That's it, I am no longer defending Cyclists!
Discussion
I just don't see the point of those threads although perhaps I shouldn't take part then. As a driver I extremely rarely get annoyed by cyclists. But it happened last week, the two abreast thing. But in retrospect I then totally saw the point : we were approaching a very tight blind corner littered with potholes. They were two abreast as a defensive move which made sense both for their safety and the overtaking drivers'. It would have been pointless and dangerous to overtake, particularly if they were not 2 abreast but in file. I wasted around 8 seconds behind them (but got stuck behind traffic right after that). As I drove past once they had gone single file they thanked and gave a thumbs up. I can see why an impatient driver could have got in a mood and I did for a couple of seconds prior to reading the road's configuration as I was probably focused on the riders than on the corner 50 yards ahead.
For once I rode on the road for about 10 miles today on the way to a mtb spot : a couple of marginal passes but overall excellent consideration from drivers.
This sounds like two very boring stories but my point is, there really doesn't seem to be a problem unless you're really desperate to find one.
For once I rode on the road for about 10 miles today on the way to a mtb spot : a couple of marginal passes but overall excellent consideration from drivers.
This sounds like two very boring stories but my point is, there really doesn't seem to be a problem unless you're really desperate to find one.
Have we seen peak cycling.
The Guardian said:
The decline of high street bike shops, at a time when people are being encouraged to be healthier and to reduce their car use, reflects a wider problem: despite millions of pounds being spent in recent years promoting cycling, the number of people using bikes has remained largely static.
In 2017, 14% of respondents to a national survey said they cycled at least once a week. One fifth also said they cycled, but less often than that. Two out of three, though, reported that they cycled less than once a year, or never. Those figures have hardly changed since 2003, according to Cycling UK, largely because the younger generation think cycling “is too scary”.
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/jan/12/millenials-cycle-shop-closuresIn 2017, 14% of respondents to a national survey said they cycled at least once a week. One fifth also said they cycled, but less often than that. Two out of three, though, reported that they cycled less than once a year, or never. Those figures have hardly changed since 2003, according to Cycling UK, largely because the younger generation think cycling “is too scary”.
anonymous said:
[redacted]
No there is no proven demand. I believe central government gives the council funds as long as they are spent on cycling infrastructure. If councils don't spend it they probably lose it.
The problem is that government and councils work on the "build it and they will come" principle. Which any sensible person will tell you is a sure fire way to waste money. You should establish if there is a demand first.
Bucks council (presumably) have wasted a load of money putting a cycle track beside the A413 south from Buckingham. I have never seen cyclists use it or on the A413.
It would be far better if government/councils spent the money on filling in the potholes. This would benefit both cyclists and motorists.
colonel c said:
Have we seen peak cycling.
Or maybe "millenials" find the parts online for much cheaper, and watch a youtube video on how to assemble the bike? Its not that hard.The Guardian said:
The decline of high street bike shops, at a time when people are being encouraged to be healthier and to reduce their car use, reflects a wider problem: despite millions of pounds being spent in recent years promoting cycling, the number of people using bikes has remained largely static.
In 2017, 14% of respondents to a national survey said they cycled at least once a week. One fifth also said they cycled, but less often than that. Two out of three, though, reported that they cycled less than once a year, or never. Those figures have hardly changed since 2003, according to Cycling UK, largely because the younger generation think cycling “is too scary”.
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/jan/12/millenials-cycle-shop-closuresIn 2017, 14% of respondents to a national survey said they cycled at least once a week. One fifth also said they cycled, but less often than that. Two out of three, though, reported that they cycled less than once a year, or never. Those figures have hardly changed since 2003, according to Cycling UK, largely because the younger generation think cycling “is too scary”.
Killboy said:
colonel c said:
Have we seen peak cycling.
Or maybe "millenials" find the parts online for much cheaper, and watch a youtube video on how to assemble the bike? Its not that hard.The Guardian said:
The decline of high street bike shops, at a time when people are being encouraged to be healthier and to reduce their car use, reflects a wider problem: despite millions of pounds being spent in recent years promoting cycling, the number of people using bikes has remained largely static.
In 2017, 14% of respondents to a national survey said they cycled at least once a week. One fifth also said they cycled, but less often than that. Two out of three, though, reported that they cycled less than once a year, or never. Those figures have hardly changed since 2003, according to Cycling UK, largely because the younger generation think cycling “is too scary”.
