Miserable Kentish people

[lotisi]

I have been working away recently and riding out in Epping Forrest and found everyone really friendly, even the donkey riders. Back home in Kent I've been struck by how grumpy people have been. Shouting abuse and refusing to make even a little bit of room, why the difference and what is the problem - has anyone got any idea? I always ride considerately and give way to pedestrians.

[g_stacey]

Eppings very popular with mtbers'. I think the walkers/public now expect to see riders there and except them. We dont have those similar open shared areas in Kent. Bedgebury springs to mind but they have designated trails for cycling so the general public know to avoid them. I have found that if you make enough noise, coughing, whistling if they have a dog or skidding to let walkers know your approaching there fine. If they think theyve' heard you before youve' seen them there even happier. Knock a couple of mph of as you approach, its makes them feel important. All mind games with simple people! Get the first "morning/hello" in and tell them how many riders are following. Then gun it. Like horses they just dont like being spooked from behind!

G

[lotisi]

I agree with all your comments and this is indeed how I try to behave. However, I find that when you say good morning people mostly ignore you and those who don't scowl. I don't think it's people being used to Mountain Bikers in Epping they just seem to have a sunnier disposition.

[leggly]

Try Richmond Park, if you say hello to anybody you get strange looks (including other cyclists) Ah the joys of the big city.

[Kermit power]

Which part of Kent are you in? If you're on the Western side and can get to the Surrey Hills (between Dorking & Guildford) easily enough, you'll generally find everyone there to be very tolerant of each other, and the biking is superb too.

[lotisi]

Maidstone and it's not just when I am on my bike it's a general thing.

[v8 jago]

g_stacey said:

Eppings very popular with mtbers'. I think the walkers/public now expect to see riders there and except them. We dont have those similar open shared areas in Kent. Bedgebury springs to mind but they have designated trails for cycling so the general public know to avoid them. I have found that if you make enough noise, coughing, whistling if they have a dog or skidding to let walkers know your approaching there fine. If they think theyve' heard you before youve' seen them there even happier. Knock a couple of mph of as you approach, its makes them feel important. All mind games with simple people! Get the first "morning/hello" in and tell them how many riders are following. Then gun it. Like horses they just dont like being spooked from behind!

G

Spot on. Try to respect them and give them plenty of room and go past at a very slow speed. You still get the odd muppet who trys to upset you.

[Parrot of Doom]

I had one young bloke on a very wet muddy day shout at me to slow down as I rode past him.

I was tempted to shout back and tell him it probably wasn't a great idea to wear your nice jeans and dress shoes with expensive coat while walking alongside the Bridgewater canal and massive great puddles of muddy ruts.