The bloke on the cycle path yesterday who was so engrossed in adjusting his computer/GPS/other bar-mounted device that he didn't even realise he'd veered across the whole width of the path and was about to collide with me going the other way.
That's a new one to me. When I was involved in rowing & coaching, the towpaths were not used by commuters. It may be a regional issue, but my experience is over 4 decades out of date.The bloke on the cycle path yesterday who was so engrossed in adjusting his computer/GPS/other bar-mounted device that he didn't even realise he'd veered across the whole width of the path and was about to collide with me going the other way.
This is a regular problem I have on one of my commute routes. The cycle path runs along the river bank and is very popular with rowing coaches cycling along concentrating on the boat they are coaching rather than on where they are going. I find that the crew on the river is generally more attentive than the coach. I've now had a couple of occasions when my shout of "MOVE LEFT !!!" at an approaching coach has been totally ignored by the cycling coach, but not by the crew on the water who have responded and ploughed into the bank leaving a totally perplexed coach and crew.
The bloke on the cycle path yesterday who was so engrossed in adjusting his computer/GPS/other bar-mounted device that he didn't even realise he'd veered across the whole width of the path and was about to collide with me going the other way.
This is a regular problem I have on one of my commute routes. The cycle path runs along the river bank and is very popular with rowing coaches cycling along concentrating on the boat they are coaching rather than on where they are going. I find that the crew on the river is generally more attentive than the coach. I've now had a couple of occasions when my shout of "MOVE LEFT !!!" at an approaching coach has been totally ignored by the cycling coach, but not by the crew on the water who have responded and ploughed into the bank leaving a totally perplexed coach and crew.
It's a very specific issue caused by introduction of the National Cycling Network. The coaches always used to use the South bank of the river. The NCN route was put in using the North bank and the rather grotty foorpath upgraded into a 2.5 metre offroad cycle track, with a tarmac surface. This is very much closer to the river than the south side track and so the coaches seem to prefer it and moved across en masse. It can be entertaining riding down there sometimes because the path also tends to be used as storage space for eights, blades, boat racks etc. where it passes the boat houses. I've also found squads of rowers all lined across the track doing pressups. One of these days I might just try perfecting my bunny hop, rather than waiting for the path to be cleared.That's a new one to me. When I was involved in rowing & coaching, the towpaths were not used by commuters. It may be a regional issue, but my experience is over 4 decades out of date.The bloke on the cycle path yesterday who was so engrossed in adjusting his computer/GPS/other bar-mounted device that he didn't even realise he'd veered across the whole width of the path and was about to collide with me going the other way.
This is a regular problem I have on one of my commute routes. The cycle path runs along the river bank and is very popular with rowing coaches cycling along concentrating on the boat they are coaching rather than on where they are going. I find that the crew on the river is generally more attentive than the coach. I've now had a couple of occasions when my shout of "MOVE LEFT !!!" at an approaching coach has been totally ignored by the cycling coach, but not by the crew on the water who have responded and ploughed into the bank leaving a totally perplexed coach and crew.
That's probably a crew who could plough into the bank under their own steam without prompting, since the boat is supposed to be keeping to the right, and moving left would put it in midstream.The bloke on the cycle path yesterday who was so engrossed in adjusting his computer/GPS/other bar-mounted device that he didn't even realise he'd veered across the whole width of the path and was about to collide with me going the other way.
This is a regular problem I have on one of my commute routes. The cycle path runs along the river bank and is very popular with rowing coaches cycling along concentrating on the boat they are coaching rather than on where they are going. I find that the crew on the river is generally more attentive than the coach. I've now had a couple of occasions when my shout of "MOVE LEFT !!!" at an approaching coach has been totally ignored by the cycling coach, but not by the crew on the water who have responded and ploughed into the bank leaving a totally perplexed coach and crew.
OK, I'll take the bait.
What does DOTD mean, and does it matter for someone who is wise/fortunate enough to cycle in London infrequently :demon:?
Interesting to read all these posts about cyclists.
Makes you wonder why cyclists get a bad name by some!
Sadly, the behaviour of the few will tarnish the many and the behaviour reported in this thread is doing our PR no good whatsoever.
FTFYSadly, the behaviour of the few will tarnish the many and the behaviour reported in this thread is doing our PR no good whatsoever.
Proportionally, I see more truly incredibly crap cycling than driving.
DOTD goes to the bell end from this morning with his light on full power and super silly mega fast strobe setting coming up the hill from Trentham traffic lights.Similar for me yesterday. Roadie coming through our village with what must have been an 'off road' type light. Made the mistake of looking at it. Dots before the eyes.
Thanks to you I had two green dots burned into my vision for the rest of my trip down the road. I also didn't see he truck behind you until you'd fucked off.
... and would probably kill a few people every year between them.FTFYSadly, the behaviour of the few will tarnish the many and the behaviour reported in this thread is doing our PR no good whatsoever.
Proportionally, I see more truly incredibly crap cycling than driving.
I think that reading cyclists winge about bad cyclists doesn't do us any harm. I do not like being lumping in with the utter fuckwits mentioned in this thread. They are FuckwitsOnnaBike and would probably be FuckwitsInnaCar if they were driving.
I nearly took out a twit who was riding towards me on a unlighted cycleway with a red flashing light on his handlebars . Luckily for him I was testing a new 600 lumen front light and was able to miss that said twit .Remarkably, err, Restrained wording Chris!
The idiot wobbling along in the gutter on Ampthill Road at 6.30 this morning. No lights. On the wrong side of the road! Oncoming cars were flashing their lights and hooting but he seemed oblivious to it all.Saw him again this morning. Same as before but in thick fog (though I don't believe the fog was half as thick as him)
Myself
My blind lady stoker & I were discussing night riding today as we rode.When I said that I enjoy such rides she pointed out that ALL her riding is night riding.
Sometimes I only open my mouth to change feet. ::-)
Myself
My blind lady stoker & I were discussing night riding today as we rode.When I said that I enjoy such rides she pointed out that ALL her riding is night riding.
Sometimes I only open my mouth to change feet. ::-)
She is amongst the most positive thinking & pro-active people I've ever met;no indication of misery or negativity in her character & she doesn't feel sorry for herself.
'sfunny you should mention FNRttC.I told her of the York to Hull ride about which she had several questions, the answers to which did nothing to generate a negative response of any sort.Quite the opposite.She asked if I would want to ride it again.
and yourself Ruthie?
Yesterday.
Sunny Sunday afternoon. Cycle path beside A507. Lycra lout bellowing obscenities at three wobbly little people being herded by their (nearly as wobbly) parents. Didn't like it, did you, when I caught you up and bellowed obscenities at you, finishing with "and if you want to do this speed you're two feet away from a fucking empty road you cunt" >:(
It seems a lot of people figure lights are purely for their benefit and if they can see where they are going they don't need lights.
...although the same reasoning.It seems a lot of people figure lights are purely for their benefit and if they can see where they are going they don't need lights.
Presumably not the same group with the seizure-inducing front flashers...
It seems a lot of people figure lights are purely for their benefit and if they can see where they are going they don't need lights.
Presumably not the same group with the seizure-inducing front flashers...
There's a lot of serious advice out there to have lights on flashing in commuting traffic as it gets noticed. I read an article from a former military jet pilot once on exactly why it's a good idea (all to do with pilots being trained to look, then look again to avoid objects being unnoticed by the mechanics of how your brain interprets vision). Having a flashing light can induce the same affect in a driver who doesn't necessarily look as carefully as a jet pilot, say when pulling out from a t-junction straight into a cyclist they haven't seen even with a steady front light. I noted this and started using a front flasher from then on.As part of the training I deliver I espouse "active looking", which is a process of scanning a person and their possessions to pick up as much info as possible. Much the same thing.
I was doing it until I rather discovered that others really *hate* it just the other day. I don't so it hadn't occurred to me that others do until I had a bit of an altercation with someone on an audax.
I shall adjust my lighting tactics accordingly but not everyone out there doing this is doing it from a selfish 'sod everyone else' point of view.
There's a lot of serious advice out there to have lights on flashing in commuting traffic as it gets noticed. I read an article from a former military jet pilot once on exactly why it's a good idea (all to do with pilots being trained to look, then look again to avoid objects being unnoticed by the mechanics of how your brain interprets vision). Having a flashing light can induce the same affect in a driver who doesn't necessarily look as carefully as a jet pilot, say when pulling out from a t-junction straight into a cyclist they haven't seen even with a steady front light. I noted this and started using a front flasher from then on.
I was doing it until I rather discovered that others really *hate* it just the other day. I don't so it hadn't occurred to me that others do until I had a bit of an altercation with someone on an audax.
I shall adjust my lighting tactics accordingly but not everyone out there doing this is doing it from a selfish 'sod everyone else' point of view.
I'm not sure it entirely qualifies, but a young lady on the Boris Bike who sallied forth across all the lanes of Parliament Square (and what a splendid testament to our nationhood that is, four lanes of stuttering malodorous traffic) without a care in the world, and a certain not a glance behind at what, for once, was solid fast-moving traffic.
Somehow it all conspired to not hit her. I suspect the fact that she was an attractive young lady had something to do with the lack of rancour from braking drivers.
I presume a tourist. I kind of like her approach to traffic management, though for a moment I expected the worst.
A fine reason for keeping the 'ping!' bell on my bike. It has proved very useful on the lovely path from Newport Sainsburys (Crindau) to Caerleon, and I always get a "thank you" for my troubles. I'm not sure the same would happen in the 'diff though. :-)
After muttering about the letter in the Metro that asked, rhetorically and cylophobically, "When did you last see a car driving on the footpath or going through a red light or through pedestrians on a crossing?*" ...It's amazing how people see only what they want to see. When I commuted by bike & train, I occasionally amused myself by totting up such incidents on my journey. It was almost never zero.
*Every bloody day, of course. Those cars parked on the footpath, for example. To quote Charlotte, they were dropped there by a bloody TARDIS? And the last time I rode a London Bus, from Vic station to Oxford St, it went through four red lights.
I said "Good afternoon" to an elderly couple walking along a narrow country lane with their backs to me, they moved aside, I thanked them and as I passed the man said, "That was so as not to scare us with your bell, wasn't it." Actually, I've taken the bell off that bike, but I do think that on the whole people respond better to an "Excuse me" or similar. Horses especially! The exception is when there's a lot of background noise.
I think a HYOOGE Dutch Ping-Pong bell would be most audible across a wide range of frequencies.
Shared use is the jbex of Stan and is mostly best avoided by cyclist who wish to go places. They seem designed to promote chaos and conflict.
I tend to call "Ting! Ting!" where "Excuse me please" or "Bike on your right" aren't right. Do you think I'd be better changing to "Bring! Bring!"?I said "Good afternoon" to an elderly couple walking along a narrow country lane with their backs to me, they moved aside, I thanked them and as I passed the man said, "That was so as not to scare us with your bell, wasn't it." Actually, I've taken the bell off that bike, but I do think that on the whole people respond better to an "Excuse me" or similar. Horses especially! The exception is when there's a lot of background noise.
Agreed. Polite speech, or mechanical noises (changing gear, flicking brake levers, that sort of thing - studded tyres on brick surfaces are particularly effective) tend to go down better with peds, but I will use a bell on approach to blind corners, as that's loud and unambiguously 'bicycle'. The exception is Kool Stop brake pads, which tend to spook people.
I prefer a brrring-bell to a ping-bell, and I reckon they're more audible if you're distracted or your high-frequency hearing isn't very good.
I sometimes use the zombie-esque moan of my poorly maintained disc brakes.
I tend to call "Ting! Ting!" where "Excuse me please" or "Bike on your right" aren't right. Do you think I'd be better changing to "Bring! Bring!"?I said "Good afternoon" to an elderly couple walking along a narrow country lane with their backs to me, they moved aside, I thanked them and as I passed the man said, "That was so as not to scare us with your bell, wasn't it." Actually, I've taken the bell off that bike, but I do think that on the whole people respond better to an "Excuse me" or similar. Horses especially! The exception is when there's a lot of background noise.
Agreed. Polite speech, or mechanical noises (changing gear, flicking brake levers, that sort of thing - studded tyres on brick surfaces are particularly effective) tend to go down better with peds, but I will use a bell on approach to blind corners, as that's loud and unambiguously 'bicycle'. The exception is Kool Stop brake pads, which tend to spook people.
I prefer a brrring-bell to a ping-bell, and I reckon they're more audible if you're distracted or your high-frequency hearing isn't very good.
I sometimes use the zombie-esque moan of my poorly maintained disc brakes.
Gentle application of the Hope disc on the back of the Speedmachine would produce a noise not dissimilar to a wolf passing tail-first through a mangle.
Two young lovers tonguing in the middle of the psyclepath.
Wouldn't "Get fucking on the pavement" have worked?
Wouldn't "Get fucking on the pavement" have worked?
FTFY.
Wouldn't "Get fucking on the pavement" have worked?
FTFY.
;D
I thought "Get a room!" was standard operatingprocedurelanguage in such instances.
I thought "Get a room!" was standard operatingprocedurelanguage in such instances.
I thought "Get a room!" was standard operatingprocedurelanguage in such instances.
They're teenagers. The whole reason they're snogging on the cyclepath is that they can't get a room.
Barakta and I once famously encountered some on a very exposed bench on the Rea Valley path under cover of winter darkness. We rode past without comment, on the basis that being lit up by our combined FRIKKIN LASERS was embarrassing enough.
