Butkus

This is an intersting thread - it's good to see the different points of view people have when it comes to cyclists. I am a regular cyclist and I find that I have to ride very defensively to keep myself safe, and I'd say this does include doing some things that probably upset car drivers.

For example, if I am travelling along a road where there is an island in the middle of the road which pedestrians use to stop on half way across the road, then this is a problem for me on my bike. So often cars will try to get past you and then cut back in to get through the narrower section of road, or to avoid hitting the island. This happens with such regularity that you have to do something about it. I'll look behind me to see what's going on, and if there's room and time I'll signal to the right and move into the centre of the left hand lane of the road. By doing this I have kept the traffic behind me - they have no option but to wait.

Likewise, if the road narrows I'll do the same. There's a particular section of road that I regularly travel where I have to do this. It's a slight uphill that narrows then bends to the right. SO MANY times people used to go for it to get by before the bend, only to meet an oncoming car. They can either have a head-on smash or pull to the left where I am - what do you think they're going to do? So, now when I ride it, I make the road mine and hold up the traffic to ensure they stay behind me. Selfish? Maybe, but it's only for about 30 seconds. People still beep their horns, but I never retaliate. NEVER. Not worth it - I used to get angry and give them the single finger salute, but that's a waste of time.

I think the most important thing is riding confidently and with great awareness. Double check everything. Try to make eye contact with people who might pose a threat - drivers coming out of side streets or driveways etc.. I have stopped my bike before now even when it was my right of way because I haven't made eye contact. Especially for example, if you're approaching someone who is pulling out and there's someone behind you who might also run you over if you have to swerve.

The traffic light thing is a difficult one. Generally I work my way to the front as I don't like being amongst the other traffic. I'll often lean on something ahead of the white line so that I don't have to click out of my pedals. That way I can react quickly and get ahead - in town I am often a lot quicker than cars so I don't think I am holding anyone up.

Wow, I don't think I've ever written that much on here. But people should try cycling around a bit and realise some of the things they have to do to stay safe.



[Edited by Butkus - 11/14/2003 5:33:08 PM]

MooseRacer

Cyclists don't hold up traffic - they are traffic.

flat4

i actually don't think i hold anybody up, there's nothing difficult about overtaking a cyclist - just give them room to avoid potholes & drain covers etc. (it's in the highway code)

and it's amazing how much more relaxed i am when i get to work than if i've just spent 30mins moving at 10mph

Husaberk

Butkus

Good points well made. I do not expect cyclists, or anybody else, to get out of my way but i don't expect them to deliberately get in it either. The traffic island thing is something that's happened to me on four wheels as well as two and you're quite right to claim the full width of the lane. You're in front and it's up to following traffic to pass you safely if they want to. I'm not suggesting that cyclists can't ever filter to the front and that they always hold up other traffic but just pointing out that it's not uncommon for it to work out that way. Certainly if there's heavy traffic cyclists are going faster than most other traffic but it doesn't sound like F4 is riding in those conditions. I see cyclists problems because I share some of them when riding my TL.

MooseRacer

So am I being unreasonable in expecting them to obey the TRAFFIC regulations? I respect their space because if I didn't they'd be dead, nobody gets sentenced to death for cutting up Lord Husa of Berk even though the voices tell me I ought to sometimes. BUT not everybody plays by the rules and apart from in freak circumstances the two-wheeler always loses. Got a funny little nobble on my collarbone to prove that one.

F4

If you don't hold anybody up, no worries I'll give you space. In fact hold me up and I'll still give you space(along with a few choice oaths from me and the voices), nutjobs with poor impulse control may well not and thats really what I've been on about. On two wheels particularly, your life is in your hands nobody else's. If you ride inconsiderately there's always some nutter that can come along and make you pay. It's not right but it can, will and does happen.

MooseRacer

So am I being unreasonable in expecting them to obey the TRAFFIC regulations? I respect their space because if I didn't they'd be dead, nobody gets sentenced to death for cutting up Lord Husa of Berk even though the voices tell me I ought to sometimes. BUT not everybody plays by the rules and apart from in freak circumstances the two-wheeler always loses. Got a funny little nobble on my collarbone to prove that one.

Every road user should obey traffice regulations - and show consideration to others. Simple.

don't disagree with much of what you've posted, unlike some of the other small minded posts made by others.

Husaberk

Then we are reconciled Moose. My respects to you.