Linda Hall: Why cyclists white line it

Linda Hall

Now I know why cyclists ride on the white line, or just inside it, rather than to the very left of it.

I admit that, as a driver, I've often muttered to myself when passing said cyclists. 'Why don't they just move over?' I've thought, and I know from all the texts Hawke's Bay Today gets about cyclists, that I'm not the only one.

In fact what I say is mild to some of the texts we get.

But let me go back to the beginning of my story. I have recently bought a new bike.

I had been riding my daughter's bike for a couple of years. It had wide tyres, perfect for the cycle trails which is really the only place I rode it, going on the road only when it wasn't possible not to.

In all that time I had one flat tyre.

My new bike is one that can be ridden on the road and the trails but has much thinner tyres and is a lot lighter in the frame.

I wanted a bike like this so I could ride in a few events with Hawke's Bay Triathlon Club.

The last two times I've been out on my bike I've got a flat tyre.

Why? Because I'm still not that confident on the road and I always go right to the left.

Trouble is there is glass everywhere.

I don't mean just on the odd spot of road. It is everywhere. Broken bottles, the remains of smashed windscreens and car crashes.

After car crashes and windscreen breaks, the glass is often swept to the side of the road. It should be collected and taken away to be disposed of in a safe place. I know it's impossible to get every single piece of glass but I'm sure a lot more could be taken from the side of the road.

So yes, now I know why cyclists hug the white line ... it's so they can finish their ride without a flat tyre.

Mr Neat has been to the rescue twice now.

He tells me I have to learn to change the tyre myself and get the proper kit to take with me to do it. So I think lessons will begin ... won't that be fun?

But I do need to learn and I will.

Now to another subject altogether. I spoke at a meeting of the Duart Dinner Ladies last Monday night.

I've spoken to a few groups and I always get really nervous, and I was a little nervous but these ladies were amazing.

They welcomed me with open arms and chatted to me like they'd known me for years.

We had a delicious meal before I spoke and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

I know my way around Duart House quite well because a member of my family used to be the caretaker and it's where one of my daughters got married in the gardens.

It's a beautiful place, steeped in history with gorgeous grounds maintained by the council.

If you have never been there, you should go and take a look around the grounds, which are open to the public anytime of the day.

They have open days for the house on the first Sunday of each month or you can phone to make an appointment on 877 6334.

So, thank you Duart Dinner Ladies for such a wonderful evening.

-Linda Hall is assistant editor at Hawke's Bay Today.