I was sent this Link
here ....
EDITED - Error sorry thlink below (in case you are interested!) is the amazing Hubble images (sorry) - The above link NOW WORKS - Ooops !
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandte ... mages.htmlBut is it 'right'
Although I do believe that he is so skilled that he would highly unlikely ever hit anyone, is it truly best practice or is this a prime example of how being very careful can work. I say can we make a park for this, but I am not sure that is the 'point' surely it is the thrill of the 'unknown and the desire to use 'what's there' that is part of the involvement and challenge ?
I know that many kids and adults take part in this, and love it - what an amazing sport ! I wonder how long it took him to learn to be this precise, I have seen some amazing things with BMW bikes but the courage to do this is amazing.
I am NOT saying this chap is wrong to do this, but if we say riding on the pavement is wrong, where else does he 'play' and how, there is noting like imagination to challenge someone, so where's the balance of right and wrong.
Is it 'wrong' for the 'streets' OR is it OK? Most if not all people filmed like most of us would have starred in disbelief or amazement. was anyone scarred for themselves? (for him I am sure though!).
Rarely is anyone ever in any 'danger' that I can see. However is this exactly, why we now have this divide of cycles on paved areas, when it is encouraged. For inner cities (and many outer one's too) where do the kids go to play with their bikes - on their concrete housing estates? So playing on their concrete gardens becomes the norm - then riding on the pavements is totally natural to them.
Is it not the responsibility of all, to remind and encourage good behaviours at all times, and if it were only the very very few, and rare to see a cyclist ride down busy pavements would not the divide be less? Would police on the street ensure less of bad behaviours.
I hate to deny this chap that much fun. I am sure we have to ensure that we all, watch where we go, and go with care and responsibility, can we not all share the roads and paved areas with good judgment.
I cannot condemn a cyclist riding on an empty pavement, when it is clearly the safest place to be, when the roads are narrow and with heavy traffic, BUT I absolutely expect them back on the roadside at the soonish and earliest point. And this is where the judgment comes in. You have to first, (and morally), follow the rules as much as is possible, only ever justifying any breaking of this rule, for your (and others) safety. However this regulation culture is ruling out judgment, and everyone is now so ready to condemn, at the first sign or appearance of breaking a rule, even when on occasion it is for better safety. We cannot put safety of all above rules and regulations and this is where it is becoming hard for government to understand how to proceed and get the balances wrong. And why it is so important to have more well trained Police back on the roads, they can judge and question.