"I can't sleep for reliving the carnage I witnessed yesterday resulting in the death of my friend Gavin and injury to others. I had been in their company for 50 miles but went up the hill out of Ards a little slower than them. I saw them ahead of me riding as a tight 4 as they rounded the curve out of sight and I rode into an unbelievable scene. How could that driver not have seen them from far back as I had?RIP Gavin. I hope Gareth recovers fully from his bad injuries and Keith and Rachy get over their trauma. This was so unnecessary, we are so vulnerable out there."Can I appeal to anyone who reads this and drives a motor vehicle to please, please, look out for cyclists and give them the room they need. And remind others too. These aren't just 'bloody cyclists' getting in the way, they are human beings. You don't have to like them, but please respect them. They are more than an object. Is it worth that extra 15 seconds it takes to get home, because a cyclist is on 'your' road, to make it worth trying push past them? Remember, it is other cars that hold you up more than cyclists. I know not all cyclists are angels, but there will only ever be one winner if there's a collision. I often feel vulnerable out on the roads doing the sport I love. I can think of no other sport that comes with such uncontrollable external risks.
I get that the justice system is set up as such that cyclists remain low on the totem pole of value when it comes to their deaths. Punishments are pathetic. There is little to no culpability for hitting a cyclist. Near misses or minor incidents are rarely followed up; serious incidents result in little more than a slap on the wrist for the offender. That has to change, because until it does, the disrespect shown by some motorists will never cease. I know most of you are good drivers, and do care, but spread the word because with the number of cars on the road, it only takes 5% of motorists to be dangerous, distracted or inconsiderate of anything outside their safe little steel bubbles, for it to become lethal for a cyclist.
All I can hope is that everyone becomes a little more aware of cyclists. That they get the space they need (1.5 metres) to feel safe, and not overtaken while there is oncoming traffic. That people put down their phones, keep their hands on the wheel, eyes on the road, and never drink and drive.
Thank you.
