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A20 reopened after overnight closure

8:00am Tuesday 13th May 2008

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By Jon Cheetham »

THE A20 reopened this morning after being closed due to two incidents yesterday.

The motorway was closed in both directions between Crittalls Corner and the M25 overnight after a lorry overturned and spilled diesel on the road.

An HGV carrying bottles of cola was travelling in the London bound direction when it hit the central reservation and overturned on the coast bound carriageway near the Swanley Interchange at 3.50pm yesterday.

As a result lanes two and three were blocked.

Oil and diesel from the HGV spilled on all three lanes of the London bound road, causing that to close.

Diversions were put in place and the Essex helicopter was deployed to assist with the situation.

By 16.55pm there was no obvious problem and traffic was moving around the incident.

Resurfacing work was carried out during the night and the road reopened at about 5am today.

At Junction 1 of the A20 - the junction with the M25 at Swanley - a motorcycle was involved in a collision at 5.30pm yesterday.

Please come back to this story for more details on these two incidents, as they become available.

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Malcolm Flagg, says...
9:28am Tue 13 May 08

The roads are so dangerous these days. I will never learn to drive and will instead stick to my bicycle and ride it on the pavement and I don't care that I was 38 yesterday!

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Niki, says...
10:07am Tue 13 May 08

Why did the lorry driver crash into the central reservation?
Was he on his mobile or falling asleep at the wheel ???

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Malcolm Flagg, says...
10:23am Tue 13 May 08

He was probably doing both Niki and looking at his sat nav.

Motorists often criticise cyclists but in my experience the two-wheelers are they safest people on, or like me, off the road.

Get on yer bikes!

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a, somewhere says...
11:14am Tue 13 May 08

Malcolm Flagg wrote:
He was probably doing both Niki and looking at his sat nav.

Motorists often criticise cyclists but in my experience the two-wheelers are they safest people on, or like me, off the road.

Get on yer bikes!
Malcolm, we car drivers criticise cyclists because they are ignorant, take no notice of road conditions and laws, and generally ride dangerously. For example cyclists are supposed to ride in single file when in a group, but they usually always double or triple up taking up road space going too slowly. This is what causes motorists to overtake and generally is more dangerous. Another one is riding too far out in the road holding up traffic causing jams.

I'm all for cycling, but if you can't be bothered to pass the cycling proficiency, or at the very least read the highway code, you shouldn't be allowed on the roads.

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Jo, Bromley says...
11:15am Tue 13 May 08

What about the padestrians walking on the pavement?
Hope the driver of the lorry and the motorcyclist are ok.

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Malcolm Flagg, says...
11:26am Tue 13 May 08

Car drivers are the ignorant ones! They never give cyclists enough room when they overtake and rev their engines to try and intimidate us. They pollute the atmosphere and kill hundreds of people a year.

As for pedestrians they usually kindly move to one side and let me pass on my bike and I always ring my bell to let them know I am behind them and I always say thanks.

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Malcolm Flagg, says...
11:47am Tue 13 May 08

PS: the cycling proficiency test is a waste of time because becoming a good cyclist is something that is aqcuired on the road and pavement though experience.

It is a well known fact that the majority of drivers would fail the test if they were to take it again.

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Jo, Bromley says...
11:54am Tue 13 May 08

Malcolm i think your missing the point a pavementis for walking on not riding a bicycle, so put you safety gear on and ride in the cycle lanes in the road! As a driver i have loads of bikes weaving in and out of traffic and going threw red lights so i must agree with the above comment learn the highway code like motorists do and use the road. I am not 100% sure but i am pretty sure its illegal to ride a bike on the pavement.

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Malcolm Flagg, says...
12:08pm Tue 13 May 08

It is also illegal to use a mobile phone whilst driving a car but I see drivers doing it every day.

I do not go through red lights because i use the pavement but what drivers do not realise is that it takes time to start pedalling so many cyclists prefer to set off just before the lights turn to green as to get a head start on the cars.

