Cyclists on the roads

glic71rods46t0

Just wondering how you guys/gals find cyclists on the roads these days. Is it just me or is there a breed of cyclists out there with "attitude" on the roads.
Noticed quite a few over the weekend who seem to have an a-la-carte attitude to the rules of the road who see no issue with causing a tailback by cycling in the middle of the road and then, when reaching a red light, cycle straight through - meaning that if you did get a chance to overtake him/her, you have the privilege of having to do the same thing all over again after the lights.
The best part was reversing into a parking space yesterday, cars behind me stopped to let me complete my move when a cyclist comes through the inside of the line of cars and starts hitting my windows in a violent manner and calling me all sorts of names accusing me of not looking where I was going etc.
This cretin was obviously going too fast for his surroundings, got the shock of his life when he saw my indicator and reverse lights.
The lucky part about it was, I wanted to get out of the car and see how brave he was without the shell of my car between us but I was beaten to it by two guys in a silver Mondeo - yep, unmarked garda car just one behind me, lifted the guy on the spot.
Not sure what happened after that, I decided to move to a different spot, you wouldnt know what a thug like that would do for revenge to my unoccupied car so I thought it safer to park elsewhere.
Car was ok when I came back.
Any other horror stories involving our two wheeled cousins?

RuggieBear

i recommend using the search function and you will find a couple of million of these stories/threads

Cutevelvet

Yes, totally agree, especially the ones kitted out in lycra!!! They totally hold up traffic and dont even acknowledge the fact there may be a cycle lane in operation...

Cabaal

RuggieBear wrote: »

i recommend using the search function and you will find a couple of million of these stories/threads

Equally if you go to the cycle forum you'll find some great threads about how motorists have an a-la-carte attitude to the rules of the road also

Really it evens out

MunsterCycling

What cage drivers don't seem to acknowledge is that riders have the exact same rights to the road as their polluting cousins. In Belgium, any and I mean ANY incident involving a car and cyclist is the drivers responsibility and given the number of pro riders there you'd be hit by a loss of earnings lawsuit too.

Keep it in the middle!

MC

BigEejit

MunsterCycling wrote: »

Keep it in the middle!

Oh dear....

restaurants

Cutevelvet wrote: »

Yes, totally agree, especially the ones kitted out in lycra!!! They totally hold up traffic and dont even acknowledge the fact there may be a cycle lane in operation...

They just ignore traffic.
Those training should be limited to certain routes.
Cycle to Work guys should be accommodated.

MunsterCycling

restaurants wrote: »

They just ignore traffic.
Those training should be limited to certain routes.
Cycle to Work guys should be accommodated.

LOL

glic71rods46t0

MunsterCycling wrote: »

What cage drivers don't seem to acknowledge is that riders have the exact same rights to the road as their polluting cousins. In Belgium, any and I mean ANY incident involving a car and cyclist is the drivers responsibility and given the number of pro riders there you'd be hit by a loss of earnings lawsuit too.

Keep it in the middle!

MC

Thankfully, we live in Ireland, not Belgium, individual responsibility - if you want to cycle like a knob then get treated like one.
Thankfully the gardai were on hand to witness this cretin in full flow.

Mimikyu

This post has been deleted.

MunsterCycling

Oh god yes fully agree, just was commenting on how cage drivers think of cyclist as an obstacle rather than another road user, no excuse for cutting up the inside.

Middle of your lane gombeens!

Mr Benevolent

I vaguely recall that this isn't Belgium. Cyclists think they're invincible. I certainly did. Lycra is not an impact-absorbing material.

And don't get me started on the dangerous morons cycling on the footpath!

glic71rods46t0

Captain Morgan wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

Thats just the kind of tosser I'm talking about. Then they wonder why they get a bottle of coke emptied on them by some, less patient motorists.
I'm thinking how nice it would be to fit some "Ben-Hur" type device to my wheels:D

MunsterCycling

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtTnfFH2Hjc

About 5m45s in LOL

robinph

Captain Morgan wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

If there was traffic coming the other way then how would you be overtaking them safely wherever they were riding in the lane?

garminguy

while i agree with the op situation with one particular cyclist, most if not all of us behave like that.
its like saying all car drivers are boy racers.
also keep in mind that after the harsh winter that we just had ,there are a lot of new very deep potholes on the roads, thats why sometimes it seems that cyclists are a bit far out from the left hand side of the road.

ha-ya-said-what

Cutevelvet wrote: »

Yes, totally agree, especially the ones kitted out in lycra!!! They totally hold up traffic and dont even acknowledge the fact there may be a cycle lane in operation...

