Drivers: please don't get pissed off with cyclists in the middle of the road

Piste

Mods: please don't move this to motoring and cycling, as I think this affects many more people than the people with a specialist interest in motoring and cycling


I'm sure some of you have noticed it's been a bit chilly lately, leaving the roads a wee bit slippy. Well due to the councils hating cyclists, and cars only driving in the middle of the road, the middle of the road tends to be ok, whereas the sides of the road can be lethal. I've found when cycling that I have to go in the middle of the road where I have a bit of grip, instead of at the sides which are like glass. I'm sure other cyclists would be the same.

Basically this is just a request to please be tolerant of cyclists who have to cycle right in front of you instead of at the side, we're only doing it for our own and other road users' safety. It may slow you down a bit (you should be driving slowly anyway!) and yes you may get stuck at a red light you wouldn't have otherwise- but it's necessary for everyone's safety (mainly my own >_>) In return I promise to dress like a raver from the 80s crossed with a christmas tree so you can see me easily on the roads.

Thanks for understanding folks.

kev9100

Piste wrote: »

and cars only cycling in the middle of the road,

To be honest, I wasnt aware cars could cycle:D.

Piste

Hah, and there was me proof-reading my post so some alecadoo wouldn't jump in pointing out mistakes in the first post, well spotted though

Senna

If the roads are as bad with you as they are here, there's hardly a track left on the roads that's safe enough to cycle on.
In this weather i'd walk or crawl before i'd venture out on a bike.

imeddyhobbs

My experience of cyclists on rural roads is that they cycle side by side and take up most of the lane anyway so no change there for me

4zn76tysfajdxp

Why can't you walk?

Degag

Piste wrote: »

Mods: please don't move this to motoring and cycling, as I think this affects many more people than the people with a specialist interest in motoring and cycling


I'm sure some of you have noticed it's been a bit chilly lately, leaving the roads a wee bit slippy. Well due to the councils hating cyclists, and cars only driving in the middle of the road, the middle of the road tends to be ok, whereas the sides of the road can be lethal. I've found when cycling that I have to go in the middle of the road where I have a bit of grip, instead of at the sides which are like glass. I'm sure other cyclists would be the same.

Basically this is just a request to please be tolerant of cyclists who have to cycle right in front of you instead of at the side, we're only doing it for our own and other road users' safety. It may slow you down a bit (you should be driving slowly anyway!) and yes you may get stuck at a red light you wouldn't have otherwise- but it's necessary for everyone's safety (mainly my own >_>) In return I promise to dress like a raver from the 80s crossed with a christmas tree so you can see me easily on the roads.

Thanks for understanding folks.

To be honest, drivers have enough to worry about in this weather than cyclists on the wrong side of the lane.

Not trying to be a **** about it, but if you're unable to cycle properly then you shouldn't.

Piste

Do you really think cycling in the middle of the road where there is much less ice as opposed to right in the middle of the ice is "not being able to cycle properly"?. If anything I think it'd be very irresponsible to cycle in a very obviously dangerous part of the road where I could easily cause damage to myself and others. I also never said anything about cycling in the wrong lane, I was thinking of your standard a two-lane road, whether I cycle on the left or in the middle I'm still going to be in the same lane, at no point will it be the "wrong" lane.

Senna wrote: »

If the roads are as bad with you as they are here, there's hardly a track left on the roads that's safe enough to cycle on.
In this weather i'd walk or crawl before i'd venture out on a bike.

Yeah that's what everyone keeps saying to me, but the footpaths are really awful, whereas the roads are a little better. I'm more likely to have an accident on the footpath, but I'm more likely to be seriosuly injured if I do have an accident on the road. Bit of a catch 22!

SoupyNorman

Senna wrote: »

If the roads are as bad with you as they are here, there's hardly a track left on the roads that's safe enough to cycle on.
In this weather i'd walk or crawl before i'd venture out on a bike.

+1


Many people are leaving the cars at home and finding alternative means of transport, if I was stuck behind a cyclist I'd be more annoyed that they ventured out on the bike knowing full well what the conditions are like.

In fact I would go as far to say that it is nearly idiotic to cycle in the current conditions (for the safety of the cyclist!!).

Sharpshooter

Selene Nervous Wallboard wrote: »

Why can't you walk?