Pity the poor cyclist who not only has to use his or her own steam to propel the bike but contend with aggressive drivers who are more often than not more interested in the contents of their nose, the mobile phone or doing their lipstick than they are for looking out for vunerable cyclists!!!

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Jo, Bromley says...
12:18pm Tue 13 May 08

Malcolm i am sure you make alot of pedestrians very irrate ringing a bell at them to move out of your way when you should be riding on the road! How on earth can you complain about drivers doing something illegal when you are doing something illegal your a hypocrite!
What the cyclists who ride up the inside of lorries and cars that are indicating to turn left but expect the lorries or car to stop and wait for them to pass?? Its not all motorists the same as its not all cyclists but i dont see how riding on the pavement is a safe and sensible option.

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Malcolm Flagg, says...
12:24pm Tue 13 May 08

Bicycles were invented long before cars but cyclists are made to feel like 2nd class citizens.

Cyclists should be given right of way the same as horses and motorists should respect cyclists as fellow road users.

I dont use hand signals because I ride on the pavement but i do use my bell and people do move aside.

Nobody has ever commented on my bell and why should they? Would they rather have my front tyre make contact with them?

When drivers start obeying the law then I might consider playing along but I can never see that happening.

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Jo, Bromley says...
12:36pm Tue 13 May 08

Funny you say that Malcolm i ride my horse on the road to get to the fields and i feel it can be dangerous with SOME cars, most drivers are great but i would never ride on the pavement.
Because your not meant to be on the pavement so should not be ringing a bell at them to move i dont beep my car horn at other cars to get out my way and let me threw i wish i could!
If your front tyre made contact with them then they would probaby report you to the police as well as do a few other things.
Your such a hypocrite your basically saying because a few car drivers dont obey the law why should you, have you ever heard of lead by example.

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Malcolm Flagg, says...
1:02pm Tue 13 May 08

Car drivers disregard the Highway Code as soon as they tear the L-plates but you are saying you are the exception. Shame we are not all rich enough to own a horse like you are and I suppose you are used to getting your own way and telling people what to do. Do you work for a living as a bossy primary school teacher?

The contact with the front tyre was purely hypothetical while you are pathetic-al!!!!

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a, somewhere says...
1:20pm Tue 13 May 08

Malcolm Flagg wrote:
Car drivers are the ignorant ones! They never give cyclists enough room when they overtake and rev their engines to try and intimidate us. They pollute the atmosphere and kill hundreds of people a year.

As for pedestrians they usually kindly move to one side and let me pass on my bike and I always ring my bell to let them know I am behind them and I always say thanks.
Oh, are we now?

If I have to overtake a cyclist I am usually on the opposite side of the road as cyclists leave too much room between them and the pavement.

Also, car drivers don't rev their engines to intimidate anybody, its a generally well-known conception that engine revs increase when a car is accelerating, i.e. overtaking someone!

It's not car drivers who are killing pedestrians or cyclists every year. If pedestrians were to actually look both ways like they are supposed to many accidents would never happen. Likewise with cyclists

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Malcolm Flagg, says...
1:31pm Tue 13 May 08

So are cyclists supposed to ride over drains and all the assorted litter and debris chucked from car windows ie in the gutter just so the big drivers can have the road to themselves?

Now you can see why i always ride on the pavement and I have had no complaints until now.

I run a fish and chip shop and if i had a pound for the amount of cyclists who come in ashen faced because they have just had another close shave with a driver i would be able to sell up and go abroad.

Motorists do not like pedestrians or cyclists and would like to see them run off the road and you all know it. Be honest for once!!!!

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Jo, Essex says...
1:42pm Tue 13 May 08

My husband sat in the resulting traffic for SIX HOURS waiting for it to be cleared. No information was given to him in this time and no attempt to assist the traffic was given. He could take a pee on the hardshoulder if needed be but what about any families or elderly people in the queue?

