Cycling two abreast....agree or not?

[Ares]

Falconer said:

“proper” cyclists would rather die than use a cycle path, which unfortunately done do.

You are wrong....even with allowance for the typo and somewhat crass conclusion.

[will_]

jakesmith said:

I don’t think it’s unreasonable to want to drive at the speed limit of a road rather than being forced to slow down by a load of people for no other reason than so they can have a conversation. Not sure why that’s a reflection on my ability as a driver. Can’t really put it any other way and if you don’t think that’s inconsiderate and entitled of them then I suggest you look up what those words mean.

That's not what you said. You were complaining that cyclists not using a "perfectly good" cycle path were stopping you from speeding and holding you up. I've explained why that is nonsense in the example that you cited.

And, as I said above, the reality is that you're not being held up by cyclists along there because of all the traffic caused by cars.

[jakesmith]

blade7 said:

I usually do around 1k miles a year mostly off road on a mountain bike, would I ps off someone in a car to 'command the road' on a bike, would I fk.

Thank you very much you’re the only person on this website who has a bit of decency and common sense to boot. You can do 1200kms a year if you like - fine by me!

[Ares]

jakesmith said:

will_ said:

If you mean Priory Lane, then I'm afraid you are wrong on every count.

And it's a 20mph road - realistically most of the cyclists heading to the park won't be doing much less than that.

And "parasites"....nice.

‘Much less than that’, Just about sums up the entitled arrogant thinking of these obnoxious arrogant cyclists.

???? How does saying "realistically most of the cyclists heading to the park won't be doing much less than that" make cyclists obnoxious [and] arrogant?

We've established you're a bit hard of thinking, but that's tenuous even for you??

[AC43]

Anyway, back to the point, I cycle a lot and I drive a lot and find people on road bikes (becuse it's always road bikes) riding two abreast or even three abreast really irritating.

To me, it's inconsiderate to other road users - specifically the folks that can't pass safely.

I've never done it myself on a bike on the open road and don't understand why people think it's a reasonable thing to do.

Off road or on trails fill yer boots. But on roads with cars, vans, buses, trucks, really?

[jakesmith]

Ares said:

jakesmith said:

will_ said:

If you mean Priory Lane, then I'm afraid you are wrong on every count.

And it's a 20mph road - realistically most of the cyclists heading to the park won't be doing much less than that.

And "parasites"....nice.

‘Much less than that’, Just about sums up the entitled arrogant thinking of these obnoxious arrogant cyclists.

???? How does saying "realistically most of the cyclists heading to the park won't be doing much less than that" make cyclists obnoxious [and] arrogant?

We've established you're a bit hard of thinking, but that's tenuous even for you??

Another one who can’t make a point without resorting to childish insults. It’s a shame.

[Ares]

jakesmith said:

RobM77 said:

jakesmith said:

will_ said:

If you mean Priory Lane, then I'm afraid you are wrong on every count.

And it's a 20mph road - realistically most of the cyclists heading to the park won't be doing much less than that.

And "parasites"....nice.

‘Much less than that’, Just about sums up the entitled arrogant thinking of these obnoxious arrogant cyclists.

They’re only holding cars up a little bit so they can guffaw and shout at each other, plus they’re practically enforcing the speed limit too against those nasty car owners who might dare to drive at 21mph. Of course the cyclists have no idea whether they are actually adhering to the speed limit that they are helping to enforce.

That cycle lane is perfectly good enough and was put in place at expense for their use bit of course, you know best don’t you. Bit dusty is it? It is you who is wrong on every count. You remind me of that spoiled child who was given a truck for his birthday but it wasn’t good enough so he smashed it up instead. Get a grip. Watch this and change your life.

https://youtu.be/9s8XilZa2WY

As above, if your driving skills don't extend to dealing with other road users, such as horses, cyclists, pedestrians (where there's no pavement), tractors etc, then you shouldn't be driving. Roads are paid for out of general taxation for the use of everyone, and the Highway Code is written in a way that allows us all to integrate, so if you follow it, there shouldn't be a problem. You do not own the roads just because you're in a car.

Momentarily slowing to 20mph shouldn't actually be a big deal. You should be doing that regularly anyway when you see an unstable pensioner waiting at a level crossing, a toddler running along the pavement, or an animal at the side of the road. Speed limits are not a target, they're a limit.

Regarding cycle lanes, 'dust' is not the issue. Roads regularly get broken glass, sharp rocks, rubbish etc thrown to their edges, and these are unsafe to cycle on. Again, as per the Highway Code, all road users (yes, even you) will occasionally have to deviate to go round things and stay safe, and you should be accounting for this in your driving.

