Just look at this idiot. He's NOT WEARING A HELMET.
He's also NOT WEARING A HIGH-VISIBILITY LUMINOUS YELLOW LIGHT REFLECTING JACKET. Dressing up in grey like that - it's hardly surprising drivers have difficulty in noticing cyclists, is it?
And just look at those handlebars - a reckless speeder if ever I saw one.
Even worse, look where he's cycling. Miles out from the verge. He's quite clearly provocatively trying to slow down motor vehicles. And what's he doing cycling on such a dangerous road in the first place? He's just asking for trouble.
And look at that weird grin on his face. It's enough to make any driver feel threatened. I wouldn't be at all surprised if he was on drugs. A lot of cyclists are, you know.
Your honour, I put it to you that although my client has been convicted of carelessness in knocking down Mr Smith on his bicycle while making an urgent appointment with her hairdresser on her handheld mobile phone at 85 mph, there is nevertheless overwhelming evidence of provocation, wilful recklessness and contributory negligence on the part of this cyclist, on a truly awesome scale.
Fined £50. Next case.
(pic from the Hampshire County Council archive.
Cyclist, Winchester area, 1930)
