Cyclists: Scourge of the streets?

[motacyclist]

Just flicked through and found this on Ch 5 now, missed a chunk of it but looks like cyclists are being demonised. Should be available on catch up.

 

[MarkVw2017]

Cycling - no emissions, keep fit, less space needed on roads, cheap to buy and own, easy to park and we still get a hard time. With all this talk about saving the planet, bikes don't get nearly enough recognition they deserve!

 

[tuono001]

Will be watching tomorrow. Cycling standards are pretty dire at the moment. Fed up seeing them jump red lights, I'm just waiting for one to get wiped out. And I'm the other cyclist they've gone past waiting at said red light!

 

[GrannyJen]

Cycling - no emissions, keep fit, less space needed on roads, cheap to buy and own, easy to park and we still get a hard time. With all this talk about saving the planet, bikes don't get nearly enough recognition they deserve!

and when I'm running on shared paths they are always trying to knock me down, being ridden erratically or riders shouting abuse at me because I'm holding them up.

I enjoy riding my bicycle but it has two things on it that seem demonised by the majority, lights and a bell. I'm sick to death of cyclists swerving round me with no warning, no manners and no care for anyone else on their stretch of tarmac but them.

I'm not tarring all with the same brush but sadly in my micro-world of common spaces their are a large majority who show scant respect to anyone else.

 

[MarkVw2017]

and when I'm running on shared paths they are always trying to knock me down, being ridden erratically or riders shouting abuse at me because I'm holding them up.

I enjoy riding my bicycle but it has two things on it that seem demonised by the majority, lights and a bell. I'm sick to death of cyclists swerving round me with no warning, no manners and no care for anyone else on their stretch of tarmac but them.

Oh dear, i don't agree with them said cyclists :-0 but at least their not in cars

 

[motacyclist]

Oh dear, i don't agree with them said cyclists :-0 but at least their not in cars

Unfortunately they probably do drive cars, with the same attitude. . The problem is people, the mode of transport is just a means of revealing their true personalities.

 

[GrannyJen]

Oh dear, i don't agree with them said cyclists :-0 but at least their not in cars

Yes, they are not in cars and I have a separate beef with car drivers, especially the idiot in a big white box that clattered into me a couple of years ago as I was running and he was trying to squeeze his oversized lump in the same space I was sharing with a parked car blocking the grass verge!

Yes, I am sure cyclists can be presented as almost saintly when compared to those driving cars but sadly for many who are also powering along on leg power but without a cycle they can be, at times, a menace.

 

[MattBW]

Its easy to label folks but numpties do many things, including riding bikes, driving cars, throwing litter etc etc doesn't mean all do

 

[EddieEagle]

Bikes should be in bike lanes ( which are few) as horses should be in fields (neigh) . Joggers should have home gyms and the California owner drivers can smuggly pollute the bit of planet they occupy and defend that space resolutely as its always the other guy

I’ll not bother with the hat and coat as it’s a bit warm but ... I’m off

 

[MarkVw2017]

Its easy to label folks but numpties do many things, including riding bikes, driving cars, throwing litter etc etc doesn't mean all do

As most things in life, the minority ruin it for the many. Look at speed bumps, now all over the flaming place whilst the majority of people don't speed. Cyclists as a whole are very sensible so lets not let the idiot cyclists ruin it for us gooduns ;-)

 

[insomnia]

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[MarkVw2017]

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View attachment 47331

I would love to be seen like that from other roadusers!! Hell yes

 

[GrannyJen]

I would love to be seen like that from other roadusers!! Hell yes

I have a Pashley sovereign princess.

I am sure most see me like this .....

 

[Amarillo]

Cycling - no emissions, keep fit, less space needed on roads, cheap to buy and own, easy to park and we still get a hard time. With all this talk about saving the planet, bikes don't get nearly enough recognition they deserve!

Probably the most sensible post on cycling I have ever read on any forum.

 

[Bill R]

Predictably, the programme focuses on the annoyance of a few drivers at the antics of “all cyclists”
I cycle a lot and see total harmony and respect between cyclist and car drivers.
The selfish stupid acts caught on camera for this programme clearly exist but are not typical.
Just as the programmes showing dangerous car driving, of which there are a few, are in no way typical of Car drivers in general.
For every daft or dangerous move shown on camera , there are millions of cycle and car journeys without incident or controversy.

 

[Borris]

Like all things in life, there are those who follow the rules and those that don't.

Rules are generally put in place for the benefit of all. If a person is in the latter category then they shouldn't be surprised if they are despised by those that do, regardless of what they are driving or riding. It's fairly obvious that lack of consideration for your fellow road users, including pedestrians, is often a contributory factor in many incidents leading to road rage and often worse.

 

[soulstyledevon]

Are you one of those running people with headphones on, who have lost complete sense of your surroundings whilst listening to music and running...????
I find those types most annoying and almost ran a few over in the car, never mind the bike.

and when I'm running on shared paths they are always trying to knock me down, being ridden erratically or riders shouting abuse at me because I'm holding them up.

 

[GrannyJen]

Are you one of those running people with headphones on, who have lost complete sense of your surroundings whilst listening to music and running...????
I find those types most annoying and almost ran a few over in the car, never mind the bike.

I quite agree. It's why headphones are banned at most running events. quite dangerous, even with aftershokz bone conductor headsets. Apart from anything else though no point me having earphones as the noises I make gasping for breath would drown them out

My big beef with cyclists are the lack of an audible warning. My bicycle at least has a bell,

 

[Sandyvan]

I live in a Lock House in between a section of towpath, there is a gate about twenty metres either way with signs stating that cyclists must dismount and walk through the lock area. I would say out of every ten cyclists that pass only two are complying with this basic safety request.

Also I have to agree with Granny Jen get a bell.... but its not cool to have a bell is it. If we walk on the towpath its like the tour de France you have to keep looking behind you for fear of being knock over, then there's the abuse because you have dared to slow them down so hindering their PB. I cycle and think they are a great mode of transport but we all have to live together on this spinning pebble.

 

[pjm-84]

Or Hope hubs......

By me, there is a "footpath" about 500metres long which has road access. The "footpath" is 3.5m wide and constructed as a road to allow access to the properties and kennels. There was a sign saying that cycling was not permitted but you oddly you can drive your car, van or HGV up and down there. Guess what.... its ignored.

 

[Bellcrew]

I live in a Lock House in between a section of towpath, there is a gate about twenty metres either way with signs stating that cyclists must dismount and walk through the lock area. I would say out of every ten cyclists that pass only two are complying with this basic safety request.

Also I have to agree with Granny Jen get a bell.... but its not cool to have a bell is it. If we walk on the towpath its like the tour de France you have to keep looking behind you for fear of being knock over, then there's the abuse because you have dared to slow them down so hindering their PB. I cycle and think they are a great mode of transport but we all have to live together on this spinning pebble.

It is the mindless inconsiderate types that will end the access to all to these lovely traffic free routes.
The sea wall near us has notes informing cyclists that pedestrians have priority and to keep their speed down.
90% of cyclists observe these rules and sound their bells and thank people for stepping to the side as they gently meander along, the other 10% razz past flat out with no warning or regard given to dogs or children, invariable male and just nasty.

 

[pjm-84]

Just for the benefit of knowledge

“Where's your bell?!” It’s a line you’ve probably heard many times, usually after you’ve shouted a cheery hello. But do cyclists have to have bells? Legally, a bike has to be sold with a bell fitted, but there’s no legal obligation to keep it on your new bike once you get it home from the shop.


The Highway Code only recommends a bicycle bell be fitted. “Be considerate of other road users, particularly blind and partially sighted pedestrians. Let them know you are there when necessary, for example, by ringing your bell if you have one. It is recommended that a bell be fitted.”

 

[TwoDogs]

Just for the benefit of knowledge

“Where's your bell?!” It’s a line you’ve probably heard many times, usually after you’ve shouted a cheery hello. But do cyclists have to have bells? Legally, a bike has to be sold with a bell fitted, but there’s no legal obligation to keep it on your new bike once you get it home from the shop.


The Highway Code only recommends a bicycle bell be fitted. “Be considerate of other road users, particularly blind and partially sighted pedestrians. Let them know you are there when necessary, for example, by ringing your bell if you have one. It is recommended that a bell be fitted.”

Don't come round here with your facts!

 

[GrannyJen]

Just for the benefit of knowledge

“Where's your bell?!” It’s a line you’ve probably heard many times, usually after you’ve shouted a cheery hello. But do cyclists have to have bells? Legally, a bike has to be sold with a bell fitted, but there’s no legal obligation to keep it on your new bike once you get it home from the shop.


The Highway Code only recommends a bicycle bell be fitted. “Be considerate of other road users, particularly blind and partially sighted pedestrians. Let them know you are there when necessary, for example, by ringing your bell if you have one. It is recommended that a bell be fitted.”

Yes, they do not have to have a bell....

They can just come behind you at 25 mph and scream "get out of the F***ing way" as the poor souls have to slow for those on foot.

The absence of a legal requirement does not also justify absence of common sense or decency.

 

[TwoDogs]

I have never, in my many years of running, experienced being yelled at by a cyclist. However, in my many years of cycling, I have been verbally abused, driven at..deliberately and otherwise..and threatened by motorists. Not sure a bell would help.