urban

iTrader: (1)

Do you have any idea of the disruption you cause on the roads?

This morning I has the unfortunate experience of seeing five of you on my journey to work
All dressed up in their bright and quite gay looking attire.

At one point on the journey, I encountered four all together and guess what - they were riding two abreast
Were they in the cycle lane? - no, not a ******* chance

I thought riding two abreast was illegal?

f1_fan

iTrader: (9)

Here we go again.

They have as much right to be on the road as you do, get over it!

TinyTim

iTrader: (3)

I had the pleasure of shouting at one through my roof vent yesterday for using my car as a leaning post in traffic.

I dont have an issue with cyclists as my old man's an ex amateur racer. I give them plenty of room as I would a motorcyclist, unfortunately they're just like drivers in that there are some good and some bad.

Clarebabes

I'm doing my first 10 mile time trial tonight. Oh how I delight in the disruption I'll cause around the country roads.

urban

iTrader: (1)

If you don't like it, then don't comment.

Some are genuine and cycle most of the year apart from freezing conditions
Some are eco tree huggers
Some are attention seeking.

All I ask is

1. They stay in their dedicated cycle lane where available
2. Be fully aware of the fact that they are causing substancial traffic problems
3. Abide by the law and don't make the traffic even worse by riding two abreast

urban

iTrader: (1)

No - thats at night time, and doesn't annoy people commuting to work
You knock yourself out, and don't forget to wearing some bright, gay, attention seeking clothing now

rossyboy

iTrader: (8)

Exactly. If there are 20 cars behind you, it doesnt take much to pull into a lay-by or what-ever for 20 seconds to let them by. Same as a tractor/JCB would.

There is a 5 mile stretch of dual carriageway on my way to work with a separate purpose-built cycle track. There are still idiots that cycle on the dual carriage-way Its just arrogance and there's no need for it frankly.

and dont even go there with the red light jumpers. All respect for cyclists lost right there. Use the road - obey the rules of it.

urban

iTrader: (1)

I don't mind the red light jumpers

They're getting a head start, so in theory they'll cause me less hassle

rossyboy

iTrader: (8)

unless you've already over-taken them and you've to do it all over again.

Clarebabes

I don't really want to get into any arguments, but for serious road riders who are doing 20+ MPH, cycle lanes are not appropriate. They are usually shared pedestrian paths and we all know how unpredictable idiot pedestrians can be!

I have my feet in SPDs, so stopping and unclipping every 5 seconds is also not appealing.

f1_fan

iTrader: (9)

I have as much right to comment as you so stop being childish (again) and deal with it.

This debate has been done to death on here even as recently as a month ago. Unless you have had your head in the sand you knew that when you posted and therefore it is to be assumed that you are the one who is attention seeking and just wanting to start another bunfight.

Cyclists on a lot of occasions don't use cycle lanes because they are often covered in broken glass from the scum that seems to enjoy dropping glass bottles whereveer they choose.

Some cyclists cause traffic problems, but most are just using the road legally which may or may not cause you to have to slow down a bit and wait to pass them just as you would a slower car. Again, deal with it.

Some cyclists are idiots, some drivers are idiots. This is just the way life is and why single out the cyclists when drivers can be just as stupid.

Do you think you are superior to them becuase you drive a shiny new car?

sovietspybob

iTrader: (3)

I really enjoy mountain biking but i have a deep hatred for road cyclists. The few times Ive had to ride on the road for whatever reason i feel bad that i'm annoying the road users by being such an annoying obstacle on the road. Also i feel deeply unsafe on the roads on my bike with so many bad drivers out there you couldn't pay me to cycle on a NSL road!

If you want to cycle theres plenty of cycle paths if your gay, or mountains if your a real man ;-) And for those clip in pedal things, just get fitter and you can use proper flat pedals!

Puff The Magic Wagon!

iTrader: (2)

No, riding 2 abreast is not illegal

Highway code words:
You should
* keep both hands on the handlebars except when signalling or changing gear
* keep both feet on the pedals
* never ride more than two abreast, and ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends
* not ride close behind another vehicle
* not carry anything which will affect your balance or may get tangled up with your wheels or chain
* be considerate of other road users, particularly blind and partially sighted pedestrians. Let them know you are there when necessary, for example, by ringing your bell if you have one. It is recommended that a bell be fitted
From http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_069837

jonc

I don't mind cyclists in general, but a minority of them seem to have little regard for other road users; riding two abreast on a narrow country road, no signal when turning, riding in the middle of the road, not reading the road/traffic etc. Yes cyclists have every right to be on the road, but they also have the responsibility for ensuring their own safety and not endanger themselves or other road users. Yes they may wear day-glow attire to ensure they're seen, but this is not a force field or negates responsibility of your safety to other road users.

Last week I witnessed a stupid cyclist go through a red light at a busy cross road in Bishopsgate just as the lights went green for the other waiting traffic! She didn't stop like a normal person would but proceed to navigate across the moving traffic cutting everyone up. Needless to say, the traffic stopped and everyone banged their horn, but the cyclist continued as if she did nothing wrong!! I understand that it is just a minority of cyclists.

I did my Cycling Proficiency test when I was a kid and I think this test should be made compulsory for all cyclists contemplating on using their bikes regularly on the roads, especially in built up areas in city and towns where most accidents involving cyclists happen. Also perhaps introduce compulsory insurance and/or included as part of their motor insurance. Currently cyclists can claim against a motorist's insurance policy if the motorist is at fault, but not the other way round. This should change so that it would also encourage cyclists to be more considerate on the roads.

urban

iTrader: (1)

I must have missed that Pete, because I don't come on here every single day racking up 10 of thousands of posts.

And regardless, I will post up whatever topic I want, whenever I want - OK

what would scooby do

^^this^^ all UK roads are busy - get the shotguns out guys

f1_fan

iTrader: (9)

Yep and I will comment on it - OK???

Oh and next time try the search function, it's idiot proof so you'll be OK

Gear Head

iTrader: (2)

That highway code rule allowing cyclists to ride two abreast is just as out dated as the stopping distances from 70mph.

I have no problem with cyclists but when they ride two abreast on a busy road at rush hour, I'm sorry, but they are asking for abuse.

And I also think that if there is a long queue of traffic building up behind them, they should pull over out of courtesy. I know I would.

urban

iTrader: (1)

Yep - OK.

Next one coming up shortly.

Gear Head

iTrader: (2)

Pete? Have I missed something here? Not Mr Lewis surely?

Although it would make sense!

jonc

I've witnessed these being flouted regularly in London, worst culprits being cycle couriers and Spandex'd commuters: riding no handed and talking on their walkie talkies, riding up the inside of lorries and buses, riding on the pavements, ringing their bells and shouting to get pedestrians out of their path when its green for pedestrians at crossings.

f1_fan

iTrader: (9)

Oh FFS I'm not Pete, it''s urban's little joke.

I really cannot believe even you would take that seriously.... no actually maybe I can

Puff The Magic Wagon!

iTrader: (2)

I cycle (commute) all year round INCLUDING the snow & freezing conditions

1. Sometimes I am moving faster than the flow of traffic and it is dangerous to go in a "cycle" lane as they are often no more than painted lines in the gutter - which may throw me off.

2. On a 2 lane or wide enough road for other road users to pass safely when clear and I am doing in excess of 20 mph, I will not ride 2 ft from the curb as that is potentially dangerous to me - deal with it.

3. I abide by the law and don't RLJ, stop for pedestrians crossing, obey traffic signs (no right turn etc), don't ride on the pavement and all the other requirements. I also pay RFL for my car, have separate 3rd party liability insurance for when I am riding and treat other road users with respect and courtesy as required by the Highway Code - except when that other road user may endanger my safety by either acting like a pillock or driving dangerously.

I'm just as entitled to be on that road as any other lawful road user, no-one has more right in this country than any other to be on the road, so live & let live and have a less stressful exisitence on this planet for the short time we're all here.

Gear Head

iTrader: (2)

Yeah, whatever Pete.

And why do you have to be so rude all the time??

f1_fan

iTrader: (9)

It's my style. I do it so people don't confuse me with Pete

urban

iTrader: (1)

Wurzel

iTrader: (1)

I can't wait for Daveyboy to find this thread! When him and Clarebabes get going the fireworks really start

urban

iTrader: (1)

But Clarebabes doesn't count - a considerate night time cyclist, therefore doesn't annoy commuters

Gear Head

iTrader: (2)

I wouldn't mind if lady cyclists dressed like this:

Wurzel

iTrader: (1)

Yeah but they don't do they!!