Sooo true, cycle lanes mean nothing to em around here, so they take to the middle of the lane where traffic lights mean nothing to em, or they flew up the inside an rap off the wing mirrors. Then if there is more than one of them they cycle all side by side.

Granted the odd one can be very acknowledging, slow down, move over & give ya a wave ... more times than not tho i just want to roar out the window at em to teach their mate lagging behind with his own made escort to do the same!

glic71rods46t0

robinph wrote: »

If there was traffic coming the other way then how would you be overtaking them safely wherever they were riding in the lane?

its simple. Look at any standard cycle track. The width is much much shorter than a standard road lane. The cyclist uses the left hand side of the road and the car gets by without any fuss. Its not rocket science and the rules of the road require slow moving vehicles to allow faster traffic to progress.
Looks like cyclists need to be re-educated, one at a time if necessary:cool:

MunsterCycling

gjt58dl06hpzbs wrote: »

its simple. Look at any standard cycle track. The width is much much shorter than a standard road lane. The cyclist uses the left hand side of the road and the car gets by without any fuss. Its not rocket science and the rules of the road require slow moving vehicles to allow faster traffic to progress.
Looks like cyclists need to be re-educated, one at a time if necessary:cool:

Where did you learn that?

Mimikyu

This post has been deleted.

robinph

gjt58dl06hpzbs wrote: »

its simple. Look at any standard cycle track. The width is much much shorter than a standard road lane. The cyclist uses the left hand side of the road and the car gets by without any fuss. Its not rocket science and the rules of the road require slow moving vehicles to allow faster traffic to progress.
Looks like cyclists need to be re-educated, one at a time if necessary:cool:

There was no indication that a cycle lane existed on the section of road in that case and if it's a relatively narrow road with only one lane each way and no hard shoulder section then if I was on two wheels I'd also be riding in the middle of the road. Other wise if you ride towards the left they idiot car drivers will just drive straight on without moving to the right at all and claim that as an overtaking manouver. Defensive riding to prevent oneself getting killed is what it is.

A car driver makes a mistake and the worst case is they get a bit of scratched paintwork, a cyclist makes a mistake and they end up in hospital.

BostonB

gjt58dl06hpzbs wrote: »

...why they get a bottle of coke emptied on them by some, less patient motorists....

If your not patient you shouldn't be driving.

Sometimes there is no reason to cycle in the middle of the lane, other times its very valid to cycle in the middle of the lane. Cyclists need to distinguish between them. But regardless theres no excuse for Road Rage or lack of patience. If thats what people are suggesting you shouldn't be driving. End off. And cyclists shouldn't hold up traffic to prove a point.

Theres bad cyclists and bad drivers.

ha-ya-said-what

Kildare motorist's code of conduct towards a cyclist:

Swear on approach
Struggle to overtake, swear some more
Glare at them upon overtaking, while gritting the teeth
Mutter some obscene name once overtaking is complete


That was actually one of the first things I noticed when I moved to this neck of the woods!

glic71rods46t0

robinph wrote: »

There was no indication that a cycle lane existed on the section of road in that case and if it's a relatively narrow road with only one lane each way and no hard shoulder section then if I was on two wheels I'd also be riding in the middle of the road. Other wise if you ride towards the left they idiot car drivers will just drive straight on without moving to the right at all and claim that as an overtaking manouver. Defensive riding to prevent oneself getting killed is what it is.

A car driver makes a mistake and the worst case is they get a bit of scratched paintwork, a cyclist makes a mistake and they end up in hospital.

well, that just sums up the attitude of a lot of cyclists in my mind.
1. there doesnt have to be a cycle lane to make it the right thing to do to cycle to the left side of the road - its just common sense.
2. Its not your place to decide whether its safe to overtake or not. Road users decide that for themselves. If you dont feel safe on teh road, then cycle in a park - dont engage in anti social behaviour thats against the rules of the road
3. Referring to motorists as "idiot car drivers" is a little provocative on a motoring form - way to totally alienate your audience, no?
4. Defensive cycling means keeping to the left and not overly engaging with other traffic. Aggressive cycling involves taking over the road etc and is totally unreasonable
5. If you're afraid of ending up in hospital then perhaps a public park is the place for you to cycle?

glic71rods46t0

ha-ya-said-what wrote: »

Kildare motorist's code of conduct towards a cyclist:

Swear on approach
Struggle to overtake, swear some more
Glare at them upon overtaking, while gritting the teeth
Mutter some obscene name once overtaking is complete


That was actually one of the first things I noticed when I moved to this neck of the woods!

