Local cyclists concerned about how some people treat them on the road, should take note of a new initiative launched overseas. The ‘Give Respect, Get Respect’ campaign in Philadelphia, is aimed at socially unacceptable behaviour – something we have been quite vocal about here at 2oceansvibe.

The Give Respect, Get Respect campaign aimed at promoting and enforcing the peaceful coexistence of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians is kicking into gear and has started cracking down on bicyclists.

A traffic-enforcement team of bike cops stopped 803 cyclists and motorists from its May 16 launch. Of those, 600 were cyclists.

Of the cyclists stopped, 590 were issued warnings, while three were cited for moving violations, which commonly include running red lights or riding against traffic and carry the same fine as they do for motorists.

[more here]

Do you understand that? It’s about respect. It’s about give and take. It’s about, dare I say, karma. Essentially, this issue is a two way street.

A similar campaign has been launched in New Zealand. See more at the stopatred.org.nz website.

Much like local taxis receiving a blanket hate from most motorists, when in fact there are a handful of polite taxi drivers out there; there is a LARGE handful (note: not all) of local cyclists who insist on cycling through red traffic lights. You guys are ruining it for everyone else. Why are YOU so different? Why don’t YOU care if children see what you’re doing and want to do the same on their first modes of transport? You know why?

But then you moan when some people treat you like shit on the road? Please – you don’t have a leg to stand on. Do you think these desperate initiatives would be launching all over the world if you were in the right? If you weren’t such a selfish prick?

So, to the cyclists out there ruining it for everyone else – Give respect and you’ll get respect.