Tales from today's commute....
- Thread starter martint235
- Start date
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ACS
Legendary Member
- Location
- Just below the snow line
The initial part of my commute home takes me a long a well-lit, but busy suburban road. Vehicles are always parked on my left for most of the cycle lane designed to link the university with the halls of residence about 1.5 miles distant. The number of ninja cyclists is amazing; I am always astounded at the tolerance shown by vehicle drivers as these idiots wobble their way from lectures.
Last night I was following 4 cyclists away from the town centre, about 5 or 6 bike lengths in front of me was a rider on a MTB, he had 2 rear lights on the go and reflective strips on his rucksack and he was making brisk progress. We drifted left into a now clear cycle lane giving traffic an opportunity to pass us, however with the road being busy with oncoming vehicles, runners, peds and of course ninjas, the passing traffic was only moving slightly faster than us about 15 mph may be a shade more.
Without warning the bloke on the MTB suddenly turned right into the path of a large 4x4. The rider did not slow, no lifesaver check over the shoulder, no arm out to indicate intention he just turned and I thought this is going to be nasty.
The driver of the 4x4 stood absolutely no chance whatsoever, the back wheel of the MTB impacting with front driver’s side of the vehicle, sending the rider and bike spinning down over the road into the path of oncoming vehicles.
The incident brought traffic to a standstill and others went to the assistance to the rider. I stopped as did the driver of the 4x4, owned by a local construction company, and we approached the cyclist who by this time was on his feet and picking up his bike. The driver was visibly shaken in fact I thought he was going to throw up at one point. The driver went to speak to the cyclist who just turned his back on everyone and walked away pushing his bike.
I gave my details to the driver and suggested he report the incident to the Police just in case. We parted after a short conversation about some cyclists and their behaviour on the road and how lucky the rider was that he could walk away.
Last night I was following 4 cyclists away from the town centre, about 5 or 6 bike lengths in front of me was a rider on a MTB, he had 2 rear lights on the go and reflective strips on his rucksack and he was making brisk progress. We drifted left into a now clear cycle lane giving traffic an opportunity to pass us, however with the road being busy with oncoming vehicles, runners, peds and of course ninjas, the passing traffic was only moving slightly faster than us about 15 mph may be a shade more.
Without warning the bloke on the MTB suddenly turned right into the path of a large 4x4. The rider did not slow, no lifesaver check over the shoulder, no arm out to indicate intention he just turned and I thought this is going to be nasty.
The driver of the 4x4 stood absolutely no chance whatsoever, the back wheel of the MTB impacting with front driver’s side of the vehicle, sending the rider and bike spinning down over the road into the path of oncoming vehicles.
The incident brought traffic to a standstill and others went to the assistance to the rider. I stopped as did the driver of the 4x4, owned by a local construction company, and we approached the cyclist who by this time was on his feet and picking up his bike. The driver was visibly shaken in fact I thought he was going to throw up at one point. The driver went to speak to the cyclist who just turned his back on everyone and walked away pushing his bike.
I gave my details to the driver and suggested he report the incident to the Police just in case. We parted after a short conversation about some cyclists and their behaviour on the road and how lucky the rider was that he could walk away.
Andrew_P
In between here and there
close passed by Merc A series, let that one go then someone turning right ahead of me and Bulgarian reg Golf really and I mean really squeezed me, a curse shouted and then he swerved and anchour'd on. Rather silly of me but I got up along side and asked hime what his problem is, as he tried to recall his best English " I will crash you to the floor" Nice start to the day..
MisterStan
Label Required
- Location
- Out there somewhere
How dull that must have been!
fossyant
Ride It Like You Stole It!
- Location
- South Manchester
Late commute in after the Docs - steady and slow, no SCR'ing. Going home early in the sunshine too !
Christopher
Über Member
Nice early commute. It is surprising how other cycle-commuters out before 7AM are much more friendly than the lot slightly later (fwiw i rarely offer a greeting but will return one), was able to go quite fast for once. I also passed where a house is being built from scratch in a vacant lot, it is fun to see the progress week to week. Unfortunately as it is in Lancshire progress has been slow due to all the rain. It isn't Grand Designs, just an ordinary house, but I like to see them getting on.
steveoo
Active Member
- Location
- Bradford West Yorkshire
Another rat tonight about half a mile up the road from the last one!
Is it the time of year for them to throw themselves in front of vehicles?
Is it the time of year for them to throw themselves in front of vehicles?
Andrew_Culture
Internet Marketing bod
- Location
- The People's Republic Of Suffolk.
And why aren't the foxes eating them?
Nocode
Senior Member
- Location
- Orpington, Kent
Back on the MTB today, think I'll be retiring the Madone for the worst of the winter weather now.
Left 5-10 mins later this morning that usual, traffic seemed particularly busy today. Had a particularly close pass from a Veolia rubbish truck leaving Lewisham and heading into Greenwich. It decided to overtake and then cut back in front of me as I was approaching a traffic bollards/island in the road. It could just be me, but I find the Veolia/bin trucks around here particularly bad for driving skills (or lack of).
Left 5-10 mins later this morning that usual, traffic seemed particularly busy today. Had a particularly close pass from a Veolia rubbish truck leaving Lewisham and heading into Greenwich. It decided to overtake and then cut back in front of me as I was approaching a traffic bollards/island in the road. It could just be me, but I find the Veolia/bin trucks around here particularly bad for driving skills (or lack of).
MisterStan
Label Required
- Location
- Out there somewhere
Colder again this morning, but a good run into work. Had a little moment when i lost my back wheel on some mud - luckily managed to unclip in time and so only resulted in some light damage to the bar tape and plug.
fossyant
Ride It Like You Stole It!
- Location
- South Manchester
Struggled to get in the building this morning - All the side doors were locked, with a notice saying use the main entrance. Joked with some colleagues that at least I'd be there first, as I hopped on the bike and cycled round. No-one battered an eye lid as I wheeled the bike in past reception, and 2 office managers (premises side). We'd had a break in last night, no on site security. Youths had gone through smashing doors down into offices, and took the laptops.
I have a suspicion the side doors will be shut for some time. Glad I wasn't on the MTB and covered in mud from the Trans Pennine !
I have a suspicion the side doors will be shut for some time. Glad I wasn't on the MTB and covered in mud from the Trans Pennine !
fossyant
Ride It Like You Stole It!
- Location
- South Manchester
NiceYou work at Manc Uni?
MMU Didsbury !
Beebo
Firm and Fruity
- Location
- Hexleybeef
a bit chilly for the first 5 mins but quickly warmed up. The number of fellow cyclists on the road is now dropping rapidly.
