I am treated differently by other road users

[Stupeo]

When I don't have my Lycra on.

Seriously - been on the MTB twice in the past week and when I do, I normally just have a hoody/t-shirt and plain track suit bottoms. When on the road bike, I have full on lycra etc.

I've noticed that when in my scruffs on MTB, other road users seem to be closer to me when passing and generally don't seem to "notice" me. It was quite scary today on a few occasions.

On the road bike, it's the opposite - I feel like I am well noticed and motorists mostly give me a wide berth.

Anyone else noticed this or is it just coincidence?

[joema]

Maybe your lycra is really horrid?

[anonymous-user]

Is guess it's your higher average speed and road position on the road bike that forces drivers to make a wide, clean pad rather than a close pad when you're on the mtb.

[upsidedownmark]

I'd vote for coincidence. IME the opposite applies..

[okgo]

Many drivers are complete aholes, its that simple.

I was riding with a girl the other day (which usually buys you some leeway with drivers) and some wkstain in a rented van passed us as two feet or so. Only then to go into the opposite lane to give two people walking (same side of the road, towards us) an entire lanes space. Total . Nothing else to it, and that kind of mindset is ingrained in the british public, who, with little exception are complete and utter morons. So it doesn't surprise me that as someone who looked like they were just riding a bike because they couldn't afford a car you were given more respect than if you looked like a 'cyclist'.

[upsidedownmark]

okgo said:

Many drivers are complete aholes, its that simple.

I was riding with a girl the other day (which usually buys you some leeway with drivers) and some wkstain in a rented van passed us as two feet or so. Only then to go into the opposite lane to give two people walking (same side of the road, towards us) an entire lanes space. Total . Nothing else to it, and that kind of mindset is ingrained in the british public, who, with little exception are complete and utter morons. So it doesn't surprise me that as someone who looked like they were just riding a bike because they couldn't afford a car you were given more respect than if you looked like a 'cyclist'.

Let me correct you on that. Many PEOPLE are complete aholes. Plenty of em on bikes and motorbikes too, mode of transport isn't really a single determining factor.

OP was actually saying he got more 'respect' when he looked like a cyclist than when he looked like a nodder

Edited by upsidedownmark on Thursday 5th January 11:32

[okgo]

upsidedownmark said:

Let me correct you on that. Many PEOPLE are complete aholes. Plenty of em on bikes and motorbikes too, mode of transport isn't really a single determining factor.

OP was actually saying he got more 'respect' when he looked like a cyclist than when he looked like a nodder

Edited by upsidedownmark on Thursday 5th January 11:32

BLIMEY - I totally didn't even clock that, I was just assuming what I have seen to be true so many times (as in, people who look like cyclists get more stick than just a-b types).

I am pleased that seems to be the case where OP lives. Sadly, there's a ton of hate for 'cyclists' in Surrey. And on this forum, of course, despite the fact most of us are drivers too

[Renn Sport]

Agreed most road users are selfish... including pedestrians.

I ride roadbikes, motorbikes, cars, vans, and of course walk. My observation is a lot of people are just self absorbed. Some people are just cool. It just depends who you come across.

Back on topic.

I notice when I have my lights on and hi viz backpack that I get more room. Still the occasional basket head nutter tries to, walk in front of me without looking, rides across me or closes a gap for no reason other then selfishness.

I'm just riding with caution.

[Razor O Rourke]

I swapped from a lifetime of two wheels to a recumbent trike just over a year ago. Now, instead of passing close enough to wipe the dust from my elbow most people go so wide they are clipping the opposite verge. Even van drivers replace the angry blast on the horn with an incredulous look and often a smile and a thumbs up.

Being regarded as a weirdo eccentric does have it's advantages, the only near miss I've had to date was some clown on a road bike who was fiddling with whatever electronic junk he had on his handle bars and only my shout prevented a head on collision.