Dialogue: Have a heart for us on our bikes

I think it's safe to assume summer is finally here and, with the change in season, there's also a need to be mindful of new perils.

Not only should we protect ourselves from the gaping ozone hole and be cautious in the great outdoors, there's also all the other people out there to consider - the swag of summer cyclists who have dusted off their old 10-speeds, choosing to propel themselves about town rather than go head to head with the traffic in a car.

Cycling is fun, it's healthy and it sure beats being stuck in traffic. If I wanted to get all environmentally conscious about it, I could also think of it as a protest against society's increasing dependence on the motor vehicle.

I could say that the pedalists are, in some way, doing their bit to redress an urban and ecological imbalance. We're helping to reduce pollution and congestion, which makes me wonder why so many motorists don't credit cyclists with any right to be on the road at all.

If you are of that persuasion and don't think cyclists have rights, try thinking of your precious car instead. If you park and open the driver's door in my path, I may get mashed but you'll still need to get some panelbeating done.

So, to save money, I suggest that when you get out of the driver's seat, take a good look behind you - not just in your mirrors, but a proper look - because it's just not funny the number of times I've had doors swung open in my face.

And please indicate when you're going round the bend because I need to know if you're turning left when I'm cruising up your inside straight. Remember, I can't read minds: that thing on my head is a helmet not a thought interceptor.

The other day I was pushed off Ponsonby Rd and round the corner by a motorist who didn't think I needed to know he was turning. I caught up with him and, through his open window, said loudly and indignantly, "Hey, fool, I'm a cyclist, not a psychic."

I think my joke was lost on him, although I thought it was funny and had a little chuckle once I'd shaken off the near-death chills.

I confess, I do get a little vocal on my bike. But it's not "road rage" per se, it's more "road anxiety" that unleashes itself in a string of obscenities and angry words, a reaction to the shock of having nearly been killed.

Like all road-users I make mistakes, but we have to allow for a bit of mutual mind-wandering on the road and not get too ragged about it. The damage will almost certainly be done to me if there is a collision, so keep your hair on.

Also, if you don't credit me with any fellow-road-user respect, I won't stick to the rules myself. As long as I'm not accorded the same respect you extend to other motorists, I am going to bend the law from time to time.

I may mount the curb to get about quicker or pedal through a crossing light, but I'm always deferential to my pedestrian brothers and sisters.

Remember it's us two-wheelers who are leaving more room on the road for you, so instead of acknowledging us with a one-fingered wave, try a little smile instead. Encourage us by being courteous, or live a little and have a go at cycling yourself - you might even find you like it.

We can't keep building more roads to meet an ever-increasing usage; such measures are an exercise in futility. So, despite my sometimes anxious moments on the road, I still know my being on a bicycle is a public service.

It's an often faster, healthier and usually less stressful way to get around and I know, even if you don't, that cyclists aren't blocking or impeding traffic, we actually are traffic.

It's simple maths really: each bike equals one less car and that's got to be a good thing. So, next time you're piloting your 500kg steel death machine around town please spare a thought for cyclists and try not to run us over.

Imagine, if nothing else, the terrible mess if you did.