Seeing the person behind the cyclist: More Than A Cyclist campaign aims to inspire behaviour change with powerful new film, plus our top cycling Christmas gifts

Shepton wrote:

With regard to the More Than A Cyclist campaign: Despite the intention of these campaigns, everytime one of them hits social media, comments in their thousands are added blaming cyclists for not cycling on the pavement, cycling on the pavement, cycling too slowly, cycling too quickly, wearing lycra, not wearing helmets, having dazzling lights, not having lights and of course not paying road tax.  Do they really make a difference to driver attitudes?

Sounds like a good reason to avoid social media.

Do they really make a difference to driver attitudes?

No, not to the really bad ones, but this is not to decry the effort and intent of the people doing their best on the campaign.

From what you've outlined there, i'd say yes.

To be taking the time to compile and put forward these 'whataboutery' excuses / counter arguments, it would indicate a degree of personal reflection.

And, that's kind of the point of the campaign... where motoring Mike has historically justified cutting up a cyclist because 'they are all the same', or 'a cyclist once nearly didn't stop at a zebra crossing, making me feel uncomfortable', the campaign highlights that all cyclists are individuals, are brothers, sons, fathers, Derek from the five aside football team etc.

If it makes people stop and think, even for a moment, it will start to have an effect. 

And... the other argument is; the more extreme, inappropriate, stupid the response (comments), the closer you are to 'winning', he who shouts loudest, knows that they only have shouting left.