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Not a rant about cyclists - just a question
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https://postimg.cc/gallery/299f522k8/
So I drive to work because I have to. On the days I don't need the car I cycle and use the cycle lanes. I'm not precious about my bike and use it as I use the car, a tool to fulfil a function.
For the past few days I have noticed what I would class as sporting cyclists using a particularly dangerous part of my route. My post this morning is to just understand why these guys would rather cycle dangerously than use the cycle path provided (in the pictures you will see it, the cycle lane is the larger part, pedestrians get the narrower part closer to the road).
I'm sure that there are many arguments as to why from either side but I'm interested as to why someone would both put themselves in harms way from a vehicle over a pedestrian and also why It's considered acceptable to retard the traffic so badly (as was the case this morning).
I'm not after an argument (although it will turn in to one as usual) rather a genuine reason. Do roads offer more safety? Are there less hazards? is it OK to not use a (in this case) well maintained cycle lane?
Picture 1 = Aerial view
Picture 2 = South to North Street View
So I drive to work because I have to. On the days I don't need the car I cycle and use the cycle lanes. I'm not precious about my bike and use it as I use the car, a tool to fulfil a function.
For the past few days I have noticed what I would class as sporting cyclists using a particularly dangerous part of my route. My post this morning is to just understand why these guys would rather cycle dangerously than use the cycle path provided (in the pictures you will see it, the cycle lane is the larger part, pedestrians get the narrower part closer to the road).
I'm sure that there are many arguments as to why from either side but I'm interested as to why someone would both put themselves in harms way from a vehicle over a pedestrian and also why It's considered acceptable to retard the traffic so badly (as was the case this morning).
I'm not after an argument (although it will turn in to one as usual) rather a genuine reason. Do roads offer more safety? Are there less hazards? is it OK to not use a (in this case) well maintained cycle lane?
Picture 1 = Aerial view
Picture 2 = South to North Street View
'Just because its on the internet don't believe it 100%'. Abraham Lincoln.
I have opinions, you have opinions. All of our opinions are valid whether they are based on fact or feeling. Respect other peoples opinions, stop forcing your opinions on other people and the world will be a happier place.
I have opinions, you have opinions. All of our opinions are valid whether they are based on fact or feeling. Respect other peoples opinions, stop forcing your opinions on other people and the world will be a happier place.
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Comments
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What a strange post.
My response (as a non-cyclist) to your first two questions is that it depends on the road and the cycle lane and individuals assessment of the risks of each. For your final question the answer is always yes unless cyclists are actually prohibited from using the road.0 -
What a strange post.
My response (as a non-cyclist) to your first two questions is that it depends on the road and the cycle lane and individuals assessment of the risks of each. For your final question the answer is always yes unless cyclists are actually prohibited from using the road.
What an odd reply,
Thanks though...'Just because its on the internet don't believe it 100%'. Abraham Lincoln.
I have opinions, you have opinions. All of our opinions are valid whether they are based on fact or feeling. Respect other peoples opinions, stop forcing your opinions on other people and the world will be a happier place.0 -
Who knows?
You always get a whole batch of numpty cyclist on the roads at Tour de France time of year.
Why do I come across gaggles of them on country lanes riding black bikes, wearing all black clothing and black helmets? They think they're too cool for 'be bright be seen', although I doubt they'll feel so cool when they're splattered over a car bonnet.Accept your past without regret, handle your present with confidence and face your future without fear0 -
Bit harsh...'Just because its on the internet don't believe it 100%'. Abraham Lincoln.
I have opinions, you have opinions. All of our opinions are valid whether they are based on fact or feeling. Respect other peoples opinions, stop forcing your opinions on other people and the world will be a happier place.0 -
I have not looked at your pictures, but often use the road rather than the cycle path because that makes it possible to maintain higher speeds. Cycle paths are designed for low speeds and so often have sharp bends and poor surfaces that can only be negotiated by slowing down almost to the speed of a jogger.0
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What a strange post.
My response (as a non-cyclist) to your first two questions is that it depends on the road and the cycle lane and individuals assessment of the risks of each. For your final question the answer is always yes unless cyclists are actually prohibited from using the road.