Me, yesterday, about 7 pm. I was in a hurry, which is perhaps why I forgot that earlier in the day I'd cleaned the grime off my rims and blocks and had deliberately not closed the brake quick releases, in order to aid drying... No braking at all. I live at the apex of a hill, with a give way at the bottom... So the obvious thing to do is to drag your foot on the floor. This works well enough in daps, but shiny metal on the sole of your shoe has virtually no friction. I considered running into the back of a parked car, but was going a bit fast for that. It was actually the junction that saved me, because it is very quiet and on the other side of it the road carries on in a straight line but goes up hill. So I just went straight over, didn't even look, and fortunately there was nothing - except a man pushing a bike across the other side of the road, chatting into his phone. He hadn't seen me and even if he had he would have assumed I'd stop at the junction, but now we were on a collision course. Panicked shouting from me and he stopped, probably wondering what kind of idiot I was. Managed to stop in a semi-controlled fashion.
I have never been so terrified in my life!
For future reference, resting the left heel on the chainstay and rubbing against the rear tyre in BMX kid-style is a very effective and controllable brake. Pressing a mudguard against the tyre makes little difference to whether you can ride away from the stop (yes, in my experience).I guess this is much like how the toe of a sandal makes a fairly effective front derailleur, in extremis.
For future reference, resting the left heel on the chainstay and rubbing against the rear tyre in BMX kid-style is a very effective and controllable brake.
This morning, on the way to the quack. I saw him mounting his BSO outside the station, and thought his full waterproof hi-viz two piece suit to be rather warm for cycling. When I stopped in the ASL at the bottom of the little slope, he shot past me and through the red light. I raised my hands in despair, and looked round to see the driver behind me giving a similar gesture.Almost certainly not the case here, but it occurs to me this would be perfect bike-thief wear. The hood prevents identification while the whole outfit makes you look like you should be on a bike. :(
Lights change, second set are green, so I'm quickly behind POB, who then veers onto the wrong side of the road and onto the pavement, where he continued at the same speed with no regard for the street furniture-induced pinch points or the peds.
Looking behind him would have been difficult, as he had the hood of the yellow jacket pulled tight and partly over his eyes.
On a different note, riding back the same way at 2340 that night, I was going down the other little slope after the railway bridge. Coming toward me, on the other side of the road, was a man in a hi-viz vest, wearing headphones, walking backwards along the yellow lines.
Almost certainly not the case here, but it occurs to me this would be perfect bike-thief wear. The hood prevents identification while the whole outfit makes you look like you should be on a bike. :(
Cemetery Junction, Reading.I have to say that this is a tough one. If, when making a turn into a side street, there's both a pedestrian crossing and a car right on your back wheel (that's not making the turn), it's hard to balance what to do.
Pedestrian started crossing the side street (one way, only accessible from my direction) I was about to turn into. He had his back to me, & didn't look. So far so normal, & I was prepared. I braked & steered to go behind him, as he was clearly unaware of my presence (or that of the car behind me). I must have registered in his peripheral vision as I went round the corner, because he suddenly stopped, looked round & stepped backwards directly into my path. So I steered the other way & passed slowly a couple of paces in front of him while he appeared poised for another step back.
I heard something about 'bloody cyclists' as I passed.
I have to say that this is a tough one. If, when making a turn into a side street, there's both a pedestrian crossing and a car right on your back wheel (that's not making the turn), it's hard to balance what to do.
The pedestrian would have had priority in that situation and you and any other traffic should be giving way and waiting for them to cross before turning (https://www.gov.uk/using-the-road-159-to-203/road-junctions-170-to-183).I was trying to give way to him, by slowing to a crawl & aiming to pass behind him.
8
At a junction. When crossing the road, look out for traffic turning into the road, especially from behind you. If you have started crossing and traffic wants to turn into the road, you have priority and they should give way (see Rule 170).
Seen yesterday evening:
flat bars with silly plastic grips - check
No mudguards and wet dirty water splattered over rider, etc - check
No brakes - check
Riding on pavement - check
Fixed gear - negative. It's single speed. No brake, single speed, being ridden on the pavement by a fucking hipster 'dude'.
Areshole
Seen yesterday evening:
flat bars with silly plastic grips - check
No mudguards and wet dirty water splattered over rider, etc - check
No brakes - check
Riding on pavement - check
Fixed gear - negative. It's single speed. No brake, single speed, being ridden on the pavement by a fucking hipster 'dude'.
Areshole
Phil
You're riding singlespeed, ergo you're half a hipster;) Bet you don't ride the pavements...
I was amused chatting to a guy one day about his singlespeed in Leeds. It was running 53:15 and when I asked about the hills he just grimaced and admintted they were 'dificult'
York or Leeds? I have noticed, over the last two weeks that there appears to be 3 types of cyclists in Leeds:
1) The ones who do it properly, waterproof jackets, mudguards, well looked after bikes
2) The hipsters
3) Those on BSOs
Guess which two types are, usually, NOT on the road, but on the footpath.
Areshole
Seen yesterday evening:
flat bars with silly plastic grips - check
No mudguards and wet dirty water splattered over rider, etc - check
No brakes - check
Riding on pavement - check
Fixed gear - negative. It's single speed. No brake, single speed, being ridden on the pavement by a fucking hipster 'dude'.
Areshole
Phil
You're riding singlespeed, ergo you're half a hipster;) Bet you don't ride the pavements...
I was amused chatting to a guy one day about his singlespeed in Leeds. It was running 53:15 and when I asked about the hills he just grimaced and admintted they were 'dificult'
York or Leeds? I have noticed, over the last two weeks that there appears to be 3 types of cyclists in Leeds:
1) The ones who do it properly, waterproof jackets, mudguards, well looked after bikes
2) The hipsters
3) Those on BSOs
Guess which two types are, usually, NOT on the road, but on the footpath.
Seen yesterday evening:
Fixed gear - negative. It's single speed. No brake, single speed, being ridden on the pavement by a fucking hipster 'dude'.
Seen yesterday evening:
Fixed gear - negative. It's single speed. No brake, single speed, being ridden on the pavement by a fucking hipster 'dude'.
Really? No braking ability at all? I've seen my fair share of dooods on clown bikes, but never, as far as I am aware, freewheels with no brakes at all (bmx trail bikes excepted). That's going to cost them a fair bit in worn Vans (and dental repair work).
Seen yesterday evening:
Fixed gear - negative. It's single speed. No brake, single speed, being ridden on the pavement by a fucking hipster 'dude'.
Really? No braking ability at all? I've seen my fair share of dooods on clown bikes, but never, as far as I am aware, freewheels with no brakes at all (bmx trail bikes excepted). That's going to cost them a fair bit in worn Vans (and dental repair work).
York or Leeds? I have noticed, over the last two weeks that there appears to be 3 types of cyclists in Leeds:
1) The ones who do it properly, waterproof jackets, mudguards, well looked after bikes
2) The hipsters
3) Those on BSOs
Guess which two types are, usually, NOT on the road, but on the footpath.
Let's have a shout out for the SPD wobblers who cut to the front. They're lean, mean cycling machines. They've got to have pole position for that green light.That irritates me on club rides. We all want to get across the junction so fiddle around turning your pedal over once you are across.
Cue 30 seconds of random slow wobbling across the junction as they try and clip back in.
Cue 30 seconds of random slow wobbling across the junction as they try and clip back in.
Is it just me that gets up to speed before farting around trying to get my cleats to engage?
You don't get this problem with toe-clips. Which is why these new-fangled clipless things will never catch on.Hate to disagree but I remember from my tandem exploits of some 40 years ago having a stoker who would delight in trying to change the cadence as I leaned down to tighten the straps on the toeclips - this was a trick he usually pulled after a long (rather too long) session in the pub. Drunken, belligerent stokers were one thing that put me off tandems for many years (that, and having our 23 foot sea kayak trailer overtake us on the hair pin going down Wrynose Pass).
When have you ever ridden what could reasonably regarded as a low gear fixed? ;DIs it just me that gets up to speed before farting around trying to get my cleats to engage?
Not so easy if you ride a fixed wheel with a low gear.
Fixed wheeling has taught me to clip in while I accelerate, if not as soon as my foot hits the pedal.
Riding on an unlit, national speed limit, narrow, unlit road.I think I saw him again last night, but without the trousers. He was going to be completely invisible as soon as he left the village. And he must have much better eyesight than me to ride on that road with no front light.
No front light.
A dim flashing white light on the back!
The only reason I saw you was the reflective bands on your 'council worker' issue trousers.
I think I've discovered why there's been a rash of bikes with either red light at front and back, or white light at front and back. These are mainly, but not always, to be found adorning pavement cycles. It appears that our local pound shop has taken delivery of a consignment of mis-packaged bike lights. Each packet either has 2 red lights, or 2 white lights. To kit your bike out properly - you have to spend £2... (and then pass a set on to your mate)
I think I've discovered why there's been a rash of bikes with either red light at front and back, or white light at front and back. These are mainly, but not always, to be found adorning pavement cycles. It appears that our local pound shop has taken delivery of a consignment of mis-packaged bike lights. Each packet either has 2 red lights, or 2 white lights. To kit your bike out properly - you have to spend £2... (and then pass a set on to your mate)
She had both lights mounted on the front mudguard (so the rear light was only visible when the front wheel wobbled)
Me? :-\ Too fast into the lights?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qB00nBKMLOo
I think I'd have blamed myself for that. (as the cyclist)
I've done things like that, thankfully not so many now. I learned a big lesson from being hospitalized for months from a smidsy (where greater prudence would have prevented it)
Si
You are perfectly entitled to do what you did, however if what you did was prudent ...
Unless you can see and be seen by the driver waiting to turn across you they are likely (unreasonably) to expect that the car in front of you will block the oncoming traffic as they did. Be glad you hit the gap and wonder what would happen to the motorcyclist in a similar situation.
To conclude. not your fault, but a mistake that you could anticipate and allow for. Seeing as we get hurt in an accident I ride on the basis of failing to anticipate a driver's error means I made a mistake.
I think I'd have blamed myself for that. (as the cyclist)
I've done things like that, thankfully not so many now. I learned a big lesson from being hospitalized for months from a smidsy (where greater prudence would have prevented it)
Si
You are perfectly entitled to do what you did, however if what you did was prudent ...
Unless you can see and be seen by the driver waiting to turn across you they are likely (unreasonably) to expect that the car in front of you will block the oncoming traffic as they did. Be glad you hit the gap and wonder what would happen to the motorcyclist in a similar situation.
To conclude. not your fault, but a mistake that you could anticipate and allow for. Seeing as we get hurt in an accident I ride on the basis of failing to anticipate a driver's error means I made a mistake.
Yes, that = Defensivedrivingriding strategy; where everyone's potentially an idiot and so anticipation is key. That car should have had the highway code ringing in their ears ' go if the way is clear, and take special care if turning', but busy intersections tend to suffer from 'SMIDSY', and so I try to ride so as to 'eyeball' and quite often have the font light flashing - which IMO gives me a bit more time to play with when proceeding straight through.
Why not? Many of them have dicks.Si
You are perfectly entitled to do what you did, however if what you did was prudent ...
Unless you can see and be seen by the driver waiting to turn across you they are likely (unreasonably) to expect that the car in front of you will block the oncoming traffic as they did. Be glad you hit the gap and wonder what would happen to the motorcyclist in a similar situation.
To conclude. not your fault, but a mistake that you could anticipate and allow for. Seeing as we get hurt in an accident I ride on the basis of failing to anticipate a driver's error means I made a mistake.
Yes, that = Defensivedrivingriding strategy; where everyone's potentially an idiot and so anticipation is key. That car should have had the highway code ringing in their ears ' go if the way is clear, and take special care if turning', but busy intersections tend to suffer from 'SMIDSY', and so I try to ride so as to 'eyeball' and quite often have the font light flashing - which IMO gives me a bit more time to play with when proceeding straight through.
Cars have ears? ???
"I HAVEN'T GOT ANY FUCKIN' BRAKES!" yells the chav on a PoS Halfords-special full suspension mountain bike as he literally bounces past me down the steps like a rodeo rider on a recently gingered bull. Now these aren't gentle steps, probably twice the gradient of your average stairs. I've no idea how he managed to stay on until he hit the lane where he fell off, bounced and slid another twenty or so metres without a bike and then, as I thought bugger I'm going to have call an ambulance, got up and retrieved his bike and got back on and resumed his downward journey. OK, he's conquered the steps, but there's another 200-odd metres of 25% gradient hill. Before he hits T-junction. I did expect to see a mangled bike at the bottom of the road, but I guess somehow he survived. I don't think he'll be troubling old age.
"I HAVEN'T GOT ANY FUCKIN' BRAKES!" yells the chav on a PoS Halfords-special full suspension mountain bike as he literally bounces past me down the steps like a rodeo rider on a recently gingered bull. Now these aren't gentle steps, probably twice the gradient of your average stairs. I've no idea how he managed to stay on until he hit the lane where he fell off, bounced and slid another twenty or so metres without a bike and then, as I thought bugger I'm going to have call an ambulance, got up and retrieved his bike and got back on and resumed his downward journey. OK, he's conquered the steps, but there's another 200-odd metres of 25% gradient hill. Before he hits T-junction. I did expect to see a mangled bike at the bottom of the road, but I guess somehow he survived. I don't think he'll be troubling old age.
Perhaps an urban version of http://road.cc/content/feature/12692-scrapheap-challenge is in the pipeline? ;D
D's of the day, three abreast wrong way along a narrow one-way street in a Wold's market town.
Compounded by shouting at the oncoming cars going the correct way.
One wearing a well known jersey from the nearby city cycle club
We followed a cyclist yesterday and as we approached him he did a sudden swerve out and around a drain and no, he did not look behind. Had I not somehow half expected it to happen or had my wits about me he would have been road kill and I would be typing this from within a locked cell.