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/jan/12/millenials-cycle-shop-closuresIn 2017, 14% of respondents to a national survey said they cycled at least once a week. One fifth also said they cycled, but less often than that. Two out of three, though, reported that they cycled less than once a year, or never. Those figures have hardly changed since 2003, according to Cycling UK, largely because the younger generation think cycling “is too scary”.
Not worth getting paralysed or killed over a hobby when I have a mortgage to pay.
I'm 40 so not a millennial.
colonel c said:
More the market forces of on-line retailers tbhyellowjack said:
Based upon this unchallengable scientific evidence, from a sample size of two individuals out of tens of thousands, "that's it, I am no longer defending drivers..." as they're clearly ALL a bunch of arrogant, ignorant pricks...
Whilst not agreeing with the OP and accepting your point; what the OP actually said was "I am normally one to defend cyclists on the roads, but last night tipped me over the edge"So not I have seen 2 which made me think this, he said that this was the final straw and he was no longer defending us. This is concerning for all cyclists, but the reaction is to go confrontational, which will just alienate them further. Already the majority of the public want number plates, compulsory testing and harsher penalties for cyclists all of which would be a terrible thing and discourage cycling which is already on the decline. We can continue to attack this and say it wouldn't work etc etc but also there needs to be a willingness to share the road and change of perception. Asserting unpopular rights which the majority don't use or support is a good way to lose those rights.
There is way less justification for horses on the road but (with some exceptions) there seems to be far more tolerance and that could be something to learn from.
Edited by Graveworm on Monday 14th January 16:16
Johnnytheboy said:
Horse riders are much politer as a norm, and - crucially - usually look much better in tight clothing.
Probably because the average motorist is more fearful of a 2 ton lump of animal landing on their car and doesn’t treat them with the same contempt that is reserved for cyclists? yonex said:
Johnnytheboy said:
Horse riders are much politer as a norm, and - crucially - usually look much better in tight clothing.
Probably because the average motorist is more fearful of a 2 ton lump of animal landing on their car and doesn’t treat them with the same contempt that is reserved for cyclists? 
yonex said:
Probably because the average motorist is more fearful of a 2 ton lump of animal landing on their car and doesn’t treat them with the same contempt that is reserved for cyclists?
It's because it's very unlikely that having been patient and given the horse a wide berth and passed it with care, that it will then fly down the inside of the motorist at the next traffic stop so the whole manoeuvre can be repeated.
yonex said:
Finlandia said:
That's a big horse 
Horse plus rider, they’re about equal around these parts, mostly absolute munters The point is the usual suspects would give a horse more room than a cyclist.
The other's a horse.
Carrot said:
Killboy said:
colonel c said:
Have we seen peak cycling.
Or maybe "millenials" find the parts online for much cheaper, and watch a youtube video on how to assemble the bike? Its not that hard.The Guardian said:
The decline of high street bike shops, at a time when people are being encouraged to be healthier and to reduce their car use, reflects a wider problem: despite millions of pounds being spent in recent years promoting cycling, the number of people using bikes has remained largely static.
In 2017, 14% of respondents to a national survey said they cycled at least once a week. One fifth also said they cycled, but less often than that. Two out of three, though, reported that they cycled less than once a year, or never. Those figures have hardly changed since 2003, according to Cycling UK, largely because the younger generation think cycling “is too scary”.
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/jan/12/millenials-cycle-shop-closuresIn 2017, 14% of respondents to a national survey said they cycled at least once a week. One fifth also said they cycled, but less often than that. Two out of three, though, reported that they cycled less than once a year, or never. Those figures have hardly changed since 2003, according to Cycling UK, largely because the younger generation think cycling “is too scary”.
Not worth getting paralysed or killed over a hobby when I have a mortgage to pay.
I'm 40 so not a millennial.
but do you know what- its a case of riding a bit slower, a bit more alert, don't have headphones on (so you can hear whats coming up behind you), make sure you've got decent lights and some kit that means you can be seen.
personally I think cyclists on black bikes, head to toe in black, with some joke of a micro LED light are on borrowed time (and bell ends TBH).
but I'll keep wearing my helmet- it keeps my hat on, my head warm, flies, branches and other junk from my eyes/head and probably means if I do have an accident, I'll come home to my wife and children.
But I do cycle a lot safer now (in my 40's) than when I was in my 20's. probably like my driving. I'm less of a dic head !!! But surely, aren't we all like that.
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