I think I'm done with road...
Discussion
highway said:
I find your view entirely predictable as befits someone unwilling to view any opinion or experience different to their own.
It’s because it’s absolute b
ks. If you’re driving in Surrey you’re being held up by other traffic far far more often. Weirdly you don’t highlight that, nor the assumption that drivers are always on their way to some crucially important job rather than also driving for leisure activities.
Funny how I don’t recall you being a passenger in my car last year. Or ever. You prove my point though, so well done.
I visit family in Surrey regularly. In the summer there are frequent tailbacks caused by bikes riding formation- which I accept they are entitled to do, exacerbated by nervous drivers not confident enough to be fully on the opposite carriageway in order to overtake.
Cyclists concerned here are enthusiasts, enjoying a hobby. It’s a shame so many can’t seek to show more consideration. Tractor drivers often pull over to allow queuing traffic to pass. If I was cycling with a group of pals I would be aware of traffic and if there was a queue behind us, we’d drop to single file.
In much the same way, if I’m walking with the Mrs along a canal path and someone on a bike approaches behind, we drop into single file to allow the pass. To do otherwise would be unreasonable. A lesson there for seasonal hero perhaps?
I visit family in Surrey regularly. In the summer there are frequent tailbacks caused by bikes riding formation- which I accept they are entitled to do, exacerbated by nervous drivers not confident enough to be fully on the opposite carriageway in order to overtake.
Cyclists concerned here are enthusiasts, enjoying a hobby. It’s a shame so many can’t seek to show more consideration. Tractor drivers often pull over to allow queuing traffic to pass. If I was cycling with a group of pals I would be aware of traffic and if there was a queue behind us, we’d drop to single file.
In much the same way, if I’m walking with the Mrs along a canal path and someone on a bike approaches behind, we drop into single file to allow the pass. To do otherwise would be unreasonable. A lesson there for seasonal hero perhaps?
highway said:
Funny how I don’t recall you being a passenger in my car last year. Or ever. You prove my point though, so well done.
I visit family in Surrey regularly. In the summer there are frequent tailbacks caused by bikes riding formation- which I accept they are entitled to do, exacerbated by nervous drivers not confident enough to be fully on the opposite carriageway in order to overtake.
Cyclists concerned here are enthusiasts, enjoying a hobby. It’s a shame so many can’t seek to show more consideration. Tractor drivers often pull over to allow queuing traffic to pass. If I was cycling with a group of pals I would be aware of traffic and if there was a queue behind us, we’d drop to single file.
In much the same way, if I’m walking with the Mrs along a canal path and someone on a bike approaches behind, we drop into single file to allow the pass. To do otherwise would be unreasonable. A lesson there for seasonal hero perhaps?
You make some assumptions here, the first of which is especially incorrect.I visit family in Surrey regularly. In the summer there are frequent tailbacks caused by bikes riding formation- which I accept they are entitled to do, exacerbated by nervous drivers not confident enough to be fully on the opposite carriageway in order to overtake.
Cyclists concerned here are enthusiasts, enjoying a hobby. It’s a shame so many can’t seek to show more consideration. Tractor drivers often pull over to allow queuing traffic to pass. If I was cycling with a group of pals I would be aware of traffic and if there was a queue behind us, we’d drop to single file.
In much the same way, if I’m walking with the Mrs along a canal path and someone on a bike approaches behind, we drop into single file to allow the pass. To do otherwise would be unreasonable. A lesson there for seasonal hero perhaps?
When I ride I ride solo. I ride with a radar which allows me to assess what's behind me, and wherever possible (if needed) I will wave cars past if I can see if's clear for them, or I'll take primary position to maintain my safety and I can't pull in to let them past. Does that make you happier? I have zero incentive to p
s off already entitled drivers who think they have a God-given right to make unimpeded progress but who seem strangely unbothered by the constant stops for traffic lights, roundabouts, parked cars and traffic jams. You neatly avoid the traffic point. So tell me, when you're regularly driving to Surrey are you ever held up by other drivers? If so have you stopped to make sure they're not on their way to or from some hobby, or shopping, or, like you, driving to see family? That being clearly not the case why are you not so exercised by that traffic in the same way? I live on the Surrey/Hants border, and because of my job I drive extensively in Surrey - almost always at the weekends, and very frequently around the Surrey Hills. I can count on the fingers of one hand the times I've been slowed for more than 30 seconds by cyclists. I can, however, tell you that I am almost always held up by other traffic.
lizardbrain said:
Beach is one option yes. Fattie ebike ideal for this
Nothing is risk free, but I would personally feel safer cycling without a helmet somewhere like a quiet gravel path (or Amsterdam city centre), vs a road with a helmet.