Have you seen the pavements? :eek:

He could walk, but end up not being able to walk for a while.

TheZohanS

Piste wrote: »

Yeah that's what everyone keeps saying to me, but the footpaths are really awful, whereas the roads are a little better. I'm more likely to have an accident on the footpath, but I'm more likely to be seriosuly injured if I do have an accident on the road. Bit of a catch 22!

You're more likely to cause an accident in this weather if cars have to swerve avoid you..

Cyclists don't chance it.

Piste

But they wont have to swerve to avoid me if I'm in the safer part of the road, which is the point!

Any pedestrians I saw on my way back from work were walking on the road because it was less icy thasn the footpaths.

Dartz

Don't worry.... you're probably peddling faster than most drivers these days anyway....

imeddyhobbs

You dont see people on motorbikes in this weather so why do people on bicycles ask for immunity?

4zn76tysfajdxp

Sharpshooter wrote: »

Have you seen the pavements? :eek:

He could walk, but end up not being able to walk for a while.

And cycling in the middle of the road is safer how...?

Piste is a she btw.

Abi

Piste wrote: »

Mods: please don't move this to motoring and cycling, as I think this affects many more people than the people with a specialist interest in motoring and cycling


I'm sure some of you have noticed it's been a bit chilly lately, leaving the roads a wee bit slippy. Well due to the councils hating cyclists, and cars only driving in the middle of the road, the middle of the road tends to be ok, whereas the sides of the road can be lethal. I've found when cycling that I have to go in the middle of the road where I have a bit of grip, instead of at the sides which are like glass. I'm sure other cyclists would be the same.

Basically this is just a request to please be tolerant of cyclists who have to cycle right in front of you instead of at the side, we're only doing it for our own and other road users' safety. It may slow you down a bit (you should be driving slowly anyway!) and yes you may get stuck at a red light you wouldn't have otherwise- but it's necessary for everyone's safety (mainly my own >_>) In return I promise to dress like a raver from the 80s crossed with a christmas tree so you can see me easily on the roads.

Thanks for understanding folks.

I absolutely respect your appeal for safety, but I have to say I'd be scared shitless on a bicycle in this weather. I drive and I'm afraid of the roads in a car that can at least offer some protection against a little bit of a hit.

If somebody only copped you suddenly and had to steer away to avoid hitting you, well ice could send anything into a spin, or worse still towards you. I'm absolutely doing what I'm told, I'll drive only when nessesary. When I do, I don't care who gets pissed off behind me because I'm crawling, safety first.

Is there any other way you can get to where you're going?

seanybiker

imeddyhobbs wrote: »

You dont see people on motorbikes in this weather so why do people on bicycles ask for immunity?

I was out on mine last night spinning around. Some laugh sliding all over the place. I slowed down to leave a couple cross the road and I almost slid into them. Great craic.

SoupyNorman

I drive the coast road alot and it's usually thick with cyclists, I havnt seen any the last few days so I dont think there is much of an issue here, Piste all the luck to you if you must cycle but the cycling god will forgive you if you hang the bike up for a few days :pac:

TheZohanS

Piste wrote: »

But they wont have to swerve to avoid me if I'm in the safer part of the road, which is the point!

Any pedestrians I saw on my way back from work were walking on the road because it was less icy thasn the footpaths.

Might not have to swerve to avoid you but might have to swerve to avoid someone else. Last thing you want to do is get hit by a big 4x4(my one).

Going out in this weather on a bike is silly, they're not designed for it.

Piste

I might try walking, having read the comment on the thread, doubt it'll be much safer though. Maybe I'll wear my bike helmet while walking on the footpath. That'll be some side. A girl in ski trousers, ski jacket, balaclava and helmet. People will be laughing so hard I'm sure to cause accidents :pac:

Sharpshooter

Selene Nervous Wallboard wrote: »

And cycling in the middle of the road is safer how...?

Piste is a she btw.

Well I'd imagined she was talking about where the roads are bad, so motorists would be driving with extreme caution, ( very slowly ) thus giving her a chance to get where she wants to go.

I imagine Piste would take the same caution re the motorists, with her cycling.

Mrmoe

I don't buy this and this is speaking as a cyclist. I haven't been able to cycle for over 3 weeks now. It is irresponsible to cycle in the middle of the road. It can lead to accidents as there will always be someone who will not expect you to be there. It is bad enough at the best of times cycling at the side of the road never mind if you cycle in the middle. Leave the bike at home and find an alternative. Take the bus or wear socks on your shoes.

