r/Glasgow Tools

I wonder how much of this stuff (as in, hostility towards cyclists) comes down to classism at its core. Cyclists are constantly this weird part of traffic where no one really wants them anywhere.
There's very little dedicated space to bicycles and a lot of them are not so functional (eg. thin cycle lanes on sides of roads, full of potholes so you can't even use them) and it is a nightmare to try to stay safe in traffic (especially roundabouts with 2 lanes - genuinely fear for my life trying to cycle through those), shared walkways tend to have pedestrians wandering on the cyclist path/side, etc.
This is all really frustrating since bicycles are a very cheap option compared to cars, and require no fuel. Also provides exercise. It is also cheaper than public transport in many cases, especially long term. My bicycle has kept me mobile and able to get round the city even when I was at my poorest. They even offer an opportunity for employment with food delivery companies - a shit job, a not well paying job, but many people have little choice.
There's such an entitlement from car drivers and so much hostility from pedestrians, often without reason (I've been yelled at by ppl for pushing my bike on the pavement).
Ofc I'm not saying 'every cyclist is poor' - there are plenty cyclists who are well off and can afford expensive bikes and cycle gear - but regardless it is a cheaper and more environmentally friendly option.