One metre arsehole

In Western Australia we have the one metre rule, that is, motor vehicles must give cyclists a one metre clearance when overtaking. This is expanded to one and a half metres when the motor vehicle is overtaking the bike at a speed exceeding sixty kilometres per hour - fair enough. 

So, we also have a situation where cyclists are using dual use pathways, now they are the party that has the potential to cause harm to pedestrians. So I ask, should not the same rules apply? Cyclists can get pretty precious all dressed in lycra pedaling on their expensive bikes.

Despite the racing coloured lycra outfits, we are not dealing with professional cyclists here. There is no time trials, no prize money at stake or state and national titles to be awarded. These people go whizzing past pedestrians at breakneck speed to fulfill their own illusions.

This is not an individual pursuit being raced at a velodrome, the bicycles have gears and brakes fitted. This means they have the potential to slow down as you pass pedestrians. The gear-set on the drive allows the rider to accelerate as required, this is particularly useful after slowing down near pedestrians.

Bells should be fitted to all bicycles, as a cyclist passes a pedestrian, the general courtesy is to ring their bell to indicate their presence to pedestrians. Unfortunately, we know that cyclists generally are not courteous and if they are not causing troubles on the road, they are creating issues on dual use pathways.