Posts by Chris Bowden
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Hard News: Staying Alive, in reply to James Butler,
It is not about trying to be "better" it is just that I figure the more they see cyclists disobeying the road rules, the more likely they are to disregard cyclists as a nuisance and the less inclined they will be to make room or otherwise accommodate the next cyclist that comes along, or be in favour of better cycle infrastructure. Although I suppose some motorists will always get annoyed at cyclists, for taking up space on "their road".
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Hard News: Staying Alive, in reply to Jon Briggs,
As a sometimes cyclist, I hate seeing cyclists disregard traffic laws. Jumping red lights, even for what you consider a 'safe' reason, just gives the average car driver another reason to hate cyclists. Similar justifications to yours are used all the time by motorists for entering bus lanes or ignoring other traffic rules they consider minor. There are always legal options - if you are really worried about your safety perhaps get off the bike, cross like a pedestrian, and then get back on the road. It will cost you a minute or two but a small cost to save your life. And it will go a small way to convincing the average motorists that cyclists are the true renegade road users.
I always found that my worst cycling decisions were made when I was in a hurry.
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Just a tragic accident, I am a cyclist (or was, in the UK), but agree with this decision.
I agree that Auckland roads have more than enough space for the creation of cycle lanes, preferably seperated from the road by a small kerb where possible rather than just a painted strip. There seems to be some appreciation of this with tracks established along new motorways, and the cycle lane along Ian McKinnon Drive, but more needs to be done. It should have a snowball effect: more cycle lanes equals more cyclists, equals more pressure for cycle lanes.
I cycled a lot in London but not so much here - a combination of the ease of driving a car instead (cycling was usually quicker than driving in London), the hills (yep, I am soft) and the general lack of awareness of most motorists to cyclists.
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Strongly agree that this HAS to happen.
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Do the TV figures capture those people that watched it at the game, at the Fan Zones, in pubs and bars, and around at other people's places? I mean, I watched it at a friend's house, so if there was a meter on my TV would that mean I would be counted as not having watched it? Frankly, I suspect that more than 50% of people 15 yrs + would have watched the game, although I only have my own experiences with people to back that up (everyone at my work, even the non-rugby people, watched it, although one fell asleep at half time).
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Ben - the difference here I suspect is that it is not the person scoring the try that is going into touch, but one phase earlier. The refs can't go back to the Dagg pass, even if it would mean the right call.
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Great game. Nos 1 to 20 superb (sorry Sonny Bill and Stephen Donald). A brilliant display of controlled aggression. Have never been so tense before or during a match. I hope I can enjoy the final a bit more.
I am not 100% sure but they might not have been able to go upstairs for the Nonu try, as you can only check the act of scoring, not the pass that led to it (or whether the passer was in play). I learnt that from the Brisbane test where the TV ref DID rule on a pass that led to a try.
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Piri, Toeava, Dagg(!?!) = panic selections, so I don't think Ted will (or should) go with those.
In my opinion we need to keep calm and rally behind Colin, a specialist first five who should grow into his game this weekend if given a chance. Paraphrasing JK, now that he is playing with the knowledge that he is now 'the man' and his spot is secure, rather than keeping the spot warm for Carter, might give him a bit more confidence. It seems that the selectors have been trying to boost in confidence in public statements this week. Weepu can take some of the playmaking role on his shoulders from halfback.
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Woo hoo - thanks Hayden. Email to follow. The only problem is I will have to tell my wife where I secured the jersey. I suspect she will then log on and give her side of the story. Great for you guys, possibly not great for me.
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Field Theory: Rugby World Cup stories, in reply to BenWilson,
Cheers Ben. My wife and I have matured to the point where we can now watch Bledisloe Cup matches in the same room!!