Guernsey ruined by 'Lycra lout' cyclists
LET me start my letter by saying I am a qualified driving instructor, with my own driving school. Also in my younger years I raced cycles semi-professionally for a commercial team. I now cycle for pleasure over Dartmoor. On my recent visit to Guernsey I was astonished at the attitude of what I call the 'Lycra louts'. They ride up to three, and in some cases four, abreast and with the roads in Guernsey in most cases are restricting the flow of traffic.
They refuse to move irrespective of the problems they cause.
On one occasion as I went up a slope a lout came down the hill leaning over to my side of the carriageway. How I missed him I don't know.
On another occasion I was third in the line of traffic. There was a clear view of sight, the first car indicated to go by, the cyclist pulled out preventing an overtake. The lout then gave a one finger sign. This sign seems to be a favourite of these people.
Back at my hotel, talking to the manager, I asked why the police do not control this type of anti-social behaviour as it is against the Highway Code to ride like this.
His reply shook me. He said locals call them the 'cycle mafia' and a lot of them are police officers, and some are even senior officers. He went on to say upset them with a beep on the horn or say too much to them, they will remember your number. It is a small island. He would not elaborate, he just said 'I leave the conclusions to you'.
One thing is 100% for sure, I will never set foot on Guernsey again.
I will go to Jersey, France or Spain, but never Guernsey.
I will inform my friends, pupils and all I mix with to 'avoid Guernsey'.
MIKE ASKEW,
6, Latimer Walk,
Southway,
Plymouth,
PL6 6LZ.
Editor's footnote: Guernsey Police replies:
It is important that cyclists and motorists recognise that both have equal rights to the road. While we understand frustrating circumstances can occur on island roads, both should display courtesy and patience. Our expectation is that unacceptable behaviour, by either cyclists or drivers, would be addressed by an officer should they witness it. The suggestion that officers would behave as described by your correspondent, while cycling in their spare time, is certainly not something that has been raised with us, either formally or informally.
