Angelfishsolo
A Velocipedian
- Location
- Cwmbach, South Wales
Dont let abuse from motorists spoil your day.
- Thread starter Banjo
- Start date
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Angelfishsolo
A Velocipedian
- Location
- Cwmbach, South Wales
Most cyclists are considerate in the same way that most drivers are considerate. The exceptions to the rule are the ones we see vidio clips of and posts about.
BilboSmeggins
Veteran
When I am driving my car and a car appears behind that is clearly faster, or wants to go faster, I will do my best to facilitate an easy overtake for said vehicle. Firstly, I don't enjoy holding people up, and secondly, I get more enjoyment when I'm not being tailed. I carry this same sentiment with me when I'm cycling. And yes, when I am driving and come up behind the "two abreast" brigade it does annoy me. Not because I can't whizz past, but because I am being shown very little courtesy. Obviously there are times when two abreast is necessary (windy roads, blind crests etc), but, for the most part, it is a case of "sod you, I'm having a giggle with my mate(s)". And I would guess that most motorists can tell when they are a victim of the latter.
Angelfishsolo
A Velocipedian
- Location
- Cwmbach, South Wales
If you were driving to the speed limit would you still facilitate and easy overtake? Am genuinely curious here.
BilboSmeggins
Veteran
If it were clear that they were absolutely intent on getting by regardless, then yes, I would rather it happened in as safe, and controlled a manner as possible. Although I could not guarantee that a certain degree of cursing would not creep into the mix. Primarily though, I am referring to rural situations here, which is where I do 90% of my driving, and 100% of my cycling.
Angelfishsolo
A Velocipedian
- Location
- Cwmbach, South Wales
OK a fair point and understood. Think I would do the same TBH.
BilboSmeggins
Veteran
Glad we are in agreement. Thought I was headed for a "virtual" thick ear for a moment 
Angelfishsolo
A Velocipedian
- Location
- Cwmbach, South Wales
Not at all. We may differ about the riding two abreast bit but as yuo are not advocating running them down you are OK in my book 
Glad we are in agreement. Thought I was headed for a "virtual" thick ear for a moment
Angelfishsolo
A Velocipedian
- Location
- Cwmbach, South Wales
This thread has just reminded me of a Facebook status I recently read. Words to effect of - Holding a grudge takes too much energy. Just slash the bastards tyres and be done with it
apollo179
Well-Known Member
This attitude that its ok to cycle 2 abreast if you are up to the speed limit is akin to someone on the motorway doing 70mph in the 3rd lane. Regardless of your speed limit point , cycling 2 abreast where it interferes with traffic flow is inconsiderate and serves to infuriate motorists.
Angelfishsolo
A Velocipedian
- Location
- Cwmbach, South Wales
I disagree - cyclist are traffic, just as are cars, lorries, motorbikes, et al. They have as much more right to be on the road than a car. As for the 70mph in the third lane - remind me what the speed limit on a motorway is?
lulubel
Über Member
- Location
- Malaga, Spain
I wasn't involved in this discussion, but I'll answer anyway because I would do the same.
Yes. I'm not the police. It isn't up to me to enforce the rules of the road. And if someone who's speeding is held up by someone who is (to their minds) making it difficult to overtake, they're likely to drive more aggressively once they've got past, increasing their chances of causing an accident.
I just try to keep myself safe on the roads, and stay away from the idiots as much as possible. And hope, if they're going to end up killing someone, they kill themselves rather than another innocent person.
Bottom line, for me: there's nothing wrong with considerate cycling, and to that end I will single out if I'm riding two abreast and I can safely let through a following vehicle. But I do that because I can, not because I have to. Consideration begets consideration, and if the driver behind is being a prick (tailgating, revving, flashing headlights, beeping, etc) he is already not showing me the consideration that he apparently expects from me and he can damn well stay there until I decide to let him past. And again, anyone who gets "infuriated" by being stuck behind a slower vehicle has absolutely no claim on the moral high ground or indeed any moral ground above sea level at all.
Yes. As would most people.
It's a courtesy. Few people keep to 70 on Motorways. I'm not sure what the option would be.... Hogging the outside lane at 70?
Lane discipline on Motorways is one of the key elements to maintaining a safe driving environment. EVeryone should be in the inside lane unless passing a slower vehicle.
As to 'if you were driving at the speed limit'.... I meet another motorist travelling below the posted speed limit no more than once or twice a week, unless there are cameras in the area.
It's not an 'if', it's a 'when'.
The nicest rides I have are the ones when I try to be nice to everyone. It seems to encourage people to be nice to me.
I think that failing to facilitate an overtake by a driver behind me would just cause all sorts of tensions to build up in several road users and would not make the roads the happy place they ought to be.
