Cyclists

Cyclists are idiots.

Actually, that might be generalising a bit. Some cyclists are idiots.

The one currently sitting next to me is, of course, not an idiot. But he has brought an element of cyclist idiocy to my attention.

With the clocks having just changed, it is noticeably darker by 5pm than it was a week ago. The natural reaction for most commuters to this difference is to switch on their lights. But not all.

Some cyclists seem to see themselves as an exception to the rules of the road, particularly when it comes to the use of lights in the dark. Just a few days into dark commuting, I have already seen several unlit bikes on the roads of Leeds, their riders seemingly unaware of the danger they are in.

With bright car headlights filling the streets, a light-free cyclist can be extremely tricky to spot, especially for a motorist turning out of a side street. Focusing on the lights of more distant traffic, the driver can quite easily miss the silent, camouflaged figure rolling down the edge of the road towards him.

It's quite obvious who will come off worse in a fight between a cyclist and a car - so why on earth don't they all put lights on their bikes? For just a few pounds, they can make themselves infinitely safer on the journey home.

The trouble is, anyone stupid or arrogant enough to believe they don't need to use lights like every other road user is unlikely to take kindly to having their idiocy pointed out. I should know - I've tried it.

Well, my other half has. We were driving through Leeds the other day and narrowly missed hitting an invisible cyclist as we pulled out of a junction. Concerned for the man's safety, my other half wound down his window and (quite politely) urged him to get some lights. He was told in no uncertain terms to mind his own business (quite impolitely).

It is, of course, up to the individual to decide how best to equip himself for his journey to work and it is human nature to be defensive if you feel you are being criticised. But when there is a risk of a serious accident, how can you convey this to the cyclist without getting a mouthful of abuse?

Answers on a postcard please.