Clontarf to Sutton Cycle Lane

Leroy42

This is a great facility to have as it gets you away from the traffic.

It is a two way track, with pedestrians etc on the other side (only a white line seperating them).

I take the view that it is not a race track, it is designed to give us cyclists a nice safe place to cycle, avoiding traffic lights etc. You need to be mindful of the peds, dogs, kids etc.

In the last few weeks, as the nights close in earlier I have noticed (particularly on Thursdays) that it is being used by clubs as they head out to Sutton (I presume).

It seems that these clubs (or perhaps just groups of cyclists) think that their cycle is of such importance that they can take over the entire width of the lane. So I'm cycling down the cycle lane and forced to move out of the way or plow into them. The head of the group should be calling out and getting the rest to move in.

Jebus, if we can't even be courteous to each other what chance have we of getting other people on our side.

CatFromHue

Shout at them to get out of the way.

It'll make you feel good too

07Lapierre

Maybe a really, really bright headlamp can be useful after all?

Leroy42

I have lights and I shout, it's hardly the point. Seeing a cyclist coming the other way is hardly a surprise on a two way cycle track.

I'm fine with them being in two lines, but when other people are around they need to move the hell over. It's not up to me to shout at them. If they can't manage the two lines then don't head out as a group.

It's not even the guys towards the back as they are aren't even looking. The ones at the front should be calling out.

It's not really that difficult.

Tomred13

Ive had the exact same issues with a certain club roaring down the track two or three abreast, last time i came across them i had to bail onto the grass as they refused to pull over. ive also seen this group shout at slower cyclist to get out of the way. total idiots and complete muppets. some people have no cop-on.

I only cycled for a short time, didn't have the head for it, but this was my favourite place to go. Didn't encounter anything like this at the time though.

Borderfox

Got a pita dodging two abreast so back onto the road.

Wishbone Ash

Leroy42 wrote: »

... I have noticed (particularly on Thursdays) that it is being used by clubs as they head out to Sutton (I presume)...

I use a Lezyne Super Drive combined with the Thousand Yard Stare and that seems to disperse the group.

They are a major pain in the arse, and, as a club cyclist, I cannot understand how it seems to go over their heads. As you say, it's those behind the leaders who seem to be most oblivious to what is going on around them.

Muahahaha

I had the same problem on it with three people cycling abreast, Im approaching them at about 20kph expecting one of them to pull in as me and the third person out are on a head on collision course with them completely over the white line. They never moved so I had to slam the brakes, all three of them were out for a Sunday cycle and a chat and seemed to have no idea that what they were doing was putting themselves and others in danger.The Sutton to Clontarf cycleway is a good facility that has room for improvement. I'd be worried about families using the whole width of it to cycle too, though some people just need to cop the fcuk on, there is a white line down the middle of it for a reason.

NeedMoreGears

I use that track daily. I've only met one such group of idiots in five years. Although I travel at commuting times and rarely in the weekends.

How about writing to the club secretary?

Tenzor07

Yea I have noticed these guys once or twice around 7-7.30pm..pretty sure they meet down by the Bull causeway...

Simple solution for a larger group is to go on the road instead of bunching up on a small cycle lane..

Leroy42

Tenzor07 wrote: »

Yea I have noticed these guys once or twice around 7-7.30pm..pretty sure they meet down by the Bull causeway...

Simple solution for a larger group is to go on the road instead of bunching up on a small cycle lane..

Yeah that is around the time I see them.

You don't happen to knwo the club, letting the club know is probably the best idea

Dermot Illogical

That's my route in and out of work, and because I sometimes work weekends I see it all the time.
Usually there'll be two up front pretending they're not having to work, and somewhere in the middle of the group will be one person who seems to realise that the group is behaving like a dick - so they put on a gormless/apologetic look as you pass.
Last weekend I was forced onto the grass by one group and lost my temper a bit. They should now be well aware that they need to wake the f**k up and that they are creatures of Jim Henson's imagination.

learn

Tenzor07 wrote: »

Yea I have noticed these guys once or twice around 7-7.30pm..pretty sure they meet down by the Bull causeway...

Simple solution for a larger group is to go on the road instead of bunching up on a small cycle lane..

" Clontarf weekly Spins - times and meeting places

Post the details of any changes to group spins here on this thread.

The current weekly spins are:

Sunday
8.30 at the club house (Seafield Road)

Thursday night social spin:
7pm at the club house. (Seafield Road) "


but cats don't spoil their own gardens.

mirrormatrix

Tenzor07 wrote: »

Yea I have noticed these guys once or twice around 7-7.30pm..pretty sure they meet down by the Bull causeway...

