The rejection of cyclists, a selfish behavior that is easy to go viral

In recent days, dozens of videos invade social networks and hundreds of drivers show their indignation, because, apparently, thousands of cyclists have taken over Mallorca.

Digital newspapers echo, some content creators take the opportunity to criticize cyclists because they see their freedom restricted by understanding that if there are cyclists, they are not worth any type of activity (whether it is work or play), because the roads are infested with cyclists.

Apparently, it is not only a question of number, but also of manner. The number of offenses committed in full view of everyone, as if the drivers of the rest of the vehicles did not commit any, or the crowds on some of the most touristy roads on the island, are a source of anger for the community of motor vehicle drivers…

In part, they are right, because like everything, there is abuse, and that makes certain comparisons hateful. But it is that the one who should analyze the problem are not the drivers of motor vehicles, nor a Local TV, nor an influencer who goes viral by targeting cyclists with profanity and hateful speech.

In this and in many other cases, the responsibility of the administration is to detect, analyze and, of course, propose solutions to improve the coexistence and/or coexistence of the different types of vehicles: roads restricted by type of vehicle, time restrictions, reduction of the maximum speed taking into account needs, obligations for different types of drivers, improvements to the road network itself… There are solutions, but let’s be honest, whoever has to look for them does not make an effort to do so.

Mallorca has turned cycling, and especially cycling tourism, into the island’s second source of income; from activity companies with scheduled routes to international competitions and marches such as “la 312”. In addition, the island has become the permanent headquarters of some UCI-proTour teams.

The activity is varied and frenetic depending on the time of year. Here are the key questions: Are we willing to exploit an activity in any way for what it contributes to the economy? Is the bicycle problem as serious as some want to make it out to be?

Surely restaurateurs, hoteliers and entrepreneurs of recreational activities on the island do not look so badly at the presence of cyclists, although all that glitters is not gold either.

Everything has to have a balance, but it strikes me how well we normalize and assume a retention of hours made up of motor vehicles and how bad the slowdown “because” of cyclists makes us feel and, as a permanent excuse, “you you’re at leisure, I’m working”, as if these cyclists didn’t have a job or had to enjoy their time in the manner and schedule that others dictate. Antipathy, hatred and selfishness, as a theoretically civilized society, we would have to make ourselves look at it.