I did it, I put myself off..

[cycle_bug]

In my last full week of cycling I pushed my mileage up to 50 miles, whilst working 40 hours a week...

Then, suddenly, a couple of close passings by cars and people literally agressively staring me out, I started coming around to the idea that I was putting myself in incredible danger and really needed to stop cycling on main roads.

But having cycled into the city fully on bike etc for so long, my normal backroad loops and routes seemed quite boring and as a result I haven't been on the bike since.

And I'm fed up with my car, a while ago I was going to go car free but now I have a full time job and university and I need a car for those both - uni because I'll give a friend a lift each time and work because its in the opposite direction and seriously unfriendly to bike roads. The car is costing a bomb, I can't afford a new one and refuse to trade it for a similar age / problemed car that could be worse. So it's here to stay.

Meanwhile the bike is in the shed.. someone snap me out of it?

 

[Drago]

How does someone stare aggressively?

 

[Leaway2]

Oi, snap out of it. Bad days happen. You are not in incredible danger. Cycling is safe.

 

[User6179]

How does someone stare aggressively?

 

[mythste]

Where in the world are you? Get out with someone else for a bit. Riding socially is a great motivator. If you're anywhere in the northwest feel free to give me a shout!

 

[cycle_bug]

How does someone stare aggressively?

They basically stare at you as if you're very existence is offending them, their mother, their children.. to the point it looks like if you say or do anything back they'll slam their brakes on, and try to assault you

 

[cycle_bug]

Where in the world are you? Get out with someone else for a bit. Riding socially is a great motivator. If you're anywhere in the northwest feel free to give me a shout!

Used to live in Runcorn! Not too far from Liverpool, but now I'm back in N. Ireland. Nobody here (that I know personally) seems to give a damn to come out and cycle :-(

 

[Garry A]

How does someone stare aggressively?

 

[cycle_bug]

View attachment 140362

ITS RONNWWWNNNYYYY BBBWWWLLLOOORRRRDDYYY PICKERINNG'

 

[vickster]

They basically stare at you as if you're very existence is offending them, their mother, their children.. to the point it looks like if you say or do anything back they'll slam their brakes on, and try to assault you

Ignore them or simply smile and go on your way. Don't say anything

 

[cycle_bug]

Ignore them or simply smile and go on your way. Don't say anything

I always hate doing this, although I know it is right. Even as a driver myself (they're a*sholes to other drivers too).. It makes me feel I give them permission to be a bully by accepting some sort of weakness - giving them the confidence and satisfaction to continue, as if they were right

 

[vickster]

Have a read of cycle craft by John Franklin, adopt the behaviours that meet your cycling environment. Only the minority of drivers behave poorly, just try to ignore them. It's their problem

 

[mjr]

Have a read of cycle craft by John Franklin, adopt the behaviours that meet your cycling environment. Only the minority of drivers behave poorly, just try to ignore them. It's their problem

Advanced Cycling by the same author and published by the IAM is a later, shorter, slightly-cheaper edition of similar advice.

 

[Phil Fouracre]

I know the feeling, but, don't let it get to you. Agree with the other posters.

 

[I am Spartacus]

Like most commuters, you have to develop a very thick skin.... also as a roadie.. car drivers really shouldnt mess with someone probably a bit in the red zone and wet.. like this lunch time.. a car pipped his horn even tho he was at the give way, I was obviously, in this moron's mindset ,in his way.. as I was nearly at home, I simply stopped and yelled .. its the only way sometimes.