Words by me

Last Saturday I was riding my new bike along a sea-front cycle path (in Hove) when a careless pedestrian lurched suddenly into my way. We collided, she went flying, I came to a dead stop.

I was shocked and mildly wounded. She was okay, but similarly shocked. I was expecting a stream of embarrassed apologies, given that she ran into me while I was on a cycle path, but instead she shouted at me for hitting her!

Then, the group of people she was with (some kind of religious assembly that takes place on Hove beach) started berating me for not taking adequate care.

An argument ensued. They wanted me to apologise. I wanted the woman to apologise, or at least accept that she was wrong for not taking due care and attention.

It was not to be. We argued in a circle. They threatened to call the police, which I thought was a great idea. They decided the police were unnecessary. The vicar or leader of their squad came over and told me that I could go. I told him he could go, but we were both free to stay right there.

Eventually I walked away, shouting at them as I went (I think the mild shock made me angry).

For some reason, and to my consternation, this group of people continued milling about in the cycle lane, apparently oblivious to the purpose of that path, or the dangers it brings.

I’m not writing this for any great purpose, but if you happen to walk along Brighton sea front, be careful around the cycle lanes. They’re easy to wander into, but being careless could be painful. Oh, and it’s your responsibility, not the cyclists, so be careful because you’re on their turf. (I checked this with the police after the accident. It’s a bit like walking into a road: you wouldn’t blame a car for hitting you if you stepped into a busy road.)