A number of competitors in the Paris-Roubaix
SNCF sues after TGV nearly hits riders (http://www.thelocal.fr/20150413/paris-roubaix-riders-have-near-miss-with-tgv)
However, it did occur to me that with the tech. stuff available, better provision couldn't have been made to avoid such a narrow window in which to stop the peloton.
The riders are fired-up competitors, the roads are closed to allow them to ride without normal constraints and then bingo, someone shoves a train front of them!
Hmmmm, yes. Scaffolders do tend to be on the muscley side of things.
A very special award goes to
http://road.cc/content/news/152498-video-manchester-cyclist-rides-through-red-light-and-side-bus
A very special award goes to
http://road.cc/content/news/152498-video-manchester-cyclist-rides-through-red-light-and-side-bus
If you read the comments you find out that he says hid brake cable snapped and he didn't have enough time to skid stop.
A very special award goes to
http://road.cc/content/news/152498-video-manchester-cyclist-rides-through-red-light-and-side-bus
If you read the comments you find out that he says hid brake cable snapped and he didn't have enough time to skid stop.
It's 4 seconds from when the lights turn red until he crosses the stop line. Glad he isn't hurt, but he doesn't have anyone or anything else to blame, sorry.
The second vid where the cyclist is an enthusiastic starter, it was clear the lorry was RLJ-ing, a normal, less enthusiastic start as all other riders did would have been less....exciting.
I think we have a winner:
http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/13059984.Cyclist_smashes_into_learner_driver_s_parked_car___watch_the_York_man_s_video_that_s_taking_the_internet_by_storm_____/ (http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/13059984.Cyclist_smashes_into_learner_driver_s_parked_car___watch_the_York_man_s_video_that_s_taking_the_internet_by_storm_____/)
I think we have a winner:
http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/13059984.Cyclist_smashes_into_learner_driver_s_parked_car___watch_the_York_man_s_video_that_s_taking_the_internet_by_storm_____/ (http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/13059984.Cyclist_smashes_into_learner_driver_s_parked_car___watch_the_York_man_s_video_that_s_taking_the_internet_by_storm_____/)
I think we have a winner:
http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/13059984.Cyclist_smashes_into_learner_driver_s_parked_car___watch_the_York_man_s_video_that_s_taking_the_internet_by_storm_____/ (http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/13059984.Cyclist_smashes_into_learner_driver_s_parked_car___watch_the_York_man_s_video_that_s_taking_the_internet_by_storm_____/)
...engrossed in his Garmin....
Seem to remember an audax or sportive a couple of years ago where a cyclist had gone 50m and was so engrossed in his Garmin that he hit a car and had to quit. The trick is to look ahead but most of us have managed that (I hope). As a ski-ing instructor once told me, looking down at your feet won't make you ski any better. So with cycling, looking ahead is going to pay dividends
I think we have a winner:
http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/13059984.Cyclist_smashes_into_learner_driver_s_parked_car___watch_the_York_man_s_video_that_s_taking_the_internet_by_storm_____/ (http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/13059984.Cyclist_smashes_into_learner_driver_s_parked_car___watch_the_York_man_s_video_that_s_taking_the_internet_by_storm_____/)
Nobody here would be so stupid as to do such a thing and end up with a fractured skull would they? Not to a car that's parked in the same place every day on the road they live on, would they? Oh,no sirree....
<wanders away whistling>
Van was parked on double-yellow lines (which I knew were there and hence was not expecting a parked vehicle).
For my part, I HAVE ridden into a stationery vehicle, but that was only because my handlebars stopped being handlebars rather unexpectedly. It was sufficient of an experience that I have no need to repeat the same.Would that have been a Staples van ?
Having learned to ride on bikes with steel wheels and rim brakes I acquired a permanent fear of oncoming stationary vehicles. It has never really left me.
Having learned to ride on bikes with steel wheels and rim brakes I acquired a permanent fear of oncoming stationary vehicles. It has never really left me.
That's interesting. I wonder if those of us that grew up with braking systems that didn't really work in dry conditions and were merely for decoration in the wet developed a more pragmatic style of riding, as opposed to those who grew up in the world of V and disk brakes?
In me defence I plead that I'd ridden that route 5 days a week for over a year. Only a complete idiot would park there, as it is a busy (narrow) road through an industrial estate with very intolerant lorry drivers.Van was parked on double-yellow lines (which I knew were there and hence was not expecting a parked vehicle).
Bit of a rookie mistake, that... :)
http://www.richmondandtwickenhamtimes.co.uk/news/13217611.Extreme_road_rage_driver_identified_as_master_butcher_and_owner_of_upmarket_cafes/
Some of you may have posted this already. Cyclist did himself no favours getting into the tirade imo
No, I don't think they were; while it's better to be Zen about these things the adrenaline jolt of being driven at by two tons of steel is pretty powerful, and the swearing is IMO not unreasonable. The threats of violence are all coming from the driver.That's the norm. But both parties were egging each on albeit one more violently. Anyway the motorist is receiving some attention on fb and apparently has a naked pic on Twitter!
http://www.richmondandtwickenhamtimes.co.uk/news/13217611.Extreme_road_rage_driver_identified_as_master_butcher_and_owner_of_upmarket_cafes/
Some of you may have posted this already. Cyclist did himself no favours getting into the tirade imo
No, I don't think they were; while it's better to be Zen about these things the adrenaline jolt of being driven at by two tons of steel is pretty powerful, and the swearing is IMO not unreasonable. The threats of violence are all coming from the driver.
The driver isn't competent enough to hold a licence, IMO, needs banning and re-testing.
The cyclist calls the driver names but it is the driver who is making violent threats.
"Sticks and stones" etc.
There is absolutely no justification for threatening to smash someone's teeth in because they called you a 'fucking idiot'.
I'm no angel and in the last 8 months have twice ended up exchanging sweary rants at a driver. If someone physically assaulted me, I'd hit back.
But. The Driver was the only one threatening to assault the cyclist.
He also seems to think that his car being thumped would be something the police would be interested in. that the police would arrest someone for hitting a car with their hand, but wouldn't arrest someone for assault. What A Moron.
[Edit]
I've just watched the initial vid. The driver is utterly at fault, there is very little the cyclist could have done to avoid contacting his car - the driver pulled in on him. In that case I think I would have lost my rag even faster and sooner than the cyclist.
No, I don't think they were; while it's better to be Zen about these things the adrenaline jolt of being driven at by two tons of steel is pretty powerful, and the swearing is IMO not unreasonable. The threats of violence are all coming from the driver.
Just for the hell of it, I went back and looked again. As ever interpreting vids is a mystic art of divination but still.
It looks as if the initial "infringement" was the $x$ (look what happens when you use the shift-4 ;) ) pulling in slightly after overtaking, holding speed with the other cyclists, personally I've had a lot worse and more brown trouser close passes. Still not good, but no worse than a "7" on a 1-10 of London close passing.
It also looks as if the driver was inwardly fuming and looking for trouble because he reacted to the cyclist's shout - had the window open to shout at cyclists? who knows. That demonstrates in my view he deserves anything the old bill could have thrown at him, but looking more at the interaction.
Cyclist goes right into overdrive, calling the driver names with.... enthusiasm. At this stage, the driver hasn't actually combusted. So much enthusiasm though that he is spitting at the driver at 0:48. Unsurprisingly it goes downhill from there.
I wouldn't call the cyclist any names, because he was in the right, but I'm fairly certain in my mind that he's the same kind of human as that knob of a driver.
The driver isn't competent enough to hold a licence, IMO, needs banning and re-testing.
Really wish this could happen
Mr Wells, who trained as a master butcher, said earlier today: “I would like to apologise for any offence caused. My behaviour was unacceptable and regardless of the situation, I shouldn’t react like that.
“I fully appreciate that cyclists have as much right to the road as any other road users.”
No, I don't think they were; while it's better to be Zen about these things the adrenaline jolt of being driven at by two tons of steel is pretty powerful, and the swearing is IMO not unreasonable. The threats of violence are all coming from the driver.That's the norm. But both parties were egging each on albeit one more violently. Anyway the motorist is receiving some attention on fb and apparently has a naked pic on Twitter!
I think he probably put a hand up against the car - he was nearly pushed into the kerb, it would have been difficult not to do so.
There is a bit on roadcc about this that seems to indicate police have had a word and possibly cautioned him.
I think he probably put a hand up against the car - he was nearly pushed into the kerb, it would have been difficult not to do so.
There is a bit on roadcc about this that seems to indicate police have had a word and possibly cautioned him.
The wing mirror makes contact with the cyclist (it gets bent in) - whether this was a result of the cyclists hitting it with his hand or being struck by the vehicle, you can't make out from the video. However, as the driver makes no mention of his vehicle being hit, I'd favour the latter explanation.
I think he probably put a hand up against the car - he was nearly pushed into the kerb, it would have been difficult not to do so.
There is a bit on roadcc about this that seems to indicate police have had a word and possibly cautioned him.
The wing mirror makes contact with the cyclist (it gets bent in) - whether this was a result of the cyclists hitting it with his hand or being struck by the vehicle, you can't make out from the video. However, as the driver makes no mention of his vehicle being hit, I'd favour the latter explanation.
We all like to be youtube vid detectives, but I think you are reading too much into that, the distortion is as a result of the wide angle, there is no wobble, no sound of impact and the mirror adjustment remains good (you can see the driver), I'd say no contact.
Road.cc had a comment from the cyclist on their story saying that he had been hit by the wing mirror.
That's certainly how I saw it, and I'm not going to watch the video again.I think he probably put a hand up against the car - he was nearly pushed into the kerb, it would have been difficult not to do so.
There is a bit on roadcc about this that seems to indicate police have had a word and possibly cautioned him.
The wing mirror makes contact with the cyclist (it gets bent in) - whether this was a result of the cyclists hitting it with his hand or being struck by the vehicle, you can't make out from the video. However, as the driver makes no mention of his vehicle being hit, I'd favour the latter explanation.
We all like to be youtube vid detectives, but I think you are reading too much into that, the distortion is as a result of the wide angle, there is no wobble, no sound of impact and the mirror adjustment remains good (you can see the driver), I'd say no contact.
Watch the original video at 2mins 15secs! Actually, the driver does accuse the cyclist of hitting his car and then adjusts his wing mirror with a push. Contact seems far more likely than not...
I remember witnessing a police officer I was working next to admonish a wankpanzer driver for where he had his small child: standing between his thighs and holding onto the steering wheel. FReply from driver? "What's it got to do with you?"
A full and frank* explanation of what it had to do with the copper then followed.
* and rather prolonged...
My first 'drive' was sitting on my dad's lap at the wheel of a Series II Landrover crossing a field. Slightly different days !I remember witnessing a police officer I was working next to admonish a wankpanzer driver for where he had his small child: standing between his thighs and holding onto the steering wheel. FReply from driver? "What's it got to do with you?"
A full and frank* explanation of what it had to do with the copper then followed.
* and rather prolonged...
Saw a chap sullenly pulling out the child-seat from the boot of his oversized people pram the other week, as his wife and little kid stood around on the pavement. Given the police car parked behind and the large officer of the law standing by, I presume it wasn't a voluntary rush of reason on the driver's part. I'm sure somehow that if there was an accident it would be the car's fault.
I remember a few years back my wife remonstrating with the driver of a Landrover who was letting his son 'drive' down a track by Ladybower Reservoir. You know what happens when the airbag deploys that close to your child's face? He apparently didn't know and didn't care. I don't have kids, but I can only assume they're easily replaceable if you break one.
Dad's car got written off when the airbags deployed so I understand replacement is neither cheap nor simple.
Dad has thankfully had no need to replace any of his six children (three of whom are now grandparents so seem efficient at self-replicating...)
what kind of idiot encourages a small child to run across a busy road?
In my day we had machines dedicated to encouraging such behaviour (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frogger).I thought that was going to be ice cream vans! Or pelican crossings with v short timings.
In my day we had machines dedicated to encouraging such behaviour (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frogger).
The youth who decided to hop off the pavement on his MTB into the cycle lane between Emsworth and Havant - the wrong way - to meet me coming the right way. I had visions of writing of the 2nd bike in 3 weeks as I did an endo and nearly had to swerve into the overtaking traffic.
A507 Shefford by-pass at 1/4 to 7 last night. A red Peugeot estate sweeps past, passenger hanging out of the window, giving it the usual unintelligable NYAGREKLEZMOWTTIYHFG ending in a doppler-effected ROAD TAAX YOU CAAAAAaaant.
This, erm, person, qualifies as a Dick rather than an Oik or a Motorised Moron for two excellent reasons.
1 (One) - He was wearing a black CYCLING jersey.
2 (MMXV) - The car he was travelling in had two very shiny roadbikes on the roof-rack. ::-)
What is the world coming to?
[...] unintelligable NYAGREKLEZMOWTTIYHFG ending in a doppler-effected ROAD TAAX YOU CAAAAAaaant.
What is the world coming to?
Irony?
A private wheel clamper from Hampshire has been fined £500 for clamping police cars providing security for a private visit by the Queen to Portsmouth.
The biter bit...QuoteA private wheel clamper from Hampshire has been fined £500 for clamping police cars providing security for a private visit by the Queen to Portsmouth.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-15496114 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-15496114)
;D ;D ;D :facepalm:
The biter bit...QuoteA private wheel clamper from Hampshire has been fined £500 for clamping police cars providing security for a private visit by the Queen to Portsmouth.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-15496114 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-15496114)
;D ;D ;D :facepalm:
Andrews told the court he had tried to call his firm's control room for authorisation to remove the clamp, and had been prevented from doing so by police.
