Why you shouldn't give cyclist a wide berth when passing

[blueg33]

Antony Moxey said:

blueg33 said:

Haven't read the whole thread but Highway Code rule 169 applies. Slow moving vehicles should pull over to let people past.

Cyclists were being selfish.

What is your definition of slow?

You can cross double white lines to overtake vehicles at 10 mph and under, so that's my first reference point. If you are holding up lots of traffic, that's a fair indication.

If you are an inconsiderate Pratt then you will ignore the queue and not pull over. Applies just as much to cyclists as it does to tractors, horses, etc

Of course my definition doesnt matter as i neither make nor enforce the law. But there are cases of slow drivers being prosecuted.

Edited by blueg33 on Saturday 27th August 19:45

Edited by blueg33 on Saturday 27th August 20:14

[WinstonWolf]

Hoofy said:

WinstonWolf said:

Smokey32 said:

Next time just overtake the selfish lycra faggots. If they dont wanna go single file thats there problem.

Welcome to PH. You're an utter asshat...

As much as he is an asshat for suggesting people drive in such a manner, people WILL drive in this manner if cyclists don't behave in a more courteous manner.

People WILL take risks (well, they're not risky for the driver!), or squeeze by or consider letting a rear tyre rub against their bumper to fk up the cyclist's ability to ride or throw things at them or something else I haven't instantly thought of. The popularity of cycling as a sport is increasing and this will result in more people being annoyed. Most people are rational and sensible but more easily irritated people will take action at some point. The cyclist might be in the right and they might have the law on their side but the only way the law can protect them is if they cycle in an armoured shell made of law books at the moment of impact.

It's up to cyclists, really.

If I started doing yoga on the A3, I'm sure I'd catch a can of coke in the face if not a bumper.

If I'm cycling, I'll stick to cycle paths and try not to hold people up.

Edited by Hoofy on Saturday 27th August 19:01

Good drivers have the patience to cope with other road users...

'Take action' an interesting viewpoint. What sort of action will they take?

[Hoofy]

WinstonWolf said:

Hoofy said:

WinstonWolf said:

Smokey32 said:

Next time just overtake the selfish lycra faggots. If they dont wanna go single file thats there problem.

Welcome to PH. You're an utter asshat...

As much as he is an asshat for suggesting people drive in such a manner, people WILL drive in this manner if cyclists don't behave in a more courteous manner.

People WILL take risks (well, they're not risky for the driver!), or squeeze by or consider letting a rear tyre rub against their bumper to fk up the cyclist's ability to ride or throw things at them or something else I haven't instantly thought of. The popularity of cycling as a sport is increasing and this will result in more people being annoyed. Most people are rational and sensible but more easily irritated people will take action at some point. The cyclist might be in the right and they might have the law on their side but the only way the law can protect them is if they cycle in an armoured shell made of law books at the moment of impact.

It's up to cyclists, really.

If I started doing yoga on the A3, I'm sure I'd catch a can of coke in the face if not a bumper.

If I'm cycling, I'll stick to cycle paths and try not to hold people up.

Edited by Hoofy on Saturday 27th August 19:01

Good drivers have the patience to cope with other road users...

'Take action' an interesting viewpoint. What sort of action will they take?

How is your first sentence relevant?

Can't you guess? Probably not buy them a pint or invite them round to watch a DVD.

[WinstonWolf]

Hoofy said:

WinstonWolf said:

Hoofy said:

WinstonWolf said:

Smokey32 said:

Next time just overtake the selfish lycra faggots. If they dont wanna go single file thats there problem.

Welcome to PH. You're an utter asshat...

As much as he is an asshat for suggesting people drive in such a manner, people WILL drive in this manner if cyclists don't behave in a more courteous manner.

People WILL take risks (well, they're not risky for the driver!), or squeeze by or consider letting a rear tyre rub against their bumper to fk up the cyclist's ability to ride or throw things at them or something else I haven't instantly thought of. The popularity of cycling as a sport is increasing and this will result in more people being annoyed. Most people are rational and sensible but more easily irritated people will take action at some point. The cyclist might be in the right and they might have the law on their side but the only way the law can protect them is if they cycle in an armoured shell made of law books at the moment of impact.

It's up to cyclists, really.

If I started doing yoga on the A3, I'm sure I'd catch a can of coke in the face if not a bumper.

If I'm cycling, I'll stick to cycle paths and try not to hold people up.

Edited by Hoofy on Saturday 27th August 19:01

Good drivers have the patience to cope with other road users...

'Take action' an interesting viewpoint. What sort of action will they take?

How is your first sentence relevant?

Can't you guess? Probably not buy them a pint or invite them round to watch a DVD.

No, I can't. As you said it please enlighten us as to what action you think drivers will take?

[Hoofy]

WinstonWolf said:

Hoofy said:

WinstonWolf said:

Hoofy said:

WinstonWolf said:

Smokey32 said:

Next time just overtake the selfish lycra faggots. If they dont wanna go single file thats there problem.

Welcome to PH. You're an utter asshat...

As much as he is an asshat for suggesting people drive in such a manner, people WILL drive in this manner if cyclists don't behave in a more courteous manner.

People WILL take risks (well, they're not risky for the driver!), or squeeze by or consider letting a rear tyre rub against their bumper to fk up the cyclist's ability to ride or throw things at them or something else I haven't instantly thought of. The popularity of cycling as a sport is increasing and this will result in more people being annoyed. Most people are rational and sensible but more easily irritated people will take action at some point. The cyclist might be in the right and they might have the law on their side but the only way the law can protect them is if they cycle in an armoured shell made of law books at the moment of impact.

It's up to cyclists, really.

If I started doing yoga on the A3, I'm sure I'd catch a can of coke in the face if not a bumper.

If I'm cycling, I'll stick to cycle paths and try not to hold people up.

Edited by Hoofy on Saturday 27th August 19:01

Good drivers have the patience to cope with other road users...

'Take action' an interesting viewpoint. What sort of action will they take?

How is your first sentence relevant?

Can't you guess? Probably not buy them a pint or invite them round to watch a DVD.

No, I can't. As you said it please enlighten us as to what action you think drivers will take?

You can't seriously lack that much imagination? PS I already suggested 2-3 things.

[blueg33]

WinstonWolf said:

No, I can't. As you said it please enlighten us as to what action you think drivers will take?

Well duh, its not hard to imagine, really it isn't

[Hoofy]

blueg33 said:

WinstonWolf said:

No, I can't. As you said it please enlighten us as to what action you think drivers will take?

Well duh, its not hard to imagine, really it isn't

I don't think he read what I wrote carefully so thinks I'm an angry, cyclist-hating driver, and he thinks he's trying to bait me into threatening to do something to a cyclist because this is Twitter not PH.

FWIW, I regularly get overtaken by cyclists when driving through Richmond Park. It's quite funny. I might say hello to them next time.

[blueg33]

Hoofy said:

blueg33 said:

WinstonWolf said:

No, I can't. As you said it please enlighten us as to what action you think drivers will take?

Well duh, its not hard to imagine, really it isn't

I don't think he read what I wrote carefully so thinks I'm an angry, cyclist-hating driver, and he thinks he's trying to bait me into threatening to do something to a cyclist because this is Twitter not PH.

FWIW, I regularly get overtaken by cyclists when driving through Richmond Park. It's quite funny. I might say hello to them next time.

I think you are right. I was amused that he hadn't realised after so much backwards and forwards.

[johnxjsc1985]

Antony Moxey said:

Because there's the chance the horses'll be startled and either they, or worse their passengers, will be deposited on your bonnet.

as apposed to a cyclist through a windscreen which has happened to a couple of my friends. There is no excuse for a group of cyclists not to call a driver through they should simply move to single file and motion the driver through that way everyone knows whats going on. It used to be that way but now not so much and as much as cyclists manners have diminished Drivers have certainly not improved. It seems everyone is just angry on the road these days.

[Mr2Mike]

WinstonWolf said:

No, I can't. As you said it please enlighten us as to what action you think drivers will take?

Are all cyclists lacking in imagination to this extent? Got to be the impact of those narrow saddles on the brain area I guess.

[Mave]

Is this really what PH has become? I thread where dangerous driving is being supported at various points with a tacit nod and a wink; but the fingers are pointing at the bloke trying to get people to say what they think rather than the messages being spoken?

[WinstonWolf]

Hoofy said:

blueg33 said:

WinstonWolf said:

No, I can't. As you said it please enlighten us as to what action you think drivers will take?

Well duh, its not hard to imagine, really it isn't

I don't think he read what I wrote carefully so thinks I'm an angry, cyclist-hating driver, and he thinks he's trying to bait me into threatening to do something to a cyclist because this is Twitter not PH.

FWIW, I regularly get overtaken by cyclists when driving through Richmond Park. It's quite funny. I might say hello to them next time.

So it was just hot air....

I've got some bad news for you. In one week your morning commute will become massively congested and slow as the school run resumes. What action are you going to take against them?

Every time we drive other road users hold us up. Learn to deal with it or have a coronary as you sit in your tin box getting in a rage.

It's gonna get worse when we drive, not better.

[Antony Moxey]

Hoofy said:

WinstonWolf said:

Smokey32 said:

Next time just overtake the selfish lycra faggots. If they dont wanna go single file thats there problem.

Welcome to PH. You're an utter asshat...

As much as he is an asshat for suggesting people drive in such a manner, people WILL drive in this manner if cyclists don't behave in a more courteous manner.

People WILL take risks (well, they're not risky for the driver!), or squeeze by or consider letting a rear tyre rub against their bumper to fk up the cyclist's ability to ride or throw things at them or something else I haven't instantly thought of. The popularity of cycling as a sport is increasing and this will result in more people being annoyed. Most people are rational and sensible but more easily irritated people will take action at some point. The cyclist might be in the right and they might have the law on their side but the only way the law can protect them is if they cycle in an armoured shell made of law books at the moment of impact.

It's up to cyclists, really.

If I started doing yoga on the A3, I'm sure I'd catch a can of coke in the face if not a bumper.

If I'm cycling, I'll stick to cycle paths and try not to hold people up.

Edited by Hoofy on Saturday 27th August 19:01

Why is it always the cyclist that has to behave in a courteous manner, why can't the drivers? It's not up to cyclists, it's up to EVERYONE to behave appropriately and if that means waiting for a few extra seconds before passing then bloody wait, it's not going to kill you and you'll be back on the car in front's number plate in no time at all.

[AMG Merc]

Antony Moxey said:

Why is it always the cyclist that has to behave in a courteous manner, why can't the drivers? It's not up to cyclists, it's up to EVERYONE to behave appropriately and if that means waiting for a few extra seconds before passing then bloody wait, it's not going to kill you and you'll be back on the car in front's number plate in no time at all.

Sure but didn't OP say he had to wait 8 miles? Is this acceptable or safe in your book?

[FiF]

Antony Moxey said:

Why is it always the cyclist that has to behave in a courteous manner, why can't the drivers? It's not up to cyclists, it's up to EVERYONE to behave appropriately and if that means waiting for a few extra seconds before passing then bloody wait, it's not going to kill you and you'll be back on the car in front's number plate in no time at all.

Whilst I generally agree with that, then the bit I don't get is as follows, when a driver has been patient and waited for a suitable opportunity and made the effort to give space, only to be held up for some reason, why filter past them, back into a position where there isn't room to pass safely and make them do it all again. Rinse and repeat.

Surely all that does is deliberately increase risk, not least of alienating someone you don't know of unknown competence. As far as I'm concerned even if it happens twenty times there is no way would drive to deliberately put another at risk, but there are some significantly less patient and stable people out there.

And if your argument is, well instead of repeat overtakes and catching the vehicle in front up again, it isn't going to kill you to just wait a few seconds etc applies to drivers, then it applies to cyclists too.

Obviously you do it to make progress, and if there's going to be plenty of room up ahead, then fine, but it's where the overtake on the left to get in front again is clearly into a space restricted area with all the increased risks then why do it?

[blueg33]

WinstonWolf said:

Hoofy said:

blueg33 said:

WinstonWolf said:

No, I can't. As you said it please enlighten us as to what action you think drivers will take?

Well duh, its not hard to imagine, really it isn't

I don't think he read what I wrote carefully so thinks I'm an angry, cyclist-hating driver, and he thinks he's trying to bait me into threatening to do something to a cyclist because this is Twitter not PH.

FWIW, I regularly get overtaken by cyclists when driving through Richmond Park. It's quite funny. I might say hello to them next time.

So it was just hot air....

I've got some bad news for you. In one week your morning commute will become massively congested and slow as the school run resumes. What action are you going to take against them?

Every time we drive other road users hold us up. Learn to deal with it or have a coronary as you sit in your tin box getting in a rage.

It's gonna get worse when we drive, not better.

You have still totally missed the point about who may take action. Its not hoof, but there are all sorts of nasty road rage tosses who will think nothing of smacking inconsiderate cyclists like the ones this thread is about.

[Antony Moxey]

AMG Merc said:

Antony Moxey said:

Why is it always the cyclist that has to behave in a courteous manner, why can't the drivers? It's not up to cyclists, it's up to EVERYONE to behave appropriately and if that means waiting for a few extra seconds before passing then bloody wait, it's not going to kill you and you'll be back on the car in front's number plate in no time at all.

Sure but didn't OP say he had to wait 8 miles? Is this acceptable or safe in your book?

He did, but aside from whether that's entirely believable or not, the OP is using that one incident to tar all cyclists with the same brush which is entirely far more ridiculous than the notion that a couple of cyclists can hold you up for eight miles.

[Antony Moxey]

FiF said:

Antony Moxey said:

Why is it always the cyclist that has to behave in a courteous manner, why can't the drivers? It's not up to cyclists, it's up to EVERYONE to behave appropriately and if that means waiting for a few extra seconds before passing then bloody wait, it's not going to kill you and you'll be back on the car in front's number plate in no time at all.

Whilst I generally agree with that, then the bit I don't get is as follows, when a driver has been patient and waited for a suitable opportunity and made the effort to give space, only to be held up for some reason, why filter past them, back into a position where there isn't room to pass safely and make them do it all again. Rinse and repeat.

Surely all that does is deliberately increase risk, not least of alienating someone you don't know of unknown competence. As far as I'm concerned even if it happens twenty times there is no way would drive to deliberately put another at risk, but there are some significantly less patient and stable people out there.

And if your argument is, well instead of repeat overtakes and catching the vehicle in front up again, it isn't going to kill you to just wait a few seconds etc applies to drivers, then it applies to cyclists too.

Obviously you do it to make progress, and if there's going to be plenty of room up ahead, then fine, but it's where the overtake on the left to get in front again is clearly into a space restricted area with all the increased risks then why do it?

Ah sorry, you miss what I'm saying. I'm not on about the constant cycle of overtake, be overtaken etc etc, I'm on about someone who considers himself being held up because he's behind a cyclist for a few seconds, then races past 'eventually' only to catch up with something else soon after. As it is, the cyclist isn't really holding him up, he's just delaying his inevitable reaching the back of the next thing that's slower a bit that's all.

But we all appear to be going round in circles here. I genuinely don't think motorists are inconvenienced anywhere near as much as they claim and think that as both a driver and cyclist being overtaken or overtaking is just something you deal with pretty painlessly during the course of a day. I think the consequences of people cycling on the roads as a delay to motorists compared to other hold ups is negligible at best and genuinely wonder why people make such a song and dance about it.

Doesn't worry me if I get held up for a bit, I pass when I can and everyone's happy. Same as when I'm on my bike, people pass and off they go. It's not really that difficult is it? Not really.

[Mave]

FiF said:

Whilst I generally agree with that, then the bit I don't get is as follows, when a driver has been patient and waited for a suitable opportunity and made the effort to give space, only to be held up for some reason, why filter past them, back into a position where there isn't room to pass safely and make them do it all again. Rinse and repeat.

And if your argument is, well instead of repeat overtakes and catching the vehicle in front up again, it isn't going to kill you to just wait a few seconds etc applies to drivers, then it applies to cyclists too

If it's happening over and over again, doesn't that imply that the average speed of the bike is the same as the average speed of the car? In which case, why keep overtaking just to rush to the next set of lights or traffic jam?

[DoubleD]

Mave said:

FiF said:

Whilst I generally agree with that, then the bit I don't get is as follows, when a driver has been patient and waited for a suitable opportunity and made the effort to give space, only to be held up for some reason, why filter past them, back into a position where there isn't room to pass safely and make them do it all again. Rinse and repeat.

And if your argument is, well instead of repeat overtakes and catching the vehicle in front up again, it isn't going to kill you to just wait a few seconds etc applies to drivers, then it applies to cyclists too

If it's happening over and over again, doesn't that imply that the average speed of the bike is the same as the average speed of the car? In which case, why keep overtaking just to rush to the next set of lights or traffic jam?

Yeah thats true. In that situation once over taken you should just stay behind. Good point.