If this sort of thing happens to you a lot then maybe you should examine your own style of cycling rather than assuming everyone else is wrong.
Though, on the other hand, just coz you're paranoid doesnt mean there not all out to get you!

glic71rods46t0

MunsterCycling wrote: »

Where did you learn that?

Rules of the Road - you should consider purchasing a copy if you intend to use public roads - its very informative and could help keep you safe and out of trouble:cool:

peasant

gjt58dl06hpzbs wrote: »

4. Defensive cycling means keeping to the left and not overly engaging with other traffic. Aggressive cycling involves taking over the road etc and is totally unreasonable

If the road is not wide enough to accomodate a cyclist keeping left and an overtaking car safely for both parties involved, then the cyclist has every right to cycle in the middle.
As a motorist I actually prefer them doing so, as there is no temptation that way to overtake regardless (and also the cyclist gets the blame for holding up the traffic behind me and not me )

ha-ya-said-what

gjt58dl06hpzbs wrote: »

If this sort of thing happens to you a lot then maybe you should examine your own style of cycling rather than assuming everyone else is wrong.
Though, on the other hand, just coz you're paranoid doesnt mean there not all out to get you!

haha I ent the cyclist, I'd be the passenger in the car thinking "ahh ffs just shut up, get past them safely & do what ya want then!"

BostonB

Even if theres two or three abreast (and ignorning that iteself) its just like a slow moving tractor or something of that. You wouldn't over take that with oncoming traffic. You should have patience to wait for a clear road to overtake.

Unfortunately some motorists tend to squeeze by cyclists, and if thry clip one they could kill them. So some cyclists tend to cycle defensively to stop drivers from squeezing through.

Most drivers though, just have patience and drive properly.

-Chris-

gjt58dl06hpzbs wrote: »

Just wondering how you guys/gals find cyclists on the roads these days. Is it just me or is there a breed of cyclists out there with "attitude" on the roads....

...Any other horror stories involving our two wheeled cousins?

gjt58dl06hpzbs wrote: »

if you want to cycle like a knob then get treated like one.

gjt58dl06hpzbs wrote: »

Thats just the kind of tosser I'm talking about. Then they wonder why they get a bottle of coke emptied on them by some, less patient motorists.
I'm thinking how nice it would be to fit some "Ben-Hur" type device to my wheels:D

gjt58dl06hpzbs wrote: »

Looks like cyclists need to be re-educated, one at a time if necessary:cool:

I'm about one post from locking this thread.

This isn't ranting and raving, you can make your point about a cyclist banging your car when they're caught out by your reversing manoeuvre, but I don't think it's appropriate for you to use your thread to make ominous/threatening comments.

I've had cigarettes, eggs, cans, miscellaneous other rubbish thrown at me, have been yelled at while a fast moving vehicle passes quite close, had numerous close calls with vehicles passing way too close to me, been held up numerous times by vehicles going too slow or stopping or blocking the road and numerous other problems all while cycling yet I'd hardly judge all motorists the same. There are selfish and impatient idiots all over the roads no matter what mode of transport they use. More consideration of other people is what's needed in my opinion.

robinph

gjt58dl06hpzbs wrote: »

well, that just sums up the attitude of a lot of cyclists in my mind.
1. there doesnt have to be a cycle lane to make it the right thing to do to cycle to the left side of the road - its just common sense.

Yep, cycling towards the left is the correct thing to do...in some instances. If it's a narrow road then it is probably not, regardless of how impatient the car driver behind is getting.

gjt58dl06hpzbs wrote: »

2. Its not your place to decide whether its safe to overtake or not. Road users decide that for themselves. If you dont feel safe on teh road, then cycle in a park - dont engage in anti social behaviour thats against the rules of the road

It is the cyclists place to decide where the safest place on the road is for them to be. The vehicle behind has no right to overtake a slower road user. If an opportunity to overtake appears then they can make use of it, but there isn't any requirement for the road user in front to create that opportunity for you.

gjt58dl06hpzbs wrote: »

3. Referring to motorists as "idiot car drivers" is a little provocative on a motoring form - way to totally alienate your audience, no?

