Is the UK the worst place in the world to cycle?
Discussion
Been cycling for 35 years all over the world but only in the UK do I see the extreme abuse and aggression from drivers towards cyclists. Pretty much every time I ride (rural roads in the South West) there’s an ‘incident’ where a driver will purposely drive too close to scare us or shout abuse. Same with my 22 year old daughter who is a keen cyclist - with a bunch the other day she counted seven times that drivers screamed at them - particularly the misunderstood two abreast issue which no one seems to understand, but also when she’s on her own. I’ve also seen on this forum drivers confess that cyclists make them feel irrational rage. And now I’ve just read this which sadly doesn’t surprise me:
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/jun...
There's a certain small but hardcore UK demographic - chavvy/gobs
te arrogant geezers and gals - you know the sort that say: "YOU DON'T PAAAY ROAD TAAAX!!!!" who behave abysmally to cyclists and incorrectly think they have more rights over cyclists or pedestrians. Their tiny minds can only compute that they have been delayed by other road users, rather than them being the moron for not leaving earlier, because watching Strictly or Futbal was more important than being on time.
te arrogant geezers and gals - you know the sort that say: "YOU DON'T PAAAY ROAD TAAAX!!!!" who behave abysmally to cyclists and incorrectly think they have more rights over cyclists or pedestrians. Their tiny minds can only compute that they have been delayed by other road users, rather than them being the moron for not leaving earlier, because watching Strictly or Futbal was more important than being on time.I fear the OP is not going to get the responses he expects. Which is unsurprising considering this is a motoring website.
Perhaps Mumsnet or a cycling forum would be a better option?
I absolutely despise cyclists that ride with an arrogance of self entitlement. I have no problem with cyclists who are aware of where they are cycling, aware of the queue behind them and pull over or make space for traffic to overtake. Much the same as tractors and farm machinery on the road.
Perhaps Mumsnet or a cycling forum would be a better option?
I absolutely despise cyclists that ride with an arrogance of self entitlement. I have no problem with cyclists who are aware of where they are cycling, aware of the queue behind them and pull over or make space for traffic to overtake. Much the same as tractors and farm machinery on the road.
Billy_Whizzzz said:
Been cycling for 35 years all over the world but only in the UK do I see the extreme abuse and aggression from drivers towards cyclists. Pretty much every time I ride (rural roads in the South West) there’s an ‘incident’ where a driver will purposely drive too close to scare us or shout abuse. Same with my 22 year old daughter who is a keen cyclist - with a bunch the other day she counted seven times that drivers screamed at them - particularly the misunderstood two abreast issue which no one seems to understand, but also when she’s on her own. I’ve also seen on this forum drivers confess that cyclists make them feel irrational rage. And now I’ve just read this which sadly doesn’t surprise me:
Until 5/6 years ago when I pretty much quit riding I’d been a ‘serious’ cyclist since being an early teenager and for around 30 years. I reckon I received abuse from drivers no more than 7 times in total, so it seems very odd that both you and your daughter experience so much aggression and so often. Could more be done to improve group riding etiquette?When did the two abreast thing start?
Records show serious injuries have steadily climbed since 2004 but not sure if the % of population cycling on the roads has increased which could account for the number increase, helmet use has increased at the same time so would help curtail the serious injury count, lots of factors i guess but i cant see riding two abreast as helping the cause to avoid accidents / injury tbh, certainly antagonises drivers which cant be good when you’re on a bike vs 2t of metal.
Records show serious injuries have steadily climbed since 2004 but not sure if the % of population cycling on the roads has increased which could account for the number increase, helmet use has increased at the same time so would help curtail the serious injury count, lots of factors i guess but i cant see riding two abreast as helping the cause to avoid accidents / injury tbh, certainly antagonises drivers which cant be good when you’re on a bike vs 2t of metal.
Jordie Barretts sock said:
I fear the OP is not going to get the responses he expects. Which is unsurprising considering this is a motoring website.
Perhaps Mumsnet or a cycling forum would be a better option?
I absolutely despise cyclists that ride with an arrogance of self entitlement. I have no problem with cyclists who are aware of where they are cycling, aware of the queue behind them and pull over or make space for traffic to overtake. Much the same as tractors and farm machinery on the road.
Despise? Strong words…. Perhaps Mumsnet or a cycling forum would be a better option?
I absolutely despise cyclists that ride with an arrogance of self entitlement. I have no problem with cyclists who are aware of where they are cycling, aware of the queue behind them and pull over or make space for traffic to overtake. Much the same as tractors and farm machinery on the road.
Do you feel the same way about slower motorists that don’t pull over when other (more skilled & deserving?) drivers show a complete lack of patience when making progress?
Having cycled in the U.K. and many other countries it is noticeable how a minority of UK motorists appear massively self entitled with little consideration for other more vulnerable road users. I guess it’s similar in other countries too……
Roads are used for business travel and more cyclists seem intent on going out for a leisure ride at peek commute time which doesnt help.
I think a bit more give and take is required on all sides. I mean a group of fast and furious style cars are likely to get nicked, but a full peloton of cyclists in team sky gear is seemingly ok?
I think a bit more give and take is required on all sides. I mean a group of fast and furious style cars are likely to get nicked, but a full peloton of cyclists in team sky gear is seemingly ok?
Given the amount of money spent on cycling schemes/improvements in my area, vs the actual number of cyclists? No not at all. If you listened to the local cycling "campaign" then you'd think all car drivers were actually members of the Nazi Death Machine, but the reality is, given the space available in many of our (very old) towns and cities, we do very well.
No, its one of the better places to ride (admittedly not best).
There also isn't really an issue over riding two abreast - choosing to do so or otherwise is entirely interprative, and does often lead to accusation of selfishness from both drivers who feel they are needlessly impaired from overtaking, and cyclists who think they are compromising their/the groups safety. This will never change.
There also isn't really an issue over riding two abreast - choosing to do so or otherwise is entirely interprative, and does often lead to accusation of selfishness from both drivers who feel they are needlessly impaired from overtaking, and cyclists who think they are compromising their/the groups safety. This will never change.
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