A truly wonderful achievement, BUT I hope that the obvious spur it will give UK cyclists is matched by some (sadly) uncharacteristic respect for other road users. I live in a quiet rural area, and often at weekends all the local roads are full of lycra-clad, ass in the air, heads down, no mirrors brigade...... Who appear to be of the belief that a cycling helmet confers immortality, and totally absolves them from the need to be aware of anyone else on the road - looking round or using a mirror is against their religion, and should you give them a polite toot (as I was taught) when approaching an inattentive bicyclist, you are likely to be greeted by fist-waving, foul language, and dramatic wobbles across the road. I've often found the roads completely blocked by slow-moving 6 abreast club cyclists who are probably some of the worst.
By the same token, I find horse-riders to be almost unfailingly polite, and I'm happy to slow down and give them a wide berth as it's always acknowledged, usually with a cheery smile - I do wish cyclists would take a leaf out of their books (how come they have the only wheeled vehicles with no bally mirrors?)