Was a slight typo in my post, but I didn't refer to car drivers as idiots, I was referring to car drivers that are idiots. Or are you denying that such things exist?

gjt58dl06hpzbs wrote: »

4. Defensive cycling means keeping to the left and not overly engaging with other traffic. Aggressive cycling involves taking over the road etc and is totally unreasonable

There is nothing defensive about riding to the left of the road if that is a more dangerous position to be in. There is equally nothing aggressive about riding in any other part of the lane, once your going in the right direction. Aggressive manouvers would however be driving too close behind a cyclist or not giving them sufficient room when overtaking.

gjt58dl06hpzbs wrote: »

5. If you're afraid of ending up in hospital then perhaps a public park is the place for you to cycle?

Car drivers do not own the roads exclusively and I don't actually rice a bicycle at the moment.

Anan1

gjt58dl06hpzbs wrote: »

well, that just sums up the attitude of a lot of cyclists in my mind.
1. there doesnt have to be a cycle lane to make it the right thing to do to cycle to the left side of the road - its just common sense.
2. Its not your place to decide whether its safe to overtake or not. Road users decide that for themselves. If you dont feel safe on teh road, then cycle in a park - dont engage in anti social behaviour thats against the rules of the road
3. Referring to motorists as "idiot car drivers" is a little provocative on a motoring form - way to totally alienate your audience, no?
4. Defensive cycling means keeping to the left and not overly engaging with other traffic. Aggressive cycling involves taking over the road etc and is totally unreasonable
5. If you're afraid of ending up in hospital then perhaps a public park is the place for you to cycle?

You appear to be labouring under the impression that cyclists are using our roads by the grace of motorists. FYI, cyclists have just as much right to use our roads as any of the rest of us. If you are unable or unwilling to respect the rights and safety of other road users then perhaps you might be better off conducting your driving on private roads?

ha-ya-said-what

Dónal wrote: »

I've had cigarettes, eggs, cans, miscellaneous other rubbish thrown at me, have been yelled at while a fast moving vehicle passes quite close, had numerous close calls with vehicles passing way too close to me, been held up numerous times by vehicles going too slow or stopping or blocking the road and numerous other problems all while cycling yet I'd hardly judge all motorists the same. There are selfish and impatient idiots all over the roads no matter what mode of transport they use. More consideration of other people is what's needed in my opinion.

Cyclist is viewed the same as a learner driver by some motorist out there who think they are the ultimate driver even tho they prob got their license on the ministerial order or got their license long before any such learning of rules of the roads for newer roads appeared your viewed the same as me with in the car with a L plate in it by these sort of motorists .... a complete & utter nuisance with no place on the road.

glic71rods46t0

-Chris- wrote: »

I'm about one post from locking this thread.

This isn't ranting and raving, you can make your point about a cyclist banging your car when they're caught out by your reversing manoeuvre, but I don't think it's appropriate for you to use your thread to make ominous/threatening comments.

Eh Chris, the BenHur reference was tongue in cheek - I think most people viewed it as such - even the pro cyclist posters made no reference to it!

Regarding the bottle of coke reference - i never referred to myself engaging in such behaviour but I have read posts from cyclists who seem to think that such things are random, I was merely referencing such behaviour in the context of a motorists perspective

Regarding the re-educating cyclists - refers to the individual cyclists who are debating the issue on this thread.

To allege a more sinister context is, to be fair, unjustified and unwarranted

BostonB

It illustrates a mindset and probably a pattern of driving too.

glic71rods46t0

Anan1 wrote: »

You appear to be labouring under the impression that cyclists are using our roads by the grace of motorists. FYI, cyclists have just as much right to use our roads as any of the rest of us. If you are unable or unwilling to respect the rights and safety of other road users then perhaps you might be better off conducting your driving on private roads?

Anan, thats more than a little unfair. On a point of order, no-one has a right to use the roads. Its a privilege and, to keep the privilege all must obey the rules of the road - if people cant accept that then perhaps they shouldnt be on the public roads.
I never "disrespected" the "rights" of anyone. Its a debate on the behaviour os some cyclists on the road. My points appear to be getting policed for some reason!!!

-Chris-

gjt58dl06hpzbs wrote: »

Eh Chris, the BenHur reference was tongue in cheek - I think most people viewed it as such - even the pro cyclist posters made no reference to it!

Regarding the bottle of coke reference - i never referred to myself engaging in such behaviour but I have read posts from cyclists who seem to think that such things are random, I was merely referencing such behaviour in the context of a motorists perspective

Regarding the re-educating cyclists - refers to the individual cyclists who are debating the issue on this thread.

To allege a more sinister context is, to be fair, unjustified and unwarranted

Well I read a sinister intent into it, and I'm asking you to be more careful with your words for the remainder of the thread.