The biter bit...QuoteA private wheel clamper from Hampshire has been fined £500 for clamping police cars providing security for a private visit by the Queen to Portsmouth.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-15496114 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-15496114)
;D ;D ;D :facepalm:QuoteAndrews told the court he had tried to call his firm's control room for authorisation to remove the clamp, and had been prevented from doing so by police.
If that is true, then this poor bastard has been really shafted. He's lost his job, his marriage and had threats made against him.
DOTD today is your truly.
With various graduation ceremonies taking place this week at my place of employment they've put in temporary metal ramps up the whole 3 steps to get into the main entrance to the building - for catering and presumably disabled access. I've been enjoying yomping up one of them on the bike, not because it saves me any time, but just because it's a bit of fun in the morning.
Sometimes it pays to pay attention to the weather though. Next time I'll save this silliness for dry conditions. :facepalm:
Female jogger in all blue foopball kit who caused a lorry driver to change his trousers by running straight across the roundabout about 6 feet in front of his moving lorry on the busy A507 Chicksands roundabout at 0715 this morning. About 20 feet from a Toucan crossing ::-)
Politely remonstrating with a driver who just risked your life isn't being a "warrior".
That may have been his commute, catching up with that driver just shows how stupid and pointless the dangerous overtake was.
I must have a sign on my back that says "fuck me from behind", that everybody but me can see.
On the way home, pulling away from a set of lights another bicycle overtook me and immediately cut across me to go up the ramp, immediately after the lights, onto the pavement. Fortunately my brakes were a little sharper than his brain.
I vote runners can be included in DOTD, as they likely have at least the lycra and road bike at home.Seconded
JUst wonder what goes through some peoples heads at times.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-34584344 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-34584344)
Lord Beardface of Hackney is a contemptible maggot. If he reckons 99% of RTCs were down to a fault on the part of the rider then with 16 deaths a year you only have to find 2 blameless riders to show the absurdly self-important gobshite is talking pants. The majority of riders were blameless. Risky or illegal cycling is a factor in just 6% of KSI RTCs, Sugar claims almost the opposite of the reality. He's a slime-ball Murdock spiv with "Lord Sugar" written across his crossbar, the stupid big penis.
Lord Beardface of Hackney is a contemptible maggot. If he reckons 99% of RTCs were down to a fault on the part of the rider then with 16 deaths a year you only have to find 2 blameless riders to show the absurdly self-important gobshite is talking pants. The majority of riders were blameless. Risky or illegal cycling is a factor in just 6% of KSI RTCs, Sugar claims almost the opposite of the reality. He's a slime-ball Murdock spiv with "Lord Sugar" written across his crossbar, the stupid big penis.
Not a big fan of him then?
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/03/28/article-1165492-040A2052000005DC-393_233x223.jpg)
Ghastly man. Nasty, ignorant victim-blaming from..why's he talking about cycling anyway? What's it got to do with beard face, he doesn't cycle in London cos a driver takes him everywhere. Suddenly he's laying the law down about stuff he knows squit about.
Lord Beardface of Hackney is a contemptible maggot. If he reckons 99% of RTCs were down to a fault on the part of the rider then with 16 deaths a year you only have to find 2 blameless riders to show the absurdly self-important gobshite is talking pants. The majority of riders were blameless. Risky or illegal cycling is a factor in just 6% of KSI RTCs, Sugar claims almost the opposite of the reality. He's a slime-ball Murdock spiv with "Lord Sugar" written across his crossbar, the stupid big penis.Oh ffs
"as long as you have that philosophy when you’re riding your bike in central London, I think 99 per cent of the accidents that occurred would have been avoided.”
And as long as you have that philosophy when you’reriding your bikedriving your vehicle in central London, I think 99 per cent of the accidents that occurred would have been avoided.
He said:You do realise that your rant about Sugar says more about you than it does about him?Quote"as long as you have that philosophy when you’re riding your bike in central London, I think 99 per cent of the accidents that occurred would have been avoided.”
Which is complete bollocks and implies that the dead or injured cyclists only had to follow his stupid advice to avoid the collision. the reality is almost the complete opposite, the cyclist's behaviour is rarely the causal factor. He's explicitly saying that the cyclists in collisions could have followed his advice and been ok. He doesn't cycle in London. He claimed his split helmet was proof they work. He has form for flapping his gums about stuff he knows nothing about and it gets press attention because in this country it's assumed that celebrities are sources of wisdom. It's all dangerous stuff, the LTDA got wind of the Standard poll and have flooded it with votes saying the undertaking cyclist was at fault in that collision. Mmmm, so cabbies are anxious to blame cyclists for collisions, and self-important windbag Sugar declares that he has the answer to road safety, and it's CYCLISTS TAKE CARE.
If the Oddjob freak had said the answer is for EVERYONE to take care it would have been helpful, but because he pulled that 99% statistic right out of his stupid Hackney arse he reinforces victim-blaming. Being "situationally aware" doesn't work against lorry drivers playing with phones.
Sugar cycles a lot and at a heck of a speed, according to cycling weekly journalists who have ridden with him.
Any truck that is parked by traffic lights, I will not go down the inside lane of it. I will stay behind it and be patient because it’s going to kill me.
Sorry Jo, are you saying continuing to stream down the inside of a vehicle indicating left is good cycling?
Sorry Jo, are you saying continuing to stream down the inside of a vehicle indicating left is good cycling?
As you might guess, I wouldn't say this is 'good cycling'. What I did say though can be paraphrased as Anyone can behave less than ideally on the road, but those whose less than ideal behaviour poses the greatest danger to others have the greatest obligation to behave better.
Taxi drivers that suddenly lurch to the left to a kerb for a customer that stuck their hands out are bloody lethal drivers! Same goes for those that are already by the kerb with the left indicator on then suddenly, as you are moving out to the right to go round them, decided to flick right indicator and attempt a complete u-turn with scant regards for both cyclists and cars ::-) No amount of situational awareness can make up for those kind of thoughts.
I think that most people here have the anticipation to avoid these kind of accidents most of the time, but this comes from experience and people ought to be able to cycle and survive without those years of learning. Pretty much in the same way that pedestrians do.
The video of the cyclist-taxi collision (https://youtu.be/8TGSWcSfK_U) that's doing the social media rounds at the moment is an apposite example of the kind of thing we are discussing.
There's little doubt that if the cyclist had stopped before the taxi driver moved left, or filtered to his right (or stayed at home that day), there would not have been a collision between them. So it feels natural to suggest that cyclists should be more aware of the possibility of situations like this arising. However, we also have to consider the effect of very public words of advice such as Sugar's which will be heard by more non cyclists than cyclists. In this case, the taxi driver did a classic manoeuvresignal rather than mirror -- signal -- manoeuvre, showing a lack of awareness that had more serious consequences for the cyclist than it did for the driver. Discussion of #bloodycyclists filtering down the inside has the consequence of allowing those who actually do the harm to avoid having to change their behaviour or accept responsibility for the potentially dangerous vehicles they control.
The video of the cyclist-taxi collision (https://youtu.be/8TGSWcSfK_U) that's doing the social media rounds at the moment is an apposite example of the kind of thing we are discussing.
There's little doubt that if the cyclist had stopped before the taxi driver moved left, or filtered to his right (or stayed at home that day), there would not have been a collision between them. So it feels natural to suggest that cyclists should be more aware of the possibility of situations like this arising. However, we also have to consider the effect of very public words of advice such as Sugar's which will be heard by more non cyclists than cyclists. In this case, the taxi driver did a classic manoeuvresignal rather than mirror -- signal -- manoeuvre, showing a lack of awareness that had more serious consequences for the cyclist than it did for the driver. Discussion of #bloodycyclists filtering down the inside has the consequence of allowing those who actually do the harm to avoid having to change their behaviour or accept responsibility for the potentially dangerous vehicles they control.
Interesting, because I watch that and judge it to be entirely the fault of the cyclist.
Plain old common sense, backed up by Rule 167 of the Highway Code: ‘Do not overtake where you might come into conflict with other road users. For example, approaching or at a road junction on either side of the road’.
http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/taxi-driver-fined-for-knocking-highprofile-cycling-campaigner-off-bike-a3135406.html
Cyclist attempting to cross a closed level crossing just as a Pendilino HST arrived:That has to be DOTY
https://uk.screen.yahoo.com/near-misses-close-calls/polish-cyclist-shockingly-drives-path-065236717.html
He was about a half second too late to succeed in his Darwin award attempt, but it's instructive to see how far the smooth side of the train knocked him
That's your opinion. After 5 years of riding in London, I am still occasionally surprised by drivers despite trying to 2nd guess everyone the best I can!
Lord Beardface of Hackney is a contemptible maggot. If he reckons 99% of RTCs were down to a fault on the part of the rider then with 16 deaths a year you only have to find 2 blameless riders to show the absurdly self-important gobshite is talking pants. The majority of riders were blameless. Risky or illegal cycling is a factor in just 6% of KSI RTCs, Sugar claims almost the opposite of the reality. He's a slime-ball Murdock spiv with "Lord Sugar" written across his crossbar, the stupid big penis.
QuoteLord Beardface of Hackney is a contemptible maggot. If he reckons 99% of RTCs were down to a fault on the part of the rider then with 16 deaths a year you only have to find 2 blameless riders to show the absurdly self-important gobshite is talking pants. The majority of riders were blameless. Risky or illegal cycling is a factor in just 6% of KSI RTCs, Sugar claims almost the opposite of the reality. He's a slime-ball Murdock spiv with "Lord Sugar" written across his crossbar, the stupid big penis.
I agree 99% is rather OTT. but could have avoided is not the same as being responsible for. Or as I was told many years ago when I started riding motorbikes "being in the right is no consolation if your lying in the gutter with a broken leg" I see many bikers and riders put themselves into entirely legal but very risky situations. I think to some extent this is the nature of cycling most of us are not keen to give the momentum we have worked hard for. To many road users (of all types) behave as though all the other road users were attentive and intelligent, the reality is many of them are like sheep on the road, only not quite as predictable or sharp witted
To the bloke in Lichfield who shot two red lights yesterday whilst I waiting for them to change and then had the affront to shout at me for stopping at the next one after I had overtaken him yet again; Sir, you are what I called you, "A dickhead."
Erm . . . Me. Last week.
Center Parcs supply hire hire bikes with a horseshoe type lock on the rear triangle. I stopped, locked the bike, went to the shop and came out again to find that there was nowhere in the lock for the key to fit. Cue searching of pockets and the ground near the bike for a missing lock barrel. Ended up pushing/ carrying the bike back to the villa before the youngest pointed out I was looking on the wrong side of the bike . . .
What is it I do for a living, again?
I rather thought this thread was for examples of cyclists' ineptitude and the 'Today's Motorised Moron' thread was for drivers of motorised vehicles.
Or have I got that wrong ?
Some good driving from the lorry driver there.
Yesterday ...
Blue Honda, reg: V648 DLL
It's that time of the year again. On my way to the pub at just after 7 last night. The sun hadn't been gone long enough for it to be anywhere close to dark, just a bit gloomy under the trees. AAARGHH!!! MY EYES! MY EYES!!1!! MTB-er comes the other way with a searingly-bright eyeball-DETH-inflicting head torch. No other lights front or rear, just this thing he'd stolen from Anti-Aircraft Command strapped to his head.Amen to that.
A nomination for the Doris Bike rider westbound at Aldgate, in the left hand cycle lane.So how are you supposed to turn right there? I presume from a combination of Streetview and your description that after the right motorised traffic filter green, or at some point, there is an all-directions cycling green. It's not exactly clear though, nor is it clear if you've never encountered such a thing that the cycling green will not require you to give way to/coincide with someone else's green as well.
He stopped, which I thought was odd - he didn't look the type if you know what I mean (No, I wasn't judging on appearances, he had previous) The thing you need to know about that bit there is that (a) the bike lane is a little tedious if you are going straight ahead, as it is red through the complete motorised green to protect you against left turning vehicles, but it does that well (b) there is a right turn filter as part of the motorised green sequence Streetview (https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@51.5153399,-0.0713539,3a,75y,270h,89.31t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s2ACaEnYILlkNFicOqxYoBw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) if that sounds too complicated. I turn left, but I'm happy to exchange a few seconds for safety at one of the junctions I thought could never be made safe.
Anyhow, the right motorised traffic filter turns green, and this bloke sets off from the red cycle lane light across the traffic to turn right! ...... :facepalm:
The thing that made it so memorable for me? That he had a paper bag dangling from the handlebars. That had printed on it "Le Coq Spoprtif" ;D:D
A nomination for the Doris Bike rider westbound at Aldgate, in the left hand cycle lane.So how are you supposed to turn right there? I presume from a combination of Streetview and your description that after the right motorised traffic filter green, or at some point, there is an all-directions cycling green. It's not exactly clear though, nor is it clear if you've never encountered such a thing that the cycling green will not require you to give way to/coincide with someone else's green as well.
He stopped, which I thought was odd - he didn't look the type if you know what I mean (No, I wasn't judging on appearances, he had previous) The thing you need to know about that bit there is that (a) the bike lane is a little tedious if you are going straight ahead, as it is red through the complete motorised green to protect you against left turning vehicles, but it does that well (b) there is a right turn filter as part of the motorised green sequence Streetview (https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@51.5153399,-0.0713539,3a,75y,270h,89.31t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s2ACaEnYILlkNFicOqxYoBw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) if that sounds too complicated. I turn left, but I'm happy to exchange a few seconds for safety at one of the junctions I thought could never be made safe.