Simple solution for a larger group is to go on the road instead of bunching up on a small cycle lane..

A simpler solution would be for you to go on the road to avoid the large cycling groups?:eek:

tritium

mirrormatrix wrote: »

A simpler solution would be for you to go on the road to avoid the large cycling groups?:eek:

Why? Tenzors in the right here.

Maybe some members of the group frequent this forum and might care to comment?

Pigeon Reaper

It's not just one group. I've come across a couple of different groups with various club jerseys doing this type of thing. It has actually caused a few crashes over the past while. The last one I saw involved some kids who had right of way cycling on the correct side of the path being forced off onto the grass with one losing control as a result.

Leroy42

The point of my OP was not so much that I had a problem with it (although I do) but in terms of safety I can look after myself. Yes I can choose to go on the road, or simply take whatever evasive action is required.

However, my worry is that with such big groups seemingly oblivious to others on the same space there will shortly be a point where limits are placed on the use of the path (as we always seem to choose limiting peoples use to actually doing anything constructive about problems).

You'll get someone swerving to avoid the two/three abreast group, hitting a pedestrian and causing all sorts of sh1t. All becuase some groups, out for a fecking Thursday night cycle in early October, think it beneath them to actually share the path with other users.

And if that is their thinking towards other cyclists, I can only imagine the sort of attitude they take to actual road users.

The cycle path should be seen as somewhere to exercise caution. It is a nice space away from the traffic and having to stop at lights etc, but it does create it's own problems as pedestrians/dogs etc are more liable to sudden direction changes and as such bring their own problems. Particularly at night when with all the high beam lights nowadays it can be very hard to actually see whats coming towards you.

If anybody is in these groups that use this cycle path, please take on board what is being said so that we can all use it properly.

Tenzor07

mirrormatrix wrote: »

A simpler solution would be for you to go on the road to avoid the large cycling groups?:eek:

I'm sure you're only being facetious with that comment...

galwaycyclist

mirrormatrix wrote: »

A simpler solution would be for you to go on the road to avoid the large cycling groups?:eek:

No completely wrong in my view. Fast adults out on training spins should not be going anywhere near any restricted space shared with slower or less able people whether the others are on bikes or on foot.

It is arguably an abuse of the facility provided.

If they are so big and tough they should be out on the open road.

Tenzor07

galwaycyclist wrote: »

If they are so big and tough they should be out on the open road.

The day I see a group of riders doing "up and overs" on the Clontarf-Sutton cycle lane is the day I will apply to cycling Ireland to revoke there licenses!

RainyDay

Leroy42 wrote: »

It seems that these clubs (or perhaps just groups of cyclists) think that their cycle is of such importance that they can take over the entire width of the lane. So I'm cycling down the cycle lane and forced to move out of the way or plow into them. The head of the group should be calling out and getting the rest to move in.

Try stopping your bike, in your position on your side of cycle lane, and play chicken. Extra marks are given for stretching your arms widely.

mruser2014

Recently started using this cycleway again in the evenings.

They certainly aren't the only club. Taking up two lanes. I have nearly crashed into them a few times now.

Total disregard. People should name and shame the clubs on here and they should be contacted.

Its dangerous behaviour and disgraceful really.

Tomred13

mirrormatrix wrote: »

A simpler solution would be for you to go on the road to avoid the large cycling groups?:eek:

Ah Here leave it out ( ya must be having a laugh) ..Really

So commuters, leisure cyclist, kids on bikes and such like should use the road so that weekend racers n warriors can tear down a public cyclepath at high speed!! just because their training spins are more important. no wonder cyclist get such bad press.

In credit to a certain club, i just received a pm from a club sec asking if was his club who was responcible for pushing me off the cycle track, i have to say fairplay to him and his club for contacting me. As it goes it was'nt his club but i appreciated the courtesy in him contacting me.

Leroy42

I'm not going to name anybody at the moment because tbh until last night I just passed it off. But last night annoyed me. I wasn't really looking for who the groups were as I thought maybe it was just me having the problem.

Next time though I will find out who they are and let them know what I, and it seems others, think of how they are acting.

Wishbone Ash

Leroy42 wrote: »

Next time though I will find out who they are and let them know what I, and it seems others, think of how they are acting.

I've encountered them several times but haven't recognised the jersey - it doesn't seem to be any of the bigger well known clubs.

