out of touch media

Matt eaton wrote:

As a motorist I suffer very little from potholes. When I do hit them it can affect ride quality somewhat but, in my experience, never enough to cause injury or for me to loose control of the car. As a cyclist, well that's a different story.

Lets not forget what causes damage to road surfaces. Weather plays an unavoidable role but its motor vehicles rather that cycles that do the bulk of damage in terms of road users.

Some of the potholes on the route I commute on are deep enough to cause serious damage to your car's suspension. For a cyclist or motorcyclist, some are potentially lethal.

Matt eaton wrote:

Lets not forget what causes damage to road surfaces. Weather plays an unavoidable role but its motor vehicles rather that cycles that do the bulk of damage in terms of road users.

I hate to contradict the Honourable Member but... it isn't motorists fault.

Roads are there to be used and any damage caused by cars/lorries/buses is ALWAYS sited at the edge of some patch on the surface. The problem is poor quality repairs by utilities companies who are allowed to dig up the road then replace the smallest possible area with soft materials with no follow up repair. These companies would be screaming out if they were made to take the full impact of repairing the damage they cause. It is always the side of the road which is covered in this patchwork quilt of repairs. The middle of the road is smooth and well kept; if I can get to cycle there all is well, but cars do like to go faster then me so I am forced to cycle over all of these joints and holes.

Lets not blame drivers or even the council, it is British Gas, British Telecom, Virgin, Anglian Water etc. Council Tax payers are subsidizing these companies and allowing them to charge just £4.99 for broadband whilst cyclists are being injured and our roads go unrepaired. The wrong people are paying to maintain infrastructure and transport as a use for public roads is coming a poor second to servicing private utilities.

Matt eaton wrote:

As a motorist I suffer very little from potholes. When I do hit them it can affect ride quality somewhat but, in my experience, never enough to cause injury or for me to loose control of the car.

You must have a better car than I !