cyclists, why so far from the kerb?
Discussion
will_ said:
I agree with this post.
Cyclists are not always slow, nor in the way. In an urban environment it is the cars that cause the congestion. When was the last time we saw a rant about a traffic jam "holding people up"? Never, because cars are seen as traffic (and accepted) and bikes aren't, even if the bikes are quicker than the cars. It is madness and completely unsubstantiated and irrational.
From my perspective, (as both a cyclist and a driver) the people who need to adjust their attitude are the drivers. They are, afterall, the ones who pose the highest risk to others yet the least risk to themselves. They have the responsibility for piloting a large, dangerous vehicle around vulnerable road users and are, in theory, trained to do what they do.
Drivers need to understand that, in an urban environment, getting wound up by being "held up" by cyclists is completely irrational. Yesterday a chap overtook me and a few other cyclists. He was too close, and was overtaking by a junction and had to panic (and jump on the horn) when a (police)car began to turn out of the junction. It was a dangerous, unnecesarry overtake. He then proceeded to overtake another group of cyclists into oncoming traffic, whilst approaching a traffic island and a queue of traffic. He ended up squeezing the cyclists towards the kerb as he couldn't complete his overtake. His moronic behaviour got him absoltuely no-where, as evidenced by the chat we managed to have 10 seconds later before I left him in the queue. I very much doubt whether he ever considers the bigger picture. It was the best example of the "must overtake" mentality I've seen for a while.
Ditto understanding why cyclists need space, and why cyclists riding two abreast (should) form no more of a barrier to a following car than a cyclist riding alone - because a good, proper, SAFE overtake requires the same room for one or two cyclists.
Ditto understanding why cyclists are safer at the front of traffic to avoid turning vehicles.
And don't start on the various tax/licencing/insurance arguments that have been done to death, all of which are (in my view) the result of small minded ignorance or bigotry (or both).
It is incredibly frustating that a site dedicated to those who love cars appears so often to be inhabited by bad, dangerous, selfish and inconsiderate drivers. Are people like that really driving enthusiasts? Not in my book.
For balance, cyclists as a group are not helped by those who fail to take responsibility for themselves, nor by the "militant" critical mass lentilists. They are not "all" cyclists by a long stretch, nor in fact "most" cyclists. I certainly find it frustrating to see the constant rants on here, caused either by igornance or sweeping generalisations. Education is required for the former, but the latter is based (somewhat) on (anecdotal) evidence. Whether we like it or not, we do rely on goodwill from drivers for our safety. We shouldn't have to, but we do.
But it is not "militant" to use the road. It is not militant to ride defensively. It is not militant to be angry when someone does something stupid or lazy which puts you at serious risk and doesn't benefit them one iota.
I think the key bit from the two above posts - which is absolutely right - is that "A bit of understanding goes a long way". In my opinion, most cyclists are drivers and probably have an "understanding" of driving. I don't think the opposite is true and is evidenced so often on here, which is a shame because my driving greatly improved when I started cycling on the road and everyone should be encouraged to do it. Ironically the reason most people don't is because of "danger" posed by the cars....
Very well put Will. 100% agree. Cyclists are not always slow, nor in the way. In an urban environment it is the cars that cause the congestion. When was the last time we saw a rant about a traffic jam "holding people up"? Never, because cars are seen as traffic (and accepted) and bikes aren't, even if the bikes are quicker than the cars. It is madness and completely unsubstantiated and irrational.
From my perspective, (as both a cyclist and a driver) the people who need to adjust their attitude are the drivers. They are, afterall, the ones who pose the highest risk to others yet the least risk to themselves. They have the responsibility for piloting a large, dangerous vehicle around vulnerable road users and are, in theory, trained to do what they do.
Drivers need to understand that, in an urban environment, getting wound up by being "held up" by cyclists is completely irrational. Yesterday a chap overtook me and a few other cyclists. He was too close, and was overtaking by a junction and had to panic (and jump on the horn) when a (police)car began to turn out of the junction. It was a dangerous, unnecesarry overtake. He then proceeded to overtake another group of cyclists into oncoming traffic, whilst approaching a traffic island and a queue of traffic. He ended up squeezing the cyclists towards the kerb as he couldn't complete his overtake. His moronic behaviour got him absoltuely no-where, as evidenced by the chat we managed to have 10 seconds later before I left him in the queue. I very much doubt whether he ever considers the bigger picture. It was the best example of the "must overtake" mentality I've seen for a while.
Ditto understanding why cyclists need space, and why cyclists riding two abreast (should) form no more of a barrier to a following car than a cyclist riding alone - because a good, proper, SAFE overtake requires the same room for one or two cyclists.
Ditto understanding why cyclists are safer at the front of traffic to avoid turning vehicles.
And don't start on the various tax/licencing/insurance arguments that have been done to death, all of which are (in my view) the result of small minded ignorance or bigotry (or both).
It is incredibly frustating that a site dedicated to those who love cars appears so often to be inhabited by bad, dangerous, selfish and inconsiderate drivers. Are people like that really driving enthusiasts? Not in my book.
For balance, cyclists as a group are not helped by those who fail to take responsibility for themselves, nor by the "militant" critical mass lentilists. They are not "all" cyclists by a long stretch, nor in fact "most" cyclists. I certainly find it frustrating to see the constant rants on here, caused either by igornance or sweeping generalisations. Education is required for the former, but the latter is based (somewhat) on (anecdotal) evidence. Whether we like it or not, we do rely on goodwill from drivers for our safety. We shouldn't have to, but we do.
But it is not "militant" to use the road. It is not militant to ride defensively. It is not militant to be angry when someone does something stupid or lazy which puts you at serious risk and doesn't benefit them one iota.
I think the key bit from the two above posts - which is absolutely right - is that "A bit of understanding goes a long way". In my opinion, most cyclists are drivers and probably have an "understanding" of driving. I don't think the opposite is true and is evidenced so often on here, which is a shame because my driving greatly improved when I started cycling on the road and everyone should be encouraged to do it. Ironically the reason most people don't is because of "danger" posed by the cars....
@Parsnip. Very well put mate,safety first is paramount.
The only thing I would add is that if someone has waited patiently behind me around a few bends not only do I tend to put in a burst of speed if I have it in me, I also give them a thumbs up thanks when they do safely pass, hoping to reinforce the 'yup i did the right thing there, waiting' the driver may feel.
The only thing I would add is that if someone has waited patiently behind me around a few bends not only do I tend to put in a burst of speed if I have it in me, I also give them a thumbs up thanks when they do safely pass, hoping to reinforce the 'yup i did the right thing there, waiting' the driver may feel.
Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff