WHEN I’m not breaking news at the Mandurah Mail, I like to spend my time cycling.
Whether it’s riding along the long winding coast or around the beautiful Murray River, there is no shortage of great places to go cycling around Mandurah and Western Australia.
The benefits of cycling are so rewarding.
Since I started cycling seriously four years ago, I have seen 15 kilograms disappear and find myself performing better at other sports.
You can easily find 30 minutes of exercise and you can spend hours out there if you cycle with a friend.
However, there is one major nemesis of a cyclist; cars.
Most people are generally great.
They wait an extra 10 seconds for you at stop signs and are happy to wave you past.
It is just the small few who spoil it for everyone.
Most of the media coverage about the ‘war between cyclist and cars’ is about impatience.
I have had my fair share of incidents.
One time I almost got cleaned up by someone at a T-junction.
They were turning right and I was going straight ahead – I had right of way.
However this person – who didn’t look – decided to go anyway. This resulted in me having to swerve on a tight road.
Some people are also simply impatient.
One driver almost crashed into a corner house after they decided to speed up and pass me and then had to slam the brakes to avoid a collision.
At the end of the day, cyclists and car drivers have to learn to share the road.
Both have to live by the same rules.
Although cyclists are receiving a bad rap in the media lately, I would encourage anyone who wants to get fit to get on a bike.
You can pick one up for relatively cheap and you can use it to explore the world.
At the end of the day, riding your bike to work will make you far fitter than driving.
What do you think? Should cyclists be allowed on the road? Post a comment below with your thoughts or email them to francis.curro@fairfaxmedia.com.au.
