to work I take the easiest, least hilly route to avoid any sweating as possible. On the way back, I take the most downhill route possible because I still want to wear the same pieces of clothing (say, a jacket) without having to wash it daily. In short, I don't go all out. Result - I don't lose weight at all nor has my physical fitness improved much.
Versus if I engaged in "pointless supplementary exercise", I do go all out, and after 30 minutes I'm all drenched in sweat.
My present circumstances don't allow it, but I imagine if I could drive the same distance to work, I would save about 30-60 minutes which I could in theory use to engage in an all-out workout.