Thanks for a sensible reply, good answer.Voyager2002 wrote: »I have not looked at your pictures, but often use the road rather than the cycle path because that makes it possible to maintain higher speeds. Cycle paths are designed for low speeds and so often have sharp bends and poor surfaces that can only be negotiated by slowing down almost to the speed of a jogger.'Just because its on the internet don't believe it 100%'. Abraham Lincoln.
I have opinions, you have opinions. All of our opinions are valid whether they are based on fact or feeling. Respect other peoples opinions, stop forcing your opinions on other people and the world will be a happier place.0 -
peachyprice wrote: »Who knows?
You always get a whole batch of numpty cyclist on the roads at Tour de France time of year.
Why do I come across gaggles of them on country lanes riding black bikes, wearing all black clothing and black helmets? They think they're too cool for 'be bright be seen', although I doubt they'll feel so cool when they're splattered over a car bonnet.
If you can't see them you need to urgently cut up your license and send it back to the DVLASam Vimes' Boots Theory of Socioeconomic Unfairness:
People are rich because they spend less money. A poor man buys $10 boots that last a season or two before he's walking in wet shoes and has to buy another pair. A rich man buys $50 boots that are made better and give him 10 years of dry feet. The poor man has spent $100 over those 10 years and still has wet feet.
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https://postimg.cc/gallery/299f522k8/
So I drive to work because I have to. On the days I don't need the car I cycle and use the cycle lanes. I'm not precious about my bike and use it as I use the car, a tool to fulfil a function.
For the past few days I have noticed what I would class as sporting cyclists using a particularly dangerous part of my route. My post this morning is to just understand why these guys would rather cycle dangerously than use the cycle path provided (in the pictures you will see it, the cycle lane is the larger part, pedestrians get the narrower part closer to the road).
I'm sure that there are many arguments as to why from either side but I'm interested as to why someone would both put themselves in harms way from a vehicle over a pedestrian and also why It's considered acceptable to retard the traffic so badly (as was the case this morning).
I'm not after an argument (although it will turn in to one as usual) rather a genuine reason. Do roads offer more safety? Are there less hazards? is it OK to not use a (in this case) well maintained cycle lane?
Picture 1 = Aerial view
Picture 2 = South to North Street View
The general advice is that if you are doing more than 18mph then use the road not the cycle lanes that are shared (or where pedestrians might use them) both for safety and to maintain a steady speed.
A B road is a lot safer than riding on an A road, particularly as the limits are typically 30 or 40.
Cycle lanes are routinely not maintained, full of rubbish/glass/debris etc hence why I rarely use themSam Vimes' Boots Theory of Socioeconomic Unfairness:
People are rich because they spend less money. A poor man buys $10 boots that last a season or two before he's walking in wet shoes and has to buy another pair. A rich man buys $50 boots that are made better and give him 10 years of dry feet. The poor man has spent $100 over those 10 years and still has wet feet.
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The general advice is that if you are doing more than 18mph then use the road not the cycle lanes that are shared (or where pedestrians might use them) both for safety and to maintain a steady speed.
A B road is a lot safer than riding on an A road, particularly as the limits are typically 30 or 40.
Cycle lanes are routinely not maintained, full of rubbish/glass/debris etc hence why I rarely use them
Good reply again, thanks.
I think we may just be lucky here in Newark that the cycle lanes certainly seem to well kept.'Just because its on the internet don't believe it 100%'. Abraham Lincoln.
I have opinions, you have opinions. All of our opinions are valid whether they are based on fact or feeling. Respect other peoples opinions, stop forcing your opinions on other people and the world will be a happier place.0 -
If you can't see them you need to urgently cut up your license and send it back to the DVLA
My eyesight is fine thanks. However, I am not the only person on the road.
What is not fine is a person all in back, so so much as a light on their bike or a reflective strip on their clothing against a dark hedgerow cycling under a tree canopy that makes them near invisible on windy lanes with a 60mph speed limit.
Why would anybody be so stupid to leave themselves wide open to the risk of getting hit by a vehicle like that? Complete lack of common sense for vanity.
Oh, and I cycle myself, so no need for motorist bashing.Accept your past without regret, handle your present with confidence and face your future without fear0
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