Last week I saw a headline in the paper: Dog insurance calls after woman injured.

This story was related to dogs on the beach at Sandbanks and specifically about one incident. At no point did the article mention, or even hint at, the merest hint of bicycles. However, as soon as I saw the headline I knew what the comments would be and I wasn't disappointed.

The first comment on the story was "Are all cyclist insured? More likely to be hit by one of them." and further down "Oh and I'd like to see cyclists having compulsory insurance and licence plates on their bikes seeing as they are road users. I said road users not pavement users, as many of them think they are. Maybe, just maybe, that would stop them going through red lights and breaking other traffic laws".

I'm just surprised that there wasn't the usual "road tax" rant as well, that would have given me a good reason to point out that bikes are not exempt, we are just zero rated as are some of the new breed of eco-cars!

This just shows me how hated the cycling community is by some people, it's a shame that most of the anti-cycling comments are ill informed, angry and just tar all cyclists with the same brush.

Despite the huge pile of fresh dog mess in the middle of the path along Baiter this morning, I don't assume that all dog owners are irresponsible and would leave this behind! Although I could picture the scene - early morning walk with the dog; as it squats down to relieve itself the owner furtively glances around to see if anyone has noticed and whether they can get away with leaving this mess for someone else to clear up. This is something I have witnessed countless times!

In addition the dog walkers along the seafront this morning that didn't have their dogs on leads despite the restrictions; they are in the minority. I just wish that the cycle bashers could realise that the same goes for bad and irresponsible cyclists - they are in the minority, most of us are law abiding, responsible and probably nice people!

On the subject of the seafront - what a difference a day makes! A bit of rain and drizzle yesterday and it was deserted, but this morning with a bit of sunshine and I don't think I have ever seen so many people out at that time in the morning enjoying the weather, fresh air and views. Instead of moaning, some people need to realise how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful place!