Cycling safely.
I have cycled and driven since 1939 and 1952 respectively and still cycle for most journeys of less than 10 miles. I have been knocked off my bicycle three times, fortunately without serious injury. In the interest of safety, I think all drivers should learn to cycle first. They would know that if they overtake a cyclist and then have to slow down to join a queue, they should leave room for the cyclist to continue on their way. Many drivers seem not realise that cyclists need to avoid hazards at the edge of our poorly maintained roads. I would like to see wider roads, particularly the nearside lane, so that lorries can overtake single file cyclists without moving out to the next lane. I see no need for a separate cycle lane; the whole of a wider lane is automatically cleared of obstructions if all can use it. To make roads more bicycle-friendly the edges should also be maintained properly. Cycle lanes on footpaths are not the answer; pedestrians wander into them, stones are not cleared from them and cyclists have to stop at every junction onto the main road. Some may worry that widening roads encourages speeding but I think cameras and roadside speed indicators are more effective than narrow roads or destructive bumps or other traffic calming measures. With wider roads drivers would become less frustrated and more people would feel safer cycling.