This week I would like to draw your attention to a subject that is rapidly becoming a pet irritation of mine.....and perhaps yours as well???

Demon cyclists, on their pedal bikes, no lights, no reflective clothing, no bell to tinkle to sound an alarm that they are either right behind you or in your face!!

Each morning I walk The Lulas first thing. Yes it's dark, it's January, but I always make sure that I carry a torch and The Lulas wear flashing lights so that passers by can see us.....however.....not everyone thinks this way do they?

They pedal their bikes in the dark, giving the illusion of frightening, grey, almost invisible shadows, hoods on, scarves covering their faces, dark clothing, black bicycles, no lights, no warnings, no nothing......like a scene out of a Hammer House of Horror Movie!!!

Not only that, they ride their bikes straight at pushchairs, dogs, passers by as though it's their god given right and don't forget, these people don't pay road tax, no insurance and are a law unto themselves and when they do scare you to a near sudden death with their silent arrival, no warning, no apologies, no consideration for anyone else but themselves, they ignore you preferring to remain in their 'tunnel vision existences'.

They are like the grey creatures of the night.

These are often the people who are glued to the telly, watching the adverts for Legal Firms offering a 'No Win, No Fee' service.....so if they do happen to conveniently tumble off their bike or pretend an imaginary injury.....they are the first ones to make a huge fuss....and then try their chances seeking compensation.

If you or I drove our cars on the roads, no lights, no nothing, we would be stopped, fined and penalised and made to pay the price.....but we are not irresponsible, you and I....we have a conscience and would not dream of treating any living creature in this disrespectful way would we?

Ironically, I have noticed time and time again that the cyclists who do have lights, bells and reflective clothing are the most polite and considerate of all....because they want to be seen and are not on a 'death wish'.

This morning, in the dark.....walking The Lulas, a dark grey cyclists was coming towards us.....I flashed my torch and called out...'Please stop and wait because my dogs are on a longer lead, please give me a moment!!!!!....You must be joking!!!! Stop? I think not!!!......

I may as well have been talking to myself.....he rode straight into the dog leads!!!!

'I asked the cyclist 'Where is your light?.....Where is your torch to let us know you are there?'

Obscenities, rude remarks and a nasty attitude was the only reply I received and I am not alone in this experience because so many people I have recently spoken with are up against the same problems.

But upon saying all this......how many of you car drivers have encountered pedestrians walking in the dark on the wrong side of the road....no reflective clothing, no torch, no nothing???

How many of you reading this message have encountered something similar?

And in the event of an accident that often happens in a split second, guess who would be blamed???

Yes....you have got it in one.......the driver of the vehicle, of course....who is fully insured cautious driver with a clean license, who just didn't see this dark image pull out in front....no lights, no bells, no nothing.....

The Lulas and I would be very interested to hear about your experiences, so please feel welcome to contact us.

So, Cyclists and Pedestrians, please take note of the dangers that lurk around each corner when you are travelling in the dark with no lights, no reflectors, no nothing and in the event of an accident, could you live with dire unfortunate consequences and rest your head on your pillow at night?
 

Until next week.

Love and Light,

Linda and The Lulas xx