digger Posted October 10, 2012 Report Share Posted October 10, 2012 I seriously despise miltant lefty cyclists who think that drivers are the Devil incarnate just because they drive a gas guzzler. Have much fun in London with them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikaveli Posted October 10, 2012 Report Share Posted October 10, 2012 Milton Keynes is full of "Redways"- nice wide paths designed for both pedestrians and cyclists to keep them off the many dual carriageways and fast grid roads. It is a fantastic system. Do the lycra loonies use them? Do they ####. They'd much rather get outraged at motorists who are trying to do a perfectly safe and legal 60 or 70mph but have to queue up to overtake them because they insist on riding 5 abreast. Peterborough has its "Green" ways - for the same purpose - and no, most cyclists don't use them either. If the route is 1 metre longer than the road distance, they'll use the road. They won't use any cycle path that has a bump the size of a stepped down driveway kerb because of their silly ultra-thin, ultra-fragile, no grip in the wet wheels. ...but probably one of the biggest issues is that cyclists won't stop for anything (red lights, right of way, trucks! etc.) and this is down to the simple fact that for them to get back up to speed takes physical effort. In a car / motorbike / truck, it's not an issue - you just give it some right foot (or hand - bikes) to get back up to speed. For cyclists, I think this is one of the key problems - they don't want to 'lose speed' because it's hard work for them to build it back up again. Any finally, for the racing boys, grown men should not wax their legs and wear skin-tight shorts. I think this is why so many drivers get angry being held up by cyclists - no one wants a man's **** in his field of vision. If all cyclists were 19 - 25 year old attractive women, you'd find men would happily wait behind them patiently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drayman Posted October 10, 2012 Report Share Posted October 10, 2012 The highway code clearly states this about cyclists - 66 You should never ride more than two abreast, and ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends The Highway Code states it but it isn't the law. It is common courtesy and should be followed, but then so is not speeding, obeying traffic signs and lights etc. etc. all of which are laws - but then we sort of bend those a bit Going right back to the OP - I agree but..... if the idiots around here could learn how to overtake a single bicycle and not drive right up its chuff when there is a planet load of space to overtake, we'd all get on a bit better. We have all sorts in our house from a Hilux you have to wind up to do an overtake through to my 175bhp motorbike that does the overtake before you think about it, and I can tell you all of the safe overtakes on our local roads (I also teach advanced biking and ride with coppers) but so many incapable drivers just sit there, in the wrong place, for ages .... and ages, putting cyclists at risk. As it happens, when I'm cycling I do know when it's safe for the car to overtake me - the trouble is, often they don't! You're right, cyclists can be a pain in the ****, but they certainly aren't the only ones. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chr15j Posted October 11, 2012 Report Share Posted October 11, 2012 Had some eejit with hid lamp on bike as well as hid head lamp which was clearly used for purpose of blinding driver as they glare at them for having main beam on for more than 1/10 second longer than necessary do precisely that to me last night. Whilst mine was accidental his was vindictive childishness unfortunately not deterred by me giving him main beam back! Scroat! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keg Posted October 14, 2012 Report Share Posted October 14, 2012 (edited) Went out on a road bike for the first time in years this afternoon, just 20 mins round the village to get used to the gears etc. Coming back toward home, i am overtaking a line of parked cars at the side of the road. An a**e in a Volvo decides to overtake me with a car coming the other way. The road is wide enough for 3 cars but not 3 cars and a bike. I really do despair. I see it from both sides but there are idiots there on both sides. Bright yellow top and lights on even though it was the middle of the afternoon. WVAM, I've just read your post and heartily agree. People do not seem to know the size of their vehicles these days. Worringly, i did a straw poll round our office of 6 drivers. " What is the speed limit on a de restricted dual carriageway" Only 1 knew the correct answer, one did not know what i meant by de restricted, one said 40mph and 3 did not know what the sign looked like. Edited October 14, 2012 by keg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobt Posted October 15, 2012 Report Share Posted October 15, 2012 Ask a few cyclists what a stop sign looks