Cyclists (or drivers ) daily instances of blatant stupidity
Discussion
We all are dragged into a discussion sometimes,this cyclists v cars (or anything else) debate is gaining prevalence now,I have my own views of who is at fault so I thought I would start a daily diary of instances so we can get a view after a few pages of where the blame may lie or a common causal factor.
I will throw my hat into the ring starting today.Sunday the 24th November.
1. Whilst driving around the country lanes this morning two lycra clad cyclists came at me head on two abreast going as fast as they possibly can on my side of the road ,causing much hand gesticulation and foul language from them at me. I even slowed down to a crawl had no where to go,this isn't the first time.
2. Latter part of same journey this morning on Southend sea front a fully loaded Renault Espace people carrier slowing to turn left into a car park lycra clad cyclist is along side and undertakes people carrier,driver jams on brakes and sounds horn just averting an accident (more by luck as cyclist was alongside).Cyclist looks round usual v signs shouts out W+++ker (instead of sorry)cycles of up road (not using cycle path especially marked out and costing hundreds of thousands of pounds)shaking his head.
My feeling is cyclists should go no further than the rear bumper of the vehicle in front especially when at a junction ,its stupidity IMHO to assume being so hard to spot you will always be seen by a left turning vehicle negotiating a junction or entrance especially when cyclist is approaching to undertake at 20-25mph.Most of the fatalities appear from TV coverage recently to be derived from one of these scenarios.
I will throw my hat into the ring starting today.Sunday the 24th November.
1. Whilst driving around the country lanes this morning two lycra clad cyclists came at me head on two abreast going as fast as they possibly can on my side of the road ,causing much hand gesticulation and foul language from them at me. I even slowed down to a crawl had no where to go,this isn't the first time.
2. Latter part of same journey this morning on Southend sea front a fully loaded Renault Espace people carrier slowing to turn left into a car park lycra clad cyclist is along side and undertakes people carrier,driver jams on brakes and sounds horn just averting an accident (more by luck as cyclist was alongside).Cyclist looks round usual v signs shouts out W+++ker (instead of sorry)cycles of up road (not using cycle path especially marked out and costing hundreds of thousands of pounds)shaking his head.
My feeling is cyclists should go no further than the rear bumper of the vehicle in front especially when at a junction ,its stupidity IMHO to assume being so hard to spot you will always be seen by a left turning vehicle negotiating a junction or entrance especially when cyclist is approaching to undertake at 20-25mph.Most of the fatalities appear from TV coverage recently to be derived from one of these scenarios.
Edited by Gary11 on Sunday 24th November 11:25
MarkK said:
Are you intending to include mistakes and infractions that you make whilst using the roads?
Yes can do no problem,(I cycle myself BTW and have a motor bike).I had two further instances involving group racing with no lights 2-3 abreast last week that actually was nearly violent on Leigh Hill but thought I'd start today. It will be an honest reflection of what I see or do wrong myself if that helps.
I know its a bit tedious but 6 deaths gets my attention and is better to discuss than yawn IMHO.
Edited by Gary11 on Sunday 24th November 11:36
Let me guess how well this thread is going to for the OP...
My most recent one was encountering a cyclist near Dorking riding on the wrong side of a country lane.
I assumed this was a momentary blip, so waited a moment but they stayed on the right, so I went round them.
Cue being given the w
ker sign.
My most recent one was encountering a cyclist near Dorking riding on the wrong side of a country lane.
I assumed this was a momentary blip, so waited a moment but they stayed on the right, so I went round them.
Cue being given the w
ker sign.1. Whilst riding my motorbike around the country lanes this morning an MX5 coming towards me as fast as he can, drifting on to my side of the road. I jam on brakes and sound horn just averting an accident (more by luck as car hadn't seen me). Driver looks round usual v signs shouts out W+++ker (instead of sorry) drives of up road (not using motorway especially built and costing millions of pounds)shaking his head.
banteredbiker said:
1. Whilst riding my motorbike around the country lanes this morning an MX5 coming towards me as fast as he can, drifting on to my side of the road. I jam on brakes and sound horn just averting an accident (more by luck as car hadn't seen me). Driver looks round usual v signs shouts out W+++ker (instead of sorry) drives of up road (not using motorway especially built and costing millions of pounds)shaking his head.
So very funny I anticipated and am not interested in your stupid reply,the cycle path was the 2nd incident to avoid confusion and incorrect rhetoric try to be factual.If drivers need to be aware of an increasing danger then educate them to the needs of the cyclist,however the cyclist still needs to obey the HWC though and not undertake,the journey wont take much longer.Blame the motorist always like on the continent it wont change the death rate.
FWIW the cyclists do actually race on the bit of PUBLIC country lane in the first instance, I have just been advised they use it as the last timed stage in their silly races hence they get so irate when a motorist causes them to have to slow down hence ruining their "Lap".