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Niki, says...
2:06pm Tue 13 May 08

Please Malcolm & Jo,can you stop bickering with each other.Both of you have valid points but this column is really for comments about the above mentioned incident.
Thank you

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Malcolm Flagg, says...
2:06pm Tue 13 May 08

Jo, your hubby would have been home a lot earlier if he had cycled.

In answer to your question about families and old people wanting to take a p obviously they would have had to go at the side of the road, what else? Perhaps you would have liked someone to airlift in portaloos.

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Malcolm Flagg, says...
2:29pm Tue 13 May 08

Niki, the last time I looked it was up to the readers to decide what they wanted to write about, not you.

Kindly do us all a favour and go somewhere else if you do not like it.

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Jo, Bromley says...
2:35pm Tue 13 May 08

Ha ha ha Malcolm i so wish i was rich i sacrifice alot to have a horse thank you and no i am not saying i am perfect but i think your being a hypocrite dont moan about car drivers doing wrong when your doing something just as bad! No i work in sales actual and i am not telling people what to do but i think your being unfair stereo typing all car drivers as bad and ignorant especially when your being ignorant and expecting people on the pavement to get out of your way!
As i said at the start of this thread i hope the driver and bikers are both ok after their accidents.

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Susan, bexley says...
2:40pm Tue 13 May 08

Malcolm and jo you do have point but as for riding on the pavement it is highly illegal and only allowed if you are a child under the age of 12 years old! I dont drive and I dont use a bike I walk everywhere or use public transport and I hate it when there is an adult on a bike on the pavement, likewise I hate it when cars leave me standing at the edge of the road that im clearly trying to cross and they just keep driving pass without stopping! You ppl realise that it would take less than 2 mins off your jounery to let me cross, specially love it when its raining an your in your nice dry cars and still cant take seconds from your day to let someone cross in front of you!

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Dave, Sundridge Park says...
3:24pm Tue 13 May 08

Malcolm Flagg wrote:
Bicycles were invented long before cars but cyclists are made to feel like 2nd class citizens. Cyclists should be given right of way the same as horses and motorists should respect cyclists as fellow road users. I dont use hand signals because I ride on the pavement but i do use my bell and people do move aside. Nobody has ever commented on my bell and why should they? Would they rather have my front tyre make contact with them? When drivers start obeying the law then I might consider playing along but I can never see that happening.
Malcolm you are clearly a total moron. Not only is it illegal to ride on a pavemtn but it is incredibly dangerous - what if you were to hit a child? You have absolutely no right to be on the pavement. And if you ever rung your bell at me I'd end up shoving it somewhere the sun doesn't shine.

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Jo, Bromley says...
3:42pm Tue 13 May 08

As a card river i sometimes hate other car drivers but i dont think it can all be pin pointed onto us everyone can be bolshy whether its people who just walk out in front of you slowly and you have to slow down cos they can not be bothered to walk to a zebra crossing to the people on the bikes who weave in and out of cars then pull across the car at the front of traffic lights so the bike can go first. I also know what its like to be on a bike and have some idiot throw rubbish out of the window that nearly hits you!! I just hope to god Malcolm that you never ride into someones child or buggy. Lets hope not everyone thinks like Malcolm or us pedestrians will have to walk in the cycle lanes!!!

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Malcolm Flagg, says...
4:12pm Tue 13 May 08

You are all fine ones to talk I must say. You have all stereotyped cyclists for years so is it any wonder the two-wheelers are rebelling?

Dave, I wouldn't bother using my bell if I saw you I would just carry on going!

As for buggies there is enough room for everyone on the average pavement so give up a little space for the cyclists who have been forced off the roads and onto the pavements.

Another thing, perhaps I would use cycle lanes if cars were not always parked in them!!!!!

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David, Bexley says...
4:19pm Tue 13 May 08

Malcolm you are obviously a simpleton and a total moron who has lost his grasp on reality. Stay off the pavement.

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Malcolm Flagg, says...
4:29pm Tue 13 May 08

David, why so rude? what gives you the right to push me off the comments?