like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al4x Posted October 15, 2012 Report Share Posted October 15, 2012 or who is meant to use footpaths, or what a one way street sign looks like, the list is fairly endless really Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasper3 Posted October 15, 2012 Report Share Posted October 15, 2012 I have nothing against cyclist..... except....!!!!!! when there is a Cycle path installed for them at a great cost..and they ride on the bloody road beside the cycle path... 85% of the road from exeter to exmouth now has a cycle path...children have the sense to use it..yet adult cyclist just can't seem to grab the concept of the cycle path...rant over Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keg Posted October 15, 2012 Report Share Posted October 15, 2012 As always there are good and bad examples, agree with the stop sign and red light abuse, i see it every day. Whilst not a regular cyclist ( just need to shift some weight), if i had a path or cycle lane to hand i would use is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miroku_Dave Posted October 15, 2012 Report Share Posted October 15, 2012 Right, I tried to get home using the cycle path the other day on my road bike, Yes it’s a light frame with skinny tyres. Several problems: It’s a cycle/footpath so used by loose dogs, children, horses, pedestrians etc. It is right next to the road so covered in grit, rubbish, broken glass and the rest of the **** that makes its way out of inconsiderate driver’s windows. Every 100 metres or so there are 2 curbs to navigate. Trees are not trimmed back therefore causing hazards. The cycle path does not run for the length of the road and roughly every 500m you have to get off and cross a busy road to cycle on the main road until another section of cycle path becomes available. In reality its not a cycle path, its a foot path painted green in order to meet government criteria and secure council funding. It is not safe or fit for cyclists and in some areas is more dangerous than the road. It took me 45 minutes to cycle 5.5 miles rather than the 25 minutes that it usually takes, i didn’t even break a sweat so pretty rubbish exercise really as my heart rate never even raised. The only thing it did do was cover my bike in horse muck and put me in several dangerous situations. So, I’m going to carry on cycling on the road. I’m going to shout wildly at every muppet who pulls up beside me and tells me to get road tax. I’m going to sue the next idiot who knocks me off my bike. I will quite happily get off my bike and confront the next driver who verbally abuses me and then gets stuck at the lights and ask them if they still want to carry out their threats when they see me close up! But, I will carry on wearing a helmet. I will carry on using the appropriate lights. I will carry on wearing my high-vis clothing. I will carry on adhering to the Highway Code. I will carry on cycling in single file, being courteous, pulling off to the side if there is a build up of traffic behind me on a rural road. So, perhaps it isn’t all cyclists who are these "Mad Max" tyrants that you seem to experience on a daily basis. Maybe you lot just need to start exercising a bit of tolerance eh? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matty7247 Posted October 15, 2012 Report Share Posted October 15, 2012 How would cyclist feel abou being insured? I jnow a few cyclists, and not fussed by them being on the road with me. I think the insurance thing could work bothways, it protects the cyclist and car driver, incase there ever was an accident? Obviously i have read about malicous cyclists damaging cars etc, so maybe its a good idea?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al4x Posted October 15, 2012 Report Share Posted October 15, 2012 the problem is no insurance would cover them while breaking the law, so the ones that mow down old ladies on pavements it would have no effect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
86inch Posted October 15, 2012 Report Share Posted October 15, 2012 How would cyclist feel abou being insured? I jnow a few cyclists, and not fussed by them being on the road with me. I think the insurance thing could work bothways, it protects the cyclist and car driver, incase there ever was an accident? Obviously i have read about malicous cyclists damaging cars etc, so maybe its a good idea?? I think you'll find that Cyclists who are members of organisations such as the CTC and clubs affiliated to the BCF are covered by third party insurance for this very reason. I'd say a very large proportion of those you are likely to meet on the lanes will be so covered. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matty7247 Posted October 15, 2012 Report Share Posted October 15, 2012 Im not sure about who is/isnt insured etc, al4x, i suppose the same could be said about some motorists? Who flout the law? I think general awarerness between both partys would make driving/cycling to work a much more enjoyable experience? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marine1980 Posted October 15, 2012 Report Share Posted October 15, 2012 Ahhh, the old hating cyclist thread! As a road cyclist I feel qualified to comment here. Drivers: Stop being *********, you dont own the road! There you go :-) I actually think you wrong with this comment as I pay tax so in fact I do own a very small percentage of it!! Royal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miroku_Dave Posted October 15, 2012 Report Share Posted October 15, 2012 I actually think you wrong with this comment as I pay tax so in fact I do own a very small percentage of it!! Royal As do I! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keg Posted October 15, 2012 Report Share Posted October 15, 2012 i would say that most cyclists are also car owners so don't we all own a bit?. I have 2 vehicles, wife has 1 so am i entitled to double?. That seems a silly argument. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marine1980 Posted October 15, 2012 Report Share Posted October 15, 2012 i would say that most cyclists are also car owners so don't we all own a bit?. I have 2 vehicles, wife has 1 so am i entitled to double?. That seems a silly argument. I think your missing the point! You own a car, you pay tax you too own a bit of some road somewhere. As soon as you get on your bike you have paid nothing so don't have the right to use any of it in my opinion! Nothing in this world is free, if you don't pay for the use of something then you shouldn't! Royal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miroku_Dave Posted October 15, 2012 Report Share Posted October 15, 2012 I think your missing the point! You own a car, you pay tax you too own a bit of some road somewhere. As soon as you get on your bike you have paid nothing so don't have the right to use any of it in my opinion! Nothing in this world is free, if you don't pay for the use of something then you shouldn't! Royal So when you cross the road as a pedestrian you should pay for the privilege?You’re argument is defunct Sir! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marine1980 Posted October 15, 2012 Report Share Posted October 15, 2012 I don't like pedestrians either!! Lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pastiebap Posted October 15, 2012 Report Share Posted October 15, 2012 What I like to know is that if it is ok to scoot up the inside of a car leaving 12 inches of space then why the hissy fit when drivers give overtake leaving the same amount of space? Also, I think all cyclists should be required by law to use the flashing style of light, even during the day. I find it draws your attention from a greater distance giving more time to prepare for manouveres etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Mongrel- Posted October 15, 2012 Report Share Posted October 15, 2012 (edited) I think your missing the point! You own a car, you pay tax you too own a bit of some road somewhere. As soon as you get on your bike you have paid nothing so don't have the right to use any of it in my opinion! What about if I own a car, a motorbike and a van, all legitimately. Have I not paid for my bit of road and therefore be entitled to ride my bicycle on it should I so desire? I think this 'who owns the road' tangent is just semantics, none of us own the road, we just pay for the privelege of using it. That still doesn't stop me believing that cyclists should be licensed and insured. A number plate type deal and a legal requirement for insurance, same as other road users (,Yes, I would also include horse riders in this one before someone mentions it). Edited October 15, 2012 by -Mongrel- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keg Posted October 15, 2012 Report Share Posted October 15, 2012 I think your missing the point! You own a car, you pay tax you too own a bit of some road somewhere. As soon as you get on your bike you have paid nothing so don't have the right to use any of it in my opinion! Nothing in this world is free, if you don't pay for the use of something then you shouldn't! Royal Based on the road tax i pay running a Defender and a Landcruiser, i must own all of it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chr15j Posted October 15, 2012 Report Share Posted October 15, 2012 The argument by cyclists about dodgy drivers as an excuse to do what they do is flawed at every level. Just because a car driver may be inconsiderate or not se you is no excuse to purposefully behave the ways you do! Many a time a driver may err, but you do it on purpose (red lights, stop signs, pavements, verbal abuse, criminal damage...) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guinty1 Posted October 16, 2012 Report Share Posted October 16, 2012 Say no more http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/public/cyclesafety/article3313260.ece Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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