Anyhow, the right motorised traffic filter turns green, and this bloke sets off from the red cycle lane light across the traffic to turn right! ...... :facepalm:QuoteThe thing that made it so memorable for me? That he had a paper bag dangling from the handlebars. That had printed on it "Le Coq Spoprtif" ;D:D
http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/mother-of-two-fell-off-bike-and-died-moments-after-taking-this-selfie-a3360441.htmlUrging the government to compel cyclists to wear helmets is a lot easier than urging them to make cyclists (or drivers) use common sense and a lot easier than urging them to keep the roads smooth.
I have a serious problem with this. Why is it up to the government ? Surely the lady has to have some self-restraint and keep her bloody hands on the handlebars. Especially at nights! I am sad to hear that she was also not wearing a helmet but it shouldn't take a law to have some common sense.
http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/mother-of-two-fell-off-bike-and-died-moments-after-taking-this-selfie-a3360441.htmlUrging the government to compel cyclists to wear helmets is a lot easier than urging them to make cyclists (or drivers) use common sense and a lot easier than urging them to keep the roads smooth.
I have a serious problem with this. Why is it up to the government ? Surely the lady has to have some self-restraint and keep her bloody hands on the handlebars. Especially at nights! I am sad to hear that she was also not wearing a helmet but it shouldn't take a law to have some common sense.
http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/mother-of-two-fell-off-bike-and-died-moments-after-taking-this-selfie-a3360441.htmlUrging the government to compel cyclists to wear helmets is a lot easier than urging them to make cyclists (or drivers) use common sense and a lot easier than urging them to keep the roads smooth.
I have a serious problem with this. Why is it up to the government ? Surely the lady has to have some self-restraint and keep her bloody hands on the handlebars. Especially at nights! I am sad to hear that she was also not wearing a helmet but it shouldn't take a law to have some common sense.
Sadly true but also I have come off my bike on unbelievably smooth roads in Mallorca so that's not entirely true and I was glad to have a helmet on. Despite what roads we are riding on, helmets should be the first thought on a cyclist mind and not because we're told to by the law.
http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/mother-of-two-fell-off-bike-and-died-moments-after-taking-this-selfie-a3360441.htmlUrging the government to compel cyclists to wear helmets is a lot easier than urging them to make cyclists (or drivers) use common sense and a lot easier than urging them to keep the roads smooth.
I have a serious problem with this. Why is it up to the government ? Surely the lady has to have some self-restraint and keep her bloody hands on the handlebars. Especially at nights! I am sad to hear that she was also not wearing a helmet but it shouldn't take a law to have some common sense.
The tool who locked their bike to mine outside work today.
I have returned the favour witha nice thankyou note.
I shall be removing mine tomorrow and if their's isn't I shall be getting security to do it. >:(
Every f*cking morning for the last 3 mornings I cross a pedestrian crossing and the same cyclist has sailed through the red light, about 4" behind me. I'm really tempted to step backwards into them.
It's early in the morning, the road is empty. Would it really cost them so much to stop for red?
Oh and add the person on Monday, who at 6:30am, with the road nearly empty, found it necessary to ride up on the pavement, continue on the pavement in front of the rail station past all the bus stops (weaving at speed past the people waiting for buses) then rejoin the road once they were past the station? The road was empty.
Hoods for the win...... Not.
Cyclist's near-miss with train (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/video_and_audio/headlines/38393823)
Hoods for the win...... Not.
Earphones must be blocking the approaching sound of a train that his addled brain confused with the train that just went past!
Get out o bed too late- get stuck in traffic?
:facepalm: You mean HTF can you miss the fact that a train is approaching?
;)
Hoods for the win...... Not.
Earphones must be blocking the approaching sound of a train that his addled brain confused with the train that just went past!
Neither hoods nor earphones prevent safe use of a level crossing. It's called not looking. You know, like the drivers do.
I've also neverFTFY :Dmissedhit an approaching train, hence still alive and posting. :)
So, a sunny January day. A great mass of people, dressed mainly in black, emerge from a church , outside of which a hearse is parked. It's a good bet that they've just been to a funeral and are feeling sad. They walk up the narrow lane towards their parked cars.The Super Twat thread is that way
A cyclist approaches the group. Does he
A. Slow down, think a little about how the other people are feeling?
B. Bellow "cyclist coming through" and attack the climb, weaving through the mourners?
Cyclist's near-miss with train (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/video_and_audio/headlines/38393823)
I was just about to post that one. HTF can you miss a train?
A sort of comedy slow-motion lemming: Without looking, a pedestrian started to cross the road some distance in front of me, at a sedate pace. I eased off accordingly. As he got about halfway across he happened to glance in my direction, startled and made some sort of "Arrgh!" noise, in fitting with being mown down by a speeding lycra lout. I shrugged and passed behind him at below 10mph with about 2 metres of clearance.
Probably a Bristol Post reader visiting Brum on holiday.
...or dead.
Meanwhile, why would you try to ride 1700km home, from somewhere you don't know, without being able to read a map? What's the worst that could happen?
Well, you could ride 500km in the wrong direction (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-38748373).
He seems to be somewhat intoxicated
the train driver performed an emergency stop, meaning that the crossing became blocked and the man, whom he described as “very aggressive,” had to carry his bike over the footbridge.
..the biggest problem here is that he's not wearing hi-viz or a helmet, both of which would have prevented this situation from occurring in the first place.
I think I fit into this category this morning. I was riding along and hearing no sirens but it turns out that an ambulance had followed behind me for a little while (don't know exactly how long) with its lights on. Just after overtaking me in a safe manner where the road widened a little, it turned right.I disagree. They have sirens for a reason and cyclists are not expected to have rear view mirrors. If they rely on you to read between the lines - "oooh, is it me or was there a blue reflection in that window" and eschew turning the sirens on then they are not in that much of a rush.
I think I fit into this category this morning. I was riding along and hearing no sirens but it turns out that an ambulance had followed behind me for a little while (don't know exactly how long) with its lights on. Just after overtaking me in a safe manner where the road widened a little, it turned right.I disagree. They have sirens for a reason and cyclists are not expected to have rear view mirrors. If they rely on you to read between the lines - "oooh, is it me or was there a blue reflection in that window" and eschew turning the sirens on then they are not in that much of a rush.
it's only taken a quick whoop to encourage me to let them by.
it's only taken a quick whoop to encourage me to let them by.
Yes, but hopefully from a little way back. I was once given the full blast from directly behind me. I had no idea they were there. It was extremely loud and I very nearly had a heart attack. It took me a while before my heart rate and breathing returned to a level where I could carry on.
it's only taken a quick whoop to encourage me to let them by.
Yes, but hopefully from a little way back. I was once given the full blast from directly behind me. I had no idea they were there. It was extremely loud and I very nearly had a heart attack. It took me a while before my heart rate and breathing returned to a level where I could carry on.
Sounds like they were trying to drum up business.
Yes, that's CS7. People wobble to the front every time. Either the lycra boys who can't clip in or the generically clueless. In a country where pushing to the front of any queue is usually grounds for a savage tutting it's most peculiar behaviour.CS7. I now ride the length of that every day. There is no end of shocking cycling on display at almost every moment.
Dashcam shows young cyclist 'playing chicken' with car (http://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-england-essex-40715685/dashcam-shows-young-cyclist-playing-chicken-with-car)
???
Dashcam shows young cyclist 'playing chicken' with car (http://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-england-essex-40715685/dashcam-shows-young-cyclist-playing-chicken-with-car)
???
Teenagers.
Also looks like he's using his trainers as a brake.
Meanwhile, this guy's using his mudguard as a weapon (motorist then attempts to fight back with a golf stick): http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-berkshire-40750855/slough-road-fight-cyclist-and-driver-filmed-brawling
Yes, that's CS7. People wobble to the front every time. Either the lycra boys who can't clip in or the generically clueless. In a country where pushing to the front of any queue is usually grounds for a savage tutting it's most peculiar behaviour.CS7. I now ride the length of that every day. There is no end of shocking cycling on display at almost every moment.
Meanwhile, this guy's using his mudguard as a weapon (motorist then attempts to fight back with a golf stick): http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-berkshire-40750855/slough-road-fight-cyclist-and-driver-filmed-brawling
This may have been down to a lack of clue but who rides their bike across a railway...?
road.cc (http://road.cc/content/news/228375-kent-cyclist-hospitalised-after-riding-across-live-rail)
This may have been down to a lack of clue but who rides their bike across a railway...?
road.cc (http://road.cc/content/news/228375-kent-cyclist-hospitalised-after-riding-across-live-rail)
This may have been down to a lack of clue but who rides their bike across a railway...?I used to twice a day.
road.cc (http://road.cc/content/news/228375-kent-cyclist-hospitalised-after-riding-across-live-rail)
I think I'd have said more than that to someone grabbing my shoulder on a moving bike without warning.
Coming into the village tonight I see a cyclist (or at least a person on a bike). Dark clothing, no high-vis, hoodie up.
I'm considering winding the window down and shouting some sort of comment about 'maybe getting some lights' when I realise he has a rear light. It was so dim I'd seem him (and that wasn't easy) way before I could see the little red glow.
At least he had lights of some sort I suppose.
Am I missing something, or is this not a better reason for saying something? A friendly "your back light's nearly flat, mate!' is likely to be better received, at least.You're probably right, it would have been better. However, the opportunity didn't arise, short of stopping the car and flagging him down, I suppose.
Red flashing light on a bike. Coming towards me. WTF? I think I prefer the unlit ones.These seem to go in and out of fashion. We had a couple around here a year or so ago : reversed red/white - I don't know if someone had a word, or natural events took their course. Around the same time Mrs M had words (as best she could) with a newly arrived cycling person from the middle east who seemed to assume it was normal (red at the front, no rear)
Round here (country lanes with hedges on both sides) it can be confusing as to where the road is. You assume that the red light must be on the left-hand side of the road so start to move right. It's usually just a moment's confusion and usually sorts out, but adding to the thinking time of other road users is really not terribly clever,That is why cars have to park in the normal direction of traffic in many conditions. Not that the law is enforced.
The closing speed on most folk equipped with a red front light isn't much different to them being stopped. Given that you don't want to run into anything with a red light attached, regardless of its direction of motion or lack of same, is there a huge difference? Assuming you don't aim to skim past by veering at the last moment, of course.When you want to turn right, the difference between a bike on the pavement going away from you, and a bike in the gutter coming towards you is significant.
The closing speed on most folk equipped with a red front light isn't much different to them being stopped. Given that you don't want to run into anything with a red light attached, regardless of its direction of motion or lack of same, is there a huge difference? Assuming you don't aim to skim past by veering at the last moment, of course.
Several countries require motor vehicles to be parked in the direction of travel. I was surprised when I first visited here that the UK allowed open slather.
Several countries require motor vehicles to be parked in the direction of travel. I was surprised when I first visited here that the UK allowed open slather.
I was given a telling-off by a USAnian friend for parking the wrong way outside her house. Though not serious enough for me to move the car...
Meh. What do you do about unlit potholes? I have headlights that show me stuff. I don't rely on indicators that may be incorrect (on cars or anything else).Sure, if I hit him it's my fault. But when you're trying to turn across traffic, you get: car headlights - car headlights - car headlights - gap containing cyclist with dim flashing red light (in the gutter/pavement). First reaction is that he's on the pavement and that means there's a gap to get through before the next car. With someone paying attention they get a second look, which is enough to see they are approaching, and there is no gap. With someone paying a bit less attention...
Aren't we supposed to leave [one of] the sidelights on if we do this? Not that anyone ever does, other than by accidentally leaving the indicators engaged.For ease of looking up I used my1970s Highway Code which refers to RTA1972 section 78
I think it's for the same reason that some motorcyclists put purple or pink perspex over their headlights (which they remove at night) – to attract attention by being unusual.Meh. What do you do about unlit potholes? I have headlights that show me stuff. I don't rely on indicators that may be incorrect (on cars or anything else).Sure, if I hit him it's my fault. But when you're trying to turn across traffic, you get: car headlights - car headlights - car headlights - gap containing cyclist with dim flashing red light (in the gutter/pavement). First reaction is that he's on the pavement and that means there's a gap to get through before the next car. With someone paying attention they get a second look, which is enough to see they are approaching, and there is no gap. With someone paying a bit less attention...
It's not that other road users can't see this cyclist (urban setting, streetlights), it's that by using a red flashing light on the front (and riding in the gutter) they are actively confusing. I just don't understand - why would you go to the trouble of getting lights and then put the on the wrong way around?
I think it's for the same reason that some motorcyclists put purple or pink perspex over their headlights (which they remove at night) – to attract attention by being unusual.If it were green or pink or purple, then it would definitely merit a second look.
Several countries require motor vehicles to be parked in the direction of travel. I was surprised when I first visited here that the UK allowed open slather.
I was given a telling-off by a USAnian friend for parking the wrong way outside her house. Though not serious enough for me to move the car...
Aren't we supposed to leave [one of] the sidelights on if we do this? Not that anyone ever does, other than by accidentally leaving the indicators engaged.
Let's not pursue this reasoning or we'll see a return to the days of flashing amber lights. "Have I got time to pull out before that car gets here? Yes, they're turning left. Oh shit, that wasn't an indicator, it was a bike light!" :hand:I think it's for the same reason that some motorcyclists put purple or pink perspex over their headlights (which they remove at night) – to attract attention by being unusual.If it were green or pink or purple, then it would definitely merit a second look.
Red is a tail light. Putting it on the front isn't unusual and attracting attention, it's normal, but being used out of context, and therefore, in my view dangerous. And this was at night. ;)
Exactly. Why is an amber light dangerous? Because it means something else in normal road use. Just like red means the back of a vehicle. And flashing blue is going to get you into trouble! ;)Let's not pursue this reasoning or we'll see a return to the days of flashing amber lights. "Have I got time to pull out before that car gets here? Yes, they're turning left. Oh shit, that wasn't an indicator, it was a bike light!" :hand:I think it's for the same reason that some motorcyclists put purple or pink perspex over their headlights (which they remove at night) – to attract attention by being unusual.If it were green or pink or purple, then it would definitely merit a second look.