I will continue to ride on the pavement as I have been doing for the last 32 years, thank you.

Are they all like you in Bexley? i will have to do a tour of bexley on my bike on the pavements and see if i can spot you. Don't worry, I will give you a good blast of my bell!!!!

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Malcolm Flagg, says...
4:32pm Tue 13 May 08

I would have thought you would all be grateful that i ride on the pavement anyway as it gives you more room on the road and means you can concentrate on your nosepicking more!!!!!!!!

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Malcolm Flagg, says...
4:36pm Tue 13 May 08

Sorry (not) to keep leaving comments but I wondered how David can call me a simpleton when i run one of the best fish and chips shops in my area and manage a staff of two?

People are too quick to judge on this site just because someone disagrees with them!!!

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David, says...
4:37pm Tue 13 May 08

I'll make sure I avoid your fish and chip shop, and if I see you on the pavement in Bexley ringing that **** bell I make sure I'll try and push you off your bike. So make sure you have your helmet on you ar*ehole.

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Malcolm Flagg, says...
4:41pm Tue 13 May 08

you have resorted to swearing so I take it you have lost the argument.

I am glad you will be avoiding my shop as you would not be welcome there as all my customers are nice and polite.

Do you often go about pushing people off their bikes? if you did that to me I would have no hesitation in phoning the police and taking you to court!!!!!

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David, says...
4:49pm Tue 13 May 08

Malcolm as far as I was aware it's a debate not an argument. I can't take away from you running your own business which must be thriving as you have 2 staff and yourself. I don't know how you sleep at night counting all that money you must be making....!!!!! On a lighter note yes I do go around pushing people off bikes when they are breaking the law and are quite obviously a loser like yourself. I would be happy to go to police with you I'd drive you there with you and your bike on the front of my bonnet.

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Malcolm Flagg, says...
4:54pm Tue 13 May 08

How can this be a debate if you resort to threats? does it make you feel to big to threaten people?

why are you on here if you cannot say something nice?

I suppose I should report your post for swearing by I won't lower myself to your level!!!!

Were you a bully at school??????

As for my business i am doing very well thank you for asking!!!!

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susan, bexley says...
4:56pm Tue 13 May 08

MALCOM YOU CLEARLY HAVE A GOD COMPLEX AND THINK YOUR BETTER THAN EVERYONE ELSE --- DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND THAT IT IS ILLEGAL TO RIDE ON THE PAVEMENT UNLESS YOUR UNDER 12YEARS OLD!!!!!!!!!!

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Malcolm Flagg, says...
4:57pm Tue 13 May 08

Susan, why are you shouting?

Many cyclists ride on the pavement for safety reasons.

WHY CANNOT YOU UNDERSTAND THIS SIMPLE CONCEPT??????

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Jo, Bromley says...
4:59pm Tue 13 May 08

Malcolm what will you say to the police you was illegally riding your bike on the pavement and as you rode at someone they pushed you off your bike!! Hmmmmm

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Malcolm Flagg, says...
4:59pm Tue 13 May 08

i WISH you would all comment on the story instad of on me!

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reader, bexley says...
5:00pm Tue 13 May 08

a wrote:
Malcolm Flagg wrote: He was probably doing both Niki and looking at his sat nav. Motorists often criticise cyclists but in my experience the two-wheelers are they safest people on, or like me, off the road. Get on yer bikes!
Malcolm, we car drivers criticise cyclists because they are ignorant, take no notice of road conditions and laws, and generally ride dangerously. For example cyclists are supposed to ride in single file when in a group, but they usually always double or triple up taking up road space going too slowly. This is what causes motorists to overtake and generally is more dangerous. Another one is riding too far out in the road holding up traffic causing jams. I'm all for cycling, but if you can't be bothered to pass the cycling proficiency, or at the very least read the highway code, you shouldn't be allowed on the roads.
I do tend to agree I do not drive but drivers have to take tests to be on the road and i do feel bikes are dangerous as some have no road ideas of the rules of the road, they shouldn't be allowed until they take a driving test and i see one riding a bike the other day with a mobile stuck to his ear, driver get fined for that.

