Another suicide cycle.
Discussion
Had an argument with a wide of bottom lady on a push-bike this morning. She was steaming through red traffic lights with gay abandon and was highly amused when I suggested they were for her as well. Gave me the well known "what f**king planet are you on" look
I know we've discussed it before but when she gets turned to mush some poor bloody motorist will take the rap for it and someone will be without a wife/girlfriend/daughter/mother or whatever.
Just wanted to get it off my chest, it really upsets me.
I know we've discussed it before but when she gets turned to mush some poor bloody motorist will take the rap for it and someone will be without a wife/girlfriend/daughter/mother or whatever.
Just wanted to get it off my chest, it really upsets me.
I know, some cyclists have no regard for road safety whatsoever! (Not all of them, though.)
I think the problem is the lack of training for cyclists. Anyone at any age can buy a bike from Halfords and start using it on the roads without even a glipse at highway code.
Then you have the eco-warrior sandle wearer, who may or may not know a bit about road safety, but is probably willing to get run over just to make cars seem more dangerous than they actually are.
I think the problem is the lack of training for cyclists. Anyone at any age can buy a bike from Halfords and start using it on the roads without even a glipse at highway code.
Then you have the eco-warrior sandle wearer, who may or may not know a bit about road safety, but is probably willing to get run over just to make cars seem more dangerous than they actually are.
As a pedestrian, I've been crossing at regular traffic lights (not pelican crossing) when traffic had red light. Needless to say, I have to pause for a moment whilst the obligatory cycle goes straight through them.
No big deal, happens all the time. What surprised me though, was the reaction of the two bobbies on the beat who were also crossing the road at the same time. One of them shouted "they're for your too" at the (now disappearing) cyclist. That was it! No, "Oi! You on the bike - stop right there!". No attempt to run after the cyclist and force them to stop. They just did exactly what you and I would do - a brief shout.
So, why an earth would a cyclist not just cycle straight through a red light? Even if the police are watching them do it, they'll still get away with it. Grrr...
No big deal, happens all the time. What surprised me though, was the reaction of the two bobbies on the beat who were also crossing the road at the same time. One of them shouted "they're for your too" at the (now disappearing) cyclist. That was it! No, "Oi! You on the bike - stop right there!". No attempt to run after the cyclist and force them to stop. They just did exactly what you and I would do - a brief shout.
So, why an earth would a cyclist not just cycle straight through a red light? Even if the police are watching them do it, they'll still get away with it. Grrr...
I have a bike, and obey the law. But I hate the gits that ride several abreast on their sunday outings, red light jumpers etc.
My mother was knocked down by a cyclist on a pelican crossing (just pride hurt), if I had been there the little git would have found out what tarmac smells like very quickly instead of riding off.
>> Edited by JMorgan on Friday 17th May 13:48
My mother was knocked down by a cyclist on a pelican crossing (just pride hurt), if I had been there the little git would have found out what tarmac smells like very quickly instead of riding off.
>> Edited by JMorgan on Friday 17th May 13:48
This is f*king annoying. As a (lapsed - with the belly to prove it) enthusiastic cyclist, I hate being tarred with the same brush as these inconsiderate twats who think the rules of the road don't apply to them.
What I have done, and I consider legitimate, is hop off the bike at the lights, wheel it across at the pedestrian green man, and get on at the other side. Anyone care to disagree?
A bike at speed is very dangerous - put it this way in a moment of carelessness I managed to dent a Volvo's back bumper once (didn't do my forks any good either).
What I have done, and I consider legitimate, is hop off the bike at the lights, wheel it across at the pedestrian green man, and get on at the other side. Anyone care to disagree?
A bike at speed is very dangerous - put it this way in a moment of carelessness I managed to dent a Volvo's back bumper once (didn't do my forks any good either).
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... No attempt to run after the cyclist and force them to stop ...
Linford Christie isn't a plod I don't think - 20mph is pretty easy on a decent bike for most people, in bursts. Fairly fit people could sustain it on the flat for a while. No registration number to take - not a lot the police could do without a car, or a bike of their own.
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What I have done, and I consider legitimate, is hop off the bike at the lights, wheel it across at the pedestrian green man, and get on at the other side. Anyone care to disagree?
