Cyclists

[PRC1964]

Cycle lanes are somewhat of an afterthought in the UK. They have been pushed in to the most unsuitable places just for Government to claim to be doing something.

Absolutely. Here's how the Dutch wound up with their system.

[bobspud]

I think its an English problem actually.

When I worked in Holland the cyclists are far better behaved, and in that country drivers are automatically responsible for any accident involving a cyclist. It doesn't matter what the facts were. If you have a car with better brakes, a faster engine and airbags, it is your duty to keep the cyclist out of danger. I drove there for several months and was amazed how well they behave considering they could cause multi car pile ups with impunity...

I don't know why otherwise normal people turn into self obsessed winkers just by getting on a bike. I watched amazed last summer as a bird on a vintage bike and a nice frilly dress just flounced across the Haymarket roundabout in london between a Bus and an aggregates lorry. She didn't have a care in the world headphones on and sat in the blind spots of 10-15 tonnes of large vehicles and almost under my wheels... I doubt that you couldn't beat any sense into her if you tried. the default attitude seems to be "But its sunny and I'm on my bike..."

[darmstadt]

Why are cars allowed to park in cycle lanes, the same cycle lane that is usually un-rideable as there's weeks worth of crap or massive sunken ironwork holes, or a transit parked in it?

Why do many cyclists insist on riding on the road when there is perfectly usable cycle lane right next to it for them to use?

[Churchill]

Why do many cyclists insist on riding on the road when there is perfectly usable cycle lane right next to it for them to use?

Because they're w4nkers.

Hth

[BrilloPad]

Why do many cyclists insist on riding on the road when there is perfectly usable cycle lane right next to it for them to use?

a) because there are pedestrians using it
b) to annoy motorists

HTH

[Notascooby]

Why do many cyclists insist on riding on the road when there is perfectly usable cycle lane right next to it for them to use?

Because they usually only fit one bike so someone doing 20mph gets stuck behind someone witha basket on the front doing about 8mph.

Second - they usually stop for each minor junction meaning you don't have the right of way as you do on the main road.

And lastly, on the road you hope that drivers are at least aware of you, unlike Muppets pushing prams without looking where they're going.

[Mich the Tester]

I think its an English problem actually.

When I worked in Holland the cyclists are far better behaved, and in that country drivers are automatically responsible for any accident involving a cyclist. It doesn't matter what the facts were. If you have a car with better brakes, a faster engine and airbags, it is your duty to keep the cyclist out of danger. I drove there for several months and was amazed how well they behave considering they could cause multi car pile ups with impunity...

Not in Amsterdam, and that's partly because the PC law that automatically makes drivers responsible makes cyclists think they're above the law. Worse than that, they are above the law.

[Mich the Tester]

Why do many cyclists insist on riding on the road when there is perfectly usable cycle lane right next to it for them to use?

I agree it's a problem. However, if you want to get a move on on a bicycle, you'll find your path blocked on the cycle path by arrogant over 50s pedalling along slowly in pairs or threes side-by-side, ignoring bells and refusing to move to the side.

[d000hg]

I hate overtaking cyclists on single-lane roads. Dangerous for all concerned.

[BrilloPad]

I hate overtaking cyclists on single-lane roads. Dangerous for all concerned.

Indeed. If I am on a bike I always pull over at first opportunity.