4zn76tysfajdxp

Piste wrote: »

I might try walking, having read the comment on the thread, doubt it'll be much safer though. Maybe I'll wear my bike helmet while walking on the footpath. That'll be some side. A girl in ski trousers, ski jacket, balaclava and helmet. People will be laughing so hard I'm sure to cause accidents :pac:

I'd say that would be wiser.

scudzilla

Surely in these conditions the roads should be occupied by vehicles that pay tax to be on the road and THAT ARE INSURED to be there in these hazardous conditions

TheZohanS

Sharpshooter wrote: »

I imagine Piste would take the same caution re the motorists, with her cycling.

3 tonnes of steel vs Piste is not a fair match, caution or no caution. They're called accidents for a reason.

imeddyhobbs

Sharpshooter wrote: »

Well I'd imagined she was talking about where the roads are bad, so motorists would be driving with extreme caution, ( very slowly ) thus giving her a chance to get where she wants to go.

I imagine Piste would take the same caution re the motorists, with her cycling.

cycling on ice never works.
When there is compacted ice and snow you should not drive and never cycle.

phasers

You people seriously need some walking lessons or something, if you walk carefully and pay attention to what you're doing you won't fall over.

Also as a bus user I hate cyclists, GTFO my bus lane

Sharpshooter

imeddyhobbs wrote: »

cycling on ice never works.
When there is compacted ice and snow you should not drive and never cycle.

That's very true but it is happening.
Piste was talking about where the ice had melted from the heat of the cars.
As a matter of fact we shouldn't be walking either, but people are.

Beaumont Hospital is like a war zone, and mostly from people falling while walking on the footpaths.

Piste

Now I need to work on more imaginative ways to get from A to B...anyone have a pair of skis and a husky handy?

phasers wrote: »

You people seriously need some walking lessons or something, if you walk carefully and pay attention to what you're doing you won't fall over.

Also as a bus user I hate cyclists, GTFO my bus lane

GTFO my cycle lane

GLaDOS

Piste wrote: »

I might try walking, having read the comment on the thread, doubt it'll be much safer though.

Are you kidding? Fall while walking, you'll most likely get a sore bum (I've fallen enough myself the past week or so ) falling while cycle I imagine is a lot more painful and dangerous

Abi

To put it simply, it doesn't matter how many wheels we've got. When we've decent conditions, you've some command over their direction. Throw in ice and slush and it's down to chance.

4zn76tysfajdxp

phasers wrote: »

Also as a bus user I hate cyclists, GTFO my bus lane

Piste wrote: »

GTFO my cycle lane

You two should have a pillow fight.

imeddyhobbs

Sharpshooter wrote: »

That's very true but it is happening.
Piste was talking about where the ice had melted from the heat of the cars.
As a matter of fact we shouldn't be walking either, but people are.

Beaumont Hospital is like a war zone, and mostly from people falling while walking on the footpaths.

Or he could cycle and get run over by a micra that is out of control

Sharpshooter

imeddyhobbs wrote: »

Or he could cycle and get run over by a micra that is out of control

True, or she could walk fall and split her chin open like my nephew did walking on the footpath.

TheZohanS

imeddyhobbs wrote: »

Or he could cycle and get run over by a micra that is out of control

Jebus when you put it like that....imagine telling your mates you were squished by a Micra?

muffy

Please accept my apologies in advance in case I run you over whilst sliding I have to make a necessary journey to the city centre tomorrow.

imeddyhobbs

Sharpshooter wrote: »

True, or she could walk fall and split her chin open like my nephew did walking on the footpath.

People fall everyday,thats how we learn.We try to teach them obvious things like not cycling on ice but if they fall or slip on ice they become more carefull when walking on the aforementioned.
But never cycle on ice!

Sharpshooter

imeddyhobbs wrote: »

People fall everyday.

And they are doing because of the ice forming on the snow.

Had there been none, my nephew would not have slipped.

I will leave you to it, as we won't agree on this.

/nice edit..

Jim

I walk everywhere and have nearly ended up with broken bones the last few days. The road is currently the safest place to walk!