With the greatest respect, try reading the actual post rather than windmilling in with a load of irrelevant guff.

Worried he's rivalling you in the 'talking bks" stakes? Don't worry, you're ahead in a league of one.

[Ares]

jakesmith said:

RobM77 said:

jakesmith said:

RobM77 said:

jakesmith said:

will_ said:

If you mean Priory Lane, then I'm afraid you are wrong on every count.

And it's a 20mph road - realistically most of the cyclists heading to the park won't be doing much less than that.

And "parasites"....nice.

‘Much less than that’, Just about sums up the entitled arrogant thinking of these obnoxious arrogant cyclists.

They’re only holding cars up a little bit so they can guffaw and shout at each other, plus they’re practically enforcing the speed limit too against those nasty car owners who might dare to drive at 21mph. Of course the cyclists have no idea whether they are actually adhering to the speed limit that they are helping to enforce.

That cycle lane is perfectly good enough and was put in place at expense for their use bit of course, you know best don’t you. Bit dusty is it? It is you who is wrong on every count. You remind me of that spoiled child who was given a truck for his birthday but it wasn’t good enough so he smashed it up instead. Get a grip. Watch this and change your life.

https://youtu.be/9s8XilZa2WY

As above, if your driving skills don't extend to dealing with other road users, such as horses, cyclists, pedestrians (where there's no pavement), tractors etc, then you shouldn't be driving. Roads are paid for out of general taxation for the use of everyone, and the Highway Code is written in a way that allows us all to integrate, so if you follow it, there shouldn't be a problem. You do not own the roads just because you're in a car.

Momentarily slowing to 20mph shouldn't actually be a big deal. You should be doing that regularly anyway when you see an unstable pensioner waiting at a level crossing, a toddler running along the pavement, or an animal at the side of the road. Speed limits are not a target, they're a limit.

Regarding cycle lanes, 'dust' is not the issue. Roads regularly get broken glass, sharp rocks, rubbish etc thrown to their edges, and these are unsafe to cycle on. Again, as per the Highway Code, all road users (yes, even you) will occasionally have to deviate to go round things and stay safe, and you should be accounting for this in your driving.

With the greatest respect, try reading the actual post rather than windmilling in with a load of irrelevant guff.

I read your post carefully a couple of times before responding. What makes you think otherwise?

The fact that I said the road is usually too busy with traffic coming the opposite way to pass cyclists in a car, forcing road users, many of whom are not out for leisure but actually trying to go somewhere, to sit for 2 miles at a lower speed than necessary, so some cyclists can enjoy their leisure activity, whilst there’s a perfectly good cycle lane that sits unused I guess. I’m perfectly capable of overtaking a bike safely thanks.

Nothing against cyclists. Everything against inconsiderate road users who’s use of the road impacts others. On this road the cyclists exhibit utterly selfish behaviour.

That'll be the 20mph limit...which isn't that difficult to cycle at...?

[RobM77]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

[Ares]

J4CKO said:

These are "The Rules",

https://www.velominati.com/

This is rule 66

"No mirrors. Mirrors are allowed on your (aptly named) Surly Big Dummy or your Surly Long Haul Trucker. Not on your road steed. Not on your Mountain bike. Not on your helmet. If someone familiar with The Rules has sold you such an abomination, return the mirror and demand a refund, plus interest and damages."

Which to me is fking stupid, why would you actively dissuade other cyclists from getting a safety item based on some arbitrary set of rules, mainly centered on looking like a "proper cyclist", the thing is, its kind of tongue in cheek but some do follow it to the letter.

They cost about a tenner and can be a life saver, some may say it makes you look a tit, but lets have it right, you are dressing in skin tight Lycra with a plastic hat on and shoes you cant walk in, a little mirror isnt going to ruin all that good work on looking a plonker.

The rules are 100% humour......

[Ares]

Castrol for a knave said:

ddom said:

J4CKO said:

https://www.velominati.com/.

This, along with the all the other hipster crap I just will never get. Velominati, is just embarrassing.

They are so far up their collective arse, even David Millar thinks they're posturing fannies.

You need to read them as light-entertainment, and engage a sense of humour before reading. It's why some on here get annoyed by them...

[RobM77]

jakesmith said:

will_ said:

jakesmith said:

will_ said:

If you mean Priory Lane, then I'm afraid you are wrong on every count.