Red is a tail light. Putting it on the front isn't unusual and attracting attention, it's normal, but being used out of context, and therefore, in my view dangerous. And this was at night. ;)
The closing speed on most folk equipped with a red front light isn't much different to them being stopped. Given that you don't want to run into anything with a red light attached, regardless of its direction of motion or lack of same, is there a huge difference? Assuming you don't aim to skim past by veering at the last moment, of course.When you want to turn right, the difference between a bike on the pavement going away from you, and a bike in the gutter coming towards you is significant.
Multiple. Well, 3 to be precise.
Ok, so I'm a 57 year old man wearing warm overtrousers struggling into a headwind on a 15 year old Ridgeback. With mudguards.
You three are clearly much younger, much fitter, wearing skintight bibsuits and chasing each other up the hill on carbon fuck-me-how-much bikes. I know that, there's no need to rub it in by passing me with a foot clearance with not such much as a raised Le Col encased hand, let alone a friendly greeting to cheer me on a cold climb.
Arrogant cocks.
Looks like it's an electric three wheeler - so just an e-trike without the pedals? Only $15,500.
https://electrameccanica.com/emv-solo-us/
Having encountered one a while ago, I was wondering if the ebike revolution is going to give us a whole new class of pavement cyclists who are both fast and unskilled (the usual pavement cyclists tending to be either one or the other).
I'm sure there will be an e-bikelash in due course.
And I thought "e cocks" were something that might be only in NSFW!Having encountered one a while ago, I was wondering if the ebike revolution is going to give us a whole new class of pavement cyclists who are both fast and unskilled (the usual pavement cyclists tending to be either one or the other).
I'm sure there will be an e-bikelash in due course.
Most e bikers I have experienced are quite civilized and courteous. There is however, a breed that employs non legal or 'dongled' legal bikes that can be complete cocks.
As the e bike revolution spreads, my former colleagues will catch on to it and then be able to spend time persecuting e cocks as opposed to investiagting real crime.
And I thought "e cocks" were something that might be only in NSFW!Having encountered one a while ago, I was wondering if the ebike revolution is going to give us a whole new class of pavement cyclists who are both fast and unskilled (the usual pavement cyclists tending to be either one or the other).
I'm sure there will be an e-bikelash in due course.
Most e bikers I have experienced are quite civilized and courteous. There is however, a breed that employs non legal or 'dongled' legal bikes that can be complete cocks.
As the e bike revolution spreads, my former colleagues will catch on to it and then be able to spend time persecuting e cocks as opposed to investiagting real crime.
Having encountered one a while ago, I was wondering if the ebike revolution is going to give us a whole new class of pavement cyclists who are both fast and unskilled (the usual pavement cyclists tending to be either one or the other).
I'm sure there will be an e-bikelash in due course.
Most e bikers I have experienced are quite civilized and courteous. There is however, a breed that employs non legal or 'dongled' legal bikes that can be complete cocks.
And I thought "e cocks" were something that might be only in NSFW!So the accepted term for a Dick Of The Day on an e bike is a Dildo Of The Day?
Sounds like it wasn't an e bike but a 'souped up' or dongled or doctored e bike so therefore not staying within the realms of e bike legislation. Just the sort of idiot that will persuade the polis to actually pay attention and deal with the lawbreakers and legislation dodgers.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-44512967
Morons. No-one in their right mind gets close to a horse when cycling.
Amanda Coyne, who lives near the route of the race, said she had encountered cyclists riding "dangerously" while driving shortly before 09:00.Forced? By whome pray tell Ms Coyne?
"I nearly had a heart attack as I nearly got hit by a car which had been forced to overtake cyclists who were riding four-abreast," she said.
To the chap I see riding most weekdays, who has the irritating combination of a pathetically weak rear blinky light and 2x obnoxiously bright lights up front.
Not sure if it was dickery or just innocent ignorance. Rush hour yesterday evening in Leicester A47 heavy with moving traffic.
Cyclist with a front flashing light, but the flash pattern was «on /off/ on - long off - repeat» the long off phase was long enough to mask the rider's presence at side roads.
If the rider had been going my way I might have warned them (and maybe got a mouthful?)
Sent from my KFDOWI using Tapatalk
There were some people with crazy bright flashing front lights on the Dunwich Dynamo last year, which had the joy of not only doing your head in when behind them but for a *long* time after you’d overtaken them. It didn’t help that I encountered them at the peak “why TF am I still awake” brain melting phase of the ride.
Geordies and posties have an exemption. For the shorts-wearing, not the flashing lights.
Anyway, front flashing lights are a work of Stan, and should only be used in daylight during thick fog or for impersonating police officers. :hand:
as long as the flasher is not excessively bright.At the other end of the spectrum, I often see riders with daytime front lights that are about as effective as a fart in a thunderstorm. I see the rider long long before I notice they have a glow worm attached to their bars.
Got a telling off from a runner for sounding my bell (he was ahead of me going in the same direction on a path that was just about wide enough for us both and it was my standard courtesy warning when overtaking combined with a deceleration given the width of the path).
Said hed prefer cyclists not to ring their bells.
I recognised him so I cant wait til next time :demon:
DOTD shoutout to the fella on the Chalke & Cheese out of Warmley t'other week. Several hundred fully illuminated cyclists heading down the Bristol-Bath traffic free cycle path together. So, obviously, had super bright flashing lights front and rear. I had to sprint off ahead of him for fear of an epileptic fit.Paths like that are the places to experience the full range of cyclist lighting choices, from no lights or reflectors at all to full on epileptic disco at high noon, and encompassing all sorts of weird colours and positioning in between. And that's just the cyclists, if we add in the runners, walkers, dogs, hover wheels and similar devices, we'd never end!
Lights! Flashing! White on the rear, red on the front :facepalm:Occasionally see people with red on the front or white on the rear, don't think I've ever seen both on the same bike. I do wonder whether it's just a mistake, or a case of desperation wrong lights are better than no lights, or a deliberate ploy for WTF-factor safety.
What a bunch of utter knob ends. Particularly one Iain Plumb.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-47009149
What a bunch of utter knob ends. Particularly one Iain Plumb.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-47009149
Shocking lack of consideration.
£1000 in fines & costs was fairly substantial when considering this driver - horse/rider collision outcome... https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-40134629
Just a point of order people.Well made.
DOTD is for cycling dicks.
The Motorised moron (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=63751.0) thread is for motorised bell-ends.
At the tail end of yesterday's DIY 200, entering Devizes at the start of rush hour, moron in a 4x4 and towing a trailer that was wider than his car attempted to overtake me, but part of the trailer hit my right leg. Luckily I disengaged from the pedal and was just able to stay upright despite pinballing betwixt trailer and kerb.
Put in an 800W sprint to catch him, but he soon turned into the local DIY shop car park. Tapped on his passenger side window to ask if he even knew he'd just hit me, to be met with, 'Touch my f*cking car and I'll knock your teeth out.'
I should've left him to his one man fifedom of twattery; instead I invited him to demonstrate. He got out, walked round to me, whereupon I encouraged him to have a sit down. I should have been the bigger man and walked away. I'm not proud. I sort of am
Not exactly rare though. Riding right round the outside of a roundabout, crossing every exit to reach the one you want, used to be (still is?) a recommended technique for cyclists in the Highway Code.It's surprisingly rare at that roundabout (I drive it every day). Most cyclists will indicate and move to the middle of the lane if they are tuning right.
Not exactly rare though. Riding right round the outside of a roundabout, crossing every exit to reach the one you want, used to be (still is?) a recommended technique for cyclists in the Highway Code.
My nomination would be the guy on the MTB at a massive roundabout near Aberdeen. Cycling on the road rather than using the beautiful cycle path at the side, coming down the inside of my car, then taking the entry corner wide as well as cutting over into the lane.There are cycle paths for probably 50% of my commute from West Lothian into Edinburgh. However I would choose to ride them for probably 0% of the time. They are untreated, covered in debris, shared use (so runners, walkers, dogs, etc.) and force you to stop every 2 mins.
And to top it all he had headphones in so was oblivious to the rush hour traffic.
My nomination would be the guy on the MTB at a massive roundabout near Aberdeen. Cycling on the road rather than using the beautiful cycle path at the side, coming down the inside of my car, then taking the entry corner wide as well as cutting over into the lane.There are cycle paths for probably 50% of my commute from West Lothian into Edinburgh. However I would choose to ride them for probably 0% of the time. They are untreated, covered in debris, shared use (so runners, walkers, dogs, etc.) and force you to stop every 2 mins.
And to top it all he had headphones in so was oblivious to the rush hour traffic.
Just because this guy had headphones on, how do you know he was oblivious to traffic?
Today's award goes to the pavement cyclist holding his phone in one hand and eating a sandwich with another. This is standard Brummie driving behaviour, so on balance I'm glad he was on a bike.Well played sir*! I envy the skillz on display.
Me, last night.<raises hand>
Doing a turn on club run turned chaingang, I glanced over my shoulder to check it was clear before I pulled off to the right. Due to the road surface, we were already riding down the centre of the lane (unmarked) so I effectively swung out onto the other lane.
Immediate shrieks of 'CAR BACK', to my horror there was a tiny Peugeot thing in the process overtaking us. Total SMIDSY on my part. :facepalm:
Chap who overtook me at speed and so closely that I felt him brush by. A little more space, I told him at the inevitable next set of lights. I'm in a cycling club, says he, I think I know how to overtake someone. I don't think you do, opine I, as he stares ahead. You know, sometimes a simple sorry is enough.We could be doppelgangers.
Special mention to the guy ahead of me through Tooting and Mitcham yesterday. Use your fucking gears rather than getting in my way at each and every traffic light as slow mash away in the hardest gear.
@ElyDave if you have a look at the "parking like a twat in Ely" facebook page you'll see a photo taken of a local club ride by an irate driver who seems to have been very upset at having to wait a few seconds to pass their very neat line.
Taking a photo whilst driving?
Sadly I've had a couple of encounters at that junction but not usually as bad you describe. I shall keep a wary eye out for Jeeps, what colour was it?
Alas like everything in life they're just cheap kits from China (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33057989565.html). The only part found in a skip is invariably the poor bike they perpetrate it to.
The rider of this contraption:
(https://cdn.road.cc/sites/default/files/styles/main_width/public/motorised-bike-leicester-south-police.jpg?itok=vJsXsify)
https://road.cc/content/news/264274-cyclist-motorised-bike-fuel-tank-attached-string-warned-police
I wonder if the PCSO noticed the lack of rear brake?
This guy:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-scotland-49275630/determined-cyclist-makes-it-through-flood-water-in-edinburgh
Kudos for making it through the floor waters, but I bet he won't take the bike in to have every single set of bearings regreased...
It makes me cringe at what it does to the bike.
J
I once pedalled my bike through a puddle deep enough that my feet disappeared on every rotation, then the bottom bracket, the wheel hubs, and my knees. In my defence, it didn't look that deep and once you are committed it's not like you're keen to stop and wade out.
I can't say I've ever regressed any bearings, if things spin, I'm not bothered.
This guy:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-scotland-49275630/determined-cyclist-makes-it-through-flood-water-in-edinburgh
Kudos for making it through the floor waters, but I bet he won't take the bike in to have every single set of bearings regreased...
It makes me cringe at what it does to the bike.
J
Miss von Brandenburg recalls someone doing this on a motorbike when the Fulda burst its banks in downtown Kassel when she was a Penniless Student Oaf. The biker found out the hard way where the entrance to the pedestrian subway was.:D :D :D
If a sustrans route looked like that, you probably picked a good day.I once pedalled my bike through a puddle deep enough that my feet disappeared on every rotation, then the bottom bracket, the wheel hubs, and my knees. In my defence, it didn't look that deep and once you are committed it's not like you're keen to stop and wade out.
I can't say I've ever regressed any bearings, if things spin, I'm not bothered.
Having done something similar on sustrans finest NCR1, I took my Brompton in for service the next day. Front and rear hubs were fine, BB, needed attention.
J
All in all, I consider this to be a good sign. People using bikes! In Birmingham!Yeah, what is
All in all, I consider this to be a good sign. People using bikes! In Birmingham!Yeah, what isthe worldBirmingham coming to? 15 years ago it felt like I knew 90% the South Birmingham commuter cyclists (4.5 of them) by name.
The POB riding on an unlit country lane at about 7pm last night. No lights. Weaving a bit on the road. Weaving, because she was reading something from her phone, on a road with a 50mph limit.
So not only was she hard for traffic to see, she had no night vision because she was staring into a very bright screen.
25 years ago it was just me (Selly Oak to Northfield, then SO to Corporation Street).All in all, I consider this to be a good sign. People using bikes! In Birmingham!Yeah, what isthe worldBirmingham coming to? 15 years ago it felt like I knew 90% the South Birmingham commuter cyclists (4.5 of them) by name.
25 years ago it was just me (Selly Oak to Northfield, then SO to Corporation Street).All in all, I consider this to be a good sign. People using bikes! In Birmingham!Yeah, what isthe worldBirmingham coming to? 15 years ago it felt like I knew 90% the South Birmingham commuter cyclists (4.5 of them) by name.
