Car drivers = grrr!

prowla

The fact is that there are some bikers who are careless and likewise some car drivers.
I've driven behind some stupid bikers and car drivers in the past week, and been overtaken buy some of both.
Once last week I also had a biker following me doing the speed limit, and I found it very disconcerting and have to keep checking my mirror to see what he was up to!

I guess the only difference is that in a coming together, the biker is going to get the worst of it.
As I usually say, you can't fall off a car!

johnsm

movilogo wrote: »

Same can be said for car drivers - isn't it? The very title of this thread seems to generalise all car drivers!

And you're just as bad for generalising all bikers! What you're saying isn't totally wrong, I just didn't like the wording of your original post.

Bikers don't filter filter at 100mph, and I haven't seen any biker filter faster that what's appropriate, we've got to look out for you crazy lot in your big silly cars

:dance:

TMFTP

A large proportion of bikers / cyclists are / will have been car drivers.

I cycle to work, and drive a car. Some (a lot of) car drivers get into a bubble when they're in their car. "I picking my nose, you can't see me". "You're in a cycle lane on a pavement that I'm about to unwittingly drive over"....

The 18months it took to settle my claim with his insurance company didn't make me angry. At all.

Next time you think "i showed unconscious competence whilst driving" - think instead "I showed unconscious ignorance of any changes on that road." How many car drivers do that?

Cyclists do it FAR less. They need to interact with almost every vehicle that passes them. Traffic conditions are different almost every time they ride a road.

As to the clown who thinks cyclist have no right to ride in the middle of a lane...why not?It's being taught in cycling proficiency now. Rather cycle in the middle of the lane than have some car driver decide he can "squeeze past"...and misjudge it...

johnsm

TMFTP wrote: »

A large proportion of bikers / cyclists are / will have been car drivers.

This is true and often results in bikers and cyclists becoming better car drivers as they become more aware of bikers and cyclists on the road.

Gordon861

I would like to advise any car drivers (esp new drivers) to at least do the CBT part of the bike test. You will become a lot more aware of other road users and it will improve your danger perception a lot.

Puzzledbubbles

i can see both sides, im a pillion (not a rider because i dont feel its sensible with bad balance and screws already in one leg) and a driver and in both cases i see people with little regard and poor judgement.

But, i think its like anything, a calculated risk - as every one knows, riding a bike is dangerous and you are more likely to have a fatal accident than if you are driving a car.

However, a car driver is more likely to have an accident in general because of the sheer number of cars on the road and differnces in peoples spatial awareness.

When we get on the bike, dp and i take a calculated risk, bike, helmets, leather jackets, jeans and boots. We choose to take the risk but also choose to protect outself the best way we can, as a driver i do the same thing, seatbelt, check breaks etc

You can never predict how someone will react and i think the most important thing for ANY road user is to learn how to assess the road which means how to look out for all road users and not to act as an indepent force, but as one of many vehicles on the road at any given time making judgements about your speed and position in relation to others.

Ive got to say, i think the best drivers are bikers or pillions becuase you have that additional spatial awareness that keeps you safe - now choosing to be a prat and pulling wheelies at traffic lights is in the same light as a boy racer cruising around town seeing who can pull away from the lights fastest or who can take a bend quickest and thats just daft

Volcano

xxlaurissaxx wrote: »

One thing I have noticed, why does only a handful or cyclist and motorcyclist wear reflective clothing??? No wonder people cant see them, if they have no reflective clothing on.

If you can't see people unless they're wearing reflective clothing you definitely shouldn't be driving.

Volcano

prowla wrote: »

Once last week I also had a biker following me doing the speed limit, and I found it very disconcerting and have to keep checking my mirror to see what he was up to!

This happens from time to time, is quite normal and nothing to be alarmed about :rolleyes:

cyclonebri1

vikingaero wrote: »

I find there are confusing attitudes from even the authorities regarding bikers. In Hastings there are signs telling you to Think Bike, check your mirrors before turning - hang on, if you are indicating and about to make a turn then what the hell is a stupid biker doing overtaking you? I fully agree that car drivers need to double check before pulling out at junctions where most moto/car accidents happen. My best friend has been in traction twice over his riding career.

But to play devils advocate, my firefighter friend says that 85-90% of bike accident are solo vehicle accidents involving only themselves.

I have to argue here, where that 85-90% statistic came from I guess I'll never know, unless you inform further.

To add further your 1st paragraph is grabbed from thin air, just how do you make that association?

i can make my own mind up. I stopped riding bikes when my 1st youngster was born for obvious reasons . these issues are not new, that was 30 years ago.:mad:

Rolandtheroadie

vikingaero wrote: »

But to play devils advocate, my firefighter friend says that 85-90% of bike accident are solo vehicle accidents involving only themselves.

Heres the ones your friends dont attend.


http://www.readingmag.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=89:bike-accident-statistics&catid=25:the-project