All I ever wanted in life was to save money and keep fit by cycling to work.

Had previously owned a cheap old mountain bike (£99 from Argos) which served me well for a number of years, then the Cycle to Work scheme started and I found I could afford a decent bike - in fact, with the train fare at around £30 per week (my job meant some travelling, so would waste any number of days a week on train tickets) and the bike costing me £45 per month I was quids in.

I always cycled considerately, ALWAYS stopped at red lights (unlike a large minority of other cyclists), waited for SAFE moments to overtake and absolutely MADE SURE I was visible (I have 2 sets of front and back lights, both stationary and flashing, wear bright colours and reflective gear at all times, not just during winter and evening conditions.

However...

It seems that the roads are not suited for Cyclist, or rather, drivers were not aware that Cyclists existed - generally speaking bus drivers are great and motorcyclists keep their eye out for Cyclist. Also, car drivers can be considerate, lorry drivers inform you not to undertake them, and some Cyclists even have a chat when stopped at lights (if indeed they stop at the lights with you).

But it seems the powers that be, although wanting people to use bikes more and more, are not in the least bit interested when drivers hit you, swear at you, cut you up, ignore you, and generally cause a nuisance.

You can find some of the horror stories elsewhere.