If it was all about getting the biggest reaction, a piece titled "Drive a car to work? Then you're a massive, drooling idiot" would certainly get more rage-clicks than something aimed at an activity which two thirds of the UK's adult population never, ever do.
Look at the two most influential elements in this diagram:
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Because so few people use a bike and not a car, this firmly plants cycling in the 'unknown' category. In all of my discussions with peopel who are influenced by these types of headlines - they paradoxically view cyclists as both a plague on the roads and a 'recent trend'
See also immigrants.
No-one wants to read articles so much where the finger is pointed at them. Minorities are very useful for the manufacturers and purveyors of 'outrage' clickbait
I just wish road cyclists wouldn't wear black clothing, and if they wore something that can be seen then perhaps they wouldn't need lights on during the day.
I just wish road cyclists wouldn't wear black clothing, and if they wore something that can be seen then perhaps they wouldn't need lights on during the day.
Argument for another thread.
Back on topic, I had some good luck diffusing a typical anti-cyclist thread on my local community FB page at the weekend, pointed out that generalising about all cyclists based on the (apparent) dickish actions of one cyclist would be the same as me generalising about all drivers based on that one arsehole in a red Jag passing me with inches to spare at 60mph...
I also posted up the Edinburgh Bicycle Coop 'Bicycle Bullshit Bingo Card' which got a few laughs. The thread actually ended up being relatively pro-cyclist (until the admin team closed it down, conspiracy? 8) ).
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I just wish road cyclists wouldn't wear black clothing, and if they wore something that can be seen then perhaps they wouldn't need lights on during the day.
How long does it take you to argue with a barista about whether or not you've been handed an empty cup?
Or do you take milk just so you can see it?
