FAO Cyclists!

Idiophreak

Person_one wrote: »

Not at all, where did you get that idea? I started it to provide a helpful tip for cyclists like the one who nearly plowed into me yesterday, I'm sure they don't actually want to injure people.

I used to cycle myself but decided I liked having my spine and skull intact more, its about sharing space and realising that just because you're faster you don't have more rights than people walking.

There are lots of very polite cyclists out there, this was aimed at the impolite or clueless ones.

Sadly, the intention with which a thread is started doesn't often have a bearing on its use.

That said, you didn't call the thread "FAO impolite or clueless cyclists"....

Fuzzy_Duck

Just last week I was walking down a busy road and a cyclist clipped me with her handlebars before hurtling on through a crowd of people. I don't think it's on for cyclists to ride their bikes on a busy pavement but she could have at least used a bell or horn to alert people. She was far too close to me and I had no idea she was there until she rammed into my shoulder. I don't think she even noticed she'd made contact (or maybe she just didn't care), but it didn't half startle me.

I used to walk through a park to get to work that had lots of narrow pathways, complete with a 'no bicycles' sign. There were plenty of idiots who would whizz past you on their bikes anyway, especially through a dark tunnel halfway through the park.

I didn't know people got funny when cyclists used their bell/horn. I happily jump out of the way when that happens, but the majority don't bother, and there are far too many idiots that get ridiculously close to you before swerving off as if it shows how talented they are at riding a bike. One day I'm going to move ever so slightly to the right and left at the wrong moment and be knocked flying :mad:

LudaMusser

People moaning about cyclists, you do realise that nothing is ever going to change!

Marisco

LudaMusser wrote: »

People moaning about cyclists, you do realise that nothing is ever going to change!

I moan about the government, but I know that's not going to change soon either Unless we get a complete "culture" change, and go the way of Holland, you're right, sod all will change!!!

VestanPance

Marisco wrote: »

I moan about the government, but I know that's not going to change soon either Unless we get a complete "culture" change, and go the way of Holland, you're right, sod all will change!!!

You are aware that in The Netherlands cyclists have right of way over everyone, including pedestrians.

As some who drives, cycles and walks I can state there are some idiot cyclists about, but I also know that some of the idiot behaviour is born out of self defence. Side by side cycling on roads, forces the traffic to wait to pass when it's clear rather than have them cut you up. Shooting red lights the very same problem. I don't do either, or cycle on pavements but I can see why folk do at times.

One tip for pedestrians look before stepping off the pavement onto the road or even worse shoving your pram with child on to it before looking, as I very well may be hitting 25mph on the bike and my braking distance isn't ten inches!

Tips for drivers. Since you slow down for walkers and allow plenty of space to pass them if they are forced to walk along roads with no pavement please allow the same for cyclists, as bikes are also powered by humans. Also please when trying to kill me, sorry pass me, refrain from doing your make-up, answering your phone, or trying to see through me to see what is on sale in that shop!

Redvee

If I meet a cyclist on the pavement I ask if it would be better for them if we walked on the roads so the pavements were cleared for them. Ninja & Salmon cyclists are a bugbear of most decent cyclists too. Ninjas are those in black/dark clothing with no lights and Salmon cyclists riding the wrong way along the road. As you may gather I am a cyclist with lights, reflective/hi-viz, helmet & camera.

fluffnutter

Marisco wrote: »

But why would you need a bell? It's for pedestrians, as obviously a car driver can't hear it, bikes should not be on pavements, so should not need a bell to make people move. And as for cycle lanes, then pedestrians shouldn't be on them, the clue is in the name - cycle lanes! The only bikes that should be on pavements are small kids on bikes, all the rest should be on roads or cycle lanes, ( if there are any.)

In an ideal world, sure. My town has many miles of cycle lanes (disused railway lines) that are shared by cyclists and pedestrians. Whilst nominally cyclists use one side and walkers the other, in practice this doesn't really happen. Walkers (particularly two or three women with prams) tend to 'sprawl' across the entire width of the track and any cyclist would be wise to ding their bell when approaching them.

Sure, they could stay in their half but they're having a chat and don't want to walk single file. It's no biggy, just ding the bell and they know you're trying to overtake.

As an aside, all new bikes are now fitted with bells as a legal requirement.

nikki702

barbiedoll wrote: »

And red lights mean that cyclists have to stop too!

I agree! its always mind the bikes, cyclists get killed... cyclist run over by a lorry and killed... here in London it's constant!

I have nearly been hit by cyclists SEVERAL times because they think the red light don't apply to them :mad:

Idiophreak

fluffnutter wrote: »

In an ideal world, sure. My town has many miles of cycle lanes (disused railway lines) that are shared by cyclists and pedestrians. Whilst nominally cyclists use one side and walkers the other, in practice this doesn't really happen. Walkers (particularly two or three women with prams) tend to 'sprawl' across the entire width of the track and any cyclist would be wise to ding their bell when approaching them.

Sure, they could stay in their half but they're having a chat and don't want to walk single file. It's no biggy, just ding the bell and they know you're trying to overtake.

As an aside, all new bikes are now fitted with bells as a legal requirement.

Seems you'd have 2 options:
1) Ding your bell slow down. Wait. Ding your bell again. Wait. Repeat until they take the hint. Wait while they shuffle to one side. Pass.

2) Move off the side of the path and carry on as normal.

Personally, much as it frustrates me, I find number 2 the better option.

Another option, if you don't have a bell, is to simply skid your rear tyre when behind them. It's a noise that tends to get their attention rather quicker than a bell...I also do the same when running, just by "accidentally" scuffing the pavement with my shoe I get people's attention and they move.

FattyBettyBoo

I definitely agree that cyclist should ding their bells to make themselves known .... but not at horses please!!! In this insrance it definitely does more harm than good most of the time.

And riding on pavements really bugs me. When my puppy was a couple pf months old a cyclist whizzed past missing her by inches and she's never trusted one since. As with everything it just a case of using a bit of COMMON SENSE. It seems to be going out of fashion.