City people's bicycles are utterly laughable. With gleaming metal gadgets, electric batteries, gears, baskets, chain-guards, speedometers and so on, they are mere toys and leg-exercisers. A genuine bicycle should weigh at least sixty-five pounds; it should have lost most of its paint and at least one pedal. All that should be left of the remaining pedal is the shaft, rubbed smooth and shiny by the sole of the rider's shoe. Indeed, this should be its only shiny feature. The handlebars (with no rubber tips to them) should not be at the conventional right angle to the wheels, but inclined at least twelve degrees one way or the other. A genuine bicycle has no mudguard over the rear wheel, and hanging before the front mudguard there should be a piece of automobile tire, preferably red, to ward off splashes of water. A rear mud¬guard may be allowed when the rider is excessively disturbed by the streak of mud that accumulates on his back during a rainstorm. But in this case the mudguard must be split open
in such a way that the rider can brake in so-called "American style," that is by pressing his trouser turn-up against the rear wheel.
Special muppet points go to the person with the white light on the back (and no front light), and the other one with a red light on the front (and no back light). WFT?Those are the symmetrical twins, minor Oxford celebrities, known as Tamsin and Tasmin.
WFT ?Typo - was intended to be WTF. ::-)
What a Fucking Tosser ?
At a rough estimate, 30% of the cyclists I saw in Oxford yesterday (around 6pm) didn't have lights. A few had lights either on the front or the back. One had a strange rear light that alternated red and white clashes. Special muppet points go to the person with the white light on the back (and no front light), and the other one with a red light on the front (and no back light). WFT?Eight out of nine Oxford students are rowers and more used to going backwards in groups.
London cyclists are similarly unbothered about lighting. And yet there isn't a spate of cyclists being knocked off every autumn when the clocks go back.I could see them, because they were on well lit city streets. The most confusing were the ones with the wrong way around lights. However, I would prefer it in general if people didn't break the law. I don't know if TVP have had their annual "stop a cyclist" weekend yet (it's where they stop loads of unlit cyclists and ticket them with a special fine that gets cancelled if you show up with lights and a receipt at the police station).
I find this an interesting counterpoint to the endless light up and reflective geegaws companies push on cyclists to "stay safe".
I believe there's little if any evidence that bicycle lights make you any less likely to be driven into.That might be the case, but they make a considerable difference on dark cycle paths and towpaths.
.
I believe there's little if any evidence that bicycle lights make you any less likely to be driven into.
I know this is the wrong thread, but since we're on the subject, I saw a kevved-up hatchback with red LED rings around the front fog lights yesterday.
Lack of lights? About twenty years ago, working in Grimsby, I was leaving work one winters evening. Got to the end of our site road, which joined the industrial estate road on a poorly lit corner.
I must have just caught a glimpse of movement, but that certainly saved some ninja that night. No lights, black clothes, almost became a bonnet ornament.
London cyclists are similarly unbothered about lighting. And yet there isn't a spate of cyclists being knocked off every autumn when the clocks go back.
I find this an interesting counterpoint to the endless light up and reflective geegaws companies push on cyclists to "stay safe".
I've got a cunning business plan. I'm going to get a cheap ticket to Amsterdam, buy/hire/borrow/beg (I'll rule out stealing) a bike, ride it with no lights every night for a fortnight, collect all the €5 light sets I can, then come back and flog them for £10 each!London cyclists are similarly unbothered about lighting. And yet there isn't a spate of cyclists being knocked off every autumn when the clocks go back.
I find this an interesting counterpoint to the endless light up and reflective geegaws companies push on cyclists to "stay safe".
It's got a bit crazy round these parts. There's a lot of bikes out there with no lights at all, They seem to suddenly decloak right next to you requiring evasive manoeuvres or slamming of anchors. On my bike that's fine, but on the work cargo bike, they handle a bit like a super tanker, it's only a matter of time until I accidentally collect someone with it.
Usually the police do a crack down on it, you can pay a fine of x, or you can buy some lights from them there and then for €5.
J
I've got a cunning business plan. I'm going to get a cheap ticket to Amsterdam, buy/hire/borrow/beg (I'll rule out stealing) a bike, ride it with no lights every night for a fortnight, collect all the €5 light sets I can, then come back and flog them for £10 each!
I've got a cunning business plan. I'm going to get a cheap ticket to Amsterdam, buy/hire/borrow/beg (I'll rule out stealing) a bike, ride it with no lights every night for a fortnight, collect all the €5 light sets I can, then come back and flog them for £10 each!London cyclists are similarly unbothered about lighting. And yet there isn't a spate of cyclists being knocked off every autumn when the clocks go back.
I find this an interesting counterpoint to the endless light up and reflective geegaws companies push on cyclists to "stay safe".
It's got a bit crazy round these parts. There's a lot of bikes out there with no lights at all, They seem to suddenly decloak right next to you requiring evasive manoeuvres or slamming of anchors. On my bike that's fine, but on the work cargo bike, they handle a bit like a super tanker, it's only a matter of time until I accidentally collect someone with it.
Usually the police do a crack down on it, you can pay a fine of x, or you can buy some lights from them there and then for €5.
J
Well, I could do that – but then I'd be in Birmingham... ;)
Two very good points. I'll have to take my son's MTB with the jammed-up fork, cos ICBA taking the (dynamo) lights off the other bikes. This means it'll be summertime by the time I get there.Well, I could do that – but then I'd be in Birmingham... ;)
But you'd have a bike, so you could leave.
Moreover, you'd have lights, so you could leave under cover of darkness.
Well, I could do that – but then I'd be in Birmingham... ;)
But you'd have a bike, so you could leave.
The twat on the electric cargo bike with mega lights going way too fast on the canal.Well played! I would worry about:
'watch where I'm going.'Sarcasm is a bit harder to purvey via this medium.
I think it was pretty clear from his saying'watch where I'm going.'Sarcasm is a bit harder to purvey via this medium.
Yesterday evening, as I was cycling to the station, a BSO propelled by a young woman emerged from a junction. She had small blinky lights front and rear. The one at the front was red, the one at the back was white.This seems go in fashionable phases hereabouts. Maybe ridden by Darwin fans.
Trucks in London are required to have mirrors that completely eliminate blind spots. Some trucks have cameras or obstacle detectors and the better managed construction projects mandate them.
If the driver didn't know they were there it was because they didn't look or their employer was a cheapskate.
That driver needs to learn some road sense before it's too late.
there was no reason for the driver to expect that anyone would place himself in such a hazardous position.
This will lead rapidly to a Fuzzy/ pavement interface. With an audience.
Idiot.
I hope he had a good excuse:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-56291594 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-56291594)
I hope he had a good excuse:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-56291594 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-56291594)
I hope he had a good excuse:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-56291594 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-56291594)
It's a lot safer than most other places people are expected to cycle?
ETA:
The cycle route between Paris and Rambouillet for the start of PBP:
https://goo.gl/maps/YSptqeMgwhxcSwYx9
I did once end up cycling down the M40 by mistake... 3am run combined with a propped open emergency access gate (the "authorised vehicles only" sign therefore invisible). Oh, and signage on approach suggested that this was the left turn onto the A40, which was only 150m away! (A329 Milton Common junction).I hope he had a good excuse:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-56291594 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-56291594)
It's a lot safer than most other places people are expected to cycle?
ETA:
The cycle route between Paris and Rambouillet for the start of PBP:
https://goo.gl/maps/YSptqeMgwhxcSwYx9
I don't disagree, on one occasion I have considered cycling down the A329(M), when commuting and Windsor & Maidenhead and Bracknell Forest had not gritted before overnight snow and ice. After witnessing a car in the hospital fence at Heatherwood and sliding the front wheel on approach to a Bracknell roundabout I approached the off slip from the A329 where it become motorway as down hill into the next roundabout was not appealing. My conscience got the better of me and I took the exit rather than ride through the junction with the M4. Fortunately Wokingham Borough had been better with the forecast and had gritted the rest of my route.
some roadwork light timings are set such that a bike can't get all the way through on a green phase anyway
In some measure of fairness some roadwork light timings are set such that a bike can't get all the way through on a green phase anyway so they'd be annoying a motorist whatever they did.Indeed that may well be true. These two were lucky they didn't meet anyone coming the other way. A sharp bend in the middle of the road works meant there was no way they could see it was clear.
In some measure of fairness some roadwork light timings are set such that a bike can't get all the way through on a green phase anyway so they'd be annoying a motorist whatever they did.
I've had this, I wondered if I should have stopped in the centre of the road, and then walked backwards (no reverse gear) the entire length of the roadworks as clearly it was "their priority"In some measure of fairness some roadwork light timings are set such that a bike can't get all the way through on a green phase anyway so they'd be annoying a motorist whatever they did.
Indeed. LAst summer there was a long straight stretch of roadworks, and even if I hit the green as fast as I can go (not very) I could never reach the other end before the lights changed. The fact that I was in the middle of the lane didn't stop the lead moton in the queue pulling out and driving at me, assuming, as moton's do, that I'd jumped the red, and anyway their light was green ::-)
some roadwork light timings are set such that a bike can't get all the way through on a green phase anyway
Most, in my experience.
Though, if you think about it, extending the all-red period so that every vehicle is held up for longer on the off-chance that there might be a cyclist still coming through would be a bit daft.
Most of the time, that works well. It's only the occasional driver who believes that a light turning green means "go, regardless" rather than "go, if the way is clear" that causes problems.
I'm sure in days of yore, French traffic lights went to flashing amber overnight, especially in rural towns, I can't remember when that changed.France might have abandoned it but it is still used in some countries.
I'm sure in days of yore, French traffic lights went to flashing amber overnight, especially in rural towns, I can't remember when that changed.France might have abandoned it but it is still used in some countries.
I'm sure in days of yore, French traffic lights went to flashing amber overnight, especially in rural towns, I can't remember when that changed.France might have abandoned it but it is still used in some countries.
In some parts of the US they still do (or did when I lived there).
Saw this in Germany when my sister-in-law still lived there. Effectively converts a light-controlled junction into a Give Way / proceed with caution one when the traffic is light.I'm sure in days of yore, French traffic lights went to flashing amber overnight, especially in rural towns, I can't remember when that changed.France might have abandoned it but it is still used in some countries.
I'm sure in days of yore, French traffic lights went to flashing amber overnight, especially in rural towns, I can't remember when that changed.Dunno if they still do it, but a lot of Dutch traffic lights used to do that. Handy when cycling home pissed enough to have difficulty re-starting after stopping. Seemed to be quite a few locals doing that.
All I know is that cycling along Hole's Bay Road one night, I'm the only vehicle around, approaching a traffic light, green, green, green from in the distance... then it turns red as I approach! The only impetus was me.I'm sure in days of yore, French traffic lights went to flashing amber overnight, especially in rural towns, I can't remember when that changed.Dunno if they still do it, but a lot of Dutch traffic lights used to do that. Handy when cycling home pissed enough to have difficulty re-starting after stopping. Seemed to be quite a few locals doing that.
This was the mid-1980s, when I worked in Utrecht.
The bloke on a mtb who took a mini-roundabout on a downhill as a good time to overtake a car, by going the wrong side of the keep left island and blasting the roundabout. But he didn't crash and he did get ahead!So... Mission accomplished?
I know many here abhor cycle "facilities", but...
On the fabulous Isle of Sheppey there is a nice new cycle/ped path that bypasses about 1km of the Lower Road (a horrible road to cycle on and suicidal to walk on) . It's very nice tarmac - rather better than the actual road. So I can't imagine what the chap pootling along the road, holding up about 20 cars, was thinking. Certainly not doing the cycling cause any favours.
There's only one turn off that bit of road and he'd already passed it. I'd probably give him the benefit of the doubt and suggest he just wasn't paying attention.I know many here abhor cycle "facilities", but...
On the fabulous Isle of Sheppey there is a nice new cycle/ped path that bypasses about 1km of the Lower Road (a horrible road to cycle on and suicidal to walk on) . It's very nice tarmac - rather better than the actual road. So I can't imagine what the chap pootling along the road, holding up about 20 cars, was thinking. Certainly not doing the cycling cause any favours.
"It's a trap"
That's usually what I'm thinking when I avoid using some unfamiliar cycle facility. Occasionally it turns out to be the wrong decision, and I find myself in circumstances such as those you describe.
Either that or he needed to make some turn that could only be done from the road itself. I left the excellent A38 cycleway at the Middleway junction and rode into town on the carriageway last week because I needed to turn left further on. Not doubt the other road users were equally baffled.
Or possibly you he hadn't spotted the beginning of it, or couldn't work out how to get on to it once he had spotted it... (note that I have no idea what this particular facility is like)I know many here abhor cycle "facilities", but...
On the fabulous Isle of Sheppey there is a nice new cycle/ped path that bypasses about 1km of the Lower Road (a horrible road to cycle on and suicidal to walk on) . It's very nice tarmac - rather better than the actual road. So I can't imagine what the chap pootling along the road, holding up about 20 cars, was thinking. Certainly not doing the cycling cause any favours.
"It's a trap"
That's usually what I'm thinking when I avoid using some unfamiliar cycle facility. Occasionally it turns out to be the wrong decision, and I find myself in circumstances such as those you describe.
Either that or he needed to make some turn that could only be done from the road itself. I left the excellent A38 cycleway at the Middleway junction and rode into town on the carriageway last week because I needed to turn left further on. Not doubt the other road users were equally baffled.
Or possibly you he hadn't spotted the beginning of it, or couldn't work out how to get on to it once he had spotted it... (note that I have no idea what this particular facility is like)I know many here abhor cycle "facilities", but...
On the fabulous Isle of Sheppey there is a nice new cycle/ped path that bypasses about 1km of the Lower Road (a horrible road to cycle on and suicidal to walk on) . It's very nice tarmac - rather better than the actual road. So I can't imagine what the chap pootling along the road, holding up about 20 cars, was thinking. Certainly not doing the cycling cause any favours.
