I've lost count of the times I've heard car drivers curse cyclists or motorcyclists. How many of them have any idea what it's like to use a motorcycle, scooter, or bicycle as an alternative form of transport ?
Would they be confident enough to retake and pass the car drivers test let alone something as difficult as the motorcycle test ? How many of them actually engage brain and open eyes when driving their car? Often the "car" is a large environmentally unfriendly 4x4 with a "green" parent behind the wheel off on the the school run.
Well I don't drive an environmentally unfriendly 4x4 but otherwise, until recently, I was probably one of those many car drivers who have scant understanding of what it's like to use a motorcycle. That is until I decided to take the Driving Standards Agency(DSA) motor cycle test. And so now I have no doubt whatsoever that the roads would be a lot safer if anyone applying to take the DSA test for a car or something larger, had first to pass the motorcycle test.
Disagree? Well if you do why not treat yourself to a motorcycle Compulsory Basic Training course; it's the first, and easiest, of four steps on the way to a motorcycle licence. Then read this again.
I am not a cyclist or motor bike rider but with 35 years of experience including driving Petrol and LPG Tankers, I have seen a great change in driving attitudes as well as increased traffic problems.
ReplyDeleteIf there is an art to driving then it lies in the anticipation of other road users.
Constant awareness and courtesy to other road users including cyclists and pedistrians. Maybe this has come naturally to me, maybe some will never grasp the idea or knowledge that we are all entitled to use the roads and therfore a most serious attitude towards others safety to life and limb is required.
I agree with Mr Groan Locally that if we all were to experience motorcycle training Im possitive it would enhance our attitude to awareness of other road users and therefor make us all safer and better drivers,but,
maybe the only ones who read this are the road users already converted to the idea of better road safety but just in case,...
If you are involved in a accident and although it wasnt really your fault, answer to your self honestly, Could I have done anything to avoid this if I had been more alert, if I had anticipated better, If the answer is NO then perhaps you could do a little motor bike training.