So far on this thread, no disabled user of the bus islands has actually contributed, though Patrick's testimony came very close to it. I am approaching 90, walk slowly, and use a stick, and am not very clear-sighted. I feel far more threatened by cyclists than by drivers; just last week I had a near-miss encounter with a pavement hooliganess. And don't tell me that a collision with a cyclist would not kill me. It would, either immediately or weeks later in a hospital bed (that consequence is never discussed).I do all my own shopping, as I know what I want, and it gives me some exercise, even though the return from shops is slow and painful. I use buses a lot, and cross CHR to reach the shops.I've complained here before about the bus island opposite Fisher's Lane, about the deep puddles left there after rain, and the inadequate semi-pedestrian crossing over the cycle way, covered by leaves recently, and generally ignored by cyclists. I try to look out for bikes, but can't see them clearly, so crossing is a gamble. On one occasion I had to hold up my stick and shout at a family group who showed no sign of allowing me to cross, even though I was already on the supposedly protected point. As some have said, alighting is even more risky, as there is so little room to see what is coming.Similar concerns attend using either of the nearest pedestrian crossings. Some cyclists dutifully obey the signals for them to wait, but too many don't. The crossing by Dukes Avenue has a long waiting time for pedestrians, and one can see how many cyclists don't observe the stop, even when another is waiting.What disturbs me is the refusal of some self-appointed advocates of using the cycleways without regard for how other road users (as we all are, even them) may find their daily lives adversely affected by them. Dr Pike, with his sublime reliance on statistics; Mr Robinson, a true obsessive who resorts to bullying and denigration; Mr Campbell, who seems the sworn enemy of all four-wheeled transport. Perhaps he would have approved if my late wife's funeral had employed a cargo bike and a couple of tandems to get us to the ceremony. If I one day I meet my maker having been 'mown down' by one of the fanatical fraternity, or even by a 'pootler', perhaps this message could be read at the inquest and be heeded by the zealots for whom the slogan 'two wheels GOOD, four wheels BAD' is the only mantra.
Arnold Saxton ● 1760d