What's the obsession middle aged lads have with cycling?

work · 24-07-2018 01:15AM

P_1 wrote: »

prinzeugen wrote: »

From my own observations at the crossroads in Rathgar, when the green man for pedestrians comes on, it will be people with expensive bikes/lycra that will be more likely to break a red.

Green man does not mean go for cyclists. Strava has not helped.

You had some here bitching about drivers but on another thread boasting about how they did y to z segment in xx minu by jumping red lights.

And also it's them who tend to draft you when you're not expecting it. Like don't get me wrong, drafting if fine, when you're on a club spin, in a sportive or racing but sucking the wheel of someone who is just tooting into work is not.

Though I have been guilty of hopscotching my way across a junction when it's green for pedestrians on occasion. My view is that if you're matching the pace of the people crossing and not barelling through then there's no harm as essentially you're a pedestrian.

interesting point. It is plain bad manners and disrespectful to not follow the rules. It is hard in Ireland with all the muppets breaking rules but If you do the same you fuel the ridiculous jealousy and animosity toward cyclists.
If in a hurry hop off and walk or jog accross the junction......hey-presto you are a pedestrian.

P_1 · 24-07-2018 02:22AM

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

Have you tried observing the number of cars that go through the crossroads in Rathgar when the red light comes on? Usually one or two, but on a bad day, three or four from my own observations. And usually the drivers in the Mercs and the Beamers (sometimes those wearing golf jumpers) that are most likely to break a red.

Except that I never mentioned links at all. I did ask if you had any information to back up your victim-blaming, so it looks like you don't. As I suspected.

So the various cycling campaigns need to be focused on training cyclists? Despite the complete absence of any evidence showing that this is a factor in road deaths?

So that's another no then - no specific information about any cyclist deaths in Ireland caused by cyclists, beyond the handful of cases that I mentioned. As I suspected.

They're not randam pictures. They're taken from the cycling Ireland website and a couple of cycling clubs, and a couple of other sources. I can post the same number again, and the same number again, and the same number again if that's what it takes to get you to see the substantial number of young females who are active club cyclists. About a quarter of Cycling Ireland youth members are female.

But hey, let's not let facts get in the way of a good rant on this thread.

Dude take a chill. I'm a fairly vocal campaigner for better cycling facilities but your shrillness is even making me turn against cyclists. How do you think that makes motorists and politicians view the campaigns?

Look advocating for change is a good thing but things aren't going to change overnight. Rather than coming across as whingers, which is the impression I'm getting as of late we need to be more practical and pragmatic. Yes lobby and advocate, Phil Skelton is a great example of this, but also share the skills we all have built up. You see all sorts of idiocy on the roads. Were just going to get hi vis fetishism from the RSA. It's time for us to stand up.

paleoperson · 24-07-2018 03:26AM

The middle-aged idea of being fit, adventurous and daring I'd guess.

As pointed out, it's highly dangerous. Getting a bit of exercise isn't much good if you get hit by a bus. Not to mention it's harsh on men's private parts.

Particularly for old people, you'd have to wonder why they do it. I've heard of someone over 80 doing it, and when you think about how they could get a heart attack or even drop dead at that stage you have to wonder.

Pinch Flat · 24-07-2018 06:57AM

shakeitoff wrote: »

TBF it's not a bad thing, but a lot of them have the most smug annoying faces. The whole get up is quite cringeworthy it must be said, zero chance of them doing it in football shorts and a t-shirt, has to be the most expensive equipment, reminds me of every middle aged tennis club player ever, shows up in all white with the best equipment and loses in straight sets to the guy with the 20 year old racket.

It’s a good question - maybe people could play tennis in a pair of chinos, or golf in some jeans? People seem to be obsessed with what cyclists wear / don’t wear for some reason. I did a 115km cycle last Sunday - it’d be a typical distance for me. I did it in proper cycling gear, designed for the task. Try doing this in a pair of football shorts and a t shirt and it’ll be decidedly more uncomfortable.

As to why we cycle. Well I took it up when the country went pear shaped in 2009. No better way of looking after you mental and physical health. Introduced me to a new circle of friends who share a similar interest. Gives me a hobby. I also suffered multiple potentially fatal pulmonary embolisms (blood clots) as a result of complications from surgery 2 years ago - surgeon reckons it’s would have killed a typical man of my age (45, overweight, smoker). My fitness from cycling literally saved my life. I’m fitter now than I was 20 years ago and cringe when I see the state of typical men of my age who can hardly walk up a stairs without being out of breath.

So yeah next time you see a cyclist, there might be a story other than just trying to be smug and annoy drivers.