I believe the research into ABI in cities where < 5% of cyclists wear helmets due to well developed infrastructure, does back me up on this,
Safest of course is to wear a helmet at all times, no question.
Safer still would be to get an exercise bike and stay home. Pick your point on the scale
Fair enough, I was only going to say I stacked it on a slippery fire road last year on my gravel bike and cracked my helmet. Granted I was bombing it and being stupid but still, it's easily done.Nothing is risk free, but I would personally feel safer cycling without a helmet somewhere like a quiet gravel path (or Amsterdam city centre), vs a road with a helmet.
I believe the research into ABI in cities where < 5% of cyclists wear helmets due to well developed infrastructure, does back me up on this,
Safest of course is to wear a helmet at all times, no question.
Safer still would be to get an exercise bike and stay home. Pick your point on the scale
President Merkin said:
trails said:
can't beat riding in the woods; it's restorative 
Amen. Now if only the bEdited by trails on Monday 25th March 09:39
ds would dry out.
heebeegeetee said:
lrdisco said:
So much abuse towards drivers here. Have you never thought that we live on a small over crowded island and that people have high pressured time sensitive lives and your recreation/ hobby can cause delays to people.
I have thought, and dismissed it, because:Cycling isn't confined to the UK, and everything you've said applies elsewhere. Brits aren't the mot over crowded, nor any more time constrained nor more important than anyone else.
But Brit drivers do behave differently from the drivers I encounter in places like France/Spain/Germany/NL/Italy etc, Brit drivers can be absolute ar*eholes, they have a toxicity that I simply don't encounter elsewhere.
Re delays, my experience has been consistent for over 40 years - cyclists delay me for about 2 minutes per annum, other drivers delay me for many hours a year and it's getting ever worse and worse, but then I am a driver too so am doing the same as them.
Its weird the vitriol spewed on videos of cyclists coming a cropper, hoping they were killed or injured, for riding a bike ?
Some car drivers do think that they specially entitled because they pay some tax for using the roads, they go on about cyclists not paying it, STILL, part of me wishes we could pay it so they would STFU about it, but they wont so it would be pointless. Its so pathetic, usually middle aged and older men, a certain type who cant see why anyone would ride a bike once they were past 17. But, you cant moan about other races, sexualities or poke fun at trans people any more so cyclists are still safe ground.
Someone was wibbling about the crap cycle path they put in locally, apparently we should be fined if we dont use it, quarter of a mile of pavement crossing roads you would otherwise pass on the road, and its become overspill car parking for the Mosque opposite anyway, cant ride it as there are several hundred hybrid Toyotas plonked hither and thither. This present a quandry for the local frothers as they dont like Cyclists or Muslims.
I dont think the hatred is justified, rare get annoyed at a cyclist or a group, its mainly other drivers that cause me agro
lrdisco said:
So much abuse towards drivers here.
Really unsure how you've come to this conclusion? But if it makes you feel better, it sounds that there will be a few cars to add to the daily rush hour traffic jams, I'm going to give up using the pedal bike now for the car, more traffic for everyone, but atleast I have to worry less about becoming roadkill . Tim Cognito said:
Fair enough, I was only going to say I stacked it on a slippery fire road last year on my gravel bike and cracked my helmet. Granted I was bombing it and being stupid but still, it's easily done.
Yes it’s certainly always unsafe to rise at speed without a helmet in any setting. It’s also very unsafe to climb a ladder without a helmet. Im not sure it’s best, but either way my personal approach these days is to simply avoid the activity if it is dangerous enough to need a helmet.
I’ve cracked a helmet downhill mountain biking and I’m grateful to the helmet. But it was a bit of a wake up call that a helmet wasn’t going to be enough to compensate for my mismatched enthusiasm / ability
The move from Surrey (a human anthill) to Suffolk (tolerable human density) largely fixed things for me; I can easily plan routes on which I'll only meet the occasional car.
Much as I like the idea of MTB and gravel (I did a lot of the former in the 90s - because it was the 90s) the tarmac starts outside my house and I like setting off from the door rather than having a drive at each end. And no turbos, just no; like I say - the tarmac is just outside.
Also, I really enjoy it; a sunny day, decent tarmac under the wheels, the feeling that the bike is A* set-up and I'm passably fit - having dirt under my tires would scarcely improve the experience. Sure, you don't always get that, but then I've also had some fairly miserable MTB outings!