If you want to discuss this further, please take it to PM. I don't want to derail your thread.

MunsterCycling

gjt58dl06hpzbs wrote: »

Rules of the Road - you should consider purchasing a copy if you intend to use public roads - its very informative and could help keep you safe and out of trouble:cool:

Over 17 years driving experience and 24 cycling on them, also in competition, I'd be more worried by your skill levels as well as your ability to read if you think that a cyclist HAS to make way for you... snigger :pac:

glic71rods46t0

BostonB wrote: »

It illustrates a mindset and probably a pattern of driving too.

Wow - what a leap. The mind boggles

Anan1

gjt58dl06hpzbs wrote: »

- even the pro cyclist posters made no reference to it!

It's a funny old world when acknowledging the right of cyclists to use our roads in safety makes one 'pro cyclist'.

glic71rods46t0

MunsterCycling wrote: »

Over 17 years driving experience and 24 cycling on them, also in competition, I'd be more worried by your skill levels as well as your ability to read if you think that a cyclist HAS to make way for you... snigger :pac:

Wow, in all that time you must not have read the Rules of the Road. Its quite clearly stated. Snigger away, you seem to have proved yourself ignorant of the basics of good road use - know the rules of the road!:cool:

BostonB

gjt58dl06hpzbs wrote: »

Wow - what a leap. The mind boggles

how about this one then. It's not really about cyclists it's about slower moving road users holding others up.

MunsterCycling

Lads please just lock this Muppet thread.

glic71rods46t0

Anan1 wrote: »

It's a funny old world when acknowledging the right of cyclists to use our roads in safety makes one 'pro cyclist'.

I take it you are contributing to the tread as a normal poster and not as a mod?
I would hope that everyone has a "right" to use the road in safety.
The thread was one where I wanted to critically assess the viewpoint of my fellow motorists to anti social behaviour on the roads by some cyclists.
For some reason some posters have decided to make it a cyclist versus motorist thread where the objective seems to be to trade insults a with one side representing cyclists.
It was not the intention of the thread to be hijacked in such a fashion. I was rather hoping for more on-topic posts to be honest.

BostonB

Anan1 wrote: »

It's a funny old world when acknowledging the right of cyclists to use our roads in safety makes one 'pro cyclist'.

He might mean pro as in not anti cyclist.

dunleakelleher

MunsterCycling wrote: »

Over 17 years driving experience and 24 cycling on them, also in competition, I'd be more worried by your skill levels as well as your ability to read if you think that a cyclist HAS to make way for you... snigger :pac:

you wont clock up any more years of experience cycling on the road if you don't give way to cars.

stellarartois

What the **** is a cage driver?

Bloody Nipples

One bad experience with a cyclist does not justify tarring them all with the same brush. I've had stuff thrown at me while running on the footpath so yeah, in general that kind of crap is randomly done by scumbags for the lulz.
http://thecyclingsilk.blogspot.com/2009/11/cycling-against-car-culture.html

Worth a read, it shows the aboslute bias against cyclists on the road.

glic71rods46t0

robinph wrote: »

Yep, cycling towards the left is the correct thing to do...in some instances. If it's a narrow road then it is probably not, regardless of how impatient the car driver behind is getting.


It is the cyclists place to decide where the safest place on the road is for them to be. The vehicle behind has no right to overtake a slower road user. If an opportunity to overtake appears then they can make use of it, but there isn't any requirement for the road user in front to create that opportunity for you.


Was a slight typo in my post, but I didn't refer to car drivers as idiots, I was referring to car drivers that are idiots. Or are you denying that such things exist?

There is nothing defensive about riding to the left of the road if that is a more dangerous position to be in. There is equally nothing aggressive about riding in any other part of the lane, once your going in the right direction. Aggressive manouvers would however be driving too close behind a cyclist or not giving them sufficient room when overtaking.

Car drivers do not own the roads exclusively and I don't actually rice a bicycle at the moment.

We agree to differ on the first part of point 1 I think.
However, the rules of the road and case law requires a slow moving vehicle (bicycles are so defined) to give way to traffic behind them. There was a case of a Mayo tractor driver who was brought to court for refusing to pull in with a build up of traffic behind him - it was in 2008, District Court conviction and reaffirmed on appeal to Circuit Court i.e. a court of record

peasant

dunleakelleher wrote: »

you wont clock up any more years of experience cycling on the road if you don't give way to cars.

By your logic you as a car driver should then always give way to buses, tractors and trucks.

(in this case it's neither length nor girth that matters, it's NOT being a dick that counts)