Sir, - "Bendy-bus" driver David Smith revealed a lot in his letter (May 10th). His assertion that his colleagues think cyclists are the scourge of the city explains the day-to-day experience of those of us who choose two wheels over 16 tons.
Even experienced middle-aged cyclists like me find themselves fending off buses with alarming regularity. Once, while I held a bus driver until the arrival of a garda, he said that he had thought I was a courier - his justification for nearly mashing me against parked cars while passing. He then told me he could get plenty of other bus drivers to act as witnesses saying I was at fault. Another time, a bus pulling up to a stop forced me against the kerb, then the driver told me to f... off and that I should watch where I'm going!
Mr Smith wants the politics of apartheid to be applied to cyclists. His choice of analogy is interesting. He and his cronies are the minority who use their greater force to suppress a weaker majority. He wants us ejected to the Bantustans of the cycle paths. He even thinks it is illegal for cyclists to use the roadway where cycle paths are provided.
I pay my taxes, including my road taxes. I still don't have access to safe or effective cycle paths. Most are on footpaths, putting cyclists in conflict with pedestrians. That is why I will continue to assert my right to cycle on the public road, even if I cross onto Mr Smith's side of the white line.
With 30 years cycling behind me - I also drive cars and goods vehicles - I've seen many crazy cyclists, but I've never been endangered by one. I know what its like to travel on two feet or two wheels, so I drive accordingly.
"Bendy-buses" were driven empty for months before they went into active service. Dublin Bus should put their drivers on to bikes for a couple of days. In fact, if Mr Smith wishes to travel on the back of my tandem, I'll take him on a spin through rush-hour Dublin, at no cost, just so he can get the full effect. He might find an opportunity to engage with some of his colleagues, only in a different way than he might be used to. - Yours, etc.,
Pearse Stokes, Landscape Avenue, Churchtown, Dublin 14.