Over the last year whilst commuting to and from work, I have been driven at, cut up, been pulled out in front off, sworn at, spat at and even assaulted. Why have I been singled out for this type of treatment? That's down to my choice of transport; my name is David and I am a cyclist.

So what have I done wrong? I've not ridden through any red traffic lights. I've not ridden on the pavement and terrorised any pensioners. I haven't abused the no cycling ban on the promenade. I use lights and don't pull out into traffic without indicating. I don't hold the traffic up; normally it's the other way round! My only crime is being on a bike, so I am guilty of reducing congestion & pollution, saving money on fuel and being able to have guilt free cake!

I know I've said this before but I just don't understand the victimisation of cyclists. There is a tendency to tar everyone with the same brush, after all, isn't everyone behind the wheel of a BMW a bad and dangerous driver who doesn't indicate?

There are some bad cyclists out there, I see them and they probably annoy me more than anyone else, but they are in the minority. We are constantly being told that not all teenagers are out to mug old ladies so let's spread the word about cyclists. Most of them are actually pretty decent people.

I had a puncture a few days ago and whilst I was stood at the side of the road fixing it another cyclist stopped and asked if I had everything I needed. I have done the same thing myself and it's not uncommon for cyclists to donate inner tubes or the use of a tool or pump to help another stranded cyclist. When was the last time a motorist stopped to offer help to someone broken down at the side of the road?

At this time of year, I always feel obliged to remind people of the same thing...visibility!

The clocks go back at the end of the month and that means dark commutes home from work, but don't forget that at the moment sunrise isn't until after 7am so lights are often needed in the mornings on the way to work. Over the last few days I have been using lights as being seen is so important.

I have also noticed a large number of drivers who need to check their lights, after a few months of probably not driving in the dark at all, there seem to be a lot of lights that just aren't working. There is also the usual laziness that seems to exist and only gets worse once the icy mornings set in, where drivers can't be bothered to clear their windows before driving off and so can't actually see where they are going!

I've been stocking up on batteries and spare lights to get ready for the dark winter rides that are on their way. I actually look forward to winter, it's really nice to ride along a deserted promenade and enjoy the peace and quiet. With the wind we had last week, I had a taste of this as there was barely a soul around on some days.

We've got another cold and icy winter forecast for this year, so I'm digging out the cold weather gear and looking forward to it!

Based on information supplied by David Brown.