Have we become a nation of cycle haters?
Discussion
Hyperbole aside, the figures suggest that it's (not surprisingly) exactly the same percentage of cyclists who jump reds as drivers- around 14%.
This makes sense, if you take time to consider it- it's not the means of transport that makes someone jump a red, it's their own sense of how they should act.
When we had the unusual spate of death-by-lorry incidents last year (unusual only in that they were much cloer together than normal) the PCO (charming bunch of UKIP voting wife-beaters that they are) embarked on a Victim Blaming campaign.
To do this they put a camera on a junction in Hackney, and filmed who went through it- which ended up not showing quite what they thought it would show, as many motorised vehicles jumped the lights as well as the cyclists.
Anyway, none of this is actually pertinent to the OP's post, which is that yes, ignorant people will jump on the "they all do it! Hang them after sending them back to their country!" reactionary *ollocks that is oft spouted by non-cyclists about cyclists, and non-drivers about cars.
Busses are one of the worst offenders in terms of jumping reds- they really don't think that they apply to them, yellow-hashed junction boxes either, so I am in no way surprised to hear that this bus RLJ'd.
This makes sense, if you take time to consider it- it's not the means of transport that makes someone jump a red, it's their own sense of how they should act.
When we had the unusual spate of death-by-lorry incidents last year (unusual only in that they were much cloer together than normal) the PCO (charming bunch of UKIP voting wife-beaters that they are) embarked on a Victim Blaming campaign.
To do this they put a camera on a junction in Hackney, and filmed who went through it- which ended up not showing quite what they thought it would show, as many motorised vehicles jumped the lights as well as the cyclists.
Anyway, none of this is actually pertinent to the OP's post, which is that yes, ignorant people will jump on the "they all do it! Hang them after sending them back to their country!" reactionary *ollocks that is oft spouted by non-cyclists about cyclists, and non-drivers about cars.
Busses are one of the worst offenders in terms of jumping reds- they really don't think that they apply to them, yellow-hashed junction boxes either, so I am in no way surprised to hear that this bus RLJ'd.
Dammit said:
Hyperbole aside, the figures suggest that it's (not surprisingly) exactly the same percentage of cyclists who jump reds as drivers- around 14%.
I believe it. If I stop at a red light in my car, the car behind me is unable to jump the red light even if he wanted to. If I was on my bike and stopped at a red light, and bikes following me are still able to jump the red if they choose.
The perception is therefore that more cyclists jump reds, the reality is, it's the same percentage in both cards and on bikes.
Till recently I lived near Richmond Park, a favoured haunt of the lycra clad. There's a speed limit of 20mph which many cyclists choose to ignore. In fact, you'll also get the ones playing "tour de Richmond" who do their utmost to overtake at all cost. There are also the 2 abreast cyclists, who'll try and be an obstruction wherever they can, while the local cycling clubs try and monopolise the park all together. There is a dedicated cycle path but that is usually empty. As a result of all this, tolerance of cyclists can be left a little wanting.
I won't miss the place now I've moved.
I won't miss the place now I've moved.
How can the cyclists be holding up traffic if they are travelling over the (motorised vehicle) speed limit?
If you can address the contradictions in your whinge then people might take you more seriously.
But you are a good example of the sort of person who should not be allowed to drive a car, based on your post.
If you can address the contradictions in your whinge then people might take you more seriously.
But you are a good example of the sort of person who should not be allowed to drive a car, based on your post.
okgo said:
Yes and certain parts of country are worse for it. I did a TT this morning on the A3 and not one horn or incident to speak of. Riding around the lanes in Surrey will get you plenty of hate for doing nothing wrong.
What is it about the people of Surrey that makes them completely incapable of having any driving ability or etiquette, find it on the M25 and on the lanes. Seem to be disproportionate compared to the rest of the country.Dammit said:
How can the cyclists be holding up traffic if they are travelling over the (motorised vehicle) speed limit?