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susan, bexley says...
5:00pm Tue 13 May 08

Have I really read it right that you think your doing great for yourself cause you own a fish and chip shop lmfao ive never heard anything so stupid in my life!!! Your ride a bike and own a chip shop great life there!!

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Malcolm Flagg, says...
5:01pm Tue 13 May 08

I think that assault is a more serious charge than riding a bike on a pavement, Jo!!!!

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David, says...
5:03pm Tue 13 May 08

I'm sorry you see it that way. I'm not a bully and feel hurt by the insinuation. Did I not in my last post say something nice about your thriving business. Your the one threatening to come to Bexley...!!! I think if you ring the Police and ask them I would be within my right to push you off as you are on the pavement. No the law Malcolm.!!!

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susan, bexley says...
5:03pm Tue 13 May 08

Ok so next time i have to jump out of the way cause im walking on the pavement and a bike rider is on the pavement ill just stop and think there safety comes first! Ill remember that one malcolm!

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Malcolm Flagg, says...
5:04pm Tue 13 May 08

Susan I make an honest living and continue the business my father started. it is my father's legacy and it provides for me and my mum, as dad passed away 18 years ago.

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susan, bexey says...
5:05pm Tue 13 May 08

a thirving business b ut you still dont know the law!

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Malcolm Flagg, says...
5:07pm Tue 13 May 08

Where is bexey?

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susan, bexley says...
5:08pm Tue 13 May 08

and you dont know how to use a map either lol

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David, says...
5:09pm Tue 13 May 08

By the way I'm with Susan do you really think it's great that you own a Fish and chip shop.!!!!!!!!! It's obviously not been busy today as you have been on here all day talking nonsense!!!!!!!

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Malcolm Flagg, says...
5:10pm Tue 13 May 08

I have you mapped out sufficiently!!!!

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Malcolm Flagg, says...
5:12pm Tue 13 May 08

As I told you I have a staff of two who run the shop. I act as a consultant!!!!

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susan, bexley says...
5:13pm Tue 13 May 08

You have me mapped our sufficiently from a couple of post on a free kent newspaper board! Wow you sure you work in a fish and chip shop? You could of been god with powers like that mate!!

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Malcolm Flagg, says...
5:14pm Tue 13 May 08

I am not your mate. The only mates I have are my mum and my girlfriend of 14 years and with mates like you i would certainly need no enemies!!!!!!!

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susan, bexley says...
5:16pm Tue 13 May 08

mate is just an expression!! lol I wouldnt want a boreing person like you as my mate!!

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DBy the way I'm with Susan do you really think it's great that you own a Fish and chip shop.!!!!!!!!! It's obviously not been busy today as you have been on here all day talking nonsense!!!!!!!avid, says...
5:17pm Tue 13 May 08

Ah making sense now a loser living off your Dad's hard work. tough job being a fish and chip shop consultant, 1) Buy fish and potatoes. 2) Cook fish and potatoes. 3) Sell fish and potatoes. Couldn't make it you yourself eh? live at home with mummy still all together now ah..!!!!!!

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Malcolm Flagg, says...
5:18pm Tue 13 May 08

Ditto.

You probably think you have lots of mates but they are most probably just acquaintances!!!!

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Malcolm Flagg, says...
5:19pm Tue 13 May 08

You must all find me interesting enough to keep having a go at me.

the words forgive them lord they know not what they do comes to mind!!!!

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susan, bexley says...
5:21pm Tue 13 May 08

im not being funny malcolm by why do you keep feeling the need to explain yourself to a perfect bunch of strangers! The bottom line is you have admitted to breaking the law and that makes you as bad as car drivers that throw rubbish out there cars or push bije riders off purposes (although i believe were just talking about younger ppl that do this sort of thing ive certainly never seen either happen) If you wanna ride your bike ride it but not on the pavement where pederstrians like myself walk!!!

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Malcolm Flagg, says...
5:23pm Tue 13 May 08

You are quite right Susan, you are not being funny.

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susan, bexley says...
5:23pm Tue 13 May 08

I believe we should call Malcolm Mr Bean from now on although Mr Bean was cooler he lived on his own with his teddy bear!!

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Malcolm Flagg, says...
5:25pm Tue 13 May 08

For your information, I have got a teddy bear but he is a mascot.

I take Benny with me everywhere and I see nothing wrong with that!!!!

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susan, bexley says...
5:26pm Tue 13 May 08

omg your probally telling your mum that were all picking on you as well! lol

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Malcolm Flagg, says...
5:28pm Tue 13 May 08

Susan do you realise that you are a bully?

Has the thought that you enjoy picking on people makes you happy????

Think about it.

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learner, says...
5:29pm Tue 13 May 08

Malcolm Flagg wrote:
Jo, your hubby would have been home a lot earlier if he had cycled.

In answer to your question about families and old people wanting to take a p obviously they would have had to go at the side of the road, what else? Perhaps you would have liked someone to airlift in portaloos.
Malcolm - last time I checked you weren't allowed to ride your bike on the A20

??

Why bother arguing about it anyway. The man rides a bike. If you're so hacked off at the way you're treated learn to drive a bloody car.

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Malcolm Flagg, says...
5:31pm Tue 13 May 08

learner why should I be made to learn to drive a car because the motorist bullies treat cyclists so badly?????

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susan, bexley says...
5:32pm Tue 13 May 08

im the bully when your the one providing me with the perfect insults malcolm i practically no your whole life from this thred! Its not my fault your an idiot that refuses to accept that by riding on the pavement you are breaking the law and then sat on here condeming drivers to hell cause they dont give you enough space and all the other stuff you have whined about when clearly they by law only have to acknowledg your there and nothing else on the other hand by law you are not allowed to ride on the pavement unless you are under the age of 12! Sorry i use my brain and your clearly to thick to understand my point!!! Which by the way is the point of everyone else in this thread! STUPID!

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Malcolm Flagg, says...
5:34pm Tue 13 May 08

Susan i am glad you admitted to being a bully and a a Christian I forgive you.

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learner, says...
5:34pm Tue 13 May 08

Malcolm Flagg wrote:
learner why should I be made to learn to drive a car because the motorist bullies treat cyclists so badly?????
Sorry to burst your bubble, but the amount of times that I've seen cyclists jump red lights amazes me. I'm not saying that you might jump red lights like some of the total fools on the road, but you ain't a godsend buddy.

Also, I've been in situations where cyclists have made gestures to me in the car. Why are we the bullies - because we have 4 wheels instead of 2?

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David, says...
5:35pm Tue 13 May 08

Just a quick recap. Sad (probably fat) loser who lives off the back of his Dad's hard work. Fish consultant (made up job). Rides a bike (don't believe this as he's probably overweight), in his 30's, lives at home with mummy, carries a teddy bear around with him. You sound like a catch Malc bet your girlfriends a beauty!!! Please Please come to Bexley maybe on a tandem two off with one push.!!!!!!

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Malcolm Flagg, says...
5:36pm Tue 13 May 08

I do not jump red lights learner because i only ride on the pavement!!!!

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Malcolm Flagg, says...
5:37pm Tue 13 May 08

David, as a Christian I will not dignify your comment with an answer.

forgive him lord

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Your Lord Erastus Theobald Piggott The All Knowing Guru, The Bar says...
5:39pm Tue 13 May 08

Was Your Lord's name mentioned?

Please leave Mr Flagg alone.

I like his streak of rebelliousness.

Your Lord, Erastus Theobald Piggott

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learner, says...
5:41pm Tue 13 May 08

Malcolm Flagg wrote:
I do not jump red lights learner because i only ride on the pavement!!!!
Which is illegal if you're over 12.

Anyone else feel like this is going round in circles?

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