Much as I like the idea of MTB and gravel (I did a lot of the former in the 90s - because it was the 90s) the tarmac starts outside my house and I like setting off from the door rather than having a drive at each end. And no turbos, just no; like I say - the tarmac is just outside.
Also, I really enjoy it; a sunny day, decent tarmac under the wheels, the feeling that the bike is A* set-up and I'm passably fit - having dirt under my tires would scarcely improve the experience. Sure, you don't always get that, but then I've also had some fairly miserable MTB outings!
highway said:
Funny how I don’t recall you being a passenger in my car last year. Or ever. You prove my point though, so well done.
I visit family in Surrey regularly. In the summer there are frequent tailbacks caused by bikes riding formation- which I accept they are entitled to do, exacerbated by nervous drivers not confident enough to be fully on the opposite carriageway in order to overtake.
Cyclists concerned here are enthusiasts, enjoying a hobby. It’s a shame so many can’t seek to show more consideration. Tractor drivers often pull over to allow queuing traffic to pass. If I was cycling with a group of pals I would be aware of traffic and if there was a queue behind us, we’d drop to single file.
In much the same way, if I’m walking with the Mrs along a canal path and someone on a bike approaches behind, we drop into single file to allow the pass. To do otherwise would be unreasonable. A lesson there for seasonal hero perhaps?
You blotted your copybook at 3 abreast in your earlier post.I visit family in Surrey regularly. In the summer there are frequent tailbacks caused by bikes riding formation- which I accept they are entitled to do, exacerbated by nervous drivers not confident enough to be fully on the opposite carriageway in order to overtake.
Cyclists concerned here are enthusiasts, enjoying a hobby. It’s a shame so many can’t seek to show more consideration. Tractor drivers often pull over to allow queuing traffic to pass. If I was cycling with a group of pals I would be aware of traffic and if there was a queue behind us, we’d drop to single file.
In much the same way, if I’m walking with the Mrs along a canal path and someone on a bike approaches behind, we drop into single file to allow the pass. To do otherwise would be unreasonable. A lesson there for seasonal hero perhaps?
lrdisco said:
So much abuse towards drivers here. Have you never thought that we live on a small over crowded island and that people have high pressured time sensitive lives and your recreation/ hobby can cause delays to people.
People don’t see why you have to ride in groups 4 abreast on roads designed for a horse drawn carriage or at best a Morris Minor.
Yes you have the right to ride 4 abreast but your rights won’t get you far on a busy A road when 2.5 tons of SUV spreads you across the tarmac.
Try blaming the politicians who haven’t built cycle lanes.
Now as far as gravel path rides keep off routes where pedestrians are as cyclists seem to be the hooligans there. Are we seeing a bit of a pattern here that cyclists can’t seem to get on with anyone? Maybe cyclists are the problem and are the self absorbed ones?
Do
What an utter crock of sPeople don’t see why you have to ride in groups 4 abreast on roads designed for a horse drawn carriage or at best a Morris Minor.
Yes you have the right to ride 4 abreast but your rights won’t get you far on a busy A road when 2.5 tons of SUV spreads you across the tarmac.
Try blaming the politicians who haven’t built cycle lanes.
Now as far as gravel path rides keep off routes where pedestrians are as cyclists seem to be the hooligans there. Are we seeing a bit of a pattern here that cyclists can’t seem to get on with anyone? Maybe cyclists are the problem and are the self absorbed ones?
Do
t.Apart from anything else, drivers kill or seriously injure 85 people a day. Every day. Drivers get off scot free. Most of these "accidents" are avoidable.
Clarkson and co making it legit to "cock about in cars" hasn't helped.
Who rides 4 abreast?
The politicians are NOT the ones to blame, it's the tossers "in control" of their vehicles that are to blame.
Traffic volume doubling in 30 years also is part of the problem, as are fat lazy w
kers who drive everywhere when they could walk, take the bus, or yes, ride a bike.Not all cycling is recreation/hobby.
If you have passed your driving test, please hand your licence in and take another. You don't seem to be enough of a human being to be allowed behind the wheel of a car.
AmyRichardson said:
The move from Surrey (a human anthill) to Suffolk (tolerable human density) largely fixed things for me; I can easily plan routes on which I'll only meet the occasional car.
Much as I like the idea of MTB and gravel (I did a lot of the former in the 90s - because it was the 90s) the tarmac starts outside my house and I like setting off from the door rather than having a drive at each end. And no turbos, just no; like I say - the tarmac is just outside.
