Turning people against us.

Smalltom

I witnessed an interesting thing around 07.30hrs this morning. I'm not sure of the geography so bear with me. Just past Inchcore heading towards city a cyclist went straight through a red light beside a Garda car. The cop (rightly) pulled up beside her and told her to pull in. She stayed cycling and went down the one way street towards kilmainham jail and obviously the cop couldn't follow her. This was highly embarrassing and disrespectful to the Gardai and shows the public that some cyclists behave like they're above the law. That's the Garda in the car and the surrounding public that witnessed this turned into cyclist haters. Just found this very maddening. Rant over.

endacl

Here we go again...

rollingscone

Quickly. We must assemble the cycling grand council which controls the actions of all cyclists!

Rob32

The Guard could have easily followed her if he wished to..

Maidhci

Smalltom wrote: »

I witnessed an interesting thing around 07.30hrs this morning. I'm not sure of the geography so bear with me. Just past Inchcore heading towards city a cyclist went straight through a red light beside a Garda car. The cop (rightly) pulled up beside her and told her to pull in. She stayed cycling and went down the one way street towards kilmainham jail and obviously the cop couldn't follow her. This was highly embarrassing and disrespectful to the Gardai and shows the public that some cyclists behave like they're above the law. That's the Garda in the car and the surrounding public that witnessed this turned into cyclist haters. Just found this very maddening. Rant over.

Not good at all - there are idiots in all walks of life who behave abominably, cyclists, motorists and pedestrians included. I do understand however how offensive this behaviour is to other cyclists but let's keep the chin up - we cannot all be responsible for the actions of a few idiots.

Dermot Illogical

I wonder did she manage to outrun the radio...

Macy0161

Stupid behaviour, but the cops should've done her. (They could go up a one way street!).

It did appear to be a free for all this morning, with motorists in bus lanes, red light jumping (by motorists, didn't see any cyclists do it!), (my new pet hate of) motorbikes/ scooters in mandatory cycle lanes etc etc. I'd struggle to single out one type of road user tbh!

beauf

Cops ignore all sorts of things constantly.

Considering they are fining only a handful of cyclists per day suggests they don't take it very seriously. Id say the red light breaking gets more people angry than the ignoring the cop.

irishrover99

Do you know how many people i seen on the phone this morning while driving, 1 putting on make up and i'd love to know how many were still over the limit from last night.

Where is the drivers forum

ThisRegard

Did you hear the conversation with the gardai? They might have just told her not to be a prat next time and went on their way.

Johnny Jukebox

beauf wrote: »

Cops ignore all sorts of things constantly.

Considering they are fining only a handful of cyclists per day suggests they don't take it very seriously. Id say the red light breaking gets more people angry than the ignoring the cop.

They very rarely ignore being dissed like that.

Very stupid girl and I hope she got snared.

Firedance

I was almost hit by a coach, I wish I'd had a one way street to escape onto!! That was just after a taxi driver passed me with about 1 inch to spare and two motor bikes and moped drove past in the bus lane I was cycling on....that's not to say I didn't see stupid behavior by fellow cyclists too though. On the plus side a woman driver waited behind me so I could change lane and cars have stopped at the crossings in the PP to let me carry on without stopping the last few mornings.

Smalltom

Smalltom wrote: »

I witnessed an interesting thing around 07.30hrs this morning. I'm not sure of the geography so bear with me. Just past Inchcore heading towards city a cyclist went straight through a red light beside a Garda car. The cop (rightly) pulled up beside her and told her to pull in. She stayed cycling and went down the one way street towards kilmainham jail and obviously the cop couldn't follow her. This was highly embarrassing and disrespectful to the Gardai and shows the public that some cyclists behave like they're above the law. That's the Garda in the car and the surrounding public that witnessed this turned into cyclist haters. Just found this very maddening. Rant over.

I'm shocked to my very core.

josip

I know where the OP is coming from.
Some motorists get annoyed when they see some cyclists breaking some rules of the road they have to obey.
I wonder if these motorists would be more considerate to cyclists in subsequent traffic situations where compromise/discretion is needed.

NamelessPhil

I stopped and let a car out of a minor road even though I could have kept on cycling, so there! Is that enough reparation for the crimes of my fellow cyclists. I must consult the cycling council convened by rollingscone...

Stealthfins

Ohhh here we go again,I'm telling ye the wild Atlantic way is the place to be.

Living in the city is hard going.

I'm thinking of getting a bike myself as I love the scenery around the Burren and driving along the commons near Killanabouy is such a joy.

More than likely I'd collide with a cow or drive over a Lizard lol

irishrover99

NamelessPhil wrote: »

I stopped and let a car out of a minor road even though I could have kept on cycling, so there! Is that enough reparation for the crimes of my fellow cyclists. I must consult the cycling council convened by rollingscone...

I do it all the time, and acknowledge a driver for not trying to take a turn before me even though they would be in the wrong.

I hope then my good karma will be passed onto the next cyclist that driver sees

Chuchote

rollingscone wrote: »

Quickly. We must assemble the cycling grand council which controls the actions of all cyclists!

Thank you! You've just given us the answer to all the foamers who start raving about "cyclists" they've seen doing trafficky things!

LollipopJimmy

Smalltom wrote: »

I witnessed an interesting thing around 07.30hrs this morning. I'm not sure of the geography so bear with me. Just past Inchcore heading towards city a cyclist went straight through a red light beside a Garda car. The cop (rightly) pulled up beside her and told her to pull in. She stayed cycling and went down the one way street towards kilmainham jail and obviously the cop couldn't follow her. This was highly embarrassing and disrespectful to the Gardai and shows the public that some cyclists behave like they're above the law. That's the Garda in the car and the surrounding public that witnessed this turned into cyclist haters. Just found this very maddening. Rant over.

That has to be one of the most ridiculous things I've ever read.

maximum12

This is why we need an armed police force.

While we're sharing driver-cyclist stories, the other day the OH was patiently waiting behind a cyclist for a safe opportunity to pass. White van guy behind doesn't like this and blows the horn and makes lots of gestures. Eventually she can pass safely and the cyclist roars abuse at her and shakes his fist, thinking she was blowing the horn. You can't win sometimes.

Smalltom

LollipopJimmy wrote: »

That has to be one of the most ridiculous things I've ever read.

Well I'm a cyclist/heavy machine driver/motorist and she boiled my blood. I know lots of cops and being dissed is definitely not a good approach. Had she pulled in he would have probably given her a warning but God help the other cyclists he sees doing the same during his shift. I was hoping for a big foot coming out of the clouds and squashing her aka Monty Python.

outfox

Maybe the cyclist has just robbed a shop, or shot someone. In which case her decision to outrun the Garda car was reasonably valid. So we shouldn't be too quick to criticise her.

Chuchote

Smalltom wrote: »

Well I'm a cyclist/heavy machine driver/motorist and she boiled my blood. I know lots of cops and being dissed is definitely not a good approach. Had she pulled in he would have probably given her a warning but God help the other cyclists he sees doing the same during his shift. I was hoping for a big foot coming out of the clouds and squashing her aka Monty Python.

She'd boil my blood too. She wouldn't make me think all cyclists wheeled in a great turning mass, at one in their behaviour and their psychology. It would make me grrr at her; it would not make me feel that 'cyclsts' were to blame; anyone who thinks like that is frankly a bit dim.

magicbastarder

outfox wrote: »

Maybe the cyclist has just robbed a shop, or shot someone. In which case her decision to outrun the Garda car was reasonably valid. So we shouldn't be too quick to criticise her.

I know her - she's actually special branch, has gone undercover into the cycling community to try to determine its secret leader. She was afraid the uniformed garda would blow her cover.

LollipopJimmy

Smalltom wrote: »

Well I'm a cyclist/heavy machine driver/motorist and she boiled my blood. I know lots of cops and being dissed is definitely not a good approach. Had she pulled in he would have probably given her a warning but God help the other cyclists he sees doing the same during his shift. I was hoping for a big foot coming out of the clouds and squashing her aka Monty Python.

And it made you hate all cyclists? Says more about you pal

07Lapierre

Cycled 25k this morning.
I was stopped at a "T" junction waiting to turn right.
A motorists flashed his headlamps at me and waved me on.
I nodded my head in approval and accepted his offer and turned right.
As i did so, I gave him a quick wave.

Motorists...there not all bad.

Chuchote

magicbastarder wrote: »

I know her - she's actually special branch, has gone undercover into the cycling community to try to determine its secret leader. She was afraid the uniformed garda would blow her cover.

Multi-lols!

average_runner

Saw a funny one this morning, hope the cyclists is on the forum.

I was running down the Greenhills road and a car pulled out of Smyths DIY shop, blocked a bit of the cycle lane.

Cyclist came along went around the car and shouted at the driver which he was entitled to do it, as motorists was in the wrong.

Cyclist then goes thru a red light at speed where people were crossing!!!

maximum12

average_runner wrote: »

Cyclist came along went around the car and shouted at the driver which he was entitled to do it, as motorists was in the wrong.

Was he really though ?

Part of being on the road is putting up with dozens of minor little issues every day. Being aggressive is not going to help anyone, particularly cyclists.

Chuchote

This thread makes me hate all drivers (not)

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057647389

ThisRegard

average_runner wrote: »

Saw a funny one this morning, hope the cyclists is on the forum.

I was running down the Greenhills road and a car pulled out of Smyths DIY shop, blocked a bit of the cycle lane.

Cyclist came along went around the car and shouted at the driver which he was entitled to do it, as motorists was in the wrong.

Cyclist then goes thru a red light at speed where people were crossing!!!

He was afraid the person he just shouted at would catch him if he stopped!

AlreadyHome

irishrover99 wrote: »

I do it all the time, and acknowledge a driver for not trying to take a turn before me even though they would be in the wrong.

I hope then my good karma will be passed onto the next cyclist that driver sees

This!

I started the same approach a couple of years ago after reading an article on mental health "Acknowledge the positives, rather than the negatives etc" and must say I arrive a lot happier when commuting as a result.

Made my day last week when cycling two abreast across the featherbeds, saw a (white!) van approaching from behind so went single file. As he passed he flashed his hazards in thanks.

(Just re-read that - maybe I've gone too far. I sound like a hippy...)

average_runner

ThisRegard wrote: »

He was afraid the person he just shouted at would catch him if he stopped!

The driver is probably still stuck in the traffic:D

Seanachai

AlreadyHome wrote: »

This!

I started the same approach a couple of years ago after reading an article on mental health "Acknowledge the positives, rather than the negatives etc" and must say I arrive a lot happier when commuting as a result.

Made my day last week when cycling two abreast across the featherbeds, saw a (white!) van approaching from behind so went single file. As he passed he flashed his hazards in thanks.

(Just re-read that - maybe I've gone too far. I sound like a hippy...)

Fair play, some cyclists seem to be completely averse to the concept of single file, you come around a corner on a narrow country road outside Roundwood and there's two guys having a chat two-abreast. Then they turn and give you the evils as if you're somehow in the wrong!

Chuchote

I find it weird that while drivers usually acknowledge my wave of "gwan ahead" or "thanks", cyclists very very very rarely, if ever, acknowledge my nod or little-finger-wiggle of greeting and acknowledgement that we're carefully passing each other on a cycle lane.

De Bhál

Smalltom wrote: »

I witnessed an interesting thing around 07.30hrs this morning. I'm not sure of the geography so bear with me. Just past Inchcore heading towards city a cyclist went straight through a red light beside a Garda car. The cop (rightly) pulled up beside her and told her to pull in. She stayed cycling and went down the one way street towards kilmainham jail and obviously the cop couldn't follow her. This was highly embarrassing and disrespectful to the Gardai and shows the public that some cyclists behave like they're above the law. That's the Garda in the car and the surrounding public that witnessed this turned into cyclist haters. Just found this very maddening. Rant over.

How do you know what he said to her?

oflahero

I'm going to head over to the Motors forum now and bleat on about how a driver was on her phone earlier and nearly took me out of it coming out of a side road. Think I'll round it off with, "What do you all think of that now." That should do it. Wonder how long it will take the regulars to each post a regretful, handwringing post with a rallying call about how something must be done.

Oh wait, it doesn't work like that, does it, because we live in the real world.

Thanks for reminding everyone, though, that the natural order of things is that people only cycle on the roads thanks to the munificence of the motoring community, and had better watch their step. Ignore the fact that most of us drive too.

Smalltom

I don't hate all cyclists or id hate most of my friends. My point is that we don't help our selves with some of the stupid acts that we carry out and then jump all over motorists when they don't respect us. Obviously lots of cyclists are bang on and I saw lots of them this morning too. The only one I distinctly remember is that idiot though. As for the special branch......genius lol.

ThisRegard

Smalltom wrote: »

My point is that we don't help our selves with some of the stupid acts that we carry out and then jump all over motorists when they don't respect us.

Chuchote

Smalltom wrote: »

I don't hate all cyclists or id hate most of my friends. My point is that we don't help our selves with some of the stupid acts that we carry out and then jump all over motorists when they don't respect us. Obviously lots of cyclists are bang on and I saw lots of them this morning too. The only one I distinctly remember is that idiot though. As for the special branch......genius lol.

Who's this "we", Paleface?

Edit: snap!

Smalltom

Smalltom wrote: »

I don't hate all cyclists or id hate most of my friends. My point is that we don't help our selves with some of the stupid acts that we carry out and then jump all over motorists when they don't respect us. Obviously lots of cyclists are bang on and I saw lots of them this morning too. The only one I distinctly remember is that idiot though. As for the special branch......genius lol.

Ah the self hating cyclist :rolleyes:

Smalltom

Ha ha fe*k off. I AM a cyclist but I had the car this morning. I said it a few posts ago......chancers.

oflahero

ronoc wrote: »

Ah the self hating cyclist :rolleyes:

Uncle (Small) Tom

boardbeer

Chuchote wrote: »

I find it weird that while drivers usually acknowledge my wave of "gwan ahead" or "thanks", cyclists very very very rarely, if ever, acknowledge my nod or little-finger-wiggle of greeting and acknowledgement that we're carefully passing each other on a cycle lane.

Roadies. I think they have strict rules about not acknowledging other cyclists if they have the wrong coloured sock, stem not slammed, tyres not aligned with valve, etc.

dub_skav

AlreadyHome wrote: »

This!

I started the same approach a couple of years ago after reading an article on mental health "Acknowledge the positives, rather than the negatives etc" and must say I arrive a lot happier when commuting as a result.

I'm not as far down this road as you (pardon the pun), but I've been trying to be more positive.
In the car, on the bike or running, I try not to get annoyed and adopt the approach that people can be self-entitled or do stupid things, but if I see it coming and nobody is hurt, then why get annoyed or upset, just let them go on their oblivious way.

Also, I am trying to acknowledge / thank people that do things they are supposed to. I have always given a wave when people let me out or something, but never gave a wave to people doing what they were supposed to, e.g. yielding at a junction or a zebra crossing.

Now I am trying to positively acknowledge people letting me out or yielding when they are meant to and ignoring people not doing what they are supposed to. It does seem to make me feel better than the alternative of ignoring legal positive behaviour and seething at selfish behaviour.

mrcheez

Smalltom wrote: »

I witnessed an interesting thing around 07.30hrs this morning. I'm not sure of the geography so bear with me. Just past Inchcore heading towards city a cyclist went straight through a red light beside a Garda car. The cop (rightly) pulled up beside her and told her to pull in. She stayed cycling and went down the one way street towards kilmainham jail and obviously the cop couldn't follow her. This was highly embarrassing and disrespectful to the Gardai and shows the public that some cyclists behave like they're above the law. That's the Garda in the car and the surrounding public that witnessed this turned into cyclist haters. Just found this very maddening. Rant over.

*yawn*

steamengine

oflahero wrote: »

I'm going to head over to the Motors forum now and bleat on about how a driver was on her phone earlier and nearly took me out of it coming out of a side road. Think I'll round it off with, "What do you all think of that now." That should do it. Wonder how long it will take the regulars to each post a regretful, handwringing post with a rallying call about how something must be done.

Oh wait, it doesn't work like that, does it, because we live in the real world.

Thanks for reminding everyone, though, that the natural order of things is that people only cycle on the roads thanks to the munificence of the motoring community, and had better watch their step. Ignore the fact that most of us drive too.

Your post raises a question - why would the average cyclist who regularly runs red lights not run them when driving his/her car ? What is the difference ?

Why the change of behaviour between modes ? If it's ok to do it on a bike, sure why not do it in car too ?

What is, in the case of car driver/cyclists, the reason for their behavioural change between modes ?

I'm curious because I drive and cycle too. I largely obey reds when cycling unless there's no one about, but without a doubt I'm in a minority.

AlreadyHome

dub_skav wrote: »

I'm not as far down this road as you (pardon the pun), but I've been trying to be more positive.
In the car, on the bike or running, I try not to get annoyed and adopt the approach that people can be self-entitled or do stupid things, but if I see it coming and nobody is hurt, then why get annoyed or upset, just let them go on their oblivious way.

Also, I am trying to acknowledge / thank people that do things they are supposed to. I have always given a wave when people let me out or something, but never gave a wave to people doing what they were supposed to, e.g. yielding at a junction or a zebra crossing.

Now I am trying to positively acknowledge people letting me out or yielding when they are meant to and ignoring people not doing what they are supposed to. It does seem to make me feel better than the alternative of ignoring legal positive behaviour and seething at selfish behaviour.

Fair play, some cyclists seem to be completely averse to the concept of single file, you come around a corner on a narrow country road outside Roundwood and there's two guys having a chat two-abreast. Then they turn and give you the evils as if you're somehow in the wrong!

It's not necessarily acknowledging things they have to do, more acknowledging the fact that somebody's thought about your safety/convenience before proceeding - eg: having a car slow down when you glance over your shoulder before proceeding around someone parked on a bike lane.

When driving I've had cyclists acknowledge efforts, such as when I've pulled over the bike lane to sight around a blind corner and reversed back off it when a cyclist approaches.

Hunting that warm fuzzy high, man. Feels so good...

Firedance

steamengine wrote: »

Your post raises a question - why would the average cyclist who regularly runs red lights not run them when driving his/her car ? What is the difference ?

Why the change of behaviour between modes ? If it's ok to do it on a bike, sure why not do it in car too ?

What is, in the case of car driver/cyclists, the reason for their behavioural change between modes ?

I'm curious because I drive and cycle too. I largely obey reds when cycling unless there's no one about, but without a doubt I'm in a minority.

Is there though? I see plenty of cars running red lights, perhaps they're also cyclists.....! I drive too and don't break red lights while driving or cycling, I sometimes cross the road as a pedestrian on the red but only if there's absolutely nothing coming where as I witness pedestrians walking out in front of cars/buses/cyclists all the time.

I would imagine that those cyclists that go through red lights also break rules of the road when they drive or walk too.

Chuchote

steamengine wrote: »

Your post raises a question - why would the average cyclist who regularly runs red lights not run them when driving his/her car ? What is the difference ?

Why the change of behaviour between modes ? If it's ok to do it on a bike, sure why not do it in car too ?

What is, in the case of car driver/cyclists, the reason for their behavioural change between modes ?

I'm curious because I drive and cycle too. I largely obey reds when cycling unless there's no one about, but without a doubt I'm in a minority.

a) The average cyclist does not do so. Your science is skewed.
b) What change of behaviour? I see many drivers breaking red lights.

Chips Lovell

People need opportunity. If you're in a car, your opportunity for breaking the lights is really only going through after they've turned red. If someone stops ahead of you, your opportunity is gone (unless you're a complete psycho and go around stopped cars - and there are a few of those). If you're on a bike, there could be 20 cars stopped at a light and you could still break the lights if you wanted to.