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

Internet Friend · 25-07-2018 06:47PM

Seems appropriate

Balanadan · 25-07-2018 06:59PM

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

What's next - won't someone please think of the children?

Here's the first priority - the motorist community should get their fellow motorists to stop hammering around these roads. That's how people get killed - from dangerous driving, not dangerous roads.

Then we should look at where we get the best overall return for the limited resources available for investment. I suspect that's going to mean more public transport and more cycling facilities, not more roads that will fill up as soon as they are built.

When one says "hammering down dodgy backroads", one isn't necessarily referring to speed. One is referring to the impact that these vehicles are having on these roads which weren't designed for such volumes of traffic. It's amazing there aren't more accidents really, but that's down to the awareness and careful driving of the motorists who are typically used to having to drive on such poor roads every day of the week.

If you ever speak with an engineer who designs infrastructure, they'll tell you about the importance of design and adequate infrastructure capacity, and how poor design and inadequate capacity contributes to accidents and delays.

Building cycle lanes and putting on a few extras buses to industrial areas doesn't eliminate the need to invest in road networks and build motorways. You can't service factories and industrial areas just by bus and bike. There's already public transport going to factories and industrial areas.

Do you want to build cycle lanes that won't "fill up as soon as they are built"? Surely that defeats the purpose, building infrastructure that nobody uses, a great white elephant. Building a motorway that takes traffic off poor quality back roads is the sensible thing to do.

It's hard to believe that we constrain our industries by not providing adequate road networks, and do nothing to mitigate against the risks of overloading poor infrastructure. Do you want people to die on these roads? Do you want to stifle economic growth?

25-07-2018 07:25PM

Ellie Hallowed Acorn wrote: »

You're some goalpost mover.

"You're also making personal remarks, that's a double standard"

"No I made general remarks, other people made personal remarks directly about me"

"You're making generalisations, that's a double standard!"

This whole thread is just people taking the time to reply to you and you changing the tack to something else, and responding to that instead.

You're like that channel four wan with Jordan Peterson.

Only one of those three comments came from me, so you're a long way wide of the goalposts with that accusation.

The Bishop Basher · 25-07-2018 08:06PM

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

Oh so it's OK to insult an entire community in one go?

The double standard is outstanding.

Man what are you on ?

If you mean fat people on bikes as a community then ok i'm guilty as charged.

I still don't understand how their can be the lightest element of double standard when i've taken zero offence from any of it myself.

Internet Friend · 25-07-2018 08:08PM

We should all go for a nice long spin, great way to clear the head!

magicbastarder · 25-07-2018 08:38PM

Balanadan wrote: »

Do you want to build cycle lanes that won't "fill up as soon as they are built"? Surely that defeats the purpose, building infrastructure that nobody uses, a great white elephant.

the number of cyclists cyling into the city has nearly trebled in the last 10 or 12 years. the number of motorists is falling.

Pinch Flat · 25-07-2018 10:23PM

magicbastarder wrote: »

the number of cyclists cyling into the city has nearly trebled in the last 10 or 12 years. the number of motorists is falling.

In some parts of Dublin cyclists outnumber motorists now.

Realise we’re having some cracking weather, but I’ve counted 20 or so cyclists ahead of me at some points along the quays, amazing how little space 20 cyclists take up compared to 20 single occupant and 20% full cars.

http://www.stickybottle.com/latest-news/cyclists-have-begun-to-outnumber-cars-in-parts-of-dublin-city/

Balanadan · 25-07-2018 10:29PM

magicbastarder wrote: »

the number of cyclists cyling into the city has nearly trebled in the last 10 or 12 years. the number of motorists is falling.

What city? Dublin? I wasn't talking about getting in and around Dublin City Centre. But, seeing as you're happy that the cycling infrastructure in Dublin City Centre is being used (and I'm happy that it's being used too), why is there a problem with our road network being upgraded and that subsequently being used too? Do you want motorists to have to drive on inadequate roads with all the problems and risks that that brings? Do you want to stifle economic growth?

We have single carriageway roads and crumbling country roads feeding our factories and industrial areas in this country. Large Irish and multinational employers are being constrained by our appalling infrastructure and NIMBYs try to drag this country backwards every step of the way.

Go to any well developed country, and you will find motorways and high quality A roads linking towns, cities, factories and other industry.

Our road network, in many places, is the equivalent of trying to electrify a city with a bit of wet string.

Pinch Flat · 25-07-2018 10:34PM

I hear you. But surely any society would develop several strands of infrastructure? So decent roads, rail and cycling infrastructure. The main focus in Ireland has been to facilitate the private car as the primary means of personal transport at the detriment of other modes of travel.

Jennehy · 25-07-2018 11:09PM

All for cycling but cycling on ballincollig bypass and on through Jack Lunch tunnel should be banned.

