Thread: Some cyclists want to survive

Thanks for putting a tale from the positive side Roger, I'm sure that these stories outnumber the annoying/frustrating negative stories that we take the time to record.

I don't mind giving room to cyclists in a safety/courtesy sense - I would hate being a contributor to injury

It's good when motorist work in with us cyclists........

Hopefully this doesn't go downhill and stays as a positive road sharing thread.

Nice, as we say in my job...communication.. communication.. communication...comes a distinct second after safety. And everybody in that scenario using common sense. Goes a long way that common sense. It's good stuff, should bottle it and sell it.

I haven't been a cyclist for many years but watch out for those that are and often get a wave when I've held back and let them complete a manoeuvre or the road width reduces. So many people are in such a rush to get where ever it amazes me, no road skills, no manners, no time for anything except themselves...... and their mobile phone of course.
Although the chap with a large backside riding at the back of a group up through the hills recently tried my patience as he was totally ignorant of us lot who were held up by him and the double white lines.
Absolutely no need for him to ride so far out to "protect" the riders in front of him.
AlanH.

Originally Posted by weeds

Hopefully this doesn't go downhill and stays as a positive road sharing thread.

What I find sad is that you even need to express that thought, weeds. But it is the current trend.

I hit a cyclist once. It was in 1986, and I will never forget it until death or alzheimers takes me. It is a long, and quite interesting story, with certain humorous parts to it. Maybe I should write it all down and post it somewhere. At this time, suffice to say that the cyclist survived, and so did I, although I couldn't drive for around three months, such was the effect.

From the time I was about six, until the time I was about 45, I cycled. I get it. I get that we need to 'share' the road.

I think the problem we have now is this: we have been told, and told, and told, just how bad we are for the world, all of us car users. So, using cars, using bikes, walking, using ferries, using PT, has become, in about ten years, POLITICAL. US versus THEM. I find that situation to be, well, ridiculous at best, but tyrannical at worst.
Most cyclists also use cars. So, it is illogical for a; motorists, and b; cyclists, to hate each other. But they do! (OK, disclaimer again: I have been involved with traffic and driving for all of my life. I have opinions, mostly based in observations, but I also have prejudices. Who doesn't?).

I applaud the original post. I'm sure that all 'riders' would as well, as would all 'drivers'. It's not a war zone. But, if you are an emergency worker, or just someone who simply arrived at the wrong time, it can look like one.

One second. That's it. One second between a nice secure life and a nightmare forever.

Originally Posted by johntins

What I find sad is that you even need to express that thought, weeds. But it is the current trend.

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All cycling threads turn to **** eventually.

Most people are good, some are bad, doesn't matter what they drive or ride. Be courteous where you can be and don't be the idiot who commits road rage is my guiding principle. Tomorrow's looking like a nice day for a long ride, I'll have my waving hand limbered up.

Cyclists also need to be trained/educated. Some may be less considerate on the road simply because they know no better.
My Daughter has been fortunate in that she started her (serious) riding by doing shop rides. In the beginning they took the time to teach her road and riding etiquette. How to signal other riders of upcoming changes or road dangers and other road users of intentions.
She has tried changing it up and riding with other groups occasionally only to give up on them as being to dangerous to ride with. They didn't signal anything.
Also under her last coach she had several crit sessions where you learn to ride in a bunch and she became draft legal. An endorsement on her triathlon Australia membership allowing her to race in draft legal events.

I'm a courier and have had my share of being frustrated by riders, but for the most part I think attitudes on the road are improving.
Kenley