What’s more frustrating than a #bikelash story in the media?

Screenshot via @NZHerald

I’ll keep this short – lob the grenade and dash for cover. It gives me no pleasure in doing so. Scout’s honour!

For me, the most frustrating thing about seeing #bikelash stories in the media these days is not the story itself but – the predictable response by cyclists.

To be so reactive. I appreciate that the vacuum is huge. But to ignore this reality, to do nothing about it, to leave things to chance, to assume that common sense will prevail is just – so frustrating. Maybe the problem is the lack of awareness of the vacuum’s existence, the assumption that cycling will sell itself. Quaint thought.

But please stop blaming the messenger.

I highly recommend that you add someone to your team who thinks differently, who will call you out when your ideas suck, or lack rational substance. Find someone who has an expertise in the science of human psychology. Because what appears on the surface as a cycling issue is in fact, a behaviour change issue.

See you when the smoke and rubble has cleared? I’ll be waving a white flag.

PS: It is possible to have opinion pieces published that are not clickbait.

‘Cycling’ is sport and recreation. ‘Riding a bicycle’ is everyday activity. No sweat. As easy as walking, but faster.

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