Balanadan · 25-07-2018 11:10PM

Pinch Flat wrote: »

I hear you. But surely any society would develop several strands of infrastructure? So decent roads, rail and cycling infrastructure. The main focus in Ireland has been to facilitate the private car as the primary means of personal transport at the detriment of other modes of travel.

They would ideally, but different areas have different requirements, and it's easier and quicker to upgrade the road network in most areas than to develop rail, for example. I'd love if Ireland had a great rail network, but that's just fantasy given the money required to develop it. Such a pity that large parts of our rail network were destroyed.

In Ireland, motorway is a dirty word to many people, the thought of living within a few km of a motorway gives them palpitations. In other countries, it's seen as a great benefit to be located near a motorway because of the ease of access to so many things.

It's a pity that the chap who doesn't want roads to be upgraded is hiding behind thanking your posts.

07Lapierre · 25-07-2018 11:28PM

Jennehy wrote: »

All for cycling but cycling on ballincollig bypass and on through Jack Lunch tunnel should be banned.

I assume you are concerned for the safety of the cyclists due to the fact that they are cycling through a tunnel designed for motorised traffic only? If that's the case why not demand that the authorities modify the tunnel to facilitate cyclists?

Jennehy · 25-07-2018 11:33PM

07Lapierre wrote: »

I assume you are concerned for the safety of the cyclists due to the fact that they are cycling through a tunnel designed for motorised traffic only? If that's the case why not demand that the authorities modify the tunnel to facilitate cyclists?

Modify the tunnel, simple engineering problem that.

07Lapierre · 25-07-2018 11:41PM

Jennehy wrote: »

Modify the tunnel, simple engineering problem that.

Ok then ban cars from the tunnel! Plenty of room for bikes then! :P

(There are other ways of modifying tunnels that doesn't involve major engineering works. Simply banning cyclists is the easy/lazy option)

25-07-2018 11:46PM

Balanadan wrote: »

Go to any well developed country, and you will find motorways and high quality A roads linking towns, cities, factories and other industry.

Go to any well developed country, and you will find dedicated cycle infrastructure and a good public transport network. Cycle infrastructure in particular produces very solid returns:

https://road.cc/content/news/134759-benefit-building-space-cycling-far-outweighs-cost-says-dft

Will more motorways beat those kinds of returns?

Balanadan wrote: »

It's a pity that the chap who doesn't want roads to be upgraded is hiding behind thanking your posts.

The chap happened to be out for the evening, so read/thanked a few posts while on the Luas. It's not really a great environment for doing detailed, considered responses to serious issues. If you like, I can post my schedule for each day in advance so they're no disappointment on your part if I don't respond within your anticipated period?

Rennaws wrote: »

Man what are you on ?

If you mean fat people on bikes as a community then ok i'm guilty as charged.

I still don't understand how their can be the lightest element of double standard when i've taken zero offence from any of it myself.

Do you really not see the irony in your ' the wobbling mass of fat' reference while you challenge others about getting 'personal' with you?

Balanadan · 25-07-2018 11:53PM

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

Go to any well developed country, and you will find dedicated cycle infrastructure and a good public transport network. Cycle infrastructure in particular produces very solid returns:

https://road.cc/content/news/134759-benefit-building-space-cycling-far-outweighs-cost-says-dft

Will more motorways beat those kinds of returns?

The chap happened to be out for the evening, so read/thanked a few posts while on the Luas. If you like, I can post my schedule for each day in advance so they're no disappointment on your part if I don't respond within your anticipated period?

I've already stated that I'm happy when cycling infrastructure is used when developed. I don't understand why is there a problem with our road network being upgraded and that subsequently being used too? Do you want motorists to have to drive on inadequate roads with all the problems and risks that that brings? Do you want to stifle economic growth?

We have single carriageway roads and crumbling country roads feeding our factories and industrial areas in this country. Large Irish and multinational employers are being constrained by our appalling infrastructure and NIMBYs try to drag this country backwards every step of the way.

Go to any well developed country, and you will find motorways and high quality A roads linking towns, cities, factories and other industry.

26-07-2018 12:01AM

Balanadan wrote: »

I've already stated that I'm happy when cycling infrastructure is used when developed. I don't understand why is there a problem with our road network being upgraded and that subsequently being used too? Do you want motorists to have to drive on inadequate roads with all the problems and risks that that brings? Do you want to stifle economic growth?

We have single carriageway roads and crumbling country roads feeding our factories and industrial areas in this country. Large Irish and multinational employers are being constrained by our appalling infrastructure and NIMBYs try to drag this country backwards every step of the way.

Go to any well developed country, and you will find motorways and high quality A roads linking towns, cities, factories and other industry.

What kind of ROI will your proposed investment in further upgrading the road network (on top of the considerable upgrading that has taken place in recent years).

