Thread: Cyclists.

Originally Posted by Greatsouthernland

Ouch.

Clutching at straws there Now introduce a head wind and other noises in front of and alongside the rider (we'll introduce a generic rider, not a bionic one ). Now for fun - imagine (it's easy if you try) that rider with ear plugs and motivational music emitting. Just two reasons why reliance on hearing, alone, is lacking in due care and consideration.

And yes my hearing probably is a bit far gone (I will blame that on working underground), I can accept I'm not perfect mirrors restore a level playing field, there's a reason they place them on all other road vehicles and enforce through roadworthy definitions. Perhaps the mad mamils consider they don't look cool and the drag effect of a $10 mirror reduces their chances of making elite cycling teams?

Sorry if you feel I implied you were an idiot, I didn't think that was a harsh statement and was more a reference to attitude, not safety equipment compliance. But I can see how this was a bit 'extreme' and thanks for prompting my retrospective withdrawal of that blanket statement, I'm such an idiot sometimes

Maybe a mirror(s) on every other road vehicle EXCEPT bikes is 'completely reasonable' and I'm over analysing it as long as you have a bell and warn others of your high speed approach, that's a start, good on you

No worries, I've got a thick skin. Sometimes things don't come across in writing the same way they do when spoken.

My take on cycling and driving for that matter is that you adjust to suit the conditions. Yes if you have headphones or are hard of hearing you can't use your hearing to assist out there on the road but its about having situational awareness. I think that what people fail to take into account is that when you rack up serious k's on a bike your awareness of your environment increases and you see a lot more (at least for me it did).

Ultimately I have assessed the risk and accept the risks when I ride my bike but I do ride in WA not Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane and we do have a good network of paths particularly if you live South of the River.

In terms of risk I sold my 5 star safety rated car to buy a Defender and I go kayak fishing in places such as Shark Bay and Exmouth so maybe my risk threshold is higher than others.

Originally Posted by loneranger

... but I do ride in WA not Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane and we do have a good network of paths particularly if you live South of the River.
...

Agreed, when I was a mexican in WaitAwhile, I used to ride from Maylands to Burswood across the train bridge, then through the tunnel along the south bank, across the narrows, then back along the north river bank. That path was/is awesome, particularly during the week, not so much on weekends with all of the foot traffic , tourists vaguely wandering etc. This got worse around the bell tower when it was finally finished. The eighth wonder of the world is that bell tower

Originally Posted by Greatsouthernland

Agreed, when I was a mexican in WaitAwhile, I used to ride from Maylands to Burswood across the train bridge, then through the tunnel along the south bank, across the narrows, then back along the north river bank. That path was/is awesome, particularly during the week, not so much on weekends with all of the foot traffic , tourists vaguely wandering etc. This got worse around the bell tower when it was finally finished. The eighth wonder of the world is that bell tower

I don't ride along the Perth side of the river but now the foreshore development for Elizabeth Quay it will get worse.

I have to gripe today.

This morning, I was first car sitting at the lights on an intersection of two main roads, but no right turn lane and the right arrow at the end of the sequence.

A cyclist rode up between the cars, and pulled in front of me to turn right. Lights change and I and about 4 cars behind me had to sit there waiting to go straight ahead while the cars came from the other direction because the MAMIL had to be at the head of the queue.

Thought this was going to sleep...

You'll have to wait for Bee-utey as he's being 'offended' in another thread. A reply about how the cars are more at fault should be forthcoming when he's finished...

Originally Posted by Greatsouthernland

Thought this was going to sleep...

You'll have to wait for Bee-utey as he's being 'offended' in another thread. A reply about how the cars are more at fault should be forthcoming when he's finished...

Quality post, as always.

Originally Posted by bee utey

Quality post, as always.

good bite - looking at the thanks you give out, you don't find many posts of quality

Originally Posted by Greatsouthernland

good bite