Cyclists!

[Deleted member 11979]

Just when you thought you'd seen it all.

I'm prepared for a flaming from a bunch of cyclists, but hey.

Driving along last evening on a pitch black country road, very twisty with high hedges and relatively narrow.

What do I come across but about 25 lycra clad cyclists out for a mass ride, all with lights, none with more than one, and none with reflective clothing, mostly black or dark colours actually.

Anyway, their lighting wasn't my beef, but their attitude. As I wasn't over familiar with the road I didn't know where was straight, and where was a corner, so when there was no oncoming traffic I put my lights on full beam to see where it was SAFE to pass them. They were riding three abreast and overtaking each other and all in a long bunch - much like trying to pass an erratic car and caravan travelling at around 20 - 25 mph.

The ones at the back were clearly upset at the high beam and started gesticulating and pointing at their helmet cams.

I didn't rise to it, and passed when safe (after a good 3 or 4 minutes) with absolutely no attempt by them to make passing easier (by splitting the pack for example).

Now I'm not complaining about being held up for 3 or 4 minutes, or anything like that, just really surprised at their lack of appreciation for the courtesy I showed them by not barging past them.

Also, surely you'd be aware that they are at quite a lot of risk by making it difficult to pass?????

Maybe the helmet cams make them immune to injury?

 

[Sp!ke]

I have a theory about these lycra clad activists. I think it must be the pressure created by the combination of skin tight rubber and a narrow unsprung saddle that is putting pressure on their brussel sprouts which makes them angry and causes them to behave in such an aggressive and inconsiderate fashion.

I have dark thoughts sometimes... most times actually, that they should be beaten with sticks, not big sticks, just small thin ones with enough flex to inflict serious pain but not death or lasting injury.

 

[flango]

I have a theory about cyclists using the highway full stop

 

[developer]

Whatever the view on cyclists - three abreast is just wrong.

 

[Chrishazle]

We get them (cycle club "peletons") round here every weekend in spring/summer, often with motor cycle outriders, route marshalls etc - and they think they own the road!! Many times I've wished I still had my RR with bull bars on the front, solid step-ups along both sides and a tow hitch on the back...

 

[230K]

Never judge a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes.

230k

Sent from my Nokia 6310i on giffgaff using MBClub UK ;-)

 

[BruLan]

I used to race at a very very high level 25 years ago
When we trained on the road it was the norm to move to single file if there was a car approaching from behind, never more then two abreast even on a clear road riding normally , you would have a b*llocking from Peers and Team mates had you behaved any other way!!

Where we live is rural - it now seems the norm to ride three abreast with a sense of invincibility / self congratulation / Contempt for anyone who drives a Car !!
Lycra clad Louts Tax them make them register bikes so we the Tax payer can complain about THEIR behavior

 

[Deleted member 37751]

I used to race at a very very high level 25 years ago

Mount Everest?

 

[BruLan]

Pyrenees

 

[D-18]

Despite my narrow waist and broad mind having changed places several years ago, I still enjoy cycling regularly every week-end. Even as a cyclist though, these 'gangs' really get on my wick. It is almost as if they set out to annoy car drivers and other road users. I can only put it down to the mob mentality. Like BruLan, when I used to cycle in training groups, we always tried to ride in single file unless the road was clear - simply applying a bit of common sense.

There will always be good/bad car drivers and good/bad cyclists and I've been the victim of both, but the mood now seems to be much more aggressive than previously. I guess it just the reflects the 'me first' attitude in society generally.

 

[230K]

Hi

Three abreast is wrong. I have never and never will ride three abreast.

The worrying thing is the hatred of cyclists reflected in the above posts and society in general.

Remember that cyclists have the same right to the road as anyone else.

Try cycling and being buzzed by a a car who has plenty of room to give you a wide berth, (cyclists can suddenly turn to avoid potholes and even stones) there is always one on every cycle for me.

Give them a wide berth please and don't react to the ones that gesticulate, one day you might pass me.

Thanks,

230k

 

[developer]

Hi


Give them a wide berth please and don't react to the ones that gesticulate, one day you might pass me.

Is the phrase 600psi familiar to you.........

 

[BruLan]

Remind me again - They pay how much Road Tax ??

I was a Professional Cyclist its all changed the last 15 years with the Tree Huggers

 

[George Douglas]

Commuting into plymouth city centre daily and Living in close proximity to dartmoor I see safe and unsafe cyclists on a daily basis with larger groups on weekends or during the summer months. But hey just treat them like any other potential hazard, like any other car ,horse or pedestrian. If I need to stay behind them that's fine, life is too short to get hassled.

 

[230K]

Is the phrase 600psi familiar to you.........

Nope

Please explain

230k

 

[flango]

Hi

Remember that cyclists have the same right to the road as anyone else.

That's the problem its all one sided can I ride my Yamaha motorcycle in their cycle lanes, do they pay road tax? do they have insurance? the answers to which are all NO, so why should they have the same right to the road as others without paying Freeloaders and tree huggers have spoilt it for the genuine cyclists out there

 

[230K]

Remind me again - They pay how much Road Tax ??

I was a Professional Cyclist its all changed the last 15 years with the Tree Huggers

What has it got to do with road tax?

Some cars have free road tax, what about the old guy in the mobility scooter? Do you buzz him??

Oh and btw I cut them down........................... The trees!!!

230K

 

[BruLan]

What has it got to do with road tax?

Some cars have free road tax, what about the old guy in the mobility scooter? Do you buzz him??

Oh and btw I cut them down........................... The trees!!!

230K

Its got everything to do with Road Tax,

I pay LOADS on 3 cars & 2 Bikes when I can only use one at a time

I have to maintain those vehicles irrespective of use to keep them MOT'd & Roadworthy

I have to Insure them

Cars that have now aquired Free Road Tax have contributed previously in Road Tax, and continue to pay Tax & Duty on Fuel

They are Insured MOT'd and Roadworthy

The Drivers can be traced and prosecuted for misdemeanors

None of the above is applicable to the New breed of cyclists

To make me (an ex Pro) feel so vociferously would have been unbelievable 15 years ago

And yes maybe Mobility Scooters should be legislated


As for chopping Down Trees well done

 

[230K]

That's the problem its all one sided can I ride my Yamaha motorcycle in their cycle lanes, do they pay road tax? do they have insurance? the answers to which are all NO, so why should they have the same right to the road as others without paying Freeloaders and tree huggers have spoilt it for the genuine cyclists out there

I have cycle insurance.

You can ride your motorcycle in the bus lanes, I don't complain about that.

Cycle lanes are more often than not obstructed by cars parking illegally on them straddling the footway too. (at least that's how it is in Belfast)

230k

 

[Stratman]

..............

Remember that cyclists have the same right to the road as anyone else.
..................

They've actually got more right.

Pedestrians, riders on horseback and cyclists have an absolute right to use the public highway. Drivers only have a privilege granted by licence.

As for the road tax argument, road tax was abolished years ago. It was replaced by Vehicle Excise Duty, of which many vehicles are zero rated. Should they too be banned?