"It's a trap"
That's usually what I'm thinking when I avoid using some unfamiliar cycle facility. Occasionally it turns out to be the wrong decision, and I find myself in circumstances such as those you describe.
Either that or he needed to make some turn that could only be done from the road itself. I left the excellent A38 cycleway at the Middleway junction and rode into town on the carriageway last week because I needed to turn left further on. Not doubt the other road users were equally baffled.
I usually refrain from this thread as I refuse to chastise my cycling bredrin.
I will make an exception for the bloke who added a petrol motor to his bike and then ran a red to take a right, across 4 lanes of traffic. Ninja skills maybe, but defo a knob.
You choose to bring a piece of heavy awkward machinery into a busy area, you check your mirrors every time before moving it.
My take is that the cyclist had misread the situation, because of the queue of traffic and because he had just joined the road, and was moving enthusiastically based on his mistaken assumptions and that his observation and road skills just didn't match up to his own opinion of them. The success of his evasive action he will, no doubt, put down to his fantastic ability and spidey sense.
Or it could have been one of those phone-holders that runners use and she just prefers it on the left?
As for skateboards, I mostly see them ridden on the road. The pavements aren't wide enough to do tricks or get speed up. But then I live in a sort of proto-LTN; most of the roads don't go anywhere and so have little traffic (at least since they got rid of commuter parking), and it's a hill so good for skateboarders.
They are young and blessed with still good night vision, but not with the realisation that others are not.
By sodium lighting, if you mean the horrible orangey-yellow stuff – yuck! Seems to suck all colour out of surfaces. I didn't think there was much of it left, and it was practically a British speciality to begin with (at least, I've only ever seen it in two other countries).
Yes, the big red lorry went through a red light, because it was a fire engine with its blinkenlights and woowoo going. You, however, are riding a Perfectly Good Gentleman’s Mountain Bicycle with neither woowoo nor blinkenlights, which means you stop. So I'm sorry if you had to stop suddenly for my Perfectly Good Gentleman’s Mountain Bicycle going through a green light, but, no, actually I'm not even a little bit sorry.You've made a mistake there. It's clear that only one of the Mountain Bicycles belonged to a Perfectly Good Gentleman.
Dick.
Yes, the big red lorry went through a red light, because it was a fire engine with its blinkenlights and woowoo going. You, however, are riding a Perfectly Good Gentleman’s Mountain Bicycle with neither woowoo nor blinkenlights, which means you stop. So I'm sorry if you had to stop suddenly for my Perfectly Good Gentleman’s Mountain Bicycle going through a green light, but, no, actually I'm not even a little bit sorry.You've made a mistake there. It's clear that only one of the Mountain Bicycles belonged to a Perfectly Good Gentleman.
Dick.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/bus-lane-trap-st-ives-cambridgeshire-b2429308.html
"Furious motorists complain their cars are being wrecked by bus lane ‘trap’". It's been there 12 years and is a well-signed big FO hole in the road. DOTDs, all of them.
Wrong thread!!!https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/bus-lane-trap-st-ives-cambridgeshire-b2429308.html
"Furious motorists complain their cars are being wrecked by bus lane ‘trap’". It's been there 12 years and is a well-signed big FO hole in the road. DOTDs, all of them.
Absolutely!
I had a great one yesterday...
An Audi 4Xwankpanzer came zooming up behind me, tailgating before overtaking at well over the speed limit. Did the same to the car in front of me but, as he tried to overtake, on went blue lights and a siren. As I passed them a short while later a uniformed police occifer was climbing out of the unmarked car and walking back to the Audi.
Instant carma! :thumbsup:
Wrong thread!!!https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/bus-lane-trap-st-ives-cambridgeshire-b2429308.html
"Furious motorists complain their cars are being wrecked by bus lane ‘trap’". It's been there 12 years and is a well-signed big FO hole in the road. DOTDs, all of them.
Absolutely!
I had a great one yesterday...
An Audi 4Xwankpanzer came zooming up behind me, tailgating before overtaking at well over the speed limit. Did the same to the car in front of me but, as he tried to overtake, on went blue lights and a siren. As I passed them a short while later a uniformed police occifer was climbing out of the unmarked car and walking back to the Audi.
Instant carma! :thumbsup:
But I'll overlook that because your story made me smile. :D
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/bus-lane-trap-st-ives-cambridgeshire-b2429308.html
"Furious motorists complain their cars are being wrecked by bus lane ‘trap’". It's been there 12 years and is a well-signed big FO hole in the road. DOTDs, all of them.
Conventionally this thread is for cycle-dicks, motor-dicks get put into the Vroom ghetto.Wrong thread!!!https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/bus-lane-trap-st-ives-cambridgeshire-b2429308.html
"Furious motorists complain their cars are being wrecked by bus lane ‘trap’". It's been there 12 years and is a well-signed big FO hole in the road. DOTDs, all of them.
Absolutely!
I had a great one yesterday...
An Audi 4Xwankpanzer came zooming up behind me, tailgating before overtaking at well over the speed limit. Did the same to the car in front of me but, as he tried to overtake, on went blue lights and a siren. As I passed them a short while later a uniformed police occifer was climbing out of the unmarked car and walking back to the Audi.
Instant carma! :thumbsup:
But I'll overlook that because your story made me smile. :D
Not the wrong thread... the driver was being a dick.
On Sunday morning a group of half a dozen of us were standing on the pavement on the left-hand side of the Portway, geeking at the geology on the other side of the road:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/EPwuoupwsum5yD5Y7
A mamily (middle-aged man in luminous yellow) on an mtb, coming towards the camera, honked his displeasure as we were too slow to disperse for his liking, admiring as we were the buckling strata of red sandstone under the mass of grey limestone. A minute later, he doubled back so he could honk again (he had a big bulb horn on his bars) and tell us to "Fucking get out of the way".
Years ago I bought a cheapo motorbike horn to use on my bike. It lasted exactly one ride because I could feel myself turning into the kind of angry arsehole that has a horn on their bike.
(cameras have some of the same effect)
Why can't London motorists keepoff their phones?
Can we put pedestrians in here? I nominate the one who stepped off the kerb right in front of me while looking the wrong way. I just managed to emergency stop before hitting him and to my surprise, the word that I reflexively bellowed was "IDIOT!" which caused him to turn his head and look at me as if he still couldn't see me. I think he was a Chinese student, but that's probably not why he was looking the wrong way; it's a one-way street with contraflow cycle lane. I've never felt entirely comfortable with this concept.
Yes, it's a dodgy concept. And yet it's surprisingly popular with (at least some) cyclists and cycling campaign groups. I think it can work well when it allows cycle access to an area or avoiding what would be a laborious one-way system, but design is (as always) important. There's a narrow bridge here with a gurt barrier between the one-way car section and the two-way bikes and pedestrians section, and it works well because you're effectively riding in a constricted but short pedestrian zone. People walk in front of you but not in a sudden way. The "barrier" is actually a structural part of the bridge for Victorian engineering reasons but it functions as a barrier too.Can we put pedestrians in here? I nominate the one who stepped off the kerb right in front of me while looking the wrong way. I just managed to emergency stop before hitting him and to my surprise, the word that I reflexively bellowed was "IDIOT!" which caused him to turn his head and look at me as if he still couldn't see me. I think he was a Chinese student, but that's probably not why he was looking the wrong way; it's a one-way street with contraflow cycle lane. I've never felt entirely comfortable with this concept.
I'd nominated the designer of that concept. There's one I use in Oxford, but I treat it as if I was riding down a fully pedestrianised street - the pedestrians haven't seen me. I only use it to avoid two moronic sets of traffic lights.
We've just been reassigned to a different parliamentary constituency, so democratic that if you pinned the right colour rosette on a monkey it would get elected (actually that might have happened). They posted their political newspaper through our door, so I thought I would see what messages my new MP wanted to present. One of them caught my eye - from a local councillor.Do they actually mean it?
"We believe you should be able to go where you want, when you want, in the vehicle you want."
Can we put pedestrians in here?
Yes, it's a dodgy concept. And yet it's surprisingly popular with (at least some) cyclists and cycling campaign groups. I think it can work well when it allows cycle access to an area or avoiding what would be a laborious one-way system, but design is (as always) important.Can we put pedestrians in here? I nominate the one who stepped off the kerb right in front of me while looking the wrong way. I just managed to emergency stop before hitting him and to my surprise, the word that I reflexively bellowed was "IDIOT!" which caused him to turn his head and look at me as if he still couldn't see me. I think he was a Chinese student, but that's probably not why he was looking the wrong way; it's a one-way street with contraflow cycle lane. I've never felt entirely comfortable with this concept.
I'd nominated the designer of that concept. There's one I use in Oxford, but I treat it as if I was riding down a fully pedestrianised street - the pedestrians haven't seen me. I only use it to avoid two moronic sets of traffic lights.
We've just been reassigned to a different parliamentary constituency, so democratic that if you pinned the right colour rosette on a monkey it would get elected (actually that might have happened). They posted their political newspaper through our door, so I thought I would see what messages my new MP wanted to present. One of them caught my eye - from a local councillor.Do they actually mean it?
"We believe you should be able to go where you want, when you want, in the vehicle you want."
:thumbsup:We've just been reassigned to a different parliamentary constituency, so democratic that if you pinned the right colour rosette on a monkey it would get elected (actually that might have happened). They posted their political newspaper through our door, so I thought I would see what messages my new MP wanted to present. One of them caught my eye - from a local councillor.Do they actually mean it?
"We believe you should be able to go where you want, when you want, in the vehicle you want."
I decided that it gave me carte blanche to ride anywhere I want at any speed I want and when he is stuck behind my in (probably his monstrous Range Rover) I could remind him that I was following the desires of his campaign literature. After all my bicycle is deemed a vehicle.
Modal filters and scarce parking are definitely the way to go.Yes, it's a dodgy concept. And yet it's surprisingly popular with (at least some) cyclists and cycling campaign groups. I think it can work well when it allows cycle access to an area or avoiding what would be a laborious one-way system, but design is (as always) important.Can we put pedestrians in here? I nominate the one who stepped off the kerb right in front of me while looking the wrong way. I just managed to emergency stop before hitting him and to my surprise, the word that I reflexively bellowed was "IDIOT!" which caused him to turn his head and look at me as if he still couldn't see me. I think he was a Chinese student, but that's probably not why he was looking the wrong way; it's a one-way street with contraflow cycle lane. I've never felt entirely comfortable with this concept.
I'd nominated the designer of that concept. There's one I use in Oxford, but I treat it as if I was riding down a fully pedestrianised street - the pedestrians haven't seen me. I only use it to avoid two moronic sets of traffic lights.
IIRC the PushBikes line on the subject is that two-way streets with "no entry (except cycles)" are preferable to contraflow cycle lanes, and that the concept only works if it's the default for an entire area, so that road users get used to it.
This makes sense, but with low volumes of cyclists you still have the risk of motorists thinking you're breaking the rules (IIRC clarion got assaulted for this) and city centres are always going to be full of pedestrians who've never driven/cycled around the area and are oblivious to road signs.
On the gripping hand, you're only going to increase the volume of cyclists if you do something to make the roads easier to cycle on, so it's better than an impenetrable maze of one-way streets, or (arguably) having everything jammed up with two-way motor traffic. I think a better solution is to reduce the motor traffic with modal filters and removing parking, but that would be politically courageous.
Sorry but no, that freedom does not apply to you. The telling word from your rosette adorned monkey is 'in'. Perhaps you should write and ask if to rephrase to the less discriminatory "..., by whatever vehicle you choose."We've just been reassigned to a different parliamentary constituency, so democratic that if you pinned the right colour rosette on a monkey it would get elected (actually that might have happened). They posted their political newspaper through our door, so I thought I would see what messages my new MP wanted to present. One of them caught my eye - from a local councillor.Do they actually mean it?
"We believe you should be able to go where you want, when you want, in the vehicle you want."
I decided that it gave me carte blanche to ride anywhere I want at any speed I want and when he is stuck behind my in (probably his monstrous Range Rover) I could remind him that I was following the desires of his campaign literature. After all my bicycle is deemed a vehicle.
Sorry but no, that freedom does not apply to you. The telling word from your rosette adorned monkey is 'in'. Perhaps you should write and ask if to rephrase to the less discriminatory "..., by whatever vehicle you choose."We've just been reassigned to a different parliamentary constituency, so democratic that if you pinned the right colour rosette on a monkey it would get elected (actually that might have happened). They posted their political newspaper through our door, so I thought I would see what messages my new MP wanted to present. One of them caught my eye - from a local councillor.Do they actually mean it?
"We believe you should be able to go where you want, when you want, in the vehicle you want."
I decided that it gave me carte blanche to ride anywhere I want at any speed I want and when he is stuck behind my in (probably his monstrous Range Rover) I could remind him that I was following the desires of his campaign literature. After all my bicycle is deemed a vehicle.
Sorry but no, that freedom does not apply to you. The telling word from your rosette adorned monkey is 'in'. Perhaps you should write and ask if to rephrase to the less discriminatory "..., by whatever vehicle you choose."We've just been reassigned to a different parliamentary constituency, so democratic that if you pinned the right colour rosette on a monkey it would get elected (actually that might have happened). They posted their political newspaper through our door, so I thought I would see what messages my new MP wanted to present. One of them caught my eye - from a local councillor.Do they actually mean it?
"We believe you should be able to go where you want, when you want, in the vehicle you want."
I decided that it gave me carte blanche to ride anywhere I want at any speed I want and when he is stuck behind my in (probably his monstrous Range Rover) I could remind him that I was following the desires of his campaign literature. After all my bicycle is deemed a vehicle.