Btw, Pedestrians > Cyclists > Motorist incase you were wondering :pac:

Piste

Ok so now my long list of safety equipment has extended to include: hi viz jacket, knee and elbox pads. Yeah I'm gonna look so cool.

imeddyhobbs

The road is currently the safest place to walk!



Dont say that in your life insurance application form

4zn76tysfajdxp

Piste wrote: »

Ok so now my long list of safety equipment has extended to include: hi viz jacket, knee and elbox pads. Yeah I'm gonna look so cool.

You should probably bring someone who'll walk you on a leash too.

DirkVoodoo

Senna wrote: »

If the roads are as bad with you as they are here, there's hardly a track left on the roads that's safe enough to cycle on.
In this weather i'd walk or crawl before i'd venture out on a bike.

Bullplop. I was out on the mountain bike yesterday, dropped the pressure to 25(front) and 35(rear) PSI. Loads of grip except for the odd time when i was stopped and put a foot down. I was wearing hiking boots and still found my feet sliding.

At one point around Sydney Parade I became irate as the car in front was going too slow for my liking.

If any mode of transport is suited to this weather, it is a bike with wide tyres running at low pressure. Either that or the Defender which was also useful today.

Good thread btw OP, I tried my best to use the cycle path yesterday but the road was just so much easier. Also, due to lunatic design, you cant tell where they stop and start, at least you know where the road is.

imeddyhobbs

Jim wrote: »

I walk everywhere and have nearly ended up with broken bones the last few days. The road is currently the safest place to walk!

Btw, Pedestrians > Cyclists > Motorist incase you were wondering :pac:

Never say that in your life insurance application form

Piste

DirkVoodoo wrote: »

Bullplop. I was out on the mountain bike yesterday, dropped the pressure to 25(front) and 35(rear) PSI. Loads of grip except for the odd time when i was stopped and put a foot down. I was wearing hiking boots and still found my feet sliding.

At one point around Sydney Parade I became irate as the car in front was going too slow for my liking.

If any mode of transport is suited to this weather, it is a bike with wide tyres running at low pressure. Either that or the Defender which was also useful today.

Good thread btw OP, I tried my best to use the cycle path yesterday but the road was just so much easier. Also, due to lunatic design, you cant tell where they stop and start, at least you know where the road is.

Yeah I have good, thick tyres on my bike. It's not a mountain bike, but not a road bike by any stretch of the imagination. It's more like a city-SUV version of a bike. I find cycling in the highest gear means I go nice and slowly while retaining good control over the bike.

DirkVoodoo

scudzilla wrote: »

Surely in these conditions the roads should be occupied by vehicles that pay tax to be on the road and THAT ARE INSURED to be there in these hazardous conditions

Argh! Nobody pays road tax, I'm sorry to tell you this. You pay motor tax, as do a lot of people who ride bikes some of the time.

As for the "not being designed for it", yes a road bike will struggle and be dangerous on the road, but I can assure you that a mountain bike is built to cope with much worse. A person riding a bike has much lower inertia than a car, regardless of traction control, 4 wheel drive, etc. If anything, it would seem that 4 wheel drives make people underestimate how bad the conditions are. This is fine in snow, but once you hit ice you will lose traction and if you are like a lot of the 4x4 drivers I have seen recently, you will be going much faster when you do.

Carsinian Thau

I cycle to and from college everyday but when I go back next week, I'm leaving the bike alone until the weather clears up. Walking (while dangerous as well) seems to be that bit safer right now.

SoupyNorman

My Grandad goes walking with a ski pole (non icy weather also), he hates the old style walking sticks. He got the ski pole to look cooler and it works!

jd007

Cycling on a normal morning can be dangerous. Cycling in these conditions in the middle of the road is just looking for trouble imo...

Piste

I haven't found cycling on a normal morning to be particularly dangerous. But I suppose I do have cycle tracks the whole way to college.

Blowfish

Mrmoe wrote: »

It is irresponsible to cycle in the middle of the road. It can lead to accidents as there will always be someone who will not expect you to be there. It is bad enough at the best of times cycling at the side of the road never mind if you cycle in the middle.

jd007 wrote: »

Cycling on a normal morning can be dangerous. Cycling in these conditions in the middle of the road is just looking for trouble imo...

'Taking the lane' is an important part of cycling safely. There are certain situations where it should be done, no matter what the weather.