And it's a 20mph road - realistically most of the cyclists heading to the park won't be doing much less than that.

And "parasites"....nice.

‘Much less than that’, Just about sums up the entitled arrogant thinking of these obnoxious arrogant cyclists.

They’re only holding cars up a little bit so they can guffaw and shout at each other, plus they’re practically enforcing the speed limit too against those nasty car owners who might dare to drive at 21mph. Of course the cyclists have no idea whether they are actually adhering to the speed limit that they are helping to enforce.

That cycle lane is perfectly good enough and was put in place at expense for their use bit of course, you know best don’t you. Bit dusty is it? It is you who is wrong on every count. You remind me of that spoiled child who was given a truck for his birthday but it wasn’t good enough so he smashed it up instead. Get a grip. Watch this and change your life.

https://youtu.be/9s8XilZa2WY

Gosh, what an odd reaction. No wonder you're so angry all the time.

What you said was:

jakesmith said:

That cycle lane leading to the Mortlake entrance to Richmond Park is about 2 miles long and has hardly any junctions. Separate to the road, it is barely used by cyclists who swarm in large groups like the parasites they are, and there is often too much oncoming traffic to pass them. It is frustrating! But I’m not the bloke in the Landrover who lost his st with one in that viral clip

As I said, you are wrong on every count:
It's not 2 miles long - it's just over half a mile
There are eight junctions or crossings along it
It's not "barely used"

As for it being "perfectly good enough":
It is a white line painted down a pavement shared with pedestrians, including (at the morning peak) children walking (and cycling) to the school at the end of the road
It is supposedly two-way
As noted above, it has eight crossings on it

You're clearly not a cyclist so your opinion on whether or not a facility for cyclists is good or not has very little weight.

As for being held up, again you show a lack of rational thought. The traffic along there is usually appalling because of - you guessed it - all the cars queuing to get into the park. That's in turn caused by - you guessed it - parked cars on the road. It has a 20mph limit, as does Richmond Park. How fast do you want to be going?

You're going to sit in a long line of cars, caused solely by motorists (like you), way after any cyclist has passed you. It's a complete myth to suggest that cyclists using the road rather than that sorry excuse for a cycling facility causes drivers any delay whatsoever.

But you are desperate to speed to the back of the next queue of cars? Why?

I don’t think it’s unreasonable to want to drive at the speed limit of a road rather than being forced to slow down by a load of people for no other reason than so they can have a conversation. Not sure why that’s a reflection on my ability as a driver. Can’t really put it any other way and if you don’t think that’s inconsiderate and entitled of them then I suggest you look up what those words mean.

No, it is unreasonable. The speed limit is a limit, not a target. What if you meet a tractor or a slow lorry? The roads are for use by everyone.

[Ares]

jakesmith said:

Ares said:

jakesmith said:

Ares said:

Road cycling is fine if you pick your roads. I avoid busy roads, and will often do 100km+ and only see a handful of cars.

fk me that’s fast!! Do u wear knee pads and stuff? You must be v fit

You do know the difference between km & km/h don't you? Don't you??

You’re a barrel of laughs aren’t you
Shame it’s empty

I'll take that as 'no', and just an observed act of stupidity?

[Ares]

jakesmith said:

Ares said:

jakesmith said:

will_ said:

If you mean Priory Lane, then I'm afraid you are wrong on every count.

And it's a 20mph road - realistically most of the cyclists heading to the park won't be doing much less than that.

And "parasites"....nice.

‘Much less than that’, Just about sums up the entitled arrogant thinking of these obnoxious arrogant cyclists.

???? How does saying "realistically most of the cyclists heading to the park won't be doing much less than that" make cyclists obnoxious [and] arrogant?

We've established you're a bit hard of thinking, but that's tenuous even for you??

Another one who can’t make a point without resorting to childish insults. It’s a shame.

Well, you don't know the difference between km and km/h....what would you call that?

But anyway, feel free to answer the question rather than throw accusations around.

[RobM77]

jakesmith said:

RobM77 said:

jakesmith said:

RobM77 said:

jakesmith said:

will_ said:

If you mean Priory Lane, then I'm afraid you are wrong on every count.

And it's a 20mph road - realistically most of the cyclists heading to the park won't be doing much less than that.

And "parasites"....nice.

‘Much less than that’, Just about sums up the entitled arrogant thinking of these obnoxious arrogant cyclists.

They’re only holding cars up a little bit so they can guffaw and shout at each other, plus they’re practically enforcing the speed limit too against those nasty car owners who might dare to drive at 21mph. Of course the cyclists have no idea whether they are actually adhering to the speed limit that they are helping to enforce.