RacoonQueen · 24-07-2018 07:05AM

paleoperson wrote: »

The middle-aged idea of being fit, adventurous and daring I'd guess.

As pointed out, it's highly dangerous. Getting a bit of exercise isn't much good if you get hit by a bus. Not to mention it's harsh on men's private parts.

Particularly for old people, you'd have to wonder why they do it. I've heard of someone over 80 doing it, and when you think about how they could get a heart attack or even drop dead at that stage you have to wonder.

Highly dangerous? Cycling? Where did anyone say that?

24-07-2018 07:26AM

paleoperson wrote: »

The middle-aged idea of being fit, adventurous and daring I'd guess.

As pointed out, it's highly dangerous. Getting a bit of exercise isn't much good if you get hit by a bus. Not to mention it's harsh on men's private parts.

Particularly for old people, you'd have to wonder why they do it. I've heard of someone over 80 doing it, and when you think about how they could get a heart attack or even drop dead at that stage you have to wonder.

Here's the answer to why older people should cycle : https://youtu.be/zr8YBf7oIEU

It seemed to work out pretty well for Risteard, who died at 94.

https://amp.independent.ie/life/health-wellbeing/fitness/91yearold-cyclist-shares-his-fitness-advice-30354212.html

Does that answer your questions?

dense · 24-07-2018 07:28AM

Two middle aged males having fun out walking together every evening would get the curtain twitchers talking.

Put them on bikes and no one thinks it's odd until it becomes all about their clothes for the curtain twitchers.

People need a bit of me time and cycling fills that gap I suppose.

It looks very competitive, but once you get on a bike and start to cober more miles you do feel a bit of the adrenaline buzz which elevates it from the A to B journey level

_Dara_ · 24-07-2018 07:47AM

paleoperson wrote: »

The middle-aged idea of being fit, adventurous and daring I'd guess.

As pointed out, it's highly dangerous. Getting a bit of exercise isn't much good if you get hit by a bus. Not to mention it's harsh on men's private parts.

Particularly for old people, you'd have to wonder why they do it. I've heard of someone over 80 doing it, and when you think about how they could get a heart attack or even drop dead at that stage you have to wonder.

At that point in your life, why not? They do it because they enjoy it presumably and have had a good innings.

Blazer · 24-07-2018 07:55AM

pjohnson wrote: »

No one would complain if we had young female cyclists like Puck Moonen!

I would have no problem being behind her in the car for a few miles.

Silent Running · 24-07-2018 08:02AM

On the point of motorists killing cyclists: you only have to see pictures of a bike stuffed under a slow vehicle like a road sweeper to wonder who was speeding beyond their ability to stop.

A bit of realism and a lot less hysteria would go a long way towards a genuine conversation around how we could all do better.

dense · 24-07-2018 08:12AM

Silent Running wrote: »

On the point of motorists killing cyclists: you only have to see pictures of a bike stuffed under a slow vehicle like a road sweeper to wonder who was speeding beyond their ability to stop.

It's not about speed its about cyclists playing chicken. Trying to go where they shouldn't up the inside of vehicles which they presume are being driven properly.

They presume wrongly, often.
Their mistake. You can't presume anything about a driver. You can hope the driver sees you, and that's not much to bet your life on.

magicbastarder · 24-07-2018 08:15AM

paleoperson wrote: »

As pointed out, it's highly dangerous.

so dangerous that the health benefits outweigh the dangers by a factor of between 20 and 80, based on various studies done into it.

whisky_galore · 24-07-2018 08:16AM

RacoonQueen wrote: »

Highly dangerous? Cycling? Where did anyone say that?

Think you'll find there's more deaths and injuries in horse riding.

RacoonQueen · 24-07-2018 08:46AM

dense wrote: »

It's not about speed its about cyclists playing chicken. Trying to go where they shouldn't up the inside of vehicles which they presume are being driven properly.

They presume wrongly, often.
Their mistake. You can't presume anything about a driver. You can hope the driver sees you, and that's not much to bet your life on.

Where they shouldn't? Filtering is legal and generally safe. If a cyclist legally goes up the side of a vehicle which is not been driven properly, the error is the drivers.

By driven properly I also mean, indicating in good time rather than as you are turning so a cyclist knows to hang back and let you turn. Trucks/HGV's etc in the age of technology we have for vehicles now should be phasing in sensors/cameras etc to that the driver knows if something is alongside them or has come into the space in their blindspot.

PlaneSpeeking · 24-07-2018 09:01AM

P_1 wrote: »

And also it's them who tend to draft you when you're not expecting it. Like don't get me wrong, drafting if fine, when you're on a club spin, in a sportive or racing but sucking the wheel of someone who is just tooting into work is not.

Though I have been guilty of hopscotching my way across a junction when it's green for pedestrians on occasion. My view is that if you're matching the pace of the people crossing and not barelling through then there's no harm as essentially you're a pedestrian.

I would have to respectfully disagree with part of that last point - the junction at Dame Street for example, it's rare to see a cyclist do anything but barrel through, as they come down from Parliament St etc at some speed.

Blazer · 24-07-2018 09:02AM

The bigger the vehicle the riskier it is.
I see drivers in trucks,jeeps and tractors driving far in excess of their speed on dangerous roads completely oblivious to other motorists. Quite simple they feel bulletproof that high up which gives them a god complex. I dread seeing trucks on the N20 as it’s a series of bad bends and you still see trucks driving at their limits on it. Same goes for tractors on country roads. Young fellas ripping around oblivious to other motorists because they feel safe that high up.
Now before anyone thinks I’m anti speed I’m far from it. I drive a 3litre Bmw with a heavy foot but I only ever speed when it’s safe to do so and never at the risk of other motorists.
The only way to resolve careless driving is to throw the book at drivers found at fault causing injury and death.
None of this suspended bull****.
Quite simply if you kill someone on the road no matter if it’s a pedestrian,cyclist or motorist then 10 year jail sentence no matter what and 20 year ban off the road.

whisky_galore · 24-07-2018 09:02AM

RacoonQueen wrote: »

Where they shouldn't? Filtering is legal and generally safe. If a cyclist legally goes up the side of a vehicle which is not been driven properly, the error is the drivers.
By driven properly I also mean, indicating in good time rather than as you are turning so a cyclist knows to hang back and let you turn. Trucks/HGV's etc in the age of technology we have for vehicles now should be phasing in sensors/cameras etc to that the driver knows if something is alongside them or has come into the space in their blindspot.

Yeah they 'should be' but they aren't. It's not a priority. Even if installed, who is to say they are even working or being monitored?

I for one will not be tootling up the inside of a large vehicle whose driver in all probability can't see me. I don't care whether I'm entitled to or not, all I know is I could be squashed like a bug. Whether I'm a few mins late or not doesn't make any odds to me.

Fighting Tao · 24-07-2018 09:04AM

PlaneSpeeking wrote: »

I would have to respectfully disagree with part of that last point - the junction at Dame Street for example, it's rare to see a cyclist do anything but barrel through, as they come down from Parliament St etc at some speed.

The only way cycling on Parliament street to Dame Street is uphill.

magicbastarder · 24-07-2018 09:06AM

i assume (s)he meant cyclists coming down from lord edward street direction?

07Lapierre · 24-07-2018 09:06AM

PlaneSpeeking wrote: »

I would have to respectfully disagree with part of that last point - the junction at Dame Street for example, it's rare to see a cyclist do anything but barrel through, as they come down from Parliament St etc at some speed.

Have to agree with you on that point. I don't cycle in the city centre too often, but the last time i did, i stopped at a red light. this guy came up behind me on a DB, said "excuse me"....squeezed past me and proceeded through the red light!

Oh and I was in full Lycra Kit and on a road bike, which for some reason on AH seems to be the "Stereotype" for the worst kind of cyclist?

P_1 · 24-07-2018 09:07AM

Silent Running wrote: »

On the point of motorists killing cyclists: you only have to see pictures of a bike stuffed under a slow vehicle like a road sweeper to wonder who was speeding beyond their ability to stop.

A bit of realism and a lot less hysteria would go a long way towards a genuine conversation around how we could all do better.

Well how are you supposed to anticipate a left hook? Or someone clipping your handlebars from behind?

OldMrBrennan83 · 24-07-2018 09:07AM

This post has been deleted.

murpho999 · 24-07-2018 09:07AM

In the Netherlands the law states that if a cyclist is hit by a car that it is always the fault of the car driver no matter what as they can always see the cyclist.

Think about it. So many people complain about cyclists breaking lights for example, which I agree does happen too often, but drivers can still see them and should not hit them.

Why do car drivers think they don't speed, drive carelessly, break a red light,drive in the wrong lane on a motorway (Yes, if you stay in the middle lane on the M50 or M7 then you have no idea what you're doing.)
The notion that cyclists cause major accidents is bogus and they will always be the worst off in the case of a collision with a car.
Cyclists account for zero road deaths outside of cyclists themselves and motorized vehicles are responsible for 100% of all other road deaths but for some reason people don't get so annoyed about motorists as much.

