HmmmI don't like how this thread is taking a path of dividing people on bikes into different groups and presenting some as good and others as bad.
We all use bikes for all kinds of reasons and we shouldn't assume that someone wanting to go fast on a bike and wear a certain type of clothing is inherently wrong or is in some way bad.
I admire the way that some people can zip along at 30mph under their own steam and I also marvel at the 80 year old who every day steadily does the 10 mile trip from his home to town and back.
Neither is good or bad, they are just doing what suits their situation. There should be enough acceptance that people on bikes are all different and have different needs and therefore space should be made for them.
Ok - maybe I have given the wrong impression - if so then I apologise
In my opinion anyone who can keep any bike running along fast enough to past 'me on my ebike' with ease has my respect
Even if they are on an expensive road bike, riding on the drops and wearing Lycra - well done! - keep it up - wich I could join you
But - basically - I can;t be bothered to do the training!
but if you have the dedication to do it - good on you!!
To me the important thing is to encourage people onto the road on bikes - well road, paths, tracks and whatever.
Especially anyone who can ditch a car - for at least part of the journey - and commute by bike/ebike - that will benefit everyone - thanks to anyone who has done this
And - the more people that cycle regularly then the healthier the people of the country will be - even on an ebike you are using energy and getting fresh air - which is good for you
And, of course, from a selfish point of view - the more people there are cycling then the more politicians - local and national - will listen to us and improve things like cycle paths and secure cycle parking - so then more people think about cycling - so they listen more - and so on
I would be amzed if we end up like the famous Dutch - but maybe a bit???
so whoever you are - if you use a bike - that's great
just PLEASE - don't ride around here at night with no lights wearing black and whizz diagonally across the road 5 foot in front of my car - it worries me!!!!