Bikers as drivers?

[MrsMiggins]

I regularly get involved in conversations with colleagues at work about the relative merits of bike vs car. The conversations often turn to the subject of frustration at jams, delays etc and drivers are always surprised when my response is always "when I'm in the car I expect delays. My daily commute is 20 mins max on the bike and 25-40 minutes in the car. When I'm in the car I expect to be delayed so the different expectations in the car lead to less frustration"

How do you other PH bods feel about this? When I think seriously about this it's all a bit odd. I'm not in the slightest bit bothered by dodgy driving / delays on my commute when I'm in the car, but I find it HUGELY frustrating when I'm on the bike. Is this all down to my expectations when I leave the house, or is it everyone else's fault? I admit that other drivers' dodgy driving could potentially be fatal if I'm on the bike but is that all there is to it?

[veetwin]

On a similar note, when commuting by car I find that my frustrations are raised due to your 'average' numpty car driver; they seem to have taken on board the 'speed kills' ideal. On my trip to work, before joining the M25, I use numerous NSL single carriageways (60) that allow 'progress' (Lightwater/Chobham/Chertsey/M25) and I find that every morning people honestly believe that the limit is now set to 50 or even 40 and travel along as such, nervous of the consequences. On the bike this would not be a problem as overtaking is a smooth and efficient procedure based on the power and width of the bike. In a diesel work hack, the overtaking manoeuvre becomes one of a timed art. Judging vehicle distance during your time exposed to danger (feels like an era in a TDi), it is surprising how many people that I dispose of in this manner then go on to flash their main beam in disgust, even though I haven't fractured any law in the process.

That aside, I find that certain car drivers do not like the fact that you can filter on a bike and will try everything in their power to stop you. It is a good feeling when you finally reach the front of the queue and look back at them with grin behind the visor! and then power away on the back wheel (on a private road of course).

[rsvmilly]

I always want to make the quickest progress. If I drive a mate of mine - a fellow biker - he comments 'you're not on your bike now' when I overtake. As far as I'm concerned there is only one way to drive; not a bike way and a car way.

I get really pi$$ed off in the car when I am unable to pass some moron failing to make reasonable progress or driving in a slack fashion. In contrast, I never get stressed on the bike because I am past any idiots in moments.

Dodgy driving I've come to expect all the time and it's almost become a game. EG "I just know you're going to pull across me even though you're looking straight at me" etc etc.

[outrider]

Cagers are driving slower and slower these days which means I can get past them quicker on the bike. If I'm in the car it's bloody frustrating, you get some Ahole going along at 40-45mph with a convoy behind and nobody seems to want to overtake - except me, they can flash their headlights all they want I'm past them so them!

[Robbo SPS]

I had a discussion like this a few years back with my then Police Driving Instructor.

He knew from my driving i was a biker. I had a better vision up the road and was far more aware to potential dangers. My lines through corners was more naturel.

I feel a better driver than others due to this. Even those who have passecd the same driving course as i have, i think it still shows through.

I usually ride to work, its more enjoyable, and i get very annoyed by poor driving, especially in the morning when drivers feel they must text / phone etc whilst wobbling between lanes !

If taxi drivers (here it is ) get stuck in the outside lane i usually get upset by their lack of ability to move left into fresh air, and become very impatient. When filtering i get upset as i want to get through. Even with good kit on, you cant beat getting a nice hot brew in you as soon as poss.

When i do drive , i just slip into a relaxed state. I am not getting anwhere very quickly so just accept, put up and think, "if i was on my bike " So its my fault. I have a way to get round traffic, but i took the car.

[door]

Good one this. I too find myself much more relaxed in the car as I know I can do nothing about the traffic but on the bike I want to get a move on and be rid of the demon tin boxes. However when the GF and I are both on bikes I tend to ride behind her and take on the Mr Sensible approach. I guess it boils down to a time and a place for the projectile and the attitude.

[jvaughan]

My sentements exactly.. although I did sit behind the guy in Lane 3 yeatserday and back off as he was on the phone and wandering across the whole lane .. it was 3 lanes solid, and I didnt fancy meeting his passenger side door as he wandered into me. When the opportunity came, I passed as quickly as possible, giving him a W I D E birth

[mrmaggit]

When I did a Ride/Drive half day, we'd been going about five minutes when my teacher asked if I rode motorbikes. I asked why, and he just said that I was using motorbike like lines in the car when there was no other traffic about.

[MrsMiggins]

On the subject of bikes vs cars, why is it that as soon as someone finds out you have a bike they:

a) tell you that bikes are very dangerous
b) tell you a story about someone they knew who had a bike and is now dead

I always like to ask them how they get around every day. Whatever mode of transport they come up with you can always come up with some horror story about it.

"You walked?!! I heard about a guy who was walking down the pavement and was mown down by a drunk driver. Are you crazy? Walking's dangerous. You should get a car!!!"
"You drove?!! I saw the aftermath of a car accident a couple of weeks ago - driver didn't make it. Driving's dangerous. Look at all the crazy drivers out there!!"

etc etc

I feel sorry for those poor saps who don't appreciate the simple enjoyment of riding down a twisty A or B road on a bright sunny morning with nothing on your mind but the ride.

[outrider]

IMO Bikers make much better drivers. I think it's down to the finely honed observation skills, a biker needs them to stay alive. Most cagers haven't got a clue. They should all be made to ride bikes, I bet they would soon improve

[MrsMiggins]

Hear hear. Compulsory CBT and bike lessons before car lessons can start.

Of course people would just do the CBT and lessons then never ride again, take car lessons, pass the test and drive as badly as before

[Chuckler]

I like Mrs Miggins idea...a lot....but then i'm an instructor....think of all that lovely lolly if car drivers had to do a CBT!! This time next year i'll be a millionaire!!!

Actually it wouldn't do them any harm and might just make them more aware of bikes on the Road.

Anybody know Prescott's address???

[Davel]

I think that a CBT before any learner car driver goes on to the road is a brilliant idea!

The bike is also an adrenalin rush and you get used to making progress when bugger all else is.

I get so bored in the car when I commute because it takes so long to cover a relatively small distance - plus

I feel far more alive and involved in the trip on the bike and really enjoy every trip.

I sold the X5 because it was always parked up at the front of the house whilst I use the bike.

[MrsMiggins]

Chuckler said:

I like Mrs Miggins idea...a lot....but then i'm an instructor....think of all that lovely lolly if car drivers had to do a CBT!! This time next year i'll be a millionaire!!!

I'm an instructor too, but only part time as I didn't want to give up my amateur status

I only teach CBTs during the busier periods when there's more work than can be done by the full time guys. Really love doing it. When people ask me what's so great about it I always tell them "getting paid to spend a day riding bikes and shouting at people? Who wouldn't love it?"