MV Augusta Brutale 1090R
Just the other week, I wrote a post about vulnerable road users and the importance of awareness on the road. You can read it here. Tonight, after a particularly long and gruelling day at work, I decided to whip off the all-weather cover and get the bike going for a few miles’ jaunt.
All was well – I was actually really, really enjoying riding. Probably more than I normally do (and I like it quite a lot), as for whatever reason my riding just seemed to flow. My seating position was decent, I was getting some good speed (I hasten to add well within the legal speed limit) around the corners and generally I was having probably as much fun you can have with your clothes on, whilst going about some business.
Naturally, by the time I was kitted up, I’d eaten and was ready to roll on two wheels, it was dark. So, I opted for my high visibility jacket, trousers with fluorescent piping and decided I’d ensure that my riding style was more conspicuous (obvious) than usual by steering clear of unlit areas, keeping a very good distance from cars, taking up a clear position on the road etc etc.
I can safely say that I was having a blast of a time, probably about 12 miles worth, until some idiot spoiled it all. There’s always one though isn’t there? This one though was probably more dangerous than the average idiot though, being after all in charge of a Vauxhall Vectra with lights off – whilst moving.
The person in charge of the vehicle then reversed down the road right into my path, from behind a parked car. Slamming on the anchors it was clear that the car decided to move, whether they’d seen me or not, so I gave them a beep to say ‘I’m here – don’t kill me!‘. Then, without a word of apology, acknowledgement or any kind of other human interaction, this person completed whatever insane manoeuvre they’d dreamed in their head was a good idea in a very pedestrianised and busy area, then roared away.
This is probably the first time I came across such a complete jackass on the road whilst on my bike – this driver thought they owned it. I do wonder why people don’t get this fact. When you’re in charge of a motor vehicle, you have a responsibility to everyone else – those inside and outside the vehicle you’re in control of, to drive in a sensible, legal manner. Of course, for some, responsibilities mean nothing.
Just as the title says – it may be dark when I’m out and about, but please don’t kill me. I won’t rush, harass, intimidate, abuse or otherwise put you in danger. So please, please, extend me and everyone else the same courtesy. Just a thought before someone gets hurt and someone else goes to prison, ruining two lives.
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