Vehicular Cycling Reality

[GrumpyGregry]

Some people think there is a place for segregated infrastructure, others don't.

some people think each has it's place...

Where to start....It's not about 'either/or' it is about 'and/both'

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Six of one, half a dozen of the other mate.

If the admins have a problem with what I post let them deal with it, otherwise I'm not sure we actually have a need for a referee!

 

[middleagecyclist]

so you are a troll after all then. I'm out.

I have my view and you have yours. I present my arguments and you yours. Since when is that troll behaviour?

 

[BentMikey]

I have my opinions too, and I think you guys could be considerably more constructive, rather than willy waving. Lots of posters comment on what a fighty place commuting is, and that it's often not a pleasant place to hang out. All of us must take some of the blame for that.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I have my view and you have yours. I present my arguments and you yours. Since when is that troll behaviour?

when you misrepresent the views of others in your own posts....

So Ann has a de facto ban from using the A1? I thought it was all about asserting the right to use the road?

As you said earlier Greg: "Could you avoid that route, possibly but why should you if it is convenient to use it?....Can you ignore the crap infrastructure and ride in primary? Yes."

Ah! but not if it is the A1 or similar. I see. Some routes are the most direct - and a few want that for convenience and time - but cyclists cannot really use them can they?

Of course Ann could use the segregated cycle path that runs alongside part of the A1 joining up the other roads but that would be boring I suppose?

Ah well. It is after all a confusing situation.

 

[Jezston]

I'm thinking of reading this thread from the start again because I still can't work out why everyone is arguing and getting upset with each other.

 

[middleagecyclist]

Greg. I see I will not convince you. That is fine by me.

Could you tell me though how I have misrepresented anyone's views? I quoted you verbatim. Did I misunderstand you originally?

I think if you are going to label someone a troll then at least you owe them a detailed explanation of how you reached such a conclusion when they totally refute your allegation.

Thanks.

 

[Linford]

Well I think that cycle paths cause as many problems as they solve (more so in some cases)

Who's first

 

[middleagecyclist]

Well I think that cycle paths cause as many problems as they solve (more so in some cases)

Who's first

No argument from me. They have a place but are not a panacea.

 

[Linford]

No
No argument from me. They have a place but are not a panacea.

Would you not agree that the very definition of a 'cycle lane' propogates the notion that a cyclist belongs only in that space ?

 

[Glow worm]

Would you not agree that the very definition of a 'cycle lane' propogates the notion that a cyclist belongs only in that space ?

Maybe I'm being pedantic but aren't cycle lanes generally different beasts from cycle paths? No one (not even drivers) expect you to stick to a cycle lane if you are turning right for example (or avoiding the cars usually parked in the cycle lanes).

Most cycle farcilities are pretty poorly designed here and generally go nowhere and end abrubtly leaving you stranded as we all know. Could there be a connection between these factors and the woefully low levels of cycling in the UK? (London aside of course where frankly anyone with any sense would rather crawl through broken glass than use the underground).

I think MaC's point (forgive me if I have this wrong) is that better cycling infrastructure combined with much stricter law enforcement and other solutions would help enormously- I agree that separate cycle infrastructure alone, no matter how good, is not the answer but it can have its place in some situations.

My experience FWIW is that 99% of drivers are not malicious at all, they are just sometimes unaware of how to drive safely around cyclists, presumably because they themselves never cycle. If we were able to entice some of these folks out of their cars occasionally, through a combination of the above, and into the saddle, then we would all be better off.

 

[Silver Fox]

WVM was definately out of order in that clip with all the evidence recorded for future reference. However confronting drivers and telling them they're on camera and being reported to the police could backfire if the driver is some nut job who flips and gets violent.

 

[GrasB]

Maybe I'm being pedantic but aren't cycle lanes generally different beasts from cycle paths? No one (not even drivers) expect you to stick to a cycle lane if you are turning right for example (or avoiding the cars usually parked in the cycle lanes).

I wouldn't be so sure on that one! I've been told to "get in the f**king cycle lane*" when in middle of the road marked for a right hand turn.

 

[Linford]

WVM was definately out of order in that clip with all the evidence recorded for future reference. However confronting drivers and telling them they're on camera and being reported to the police could backfire if the driver is some nut job who flips and gets violent, pulls the cam off your hat and destroys the memory card after giving you a knuckle sandwich.

Corrected

 

[Glow worm]

I wouldn't be so sure on that one! I've been told to "get in the f**king cycle lane*" when in middle of the road marked for a right hand turn.

Well quite- there's always one! But I imagine/ hope the exception rather than the rule.