That cycle lane is perfectly good enough and was put in place at expense for their use bit of course, you know best don’t you. Bit dusty is it? It is you who is wrong on every count. You remind me of that spoiled child who was given a truck for his birthday but it wasn’t good enough so he smashed it up instead. Get a grip. Watch this and change your life.

https://youtu.be/9s8XilZa2WY

As above, if your driving skills don't extend to dealing with other road users, such as horses, cyclists, pedestrians (where there's no pavement), tractors etc, then you shouldn't be driving. Roads are paid for out of general taxation for the use of everyone, and the Highway Code is written in a way that allows us all to integrate, so if you follow it, there shouldn't be a problem. You do not own the roads just because you're in a car.

Momentarily slowing to 20mph shouldn't actually be a big deal. You should be doing that regularly anyway when you see an unstable pensioner waiting at a level crossing, a toddler running along the pavement, or an animal at the side of the road. Speed limits are not a target, they're a limit.

Regarding cycle lanes, 'dust' is not the issue. Roads regularly get broken glass, sharp rocks, rubbish etc thrown to their edges, and these are unsafe to cycle on. Again, as per the Highway Code, all road users (yes, even you) will occasionally have to deviate to go round things and stay safe, and you should be accounting for this in your driving.

With the greatest respect, try reading the actual post rather than windmilling in with a load of irrelevant guff.

I read your post carefully a couple of times before responding. What makes you think otherwise?

The fact that I said the road is usually too busy with traffic coming the opposite way to pass cyclists in a car, forcing road users, many of whom are not out for leisure but actually trying to go somewhere, to sit for 2 miles at a lower speed than necessary, so some cyclists can enjoy their leisure activity, whilst there’s a perfectly good cycle lane that sits unused I guess. I’m perfectly capable of overtaking a bike safely thanks.

Nothing against cyclists. Everything against inconsiderate road users who’s use of the road impacts others. On this road the cyclists exhibit utterly selfish behaviour.

Read what I said above again then. The roads are paid for by all tax payers for the use of everyone, not just you and not just car drivers. If you can't overtake a slow horse, tractor, bike, runner etc, then wait until there's an opportunity to do so. If a cycleway is covered in debris that'll cause a double puncture and leave a cyclist stranded, or is otherwise unsuitable to use, then a cyclist has every right to use the roads that they pay for.

[ddom]

jakesmith said:

Have you taken the cycling proficiency test yet?
You get a badge at the end to add to your collection.

Yes, of course, along with racing crit, TT and roads years ago.

[blade7]

jakesmith said:

Thank you very much you’re the only person on this website who has a bit of decency and common sense to boot. You can do 1200kms a year if you like - fine by me!

When I'm in the car and there's a lot of oncoming traffic, I slow right down put the right indicator on and carefully pass bikes, giving them 3 or 4ft of clearance. What's all this nonsense about using the other side of the road?

Edited by blade7 on Wednesday 28th October 14:53

[Ares]

jakesmith said:

Nothing against cyclists. Everything against inconsiderate road users who’s use of the road impacts others. On this road the cyclists exhibit utterly selfish behaviour.

The first three words are clearly bks.

Beyond that, most expenditure on roads in repairs, plus new roads. None-of which are really a 60kg cyclist's doing (68kg with bike) when compared to 2-tonne cars and 48-tonne wagons!

[otolith]

blade7 said:

When I'm in the car and there's a lot of oncoming traffic, I slow right down put the right indicator on and carefully pass bikes, giving them 3 or 4ft of clearance. What's all this nonsense about using the other side of the road?

If you can give them enough clearance without blocking the oncoming lane, fine. Otherwise, if you have to wait until it is clear anyway, why not give all the clearance you can?

Problem is that a lot of people will try to pass bikes into oncoming traffic when there isn't enough space for all three and the bike gets squeezed into a close pass or worse.

[jakesmith]

Ares said:

jakesmith said:

Nothing against cyclists. Everything against inconsiderate road users who’s use of the road impacts others. On this road the cyclists exhibit utterly selfish behaviour.

The first three words are clearly bks.

Beyond that, most expenditure on roads in repairs, plus new roads. None-of which are really a 60kg cyclist's doing (68kg with bike) when compared to 2-tonne cars and 48-tonne wagons!

Don’t worry I do cycle too, Live near Box Hill, plus I have an electric scooter, and I ride defensively and despise car drivers when I’m riding, I’m a balanced rider.