Yes. As a cyclist too, if you're going to do this, then just cycle through. You're not kidding anyone by getting off. What's the point?
A cyclist going through red lights is a bit like speeding on the open road. There is undoubtedly a law there which says you shouldn't but if you do it with full awareness of other potential road users, there isn't really a good reason why you shouldn't. And yes, there are twats that abuse it, and do so dangerously.
BTW I don't go through red lights. Not because its not legal, or not safe, but purely because I know it pisses off other road users, and when you're cycling you don't need some idiot giving you road rage from a Nova... here we go again
Neil (And a TVR for the weekend)
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Yes. As a cyclist too, if you're going to do this, then just cycle through. You're not kidding anyone by getting off. What's the point?
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it pisses off other road users, and when you're cycling you don't need some idiot giving you road rage from a Nova... here we go again
That's the main reason.
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A cyclist going through red lights is a bit like speeding on the open road. There is undoubtedly a law there which says you shouldn't but if you do it with full awareness of other potential road users, there isn't really a good reason why you shouldn't.
Hmmm. Surely, following this logic, all vehicles should be allowed through red lights as long as its done "with full awareness of other potential road users".
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A cyclist going through red lights is a bit like speeding on the open road. There is undoubtedly a law there which says you shouldn't but if you do it with full awareness of other potential road users, there isn't really a good reason why you shouldn't.
With respect, bollocks. Speaking as a cyclist, you can't be completely aware of everything that is happening around you so your best bet is to behave predictably, i.e in accordance with the bleeding rules. I have very little sympathy with most cyclists today as they do bugger all to help themselves. Behave predictably, indicate your intentions clearly, make yourself easily visible with appropriate clothing and lights. How hard is that?
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Hmmm. Surely, following this logic, all vehicles should be allowed through red lights as long as its done "with full awareness of other potential road users".
Indeed! And many do... well, late at night coming up to a red light against you and nothing else on the road.
A bit like drivers should be able to determine their own speed according to the conditions, instead of blindly obeying a number on a tin plate.
The speed and size differentials of pedestrians, cyclist, PTWs, cars, and other larger vehicles do cause different scenarios where this is rationally safe, e.g. If there's a steady stream of traffic doing 30, as a pedestrian you can usually cross between two cars with a bit of timing. I wouldn't do the same in a car unless there was a sizeable gap.
I would still agree that 90% of cyclist who go through red lights are twats, and don't have any regard for those around them. Especially cyclist couriers...
So many people don't respect each other on the roads now. I've had trouble with bikers and been treated like shite myself when on a ride.
As a pedestrian I nearly had some lycra clad gimp on a racer plough straight into me - and I was walking across a zebra crossing! Narowly missed a clout by jumping back. "Oi - cu*t, come and have some!" was my polite retort.
As a cyclist I've been chaffed by dozy car drivers too. Cycling along next to the kerb some rep in a mondeo decided to just swerve right into me. My handlebars ripped his wing mirror off. Just carried on my way after giving him a mouthfull.
As a pedestrian I nearly had some lycra clad gimp on a racer plough straight into me - and I was walking across a zebra crossing! Narowly missed a clout by jumping back. "Oi - cu*t, come and have some!" was my polite retort.
As a cyclist I've been chaffed by dozy car drivers too. Cycling along next to the kerb some rep in a mondeo decided to just swerve right into me. My handlebars ripped his wing mirror off. Just carried on my way after giving him a mouthfull.
You are all making the assumption that cycling is an acceptable form of transport. Similar assumptions are made by the people on the horse and hounds website. I told them what I thought but they did not appreciate my stance. Cycling is a hobby! It is the same as any other hobby, its a fun thing not to be taken seriously. Cyclists should not be allowed on the road. Spacehoppers and skateboards would be frowned upon so whats so f in special about cycling. Bunch of dangerous bastards if you ask me.
I am a cyclist and a motorist, I was driving in Bristol and a lady cyclist in front was riding right in the middle of the road. I was about 50 yards from her and sounded my horn to alert her that I was approaching. She mouthed-off at me with some choice language and un-ladylike gestures, all about f***ing drivers etc,. and that I startled her as she didn't hear me approaching! I said that was the whole point of me sounding the horn - to warn her...but off she went cursing drivers not understanding cyclists! What can you do?!!!!
