Des Houghton ‘I hate cyclists’ column sparks online war

DES Houghton’s call to ban cyclists from inner-city streets has caused road rage from both sides of the argument. Here’s how readers reacted.

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DES Houghton’s call to ban cyclists from inner-city streets has caused road rage from both sides of the argument. Here’s how readers reacted.

IN SUPPORT OF CYCLISTS

In a civilised society, like many cities around the world, excluding Brisbane, cars and bikes successfully and safely share the road. Des Houghton you self-entitled muppet.

- MARK GORDON

The “legitimate reason” for a cyclist to use the road is to go from point a to point b. Cyclists are traffic. That’s the law, not opinion. Get over it and overtake safely.

- DAVE STEVENSON

I’m a cyclist and a car driver. The cyclists have a hard time using a small shoulder of a road that is often in bad condition, so a motorist needs to understand this and give space. Just as there are bad motorists there are also cyclists with bad skills. Let’s try to respect each other.

- DONALD WALTER

Cyclists have the right to use the road just the same as everyone else.

- MARYATI DIMUHEOMONE

They seem to be able to work it out in Europe where there is 800 million, however, Australia is caught up with 25 million and we are still in the dark ages with this mentality: grow up.

- KEVIN MENZ

Swap the word “Cyclists” for Muslims, Homosexuals, Disabled or “Des Houghton” and let’s see how acceptable it is to print this rubbish.

- DAVE GUYATT

This type of article saddens me. As Australians, aren’t we better than this? Isn’t our culture supposed to be inclusive and tolerant?

- JOHN BOGGON

I HAVE come to the conclusion that most motor vehicle drivers are a menace to civilised society. And I believe drivers of cars should be banned from almost all inner-city roads and have their machines confiscated if they drive on the roads and streets.

- PETER SIGNORINI

Des Houghton’s column on cyclists has sparked an online war. Picture: Thinkstock

I keep wondering why this is such a problem. About 12 of us did a 70km road ride (yester)day (single file) all vehicles passed us with at least two metres and most times more like 4. No horn blowing, no yelling. Cyclists and drivers considerate of each other.

- JOE REID

Stop whinging about cyclists. Go overseas and see how many you have to put up with. When you drive in Amsterdam or Copenhagen there are dozens and dozens besides you. In a lot of instances they have the right of way. Australians are good people but I am starting to think it has more whingers than anywhere else on the planet!

- GWENDA KRUGER

I guess he is entitled to an opinion. Every bike removes a car. Think of it that way as you sit on Coronation Drive watching the riders and imagine how much longer it would take if they were all in cars. I drive, ride and walk, if there was safer way to get to the city via bike I would ride two or three times a week but due to the haters I don’t feel like it is safe.

- GAVIN SCHROTER

It’s easy to understand why Des Houghton is so down on cyclists. No doubt over the years, thousands of people have told him “Onya bike, Des!”

- BARRY GEORGE

I have been the victim of cyclist rage so understand the anti cyclist argument. I am also a cyclist myself, so also understand the pro-argument. The integration of bicycles and traffic is an issue that needs understanding and compromise on both sides. Houghton does little to help a resolution with his cyclist bashing diatribe. Using the word “hate” in the heading is particularly unhelpful.

- AARON WILLIAMS

How ironic to read (C-M Apr 28) the extensive report on the growing obesity and diabetes problem, and the reference to how physical activity can be so beneficial, then Des Houghton proclaims his hatred of cyclists, and his belief they should all be banned.

However it only took three sentences for him to show his ignorance, with the claim that cyclists aren’t allowed to ride on footpaths, and that the council should confiscate the bikes of anyone who does. You’re wrong Des, and being a journalist you can at least do the most basic fact-checking before making such claims in your rant.

- SCOTT PRIDEAUX

IN SUPPORT OF DES HOUGHTON

All hail Des Houghton RE: Why I hate cyclists. Finally someone not afraid to tell it how it is and the chaos this minority is creating around the city. I say let them breathe fumes.

- CHRIS COX

I find the vitriolic comments of these so called amazingly wonderful cyclists typical of their hypocritical self indulged attitudes. We took a walk in the Brisbane botanical gardens recently and spent the whole time dodging cyclists who were riding flat out with no respect for anyone but themselves. It’s simple, if you need to commute, do so safely and respectfully. If you’re a racer, load it into a trailer and take it to a track.

- GREIG FRANKHAM

I’m not that angry about it. I just think it’s stupid and suicidal to ride a bike down a 60km/h road if you can’t do 60 and there’s zero legitimate reasons to do it. And that’s outside of the problem of them picking and choosing which road rules to obey.

- DUSTIN McKENNA

Cycling has proved, once again, to be a divisive issue in Queensland. Picture: Thinkstock

I think the solution here is more cars ... every time I see the carpark on Wynnum Road during peak hour I think to myself “must be a cyclist up ahead causing this traffic”. More cars ... the answer is clear.

- MAL RUDOLPH

Should be that if there is a cycle way provided it must be used. Too many times I have seen big groups of riders blocking a lane on Coronation Drive and causing absolute traffic mayhem, all the while there is a lovely big cycle path directly beside them. I cycle to uni every day and nothing frustrates me more than seeing someone ride on the road when there is a bike path two metres to their left.

- MICHAEL NEWELL

To all you idiots going on about how disgusting this article is, did you even watch the video? It clearly shows the cyclist riding through about three red lights, cutting in front of a car without any indication and also not following the law regarding distance between cars. Cyclists are a menace and if they are to have any right to be on the road they should pay rego and insurance. I have never seen a cyclist who doesn’t slow down traffic or make the road safer for cars. These cyclists take up the whole lane, don’t indicate when turning, go through red lights, swerve in front of cars, claim some sort of mental injury because a car was in their line of sight, do at least 20km below the speed limit and expect motorists to put up with it. Grow up. If you want the same rights pay rego and insurance.

- ELENA BENNETT

I have too admit, some cyclists are absolutely awesome and understanding, but there’s always one lot that give them all a bad name. So maybe cyclists need to come up with a better plan than the Government’s plan.

- TRISH MATHIE