NamelessPhil

Granolite

NamelessPhil wrote: »

I couldnt help but snigger...however I encountered these philistines last night as well on the Causeway - Sutton section of the cyclelane...no quarter was given and I was forced into the pedestrian footpath as they surged toward and past me.. Two groups it seemed of 8-10 riders in the lead train followed closely by 6-8 more a few lengths being the first group...what was annoying as anything else for me was the strength of the lights being used.. I was blinded by the oncoming lamps and this raised my ire..I did raise one arm to the sky in one of those "for phuck sake lads what are ye like" gestures if only to demonstrate my distinct displeasure at being essentially inconsequential to their right to plough on regardless. Some of them may be reading this thread and consider their cycling practice in future and relay to their colleagues and we might see a little more consideration given in future...as it figures I did recognise one of the club jerseys in the second group and like Leroy42 had mentioned previously I had witnessed instances of similar behaviour and sort of let it go but last night the combination of super bright lights and couldn't care less attitude displayed (together with some quite erratic cycling on display from the mid pack element of each group) loudly conversing and seemingly oblivious to anyone else using the cyclelane really seemed a bit dickish.

Awaiting for inevitable prude castigation...starting now..

easygoing39

I don't know what club these riders are members off,but they were doing the same thing last winter aswell.As a result I stopped using the Clontarf cycling lane and re-routed my spins as playing chicken with a large group of cyclists is just too dangerous.

Beasty

NeedMoreGears wrote: »

How about writing to the club secretary?

This!

Any self-respecting club will take on board such comments and instruct their members to respect other users.

I am sure there will be some "participants" who ars just going with the flow and not appreciating the inconvenience they are causing others. Hopefully though there will be someone to keep everyone "in-line" if they have received an official complaint

I am sure the club will then follow up with it's members as the last thing any club should be doing is creating bad publicity for itself. If problems persist though the effective governing body is CI (assuming it is a CI club, and bot for example a Tri club) and if someone has a particular issue with a club and the club is not taking reasonable steps to deal with it I would suggest sending an e-mail to CI.

Zyzz

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

I've encountered them several times but haven't recognised the jersey - it doesn't seem to be any of the bigger well known clubs.

What colour is the jersey?

Muahahaha

easygoing39 wrote: »

I don't know what club these riders are members off,but they were doing the same thing last winter aswell.As a result I stopped using the Clontarf cycling lane and re-routed my spins as playing chicken with a large group of cyclists is just too dangerous.

Thats nuts that you feel you cannot use it because of them. The cycleway is not a race track and its not fair for large groups to be going bounding up and down it at speed. If other cyclists are getting annoyed at having to take evasive action from this group then I'd imagine pedestrians and dog walkers are fuming.

ted1

might it be a Tri Club? are they in CI?

The Earl of Santry

I am a member of the club you appear to be hinting at. I have addressed your concerns to the committee and our chairman. As such, if the problem is anything to do with our members, it will be addressed immediately.
Why you could not have done something similar instead of whining behind your computer keyboard is beyond me. It would also have helped the club address any possible problems or safety issues more quickly.
Our large club have a very good reputation and do not intend to stain it in any way. All contact information is easy to find on our Facebook page and website.

magicbastarder

The Earl of Santry wrote: »

Why you could not have done something similar instead of whining behind your computer keyboard is beyond me. It would also have helped the club address any possible problems or safety issues more quickly.

well, that's helpful. so much for helping the image of your club.

Zyzz

The Earl of Santry wrote: »

I am a member of the club you appear to be hinting at. I have addressed your concerns to the committee and our chairman. As such, if the problem is anything to do with our members, it will be addressed immediately.
Why you could not have done something similar instead of whining behind your computer keyboard is beyond me. It would also have helped the club address any possible problems or safety issues more quickly.
Our large club have a very good reputation and do not intend to stain it in any way. All contact information is easy to find on our Facebook page and website.

Irony.

The Earl of Santry

Sorry magicbastarder. I really dont understand why someone cant complain if there is a problem. Especially if its a safety issue. It can only be fixed if its pointed out.

quozl

So if your club was acting like muppets on the clontarf cycle lane, the OP shouldn't moan about it?

I think the more obvious solution would be not to act like muppets and then there'd be nothing for people to moan about.