Also, I really enjoy it; a sunny day, decent tarmac under the wheels, the feeling that the bike is A* set-up and I'm passably fit - having dirt under my tires would scarcely improve the experience. Sure, you don't always get that, but then I've also had some fairly miserable MTB outings!
And one of my favourite forms of riding is going to someplace far away under my own steam. Gravel is fine for a bit, I actually did about 20-30K of gravel on my longest ever ride, the Moonrakers and Sunseekers audax. But 150K of gravel would be an entirely different proposition, never mind 300K.Much as I like the idea of MTB and gravel (I did a lot of the former in the 90s - because it was the 90s) the tarmac starts outside my house and I like setting off from the door rather than having a drive at each end. And no turbos, just no; like I say - the tarmac is just outside.
Also, I really enjoy it; a sunny day, decent tarmac under the wheels, the feeling that the bike is A* set-up and I'm passably fit - having dirt under my tires would scarcely improve the experience. Sure, you don't always get that, but then I've also had some fairly miserable MTB outings!
The first 150K of that ride was basically bashing down A roads overnight, and was brilliant for progress.
The last audax-class ride I did was just under 200 km up to London. It was almost entirely A road (the lions share being the A30), and given the shape I was in generally (I honestly thought I'd be catching the train home from Salisbury at about 50k!), I doubt I'd have made it if I'd tried using minor roads - it would have been both further, and harder work.
Daveyraveygravey said:
Apart from anything else, drivers kill or seriously injure 85 people a day. Every day. Drivers get off scot free. Most of these "accidents" are avoidable.
As a driver you break the law everyday with zero consequences. But if you cannot beat them, just join them. Life is too short (and flesh too soft compared to a car). Tim Cognito said:
lizardbrain said:
I also. enjoy not wearing a helmet, so gravitate to riding where that is a reasonable option.
Cycling is actually safe. There was 34 million miles done on Boris Bikes before the first fatality.
https://understandinguncertainty.org/fatality-risk...
So it is safe for the average rider. Put a bit of thought into your riding and be better than average and it is even safer.
irc said:
I don't wear a helmet when cycling. I have decades of commuting and touring including three times across the USA without an injury accident.
Cycling is actually safe. There was 34 million miles done on Boris Bikes before the first fatality.
https://understandinguncertainty.org/fatality-risk...
So it is safe for the average rider. Put a bit of thought into your riding and be better than average and it is even safer.
I wouldn’t fancy riding a Boris bike at 30mph down a mountain pass though. Cycling is actually safe. There was 34 million miles done on Boris Bikes before the first fatality.
https://understandinguncertainty.org/fatality-risk...
So it is safe for the average rider. Put a bit of thought into your riding and be better than average and it is even safer.
Takes a bit of experience to know what’s safe. So my kid has a blanket helmet rule
Part of the problem is there are not many options for safe leisure road cycling out the door in Uk for most people, so people tend to stretch out into the b roads, and range invites in all kinds of risk. Pressure to speed up through sections when cars are up your ass for instance.
much more likely there are some old railway paths or mossy trails you can potter along at Boris bike speeds
Edited by lizardbrain on Monday 25th March 14:40
irc said:
I don't wear a helmet when cycling. I have decades of commuting and touring including three times across the USA without an injury accident.
Cycling is actually safe. There was 34 million miles done on Boris Bikes before the first fatality.
https://understandinguncertainty.org/fatality-risk...
So it is safe for the average rider. Put a bit of thought into your riding and be better than average and it is even safer.
I don't really want to go off in that direction but tourists pootling round at 5mph is quite different to what I'd assume most people get up to on bikes of a weekend.Cycling is actually safe. There was 34 million miles done on Boris Bikes before the first fatality.
https://understandinguncertainty.org/fatality-risk...
So it is safe for the average rider. Put a bit of thought into your riding and be better than average and it is even safer.
Congratulations on your safety record.
Got a road bike after years of mountainbiking and it's mega stressful being on the road with cars - weird obsession with overtaking cyclists regardless of what's happening on the road ahead. Really feels like people are driving looking not more than 5 meters ahead.
The cycle lanes with the posts in them don't make me feel particularly safe either as they are just more obstacles to be aware of, while still managing to spit you out into the main road at the worst spots.
The cycle lanes with the posts in them don't make me feel particularly safe either as they are just more obstacles to be aware of, while still managing to spit you out into the main road at the worst spots.
Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff