Reply to: Cyclists

[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.

[d000hg]

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

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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

[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

[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?

[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..."

[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.

[Bacchus]

A van driver tried the kill me this morning. I am 99% sure he saw me as I had just overtaken him. But he drove off so what can one do?

If you can't beat them join them.

Buy a van

HTH

[Paddy]

I got close to hitting a cyclist last night.

The cyclist was riding in the opposite direction on an unlit part of a very narrow lane, he was dressed in black and had no lights, his outline was even darker than the trees. I braked once my lights picked him out. He just rode by as though everything was normal

[Arturo Bassick]

Why is there a need to pass a cyclist as quickly as possible, usually putting the car, the on-comming vehicle and the cyclist all at risk?

Because slowing down to the speed of a cyclist is damn near impossible. Passing should still be done safely though.

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?

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.

Cycling in Europe is just a different experience, car owners are far more curtious and considerate (to cyclists at least - to each other they drive like lunitics).

Many countries on the mainland have legislation that makes it an offence to cause a collision with a cyclist. Cyclists have right of way in all cases.
Many cycle lanes are separated from the main carriageway which makes them much safer.

The UK needs a rethink and remodel of its cycle routes. It also needs an attitude shift by drivers and cyclists alike.

[BrilloPad]

Why is there a need to pass a cyclist as quickly as possible, usually putting the car, the on-comming vehicle and the cyclist all at risk?

I think they want revenge for passing them. Motorists resent being in a queue of traffic while cyclists go sailing past.

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?

I have wondered that. I think the usual reason in London is that car parking is very limited. But it is still annoying.

[Notascooby]

I cycle nearly every day, sometimes taking a few "chances" but generally obeying the law and certainly not putting anyone at risk.

I've been knocked off my bike in both UK capitals and it's always been vehicles turning. Either overtaking you at speed just so they can cut across you whilst turning left, or turning right, literally right into me. I've ended up on the bonnets of car drivers that "just didn't see me" despite there being no other traffic and bright daylight.

One time snapping my lovely carbon frame, which resulted in a hefty insurance claim for the poor woman.

I do have full legal cover too, which is a good threat against insurance companies as they know if you use it, the cost will be at least £5K just to cover their fees!

No my rants are....
Why is there a need to pass a cyclist as quickly as possible, usually putting the car, the on-comming vehicle and the cyclist all at risk?

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?

Something to remember, most cyclists own one or many cars.

Cycling in Europe is just a different experience, car owners are far more curtious and considerate (to cyclists at least - to each other they drive like lunitics).

Right....best do some work.