I've no idea what club you're in and whether it's the club who have been being muppets but you're not really helping them either way with your post here.

magicbastarder

The Earl of Santry wrote: »

Sorry magicbastarder. I really dont understand why someone cant complain if there is a problem. Especially if its a safety issue. It can only be fixed if its pointed out.

you should read the thread before taking swipes at people; this was posted by the OP three days ago:

Next time though I will find out who they are and let them know what I, and it seems others, think of how they are acting.

if people suspected the club in question had a higher number of arrogant people than normal, you've quite possibly confirmed that belief.

The Earl of Santry

Possibly so. I am new to forums and have asked my club to address this if it is our problem.
I genuinely feel that if people have a problem they should complain about it and not hide behind a keyboard. This is my personal view and not that of my club.
As such, I am possibly contributing too much and am possibly better off leaving this discussion.
Lesson learnt.

Lumen

So do we know which club it is? Or is that a secret.

paulo6891

Lumen wrote: »

So do we know which club it is? Or is that a secret.

Name and shame!

fillup

He creates an account called the Earl of Santry to defend his CC from claims of arrogance
He then starts a bun fight, rightfully gets lambasted and then scarpers

ah, he'll be missed will the auld Earl

Wishbone Ash

The Earl of Santry wrote: »

...I genuinely feel that if people have a problem they should complain about it and not hide behind a keyboard...

One needs to know which club it is before being able to make a complaint to them.

magicbastarder

i've always liked the 'i don't really know how discussion forums work' defence, which seems to imply that not accusing someone of something they didn't do doesn't apply 'in the real world'.

nutnbolts

Hi,

Having read the thread and the obvious anger shown I as chairman of Clontarf Cycling club would like to apologise if in any way there have been any incidents caused by our club spin on a Thursday evenings.

In response to certain issues I would refute any incident where a slow bunch was harangued or abused by a Clontarf CC member. We are a club of 150 members based on age and ability from 18-60 and learner to racer. We do not leave members behind on spins nor do we ridicule or embarrass slower members or groups as it is not part of our mantra.

The cycle lane is a public pathway that where at all possible we try to obey the rules of the road. The idea of blinding someone with a bright light or stopping in the middle of a lane to play "chicken" is simply dangerous to the extreme and crass stupidity.

As stated there are numerous groups utilising the lane and I am concerned that your thead is in some way blaming Clontarf CC for all ills suffered by cyclists on the pathway.

RainyDay

The Earl of Santry wrote: »

I genuinely feel that if people have a problem they should complain about it and not hide behind a keyboard.

Says the Earl while hiding himself and his club behind a keyboard.

nutnbolts

If there are any incidents or there is a specific cause for concern that anyone believes to be caused by a Clontarf Cycling member Please post a message on the Clontarf CC forum and we will respond accordingly.

RainyDay

nutnbolts wrote: »

Hi,

Having read the thread and the obvious anger shown I as chairman of Clontarf Cycling club would like to apologise if in any way there have been any incidents caused by our club spin on a Thursday evenings.

In response to certain issues I would refute any incident where a slow bunch was harangued or abused by a Clontarf CC member. We are a club of 150 members based on age and ability from 18-60 and learner to racer. We do not leave members behind on spins nor do we ridicule or embarrass slower members or groups as it is not part of our mantra.

The cycle lane is a public pathway that where at all possible we try to obey the rules of the road. The idea of blinding someone with a bright light or stopping in the middle of a lane to play "chicken" is simply dangerous to the extreme and crass stupidity.

As stated there are numerous groups utilising the lane and I am concerned that your thead is in some way blaming Clontarf CC for all ills suffered by cyclists on the pathway.

I'm a bit confused. Are you saying that club members definitely don't take over both sides of the cycle lane on club runs, causing cyclists coming the opposite direction to move off the lane?

And just to be clear, do you have a problem with cyclists who may stop in the middle of their own lane for whatever reason, when faced with an oncoming group from your club?

Wishbone Ash

RainyDay wrote: »

I'm a bit confused. Are you saying that club members definitely don't take over both sides of the cycle lane on club runs, causing cyclists coming the opposite direction to move off the lane?

And just to be clear, do you have a problem with cyclists who may stop in the middle of their own lane for whatever reason, when faced with an oncoming group from your club?

+1

Having been forced off the track several times, I decided to stand my ground one evening and got a mouthful of abuse from an overweight member of the group.

AlanDeGenerous

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

+1

Having been forced off the track several times, I decided to stand my ground one evening and got a mouthful of abuse from an overweight member of the group.

Haha. I don't think that was a necessary detail but it made me chuckle. Getting your own back?