Cyclist's and CoronaVirus

[John Slater]

What’s the difference between a Gravel bike and a Cyclocross bike?
I bought Specialized Tricross some years back as a multipurpose bike but find it too ”road” biased.

Geometry and gearing these days. CX bikes tend to have a higher BB height, narrower gear spread and are designed for racing on tight twisty muddy courses. Gravel bikes are tending to have a geometry more like a road bike but still be agile and stable off road. They've become huge in the States where there is now a whole racing scene.
They're easy to dismiss until you ride one.

 

[CaliforniaBen]

View attachment 56975

That's a bit harsh pal, I know cyclist's are hated but that is a bit OTT

 

[Troglodyte]

How is your cycle journey less dangerous than others...?
You could skid off your cycle at the first bend and need hospital treatment.
Regardless of distance or route, life has risk.

How do you know he was on a cycle?

 

[Borris]

Just wait until everyone’s driving electric milk floats...
You’re in for a treat...

When I was in Florence two years ago many of the taxis, police cars etc were electric. They all had electric beeping warning devices to give the pedestrians a sporting chance.

 

[ejmoore]

I took my exercise early this morning with a bike ride round central London - no traffic, no people, highly recommended.

 

[toeknee]

Just been to the chemist which was a 7 mile journey and I saw no less than 6 cyclist on a local A road in full cyclist gear . I know you are allowed to go and exercise but this is so irresponsible as if they had an accident it would take up vital resources.

Before any one says I'm anti cyclist, I am not as I am a cyclist too but I have only been cycling on cycle paths away from roads.



Rant over

LOL. Thank you for telling us all how to behave and making it clear your interpretation of social distancing rules is the most responsible. Maybe you could start a blog telling us about other things that you do so we can all follow your exemplary example?

 

[Moakesy]

Got a set of rollers in the shed.

Hate them with a vengeance, but my other half loves them. She’s fine, I’m all over the place.

 

[Scott H]

Just been to the chemist which was a 7 mile journey and I saw no less than 6 cyclist on a local A road in full cyclist gear . I know you are allowed to go and exercise but this is so irresponsible as if they had an accident it would take up vital resources.

Before any one says I'm anti cyclist, I am not as I am a cyclist too but I have only been cycling on cycle paths away from roads.



Rant over

Any reason why you had to make comment on full cycling gear ?? Would shorts and flip flops been ok

 

[pjm-84]

I

I took my exercise early this morning with a bike ride round central London - no traffic, no people, highly recommended.

Zwift for me. Only allowed out once and Dog's needs are a must.

 

[David Stock]

I walk, run, cycle (on and off road), ride a motorbike and drive a car (and a Cali of course!) I also drive minibuses and have driven light commercial vehicles on the past. Most people in all groups are good and sensible in their approach, attitude and manners. However there is a minority in all of them that show disrespect to others and poor standards. Let’s not tar everyone with the same brush. In terms of risk under the current circumstances the obvious thing would be to stay at home and not go out as there is a risk with all these activities. However if you are sensible and careful there shouldn’t be a problem. Let’s all be sensible.

 

[sdes]

What I don’t understand are those who have to come within a couple of feet of pedestrians walking along quiet roads.
I have just been on a lovely country walk in the sun. Two Lycra clad men on bikes came puffing up behind me and went past, slowly, sweating and wheezing leaving only a couple of feet between us even though they had an entire road!!! The minority I know but very irritating!

If you were walking on the Right as you should as a pedestrian on a country road, they wouldn’t have come puffing up behind you. Highway Code says:”If there is no pavement, keep to the right-hand side of the road so that you can see oncoming traffic”.....so at least everyone is in the wrong!

 

[T6 CFO]

I walk, run, cycle (on and off road), ride a motorbike and drive a car (and a Cali of course!) I also drive minibuses and have driven light commercial vehicles on the past. Most people in all groups are good and sensible in their approach, attitude and manners. However there is a minority in all of them that show disrespect to others and poor standards. Let’s not tar everyone with the same brush. In terms of risk under the current circumstances the obvious thing would be to stay at home and not go out as there is a risk with all these activities. However if you are sensible and careful there shouldn’t be a problem. Let’s all be sensible.

These is where this argument always ends up but it doesn’t stop it finding it’s way back with a slightly different twist.


Mike

 

[sdes]

Next you will be telling us cycling cures Coronavirus

Well, sort of, yes, like any cardiovascular exercise it improves your immune system. There was a study last year that included cyclists in their 80’s who had an “immune system age” of someone of “average fitness” in their mid 20s. So, doesn’t prevent it, but will help “cure” or fight it, yes.

 

[Paul Burns]

Hmm, this thread is a fine example of the lunatics running the asylum.

The bicycle is and was the best invention of mankind. Get over your prejudice people. Get on your bikes, get healthy. Get out of your over priced £60k work vans

 

[aileron346]

Thoughts on Saturday afternoon:

• Cali owners I meet on campsites are invariably pleasant and chilled and not prone to prejudicial ranting - what has happened here. A couple of these posts would get a proper ban on other forums.
  
  
• A section of British society has a real problem with cyclists - generally healthy people who are minimal users of the NHS (motor vehicles are a much much bigger cause of Emergency department carnage).
  
  
• I guess everyone's feeling a little cooped up and grumpy at the moment while cyclists have actually been encouraged to get out and exercise. Too right, as the public health people will know that fitter people are generally suffering less from the effects of this virus (and other respiratory illnesses).
  
  
• As someone who cycles (and motorbikes and drives), why is it that I always dread posts that start 'I am a keen cyclist but...'.
  
  
• Some of the biggest aggro from the Covid-19 crisis so far has come from people taking the official advice, adding their own twist or interpretation to it (such as the 'pressure in A&E don't use bikes) and then spouting it out. For goodness sake, we been encouraged by the Deputy Chief Medical Officer to cycle - they will know the balance of risks and be aware that an unhealthy population creates its own risk down the line.
  
  
• How to remind myself again and again that outdoor-lifestyle loving Cali owners, the ones we all meet out and about, are generally decent and some of the more offensive, ignorant stuff on here is not representative.
  
  
• On my run this morning I saw loads of happy, healthy runners, walkers, cyclists, dog-walkers getting their single daily dose of exercise. Pretty much everyone gave a cheery greeting, observed the 2m, and any sort of 'anti' prejudice was the very last thing on their mind.

 

[Borris]

If you were walking on the Right as you should as a pedestrian on a country road, they wouldn’t have come puffing up behind you. Highway Code says:”If there is no pavement, keep to the right-hand side of the road so that you can see oncoming traffic”.....so at least everyone is in the wrong!

Well the "Gentleman" who passed us this morning on his racing bike missed my wife by inches not feet. We were walking side by side on a quiet single track country lane when he passed doing about 30 mph from behind. He offered no warning of his approach.

 

[aileron346]

Well the "Gentleman" who passed us this morning on his racing bike missed my wife by inches not feet. We were walking side by side on a quiet single track country lane when he passed doing about 30 mph from behind. He offered no warning of his approach.

I asssume this was downhill then? A touring cycling pace is around 13mph; a fit sport cyclist would train around 20mph.

Of course, as a pedestrian or a cyclist, being passed closely and dangerously by cars never happens.

 

[Vantastic2]

How is your cycle journey less dangerous than others...?
You could skid off your cycle at the first bend and need hospital treatment.
Regardless of distance or route, life has risk.

The risk is ending up in hospital !. Never coming out as you catch coronavirus in there !

 

[Borris]

I asssume this was downhill then? A touring cycling pace is around 13mph; a fit sport cyclist would train around 20mph.

Of course, as a pedestrian or a cyclist, being passed closely and dangerously by cars never happens.

Yes downhill.

 

[xkirkba]

Attitude is the biggest risk factor for lycra cyclists. Roads are for getting around not for pacemaking, sports training or racing. Some lycrists are racing against online opponents on Strava etc and do not to show consideration to other road users. Imagine horse riders, dog runners and motorists behaving with the same competitive attitude on the road, it would be so dangerous.
Possibly the second most dangerous thing about some lycrists is their lack of awareness of safety. It’s not uncommon to see them dressed in black instead of sensible high viz. This lack of responsibility for their own safety leads to the many other dangerous behaviours we have all seen. I am a road cyclist myself and recently caught up with a young man to talk to him about something dangerous he had done but he felt to entitled to listen. Entitled to be another statistic though.
Some form of registration is sadly now inevitable and then dashcam convictions will change behaviour. I am sad the stupid selfish behaviour of a minority will restrict the liberty of all.

 

[wingate_52]

I own a nice Red California with a VW bike rack on the back. I have a VW Tiguan also. I walk, a member of the Ramblers Association. I am a keen woodworker with a workshop full of tools that are mainly dangerous to others. I am, and have been a cyclist for 47 years. I love cycling, and at the moment the roads have less cars travelling. I love road cycling, going out twice a week with a small group of Lycra clad gents, cycling 30-60 miles per session. Just a mornings ride. Under instruction from the Cycling UK org. we no cycle solo, on our own. so I am cycling 3 -4 times a week. The roads and pavements are full of people who don't know how to walk, or cycle. A passing police car gave me the thumbs up yesterday whilst I was riding my Brompton, helmet and red Gore top, front and rear flashing lights at about 3:00 pm. Just be patient, enjoy what you do and stay safe.

 

[john eagle]

Just been to the chemist which was a 7 mile journey and I saw no less than 6 cyclist on a local A road in full cyclist gear . I know you are allowed to go and exercise but this is so irresponsible as if they had an accident it would take up vital resources.

Before any one says I'm anti cyclist, I am not as I am a cyclist too but I have only been cycling on cycle paths away from roads.



Rant over

As long as the cyclists are not out together and are sticking to the Highway Code they have every right to be on the road. People need to show a bit more tolerance and courtesy to each other instead of moaning all the time, especially now.
I always warn joggers or pedestrians I am coming by ringing my bell. From the other point of view when I am walking my dog I always call him in when a cyclist approaches. Some cyclists will say thank you and some ignorant ones will say nothing.
Give and take from all sides is the order of the day here.
As my parents drummed into me from an early age “Manners cost nothing “
Nobody owns the roads and public footpaths so share and share alike.
If you’re unfortunate enough to catch Corona virus the last thing you will be worrying about is cyclists

 

[Amarillo]

456 pedestrians killed in 2018
99 cyclists killed in 2018

Interesting...
Maybe we should all stop walking during this crisis

A more useful measure is deaths per billion miles. On that measure cycling is no more dangerous than walking.

If you look at the cause of death, a motor vehicle was involved in close to 100% of deaths. Looking at it that way drivers are dangerous, not pedestrians or cyclists.

 

[DJCWORCS]

very dangerous, I still can't understand how a 16 year old can drive a huge tractor and trailer, thundering down a minor road, all legally. They are like tanks.

Couldn't agree more - 2 years ago while stationary at a T junction leaving the common where I have lived for 16 years, a tractor with front bucket down didn't quite make the turn into the road and the bucket hit the front of my daily driver (BMW convertible) , screeched up the bonnet, flattening it and stopped right by the front windscreen ! Let's just say I leapt out shouting obscenities out of fear - to find it was my neighbours son, who was 16! Luckily, no human was hurt (can't say the same for the car), and the tractor skid marks were 20 feet long.! Luckily he was insured on the farm insurance and could legally drive it. From the gov UK website :-

You can hold a category F licence from age 16. 16-year-olds may only drive tractors up to 2.45 metres wide, and tow trailers up to 2.45 metres wide and with 2 wheels, or 4 close-coupled wheels. From age 17 these restrictions do not apply.

Category F licence only applies to tractors used primarily for agriculture or forestry. Therefore, if you wish to drive a tractor that is not used primarily for agriculture or forestry, you need to hold a goods vehicle licence. That is category C1E for combinations with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) up to 12 tonnes (8.25 tonnes if licence was obtained before 1997) and CE for combinations with MAM over 7.5 tonnes (8.25 tonnes for pre-1997 licences).

Other, non-tractor agricultural motor vehicles require a category B licence, and you must also be over 21 years old to drive these.

Summary of minimum ages to drive agricultural vehicles:

• age 16 (via F category): tractors up to 2.45 metres wide, towing trailers up to 2.45 metres wide and with 2 wheels, or 4 close-coupled wheels
• age 17 to 20: all tractors, subject to holding relevant entitlement
• age 21+: all tractors and non-tractor agricultural motor vehicles, subject to holding relevant entitlement.

Personally I can't say I agree with the above as often 16 year olds have had very basic training just in fields before going on the roads. Living in rural North Worcs, I frequently encounter :-

- tractors with or without trailers speeding
- no number plate
- no lights at night at the rear of trailers
- Agricultural equipment not raised correctly either front or rear of tractor
- bald tyres
- driver on a mobile phone(very common)!

As an ex-motorcyclist for over 25 years, I have always held the view that (generally speaking), if everyone had to ride a motorbike for 2 years before they drove anything else, they'd most likely be better drivers being more aware of road conditions and have more respect for other road users - and no, I'm not saying all bikers are good, well behaved and respectful.. Just in case

 

[M&E]

Much less dangerous, no lorries, no pot holes for a start, I agree there is a slim chance a may fall off but nowhere near as dangerous as on a A road !!!

It’s not all the cyclist that are dangerous it is mostly other road users not giving cyclists the space they need as venerable road users
Would you overtake a horse as fast and as close as you would a cyclist