RacoonQueen · 24-07-2018 09:08AM

whisky_galore wrote: »

Yeah they 'should be' but they aren't. It's not a priority. Even if installed, who is to say they are even working or being monitored?

I for one will not be tootling up the inside of a large vehicle whose driver in all probability can't see me. I don't care whether I'm entitled to or not, all I know is I could be squashed like a bug. Whether I'm a few mins late or not doesn't make any odds to me.

Neither would I, for anything bigger than a van. My point was if someone is not driving properly, it is not the fault of the cyclist if they get hit by someone who is not following the basics of driving (checking mirrors, indicating in good time etc).

Fighting Tao · 24-07-2018 09:08AM

07Lapierre wrote: »

Have to agree with you on that point. I don't cycle in the city centre too often, but the last time i did, i stopped at a red light. this guy came up behind me on a DB, said "excuse me"....squeezed past me and proceeded through the red light!

Oh and I was in full Lycra Kit and on a road bike, which for some reason on AH seems to be the "Stereotype" for the worst kind of cyclist?

Hitler was a saint compared to you!

P_1 · 24-07-2018 09:09AM

PlaneSpeeking wrote: »

I would have to respectfully disagree with part of that last point - the junction at Dame Street for example, it's rare to see a cyclist do anything but barrel through, as they come down from Parliament St etc at some speed.

A fair point though I was referring to shuffling across on the bike basically walking but with the bike between your legs if that makes sense.

Cant stand idiots who barrel through pedestrian crossings at full speed

OldMrBrennan83 · 24-07-2018 09:09AM

This post has been deleted.

whisky_galore · 24-07-2018 09:12AM

RacoonQueen wrote: »

Neither would I, for anything bigger than a van. My point was if someone is not driving properly, it is not the fault of the cyclist if they get hit by someone who is not following the basics of driving (checking mirrors, indicating in good time etc).

Just stay alert to the traffic around you, I fcuking hate cyclists zoned out with earphones in, cyclists with no hands on the handlebars or in one case a lad having his dog run alongside his bike with the lead in one hand!

PlaneSpeeking · 24-07-2018 09:16AM

RacoonQueen wrote: »

Where they shouldn't? Filtering is legal and generally safe. If a cyclist legally goes up the side of a vehicle which is not been driven properly, the error is the drivers.
By driven properly I also mean, indicating in good time rather than as you are turning so a cyclist knows to hang back and let you turn. Trucks/HGV's etc in the age of technology we have for vehicles now should be phasing in sensors/cameras etc to that the driver knows if something is alongside them or has come into the space in their blindspot.

Where they shouldn't be ? I commute from out of the city to Heuston daily and so spend a lot of time getting from the station to my workplace.

Examples ? Okay:

Pavements (Eustace St (side street linking Dame St to Temple Bar (very narrow); York Street (knocked over leaving my building), St Stephen's Green Shopping Centre and very stupidly the narrow pavement next door to College Green - at speed).

LUAS platforms (viewed/interacted with - at Dawson, Westmoreland, St Stephen's Green (GL) and Smithfield, Museum, Heuston (RL).

Train platforms (Few times on the 6/7/8/ platforms at Heuston; mainly Portlaoise - cyclist also rides through the ticket office and dumps bike on floor of carriage. Several complaints ignored - I suspect a relative of the staff.)

Pedestrianised areas (mainly Millennium Quarter heading to Jervis)

Pedestrianised bridges (I was made to fell over avoiding cyclist crossing the Millennium Bridge)

Wrong way up a one way street (half a dozen outside my window just this morning - there's a Dublin Bikes stand at the top end, the legal and sensible thing is to go round the one way system).

Through red lights (innumerable to mention - Dame St/Sth Great Georges Street is worst example I've seen

These are all since about Easter break.

I'm expecting the usual deflection, denial, motorist bashing and "snort yeah they happened" mockery but they did.

I have no doubt that the majority of cyclists do not behave like that - but when the good ones defend the bad no matter what and blame other people, then it is hard to separate the two.

TL:DR - a cyclist performed an illegal operation in an area they were not meant to be and in trying to avoid being hit, I stumbled due to my medical condition. How can anyone defend that behaviour or blame me ?

PlaneSpeeking · 24-07-2018 09:17AM

P_1 wrote: »

A fair point though I was referring to shuffling across on the bike basically walking but with the bike between your legs if that makes sense.

Cant stand idiots who barrel through pedestrian crossings at full speed

That or pushing it ? Yeah not a bother there obviously, agreed!

What's the obsession middle aged lads have with cycling?

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