Commuter cyclist negativity

Parchment

I cycle to work daily - most car/bus drivers are ok but there are always those a$$holes who value your life less as you are on a bicycle. its pretty stressful sometimes trying to protect your space on the road.

How do you get over the constant negativity ? i love my cycle to and from work but lately negativity from drivers and lack of care around me on my commute has got me down.

Today was the final straw. A couple in a car (windows down smoking fags out the window) pulled in on top of me in a bus/cycle lane. Anyway they went back into the correct lane after a while - then further up the road they passed me and shouted " we passed you, you f*cking fool".

Its so pathetic but it really got me. I dont know why. I have cycled to work for years and before that drove a motorbike daily - so i know what its like to be a vulnerable road user. im considering leaving the cycling for a while as im just sick of the rubbish.

Disclaimer: i know there are plenty of awful cyclists out there too.

rollingscone

There is an element of fascistic revanchism out there among people who I won't generalise as Motorists...let's call them people looking for justify their own narcissism.

An optimist will say that it's a sign of increasing cyclist visibility.

I'm less of an optimist so take the "some days you can either laugh or jump off a cliff: so you might as well laugh" approach.

This helps me shake the grotty post encounter feeling:

https://twitter.com/Flaminghobo1?s=09

Others turn to @bikesnobnyc or a dozen other outlets.

Remember you're the one experiencing freedom, revel in that.

07Lapierre

1. Don't react to any provocation/ negativity.
2. Cycle "Defensibly"
3. Take your time..don't Be in a hurry.
4. Listen to music or the radio and ignore everyone!

Chips Lovell

The roads are chock full of dickheads. I just ignore them. Life's too short to get aggravated.

It's not like it would be any different if you drive instead. You still encounter the same amount of dickheads doing dickheaded things.

average_runner

Parchment wrote: »

I cycle to work daily - most car/bus drivers are ok but there are always those a$$holes who value your life less as you are on a bicycle. its pretty stressful sometimes trying to protect your space on the road.

How do you get over the constant negativity ? i love my cycle to and from work but lately negativity from drivers and lack of care around me on my commute has got me down.

Today was the final straw. A couple in a car (windows down smoking fags out the window) pulled in on top of me in a bus/cycle lane. Anyway they went back into the correct lane after a while - then further up the road they passed me and shouted " we passed you, you f*cking fool".

Its so pathetic but it really got me. I dont know why. I have cycled to work for years and before that drove a motorbike daily - so i know what its like to be a vulnerable road user. im considering leaving the cycling for a while as im just sick of the rubbish.

Disclaimer: i know there are plenty of awful cyclists out there too.

Get over, it's not just cyclists it happens to. Its a part of life.

Had people throw a egg at me when I run, had a cyclist hit my car window off for the laugh. Had cars cut me off when on my bike for fun.

Just don't become one of them!

Parchment

Jep Gambardella wrote: »

The roads are chock full of dickheads. I just ignore them. Life's too short to get aggravated.

It's not like it would be any different if you drive instead. You still encounter the same amount of dickheads doing dickheaded things.

Thats true - i guess im just far more vulnerable when on a bike - physically and emotionally!!

OleRodrigo

I find slowing down is an antidote to some of the problems of city cycling. Less cortisol in your system.

Agree with listening to music too. Unless its heavy metal.

Parchment

OleRodrigo wrote: »

I find slowing down is an antidote to some of the problems of city cycling. Less cortisol in your system.

Agree with listening to music too. Unless its heavy metal.

I could never listen to music/headphones when i cycled - for me that would be hugely dangerous.

TooObvious

What everyone else said - don't fret it and ignore the haters.

As soon as I cross over the M50 into Dublin I enter "happy/smiley/wavy mode" wherein I ease up and go with the flow, thank motorists who let me in, nod to those who don't kill me etc. It just makes for an easier less stressful commute.

That said you're always going to get the odd dickhead looking for an argument, but remember, it takes two to have an argument so ride on!

average_runner

OleRodrigo wrote: »

I find slowing down is an antidote to some of the problems of city cycling. Less cortisol in your system.

Agree with listening to music too. Unless its heavy metal.

Do not do this, this is safety hazard.

Chips Lovell

OleRodrigo wrote: »

I find slowing down is an antidote to some of the problems of city cycling. Less cortisol in your system.

Agree with listening to music too. Unless its heavy metal.

I find the headphones are great alright. Sometimes music, sometimes Morning Ireland. Makes the commute that bit more pleasant. I think it also sends a signal out to the crazies that you're not interested in engaging.

OleRodrigo

average_runner wrote: »

Do not do this, this is safety hazard.

Are you telling me or the OP ?

average_runner

OleRodrigo wrote: »

Are you telling me or the OP ?

I am saying to whoever does it, its too dangerous as your not aware of your env.

Headphones are so dangerous they don't even allow them in running races due to safety concern, never mind on a busy road with traffic

07Lapierre

average_runner wrote: »

Do not do this, this is safety hazard.

I'm cycling 30 years and listen to music while commuting. Its not dangerous.

"In an academic paper published last year, Katrina Jungnickel of the University of London and Rachel Aldred of the University of Westminster looked at research conducted in Hull, Hackney and Bristol during 2010 and 2011 around cyclists' behaviour. They describe a range of 'sensory strategies' used by cyclists to help them deal with their surroundings. Contrary to the representation of the "‘iPod zombie cyclist’ who, plugged into a mobile audio device, lumbers insensitively and dangerously through the urban landscape", the paper finds that "listening to music (or talking to others on the telephone) can be a way of warming up ‘chilly’ environments."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/active/recreational-cycling/10956953/Should-cyclists-be-allowed-to-listen-to-music.html

Chips Lovell

The only time I risk having an accident while listening to the radio is in the car.

If I need to run an errand at lunchtime I'd drive into work. Going off to the shops or wherever at lunchtime, I'd usually have the News at One on in the car. However, by the time I have to come back to work, the news is often finished and I'd suddenly realise that it's Joe Duffy I'm listening to.

I usually end up flapping at the dashboard as if it's on fire in a bid to change the channel as quickly as possible.

average_runner

07Lapierre wrote: »

I'm cycling 30 years and listen to music while commuting. Its not dangerous.

"In an academic paper published last year, Katrina Jungnickel of the University of London and Rachel Aldred of the University of Westminster looked at research conducted in Hull, Hackney and Bristol during 2010 and 2011 around cyclists' behaviour. They describe a range of 'sensory strategies' used by cyclists to help them deal with their surroundings. Contrary to the representation of the "‘iPod zombie cyclist’ who, plugged into a mobile audio device, lumbers insensitively and dangerously through the urban landscape", the paper finds that "listening to music (or talking to others on the telephone) can be a way of warming up ‘chilly’ environments."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/active/recreational-cycling/10956953/Should-cyclists-be-allowed-to-listen-to-music.html

The telegraph, come on.

It is dangerous, you won't be fully aware of your environment.

OleRodrigo

average_runner wrote: »

I am saying to whoever does it, its too dangerous as your not aware of your env.

Headphones are so dangerous they don't even allow them in running races due to safety concern, never mind on a busy road with traffic

Its been debated at length before. Its perfectly safe...earphones at least, rather than noise cancelling headphones. You can turn down the volume if its too loud ?

Your example above sounds like health and safety ar*e covering, ie, better not to allow them rather than trust everyone to use them sensibly.

Parchment

07Lapierre wrote: »

I'm cycling 30 years and listen to music while commuting. Its not dangerous.

"In an academic paper published last year, Katrina Jungnickel of the University of London and Rachel Aldred of the University of Westminster looked at research conducted in Hull, Hackney and Bristol during 2010 and 2011 around cyclists' behaviour. They describe a range of 'sensory strategies' used by cyclists to help them deal with their surroundings. Contrary to the representation of the "‘iPod zombie cyclist’ who, plugged into a mobile audio device, lumbers insensitively and dangerously through the urban landscape", the paper finds that "listening to music (or talking to others on the telephone) can be a way of warming up ‘chilly’ environments."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/active/recreational-cycling/10956953/Should-cyclists-be-allowed-to-listen-to-music.html

Maybe it works for you but for me it seems counterintuitive to block one of my senses when cycling. Same when i used a motorbike.

average_runner

http://www.stickybottle.com/latest-news/gardai-now-have-power-to-fine-cyclists-wearing-earphones/

average_runner

OleRodrigo wrote: »

Its been debated at length before. Its perfectly safe...earphones at least, rather than noise cancelling headphones. You can turn down the volume if its too loud ?

Your example above sounds like health and safety ar*e covering, ie, better not to allow them rather than trust everyone to use them sensibly.

Not really, I be racing and I would point say to the runner beside watch out to your left, they wouldnt hear and bang, they are on the floor.!

You can't block out a sense and say it's safe

Chips Lovell

Headphones are banned in cycle races as well. I'm not sure what their status is in motor racing.

jive

When I commute it's headphones in and defensive cycling all the way. It's just not worth your energy arguing with idiots.

Earlier this year I had one guy in a van beeping like a mental patient in the bus lane because he couldn't squeeze by me as I didn't fancy cycling against the curb where all the drains were. Illegally driving in the bus lane and gets belligerent about a cyclist being in the lane... not worth your breath.

Agree with slowing down when in the city too, pedestrians walking between cars etc. are more of a hazard than cars themselves. At least when filtering slowly in traffic you can avoid them.

NOTE: Cycling with headphones does not affect your ability to cycle. You should always be cycling predictably in a relatively straight line while maintaining some kind of predictable pace; fortunately headphones do not effect my limbs. I don't need to hear what's going on behind me provided I have cursory glance over the shoulder so I'm aware of my surroundings.

average_runner

OleRodrigo wrote: »

Its been debated at length before. Its perfectly safe...earphones at least, rather than noise cancelling headphones. You can turn down the volume if its too loud ?

Your example above sounds like health and safety ar*e covering, ie, better not to allow them rather than trust everyone to use them sensibly.

But if you turn down the volume, how can you hear the music with the traffic around you?

average_runner

jive wrote: »

When I commute it's headphones in and defensive cycling all the way. It's just not worth your energy arguing with idiots.

Earlier this year I had one guy in a van beeping like a mental patient in the bus lane because he couldn't squeeze by me as I didn't fancy cycling against the curb where all the drains were. Illegally driving in the bus lane and gets belligerent about a cyclist being in the lane... not worth your breath.

Agree with slowing down when in the city too, pedestrians walking between cars etc. are more of a hazard than cars themselves. At least when filtering slowly in traffic you can avoid them.

NOTE: Cycling with headphones does not affect your ability to cycle. You should always be cycling predictably in a relatively straight line while maintaining some kind of predictable pace; fortunately headphones do not effect my limbs. I don't need to hear what's going on behind me provided I have cursory glance over the shoulder so I'm aware of my surroundings.

But need to know what's going on beside you.

ford2600

average_runner wrote: »

But if you turn down the volume, how can you hear the music with the traffic around you?

Your obviously not married

average_runner

ford2600 wrote: »

Your obviously not married

Hmmm, no matter how i answer this one I can get into trouble.

I have a boss and 2 little bosses:D

jive

average_runner wrote: »

But need to know what's going on beside you.

Why? If it's a motorist then I'll hear them, unfortunately not matter how hard I crank the music I can still hear them. If I'm going to swerve without a glance over my right shoulder then I'm going to swerve anyway because whatever is in front of me is causing me to swerve meaning I'll be busting myself regardless.

Tombo2001

Parchment wrote: »

I cycle to work daily - most car/bus drivers are ok but there are always those a$$holes who value your life less as you are on a bicycle. its pretty stressful sometimes trying to protect your space on the road.

How do you get over the constant negativity ? i love my cycle to and from work but lately negativity from drivers and lack of care around me on my commute has got me down.

Today was the final straw. A couple in a car (windows down smoking fags out the window) pulled in on top of me in a bus/cycle lane. Anyway they went back into the correct lane after a while - then further up the road they passed me and shouted " we passed you, you f*cking fool".

Its so pathetic but it really got me. I dont know why. I have cycled to work for years and before that drove a motorbike daily - so i know what its like to be a vulnerable road user. im considering leaving the cycling for a while as im just sick of the rubbish.

Disclaimer: i know there are plenty of awful cyclists out there too.

Its funny, because what gets me down most as a cyclist isn't so much what I see on the road; but what I hear on the radio or read on the newspapers etc.

It smacks of bullying; its the behaviour that bullies exhibit. Lets just pick on someone because they are weak......there are tonnes of us drivers, we are in charge.....

A guy at work said to me a few weeks ago - "the only good cyclist is a dead cyclist"......I just thought, what a pr*ck that he thinks he can speak to me like that.....

average_runner

Tombo2001 wrote: »

Its funny, because what gets me down most as a cyclist isn't so much what I see on the road; but what I hear on the radio or read on the newspapers etc.

It smacks of bullying; its the behaviour that bullies exhibit. Lets just pick on someone because they are weak......there are tonnes of us drivers, we are in charge.....

A guy at work said to me a few weeks ago - "the only good cyclist is a dead cyclist"......I just thought, what a pr*ck that he thinks he can speak to me like that.....

That's a very sad person!

cajonlardo

Long time ago I was commuting in one of the worst rain storms I ever remember.

Car overtook me and at the last moment something warned me that the driver was going to make a mistake.
I sat up and braked hard to stop. The car turned left across me with inches to spare.
I think he'd passed a cyclist directly behind me and when he checked his mirror he saw that cyclist but thought that was me - if you follow all that.
Rain is absolutely hammering down. He is now side on to me and realises he came so very close to hitting me. Still no problem. Still everything so calm. UntilHe then winds down his window and roars " You fcukin tight fisted dickhead - ya're too fcukin mean to spend bus fare....."
I know its not funny. Not really. But I cracked up laughing. He'd gone at this stage and I bet other people wondered why the moron was standing in the rain and laughing. Sometimes you just need to laugh this **** off

Tombo2001

average_runner wrote: »

That's a very sad person!

To be honest though, it probably touched a nerve because for whatever reason....

...as a driver I don't ever particularly think about being in a car crash....but as a cyclist, I frequently think about being hit or falling off the bike.....while cycling and while not cycling.

OleRodrigo

average_runner wrote: »

But if you turn down the volume, how can you hear the music with the traffic around you?

You find the sweet spot between your music and the environment.

Actually, I've had more impairment to my hearing by a strong headwind than from earphones.

07Lapierre

average_runner wrote: »

The telegraph, come on.

It is dangerous, you won't be fully aware of your environment.

Can you post a link to the appropriate scientific study which states that listening to music is so dangerous? (I'll accept one printed in The Telegraph)

cdaly_

Parchment wrote: »

Maybe it works for you but for me it seems counterintuitive to block one of my senses when cycling. Same when i used a motorbike.

And how much were the fines for not wearing a helmet on the motorbike?

07Lapierre

average_runner wrote: »

http://www.stickybottle.com/latest-news/gardai-now-have-power-to-fine-cyclists-wearing-earphones/

Classic case of victim blaming.

I can see it now...Motorist and cyclist are involved in a traffic accident. Who's at fault? who cares..cyclist was wearing headphones. :rolleyes:

dbagman

07Lapierre wrote:

1. Don't react to any provocation/ negativity. 2. Cycle "Defensibly" 3. Take your time..don't Be in a hurry. 4. Listen to music or the radio and ignore everyone!

"Ignore everyone".

What a fantastic piece of bad advice and a surefire way for a cyclist to get hurt. Ignore the dangers around you. Good man.

Pinch Flat

First of all, enjoy your commutre. It'll make you healthier, fitter and is constant duration wise (more or less) all year round. For me, the commute is the best part of my morning and evening.

There's a lot of people that feel as a cyclist that doesn't pay "road tax" that you've no place on the roads which are "dangerous". Accept, as you have done, that you're going to come across the odd cOck. My own tenets for using the road:

1. Don't engage with abusive motorists. If anything progresses beyond that (i.e. deliberately aggressive / dangerous driving that endangers you), feel free to call traffic watch. They're normally pretty responsive and chances are a Garda car at the least will call around to the offenders house at an unsociable hour of the morning. I had it with a young "lady" who tried to run me off the road a few years back, Garda called to say he's spoken to her at 7 am on a Saturday morning. Might make people think.

2. Never trust a person in a motorized vehicle. Chances are they're thinking of themselves and focused more on their Facebook status / make up / bowl of cereal or the imminent red light over your safety. They won't see you at roundabouts or junctions, even if you've got a hi-vis bike, clothing, wheels and massive strobes. They're more interested in their journey than your safety.If you don't have eye contact, assume they haven't seen you.

3. Never, never, never (and I mean never!) go up the inside of HGV's. Biggest killer of cyclists.

4. Don't be afraid to take the lane and cycle defensively - had it just this afternoon while on a Dublin bike - took the lane at Jury's Christchurch going ahead, white van man up my a$$, revving aggressively then sped through the light left. He would have quite happily turned left in front of me if I had of stayed left. Couple of seconds won't kill people, but someone taking a chance to run a red can injure / kill you.

tomasrojo

dbagman wrote: »

"Ignore everyone".

What a fantastic piece of bad advice and a surefire way for a cyclist to get hurt. Ignore the dangers around you. Good man.

I didn't take what he said as meaning that. I was cycling home with the kids recently when I passed a car and a kid starting shouting at the window at me. So I blanked whoever it was. Then the car catches up with me again and I hear my name. It was somebody I knew and her kid. But I'm so used to ignoring other road users, because most times someone is trying to get your attention out a car, they're about to shout something "hilarious" or throw something at you. Or at least often enough that my default reaction has become, almost without me noticing, to blank. And by and large it's the right reaction, I think.

fat bloke

dbagman wrote: »

"Ignore everyone".

What a fantastic piece of bad advice and a surefire way for a cyclist to get hurt. Ignore the dangers around you. Good man.

I think you're included.

07Lapierre

Jep Gambardella wrote: »

Headphones are banned in cycle races as well. I'm not sure what their status is in motor racing.

Pro cyclists use Radios. Not quite the same as listening to music on a commute, and there is a hot debate about banning them. But the main reason given for keeping them is Safety! (Riders can be alerted to potential hazards up the road)

F1 racing and Rally cars also use radio's

Carawaystick

average_runner wrote: »

Not really, I be racing and I would point say to the runner beside watch out to your left, they wouldnt hear and bang, they are on the floor.!

You can't block out a sense and say it's safe

How do the headphones prevent them seeing you pointing?

NeedMoreGears

Hey OP,

Try remember two things

(I) Most road users are decent people, only some are tossers.
(II) You get to travel by bike, probably the most enjoyable way there is to get around.

Illegitimi non carborundum

NMG

arybvtcw0eolkf

07Lapierre wrote: »

I'm cycling 30 years and listen to music while commuting. Its not dangerous.

Twenty plus years here/hear ~ Anyway, yup I don't find it distracting at all.

As for dickhead drivers, OP like the others have said 'ignore them and carry on. Ride defensively and as in all things in life 'don't be a dick, ie banging on cars, jumping red lights, up and down off paths, up one way streets etc and you'll find most people are fine.

If I found riding my bikes stressful I just wouldn't bother.

For the record my commute is the Malahide Road, or Portmarnock through Sutton Cross into Fairview and the city. Save for Sutton to Fairview I'm in traffic almost the entire time.

I couldn't imagine not cycling, so don't let the minority of dickheads ruin your commute.

I've started to follow YellowDublinCyclist on youtube, he rides more or less the same roads. Records all the different transgressors withouth screaming his head off like some of the other GoPro idiots ~ he's worth follow and has a really nice attitude to other road users both motor vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.

boardbeer

Parchment wrote: »

- then further up the road they passed me and shouted " we passed you, you f*cking fool"

ah, don't begrudge people their achievements, probably highlight of his week 'I passed out a bicycle in my motor today, Lewis Hamilton: watch out!"

Parchment

cdaly_ wrote: »

And how much were the fines for not wearing a helmet on the motorbike?

Actually you can still hear most of whats going on around you with a helmet on. Your blind spot is slightly harder to look into with a helmet on - but thats it.

Also being on a motorbike has a distinct advantage over a bicycle - you are far more powerful, quicker to move and easier for cars to see. a cyclist is a far more vulnerable road user.

We can agree to differ.

Parchment

Zechariah Chubby Link wrote: »

Twenty plus years here/hear ~ Anyway, yup I don't find it distracting at all.

As for dickhead drivers, OP like the others have said 'ignore them and carry on. Ride defensively and as in all things in life 'don't be a dick, ie banging on cars, jumping red lights, up and down off paths, up one way streets etc and you'll find most people are fine.

If I found riding my bikes stressful I just wouldn't bother.

For the record my commute is the Malahide Road, or Portmarnock through Sutton Cross into Fairview and the city. Save for Sutton to Fairview I'm in traffic almost the entire time.

I couldn't imagine not cycling, so don't let the minority of dickheads ruin your commute.

I've started to follow YellowDublinCyclist on youtube, he rides more or less the same roads. Records all the different transgressors withouth screaming his head off like some of the other GoPro idiots ~ he's worth follow and has a really nice attitude to other road users both motor vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.

I just had a look at a few of the YT videos on that guys channel - its so zen! Great music,

m5ex9oqjawdg2i

average_runner wrote: »

Do not do this, this is safety hazard.

What about music in a vehicle? Or does that not matter because they are less vulnerable? What about deaf cyclists? Are they a safety hazard?

OleRodrigo wrote: »

You find the sweet spot between your music and the environment.

Actually, I've had more impairment to my hearing by a strong headwind than from earphones.

You don't have to wear noise cancelling headphones at max volume in order to enjoy some music on your cycle. Ear pods help me hear when there's too much wind too.

dbagman wrote: »

"Ignore everyone".

What a fantastic piece of bad advice and a surefire way for a cyclist to get hurt. Ignore the dangers around you. Good man.

The poster said "Ignore everybody", not "Ignore the dangers around you", what he/she implied, from my understanding, was "Ignore people being dícks, don't confront anybody, you will not be able to change their behavior, just enjoy your cycle..."

07Lapierre

Just arrived home! A beautiful evening for cycling! Not cold and very little wind! Also great views of the "Supermoon" and all accompanied with a pleasant calm, soothing musical soundtrack! (Thanks Spotify!)

arybvtcw0eolkf

07Lapierre wrote: »

Just arrived home! A beautiful evening for cycling! Not cold and very little wind! Also great views of the "Supermoon" and all accompanied with a pleasant calm, soothing musical soundtrack! (Thanks Spotify!)

It was the Ramones for me today, and yes the weather is wonderful.

Danbo!

Good advice so far - But one thing to note it's easy to say "just enjoy it", but actually enjoying it can be tough thing to switch to.

Admittedly, I used to be an aggro cyclist unfortunately, any little excuse and I'd be roaring at people. Jaysis I was a a**hole. In the last 7 or 8 years I've considerably calmed and now I absolutely love my commute, even if it's bucketing down. I'm not saying you're an a**hole cyclist at all OP, but I was very easily angered by little mistakes anyone can make, as well as poor driving and the people you met today.

It's a bit of self-fulfilling prophecy. If you're stressed about the commute from the beginning it's hard to shake anything that happens during it. Luckily it works the other way too. If you get on the bike in the morning with a more upbeat attitude, any incidents will seem trivial. I find being courteous helps get you into this mood - letting a bus out of a stop or waving to say thanks to someone who let you move out to avoid an obstacle. (Just avoid thumbs up, this can be read wrong as I once experience )

07Lapierre

I suspect a lot of people think these should be banned?

http://www.oakley.com/mens/new-arrivals/new-sunglasses/radar-pace/product/W0OO9333PZRD/?skuCode=OO9333-01&categoryCode=m0101?nav=TN-Mens_Sunglasses_New-Radar-Pace_1