If you can address the contradictions in your whinge then people might take you more seriously.
But you are a good example of the sort of person who should not be allowed to drive a car, based on your post.
Apologies. I naively credited you with enough intellect to realise that some cyclists speed, whilst some others are obstructive. I'm guessing you're a cyclist and own lycra? If you can address the contradictions in your whinge then people might take you more seriously.
But you are a good example of the sort of person who should not be allowed to drive a car, based on your post.
otolith said:
Some twonk got really angry at me last week because I delayed him by five or ten seconds while I let someone cross the road in front of my car. That is why people are intolerant of cyclists - because they are angry, entitled, self-centred little a
holes.
At the root of all this is that aholes.holes are aholes, whether they're walking, cycling or driving. People get all tribal about it but it's nothing to do with cyclists or drivers, it's about inconsiderate twats. It's all compounded by the fact that our infrastructure is over-crowded, which drops peoples' tolerance even further, making us all much more likely to be selfish wankers in any given situation. What we really need is a bit more tolerance and consideration for others.Edited by Gruffy on Sunday 15th June 14:43
e21Mark said:
Till recently I lived near Richmond Park, a favoured haunt of the lycra clad. There's a speed limit of 20mph which many cyclists choose to ignore. In fact, you'll also get the ones playing "tour de Richmond" who do their utmost to overtake at all cost. There are also the 2 abreast cyclists, who'll try and be an obstruction wherever they can, while the local cycling clubs try and monopolise the park all together. There is a dedicated cycle path but that is usually empty. As a result of all this, tolerance of cyclists can be left a little wanting.
I won't miss the place now I've moved.
A truly idiotic statement, full of contradictions and nonsense. I still live next to Richmond Park, and that "cycle lane" you talk about is a shared use gravel path that is totally unsuitable for road bikes, and given that its full of pedestrians and joggers, it's unsafe to go much faster than walking pace on a bike anyway.I won't miss the place now I've moved.
P.s. I'm sorry you couldn't afford the rent in Richmond. At least your s
t driving in the park won't be missed. 
Edited by Mr Gear on Sunday 15th June 15:10
Dammit said:
Hyperbole aside, the figures suggest that it's (not surprisingly) exactly the same percentage of cyclists who jump reds as drivers- around 14%.
I'm not sure about that data. 
can't remember the last time I saw a motor vehicle run a red. Based on my data of yesterday in St Albans:
Three cyclists swerved past me as I crossed a pelican crossing on Holywell Hill. I then walked down Sopwell Lane where a cyclist was going the wrong way down it.
That was all within 5 minutes.
That's why most right minded people find cyclists infuriating.
most people I know aren't right mindede21Mark said:
Apologies. I naively credited you with enough intellect to realise that some cyclists speed, whilst some others are obstructive. I'm guessing you're a cyclist and own lycra?
See, this is probably the root of your problem: "some cyclists speed, whilst some others are obstructive".We'll take the second one first- you seem to think that the cyclist is deliberately obstructing you, they're not, they're going about their journey. It's not always about you, but trying to make everything fit into a solipsistic view of the universe will, but its very nature, create frustrations for "you". Grow up, realise that other people exist apart from and outside yourself, and that they aren't out to obstruct you, hold you back, etc etc.
Back to the first part- cyclists can't speed, not in this country.
2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:
I'm not sure about that data. can't remember the last time I saw a motor vehicle run a red.
Then you're not very observant- the last vehicle to pass through changing lights will jump them the majority of the time. can't remember the last time I saw a motor vehicle run a red. Have a look next time you are walking past some lights that are changing.
Dammit said:
2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:
I'm not sure about that data. can't remember the last time I saw a motor vehicle run a red.
Then you're not very observant- the last vehicle to pass through changing lights will jump them the majority of the time. can't remember the last time I saw a motor vehicle run a red. Have a look next time you are walking past some lights that are changing.
Lights that have been red for a minute or two far less regular.
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