I must admit that I find it strange that you can have a cycle race on a public road with the full blessing of the law, yet racing a motor vehicle is prohibited on the public highway. I refer in particular to a section of the A1 around St Neots which regularly gets used for this, I'm surprised no one has been killed.
shovelheadrob said:
I must admit that I find it strange that you can have a cycle race on a public road with the full blessing of the law, yet racing a motor vehicle is prohibited on the public highway. I refer in particular to a section of the A1 around St Neots which regularly gets used for this, I'm surprised no one has been killed.
Cycle racing is banned by the law. If you want a full race you need Police support ala Tour of Britain etcHOWEVER, Time Trials are allowed and whilst "Sportives" aren't races, they do time you so it's a loophole. I do agree that some people get too competitive and ride with disdain for other road users. And that helps no one
sandman77 said:
Do we really need another one of these pointless posts?
Some cyclists are dicks. Some car drivers are dicks.
End of thread or should I get my pitchfork and join the cause?
In respect of lifesavers and left turns I think its a worthwhile cause if this post just makes a motorist look in his mirror or a cyclist not undertake then it may have saved serious a injury hence worth it IMHO.Do what you want with your pitchfork lolSome cyclists are dicks. Some car drivers are dicks.
End of thread or should I get my pitchfork and join the cause?
Edited by Gary11 on Sunday 24th November 13:25
Greg66 said:
Gary11 said:
two lycra clad cyclists
lycra clad cyclist
Yeah. I always find that it's super important to relate what other road users were wearing too. Adds so much to the tale. lycra clad cyclist
It is the only context anyone used the word "clad" outside of boilers and naff stone rendering, it just sounds a bit Daily Mail.
Gary11 said:
Well it obviously does as they are clearly racing by definition not little old ladies on shopping bikes,quite easy to grasp really.
Racing? The solo cyclist on Southend sea front was racing? Who? If you go for a run, or go to the gym, or go skiing, or play football, do you (a)you wear your regular jeans and a shirt combo, or (b) wear some kit that's appropriate for the activity?
Just ask yourself why cyclists wear lycra. It sure as hell isn't because they (me included) think it's a flattering look. So why do you think they wear it?
Then once you've figured out why they wear ultra thin kit whilst riding at quite fast speeds on the road, go do a google images search for Johnny Hoogerland. And read about how he got back on his bike and finished the stage.
Greg66 said:
Racing? The solo cyclist on Southend sea front was racing? Who?
If you go for a run, or go to the gym, or go skiing, or play football, do you (a)you wear your regular jeans and a shirt combo, or (b) wear some kit that's appropriate for the activity?
Just ask yourself why cyclists wear lycra. It sure as hell isn't because they (me included) think it's a flattering look. So why do you think they wear it?
Then once you've figured out why they wear ultra thin kit whilst riding at quite fast speeds on the road, go do a google images search for Johnny Hoogerland. And read about how he got back on his bike and finished the stage.
He had his head down arse in the air was on a racing bike with clipons and helmet, teeth gnashed tightly together like he was constipated as they do when going as fast as possible,this approaching a car park filter lane and pedestrian crossing and junction just before the Kursaal.If I hadn't seen it I wouldn't have posted this.I used to race for Southend county wheelers so know the drill regarding road skills and racing on the road and its own dangers,no place for it nowdays the roads are an angry congested place,I wanted this to be objective and based on experience not the usual anti one or the other crap but hey ho fill your boots.If you go for a run, or go to the gym, or go skiing, or play football, do you (a)you wear your regular jeans and a shirt combo, or (b) wear some kit that's appropriate for the activity?
Just ask yourself why cyclists wear lycra. It sure as hell isn't because they (me included) think it's a flattering look. So why do you think they wear it?
Then once you've figured out why they wear ultra thin kit whilst riding at quite fast speeds on the road, go do a google images search for Johnny Hoogerland. And read about how he got back on his bike and finished the stage.
Edited by Gary11 on Sunday 24th November 13:34
I must admit I followed a Lycra clad guy coming into Perth, he was moving on, going faster than me, (I was driving the car), I was a little disappointed that he didn't use the cycle lane and had no intension of using it, unless undertaking vehicles.
No denying this guy was pretty good. But it does show the competitive streak they seem to have. Incredibly focused on themselves getting from A to B as quickly as possible with very little regard for others.
I'm not gonna bother talking about three/four abreast racer packs. This subject of cyclists really does seem to come up way too often.
No denying this guy was pretty good. But it does show the competitive streak they seem to have. Incredibly focused on themselves getting from A to B as quickly as possible with very little regard for others.
I'm not gonna bother talking about three/four abreast racer packs. This subject of cyclists really does seem to come up way too often.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff