Cyclists put lives in danger

Cyclists are valiant. After all, they are making a personal effort to reduce carbon emissions and curb our reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, cycling has substantial health and other benefits, too, provided the cyclists obey the rules of the road and treat other road users with consideration and respect.

I cycle in Dubai every day and do see cyclists do things they should not be doing. By taking too many risks, some of them go out of their way to create the false stereotype that cyclists can be irresponsible, thoughtless, selfish and hence dangerous.

On Dubai roads there is a constant battle raging between reckless two-wheeled road users and their four-wheeled counterparts. Where do they get off thinking that the road rules do not apply to them and that they can just go through traffic lights or crisscross through the roads at any place, wherever their heart desires?

No amount of traffic monitoring, road design or legislation would prevent accidents if there is scant regard for the law. The vast majority of cyclists in Dubai are irresponsible in their use of the roads.

Regardless of the law, this would seem to be simple common sense, within grasp of all cyclists. But, the most irresponsible of cyclists continue to cycle the wrong way down a major three-lane road, in Naif area in Deira, Dubai, or even cut across it.

I think - and everyone would agree - that breaking the law that places others in grave danger should be enforced with stiff penalties.

The reader is a sales manager, based in Dubai.

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