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I am a cyclist and a motorist, I was driving in Bristol and a lady cyclist in front was riding right in the middle of the road. I was about 50 yards from her and sounded my horn to alert her that I was approaching. She mouthed-off at me with some choice language and un-ladylike gestures, all about f***ing drivers etc,. and that I startled her as she didn't hear me approaching! I said that was the whole point of me sounding the horn - to warn her...but off she went cursing drivers not understanding cyclists! What can you do?!!!!
Drive a loud car
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I am a cyclist and a motorist, I was driving in Bristol and a lady cyclist in front was riding right in the middle of the road. I was about 50 yards from her and sounded my horn to alert her that I was approaching. She mouthed-off at me with some choice language and un-ladylike gestures, all about f***ing drivers etc,. and that I startled her as she didn't hear me approaching! I said that was the whole point of me sounding the horn - to warn her...but off she went cursing drivers not understanding cyclists! What can you do?!!!!
Knock the f
ers off!Weell, I ride almost everywhere when I have to, (which is usally) and riding through town is bloody annoying. eg me and two mates, we were riding along the main street (dual cabbage way) up to the t-junction, and it was red. There were plenty of cars. I decided to respect the drivers by waiting in the traffic as I would in a car. THen i got BEEPED at. "Get out of the way idiot" says the nob in the car behind. So i followed my mates past the cars and red and turned left. You can just SEE the gap. It is hardly different to the motorbikers you see sliding between cars in a jam, just with even less space.
What can you do????? Indeed.
What can you do????? Indeed.
Doh,
This gets right up my nose. As much as I support the ethics of cycling, some people just need to be run-over by a lorry until they realise (hopefull too late then!!).
I live in MK, anyone who knows MK will know that there is a pretty good cycling infrastructure follows all the major road, provides bridges and underpasses for crossing etc. No, much more fun for these bloody lentil crunchers to cycle round roundabout, not a care.
Second point, to Steve's original post. Numpties that seem to disregard road signals. I work in London and find it's more of a problem there. But these ignorant twats just seem to flawt (sp) the traffic lights, or worse, bump up on the kerbs and scoot round on the pavments.
I reckon it should be mandatory for bikes to have:
1. Insurance
2. Tax
3. MOT (I seen some scabby looking bikes around).
I'm only talking of say a tenner a year for insurance and tax. Just something that will make the odds a bit even. So you jump the red light, I quish you, I get my motor fixed plus compensation for having the image of your brain splattering on my windscreen for life. Conversley, if I drive like a twat and take you out and It's my fault then you claim. Fair and simple.
That way you ride your bike with dueful respect to other road uses.
Oh, and I do ride a bike, but I'm one of those MTB 'arseholes' that ramblers detest and like to whinge about!!
Rant over.
Steve
This gets right up my nose. As much as I support the ethics of cycling, some people just need to be run-over by a lorry until they realise (hopefull too late then!!).
I live in MK, anyone who knows MK will know that there is a pretty good cycling infrastructure follows all the major road, provides bridges and underpasses for crossing etc. No, much more fun for these bloody lentil crunchers to cycle round roundabout, not a care.
Second point, to Steve's original post. Numpties that seem to disregard road signals. I work in London and find it's more of a problem there. But these ignorant twats just seem to flawt (sp) the traffic lights, or worse, bump up on the kerbs and scoot round on the pavments.
I reckon it should be mandatory for bikes to have:
1. Insurance
2. Tax
3. MOT (I seen some scabby looking bikes around).
I'm only talking of say a tenner a year for insurance and tax. Just something that will make the odds a bit even. So you jump the red light, I quish you, I get my motor fixed plus compensation for having the image of your brain splattering on my windscreen for life. Conversley, if I drive like a twat and take you out and It's my fault then you claim. Fair and simple.
That way you ride your bike with dueful respect to other road uses.
Oh, and I do ride a bike, but I'm one of those MTB 'arseholes' that ramblers detest and like to whinge about!!
Rant over.
Steve
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