Oh dear! It does sound like Mr Aston might still have a few of his anger issues!
I am a bit upset to see that this forum, like most others, just rambles on about things that were perhaps prompted by the initial posting, but are actually missing the point.
Although I should have guessed it, it was not my intention to start yet another debate about whether we like or dislike cyclists. Neither was I interested in hearing people’s views on good driving, bad driving, anger management, manners etc. My question was, is it sensible for the government to jump on the bandwaggon and pump yet more borrowed money into funding an increase in cycling?
We are told by an ever increasing group of scientific experts, that during the Coronavirus pandemic, CO2 emissions have reduced significantly, and this is a attributed to big decrease in motoring amongst other things. We are also being advised to get off our backsides and exercise more, and in that respect, I have noticed a substantial increase in what I term “family cyclist”. Whilst making this observation, I have become very aware how much time I now spend in low gear, pushing out more fumes, and polluting the air in company with quite a lot of other cars and lorries that are queuing behind said cyclists.
Rather than slag off each other about the rights and wrongs of cycling, it would have been good to hear some opinions regarding my original question/observation. Our road networks have been systematically developed to achieve the fastest, safest way to get motor vehicles from A to B. In so doing, they appear to have shown no regard for the safety or convenience of cyclists. In fact, to gain entry to the nearest town from my somewhat rural location, cyclists have to literally take their life in their hands, due to the dangerous roads, roundabouts and junctions. Because of this, I cannot help but feel that encouraging even more cyclists to take this risk, is not the best idea right now in our cash strapped country.
The answer would be more dedicated cycle paths and dedicated cycle lanes, but in achieving that, it would be quite irresponsible to further impede the smooth progress of motor vehicles. Right now, it also doesn’t look like we have the funds to be even thinking about it. Let’s face it, the motor vehicle is very much here to stay right now, despite those that might wish otherwise, and I have to assume that the majority of you reading this, drive a rather small, impractical, polluting little sports car. That is your choice, and long may it be so. At the same time, let’s not get nasty about the owners of big SUV’s. Some of them might actually need such a vehicle, perhaps more so than we need our little sports cars. And if cyclists choose to pay big bucks for their bike, wear specially designed outfits, and shades similar to the ones I often see on MX-5 owners, topped off with a GoPro to perhaps record their journey, then good luck to them. Just like MX-5 owners, they are indulging in something they enjoy.
Well done!! 
Now there’s an idea! 
I do have some handy as I’ve been doing a bit of block laying 
