Compassion between road users lacking
HAVING read the numerous recent letters published in the pages of Open Lines, I cannot help but gain the view of a distinct lack of tolerance, courtesy and respect between users of our roads.
I speak as a motorist, cyclist and pedestrian and can offer my own testimony to the many near collisions (accidents) I have experienced along the many years of using our local roads.
For the debate between the respective parties to continue suggests that there is a deep-seated problem, some of which is fairly obvious and includes the over-congestion on our roads and the ever increasing size of vehicles.
However, in my view, there is also a distinct lack of compassion between road users. Until such times as appropriate and rational decisions can be made by our government and others in reducing the potential for these issues to escalate further, I would respectfully suggest that as road/pavement users we should all adopt greater tolerance, courtesy and respect for each other.
I am in no way an exception to the norm and also experience annoyance with other road users, but fortunately, for 99% of the time, I can rationalise my feelings before venting annoyance with other road users. I offer an example of this at risk of angering other pedestrians.
The other night I was walking home in the dark, carrying a fluorescent jacket, when a cyclist suddenly appeared with no lights riding towards me on the pavement. Having seen his approach before he saw me, I stepped into the road (I had quickly checked all was clear). Upon passing each other, the cyclist very clearly stated he was sorry. I immediately uttered in response, 'that's all right'.
You may consider that both the action of the cyclist and my reaction was incorrect, however, in principle, I have no objection to cyclists riding on pavements, providing they can demonstrate courtesy and as in the above situation, respect and honesty for their error.
Very few road users go out with the intention of upsetting someone else.
We live on a small island with very narrow roads. Being tolerant of each other and showing courtesy and respect for other road/pavement users would be welcome and might on occasion earn us the respect of visitors to our island rather than some of the less positive comments espoused in our daily paper and may even earn us more visitor friends as judged by David Thoume in the comments quoted in Open Lines, 29 August.
PIERRE J. HERVÉ,
Footprints,
3, St Patricks Court,
Rue du Douit,
St Peter Port,
GY1 2EF.