PlaneSpeeking · 26-07-2018 01:11AM

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

Balanadan wrote: »

I've already stated that I'm happy when cycling infrastructure is used when developed. I don't understand why is there a problem with our road network being upgraded and that subsequently being used too? Do you want motorists to have to drive on inadequate roads with all the problems and risks that that brings? Do you want to stifle economic growth?

We have single carriageway roads and crumbling country roads feeding our factories and industrial areas in this country. Large Irish and multinational employers are being constrained by our appalling infrastructure and NIMBYs try to drag this country backwards every step of the way.

Go to any well developed country, and you will find motorways and high quality A roads linking towns, cities, factories and other industry.

What kind of ROI will your proposed investment in further upgrading the road network (on top of the considerable upgrading that has taken place in recent years).

That doesn't actually make sense.

ballyharpat · 26-07-2018 01:12AM

PlaneSpeeking wrote: »

Riding a skateboard on a city centre street at his age makes him look even more of a berk!

The mere riding of it would be bad enough.

Ah yes, the guy is doing something out of the norm, as Irish people, we thrive on picking on those that are different-why can't he walk, or drive etc

Have you ever traveled?

I lived in America for a long time, men in suits on bicycles and scooters, granted none on skateboards.... but no one looks twice.

In France last week, there were men and women, in their 30'3 40's on fold up bikes, electric scooters, skateboards, e bikes small wheeled motorcycles, they were just going about their business..... and so was everyone else. At one point I saw a guy, must have been in his late 50's, he pulled a wheelie on his bike going down the street. This did make me look, I thought "how refreshing' to see a guy with a smile on his face at that ge in his suit and tie, just enjoying his bike and life.

You claim to have no problem with cyclists, but you seem to have an issue with every person that doesn't use motorised transport, maybe take a look at yourself and why you have an issue with these people.

PlaneSpeeking · 26-07-2018 01:23AM

ballyharpat wrote: »

PlaneSpeeking wrote: »

Riding a skateboard on a city centre street at his age makes him look even more of a berk!

The mere riding of it would be bad enough.

Ah yes, the guy is doing something out of the norm, as Irish people, we thrive on picking on those that are different-why can't he walk, or drive etc

Have you ever traveled?

I lived in America for a long time, men in suits on bicycles and scooters, granted none on skateboards.... but no one looks twice.

In France last week, there were men and women, in their 30'3 40's on fold up bikes, electric scooters, skateboards, e bikes small wheeled motorcycles, they were just going about their business..... and so was everyone else. At one point I saw a guy, must have been in his late 50's, he pulled a wheelie on his bike going down the street. This did make me look, I thought "how refreshing' to see a guy with a smile on his face at that ge in his suit and tie, just enjoying his bike and life.

You claim to have no problem with cyclists, but you seem to have an issue with every person that doesn't use motorised transport, maybe take a look at yourself and why you have an issue with these people.

Have you been to Abbey Street LUAS stop???

Not exactly conducive to skateboard riding. In fact downright f**ktardery.

Plus show me where I have EVER bigged up "motorised ttansport". I don't drive currently.

Cupatae · 26-07-2018 02:21AM

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.

the tour de france wannabes are fair annoying they even look annoying! but when the cycle in 3s across the road and spout the "I pay road taxes too im entitled" ****e is when they really need a good slap... of cop on!

Pinch Flat · 26-07-2018 07:25AM

What are Road taxes?

OldMrBrennan83 · 26-07-2018 07:31AM

This post has been deleted.

Bowlardo · 26-07-2018 07:45AM

You know when cyclist are 2/3/4 a breast on a country road what is their defined etiquette to them going single file and letting me pass?
Maybe if everyone knew it would be grand.... like it shouldn’t take more than 20 seconds to go single file????

I go for casual cycles myself no Lycra /small distances /use cycle paths where available so don’t know anything of how the cycle clubs operate.

What I cam’t Understand is if the cyclist are all part of a cycle club and all in the same gear then would they not be cycling in single file so the guy at the top blocks the wind?

Pinch Flat · 26-07-2018 07:50AM

We actually prefer 6 abreast. It blocks the wind better.

dense · 26-07-2018 08:05AM

wexandproud wrote: »

its a pity you didn't see some of the other adds where the rsa TRYS to explains to drivers that it is easier and takes less time to pass when they are two abrest .

Some RSA ads say that?

It's a pity someone who says that won't put them up here then.

How is it that cyclists are imagining RSA ads they haven't seen and are expecting me to have seen them?

The RSA hasn't said it's safer for cyclists to travel two abreast and that its recommended, has it?

Balanadan · 26-07-2018 08:07AM

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

What kind of ROI will your proposed investment in further upgrading the road network (on top of the considerable upgrading that has taken place in recent years).

When talking about investing in transport infrastructure, one uses BCR rather than ROI. BCR has limitations, but it's a useful guide. The BCR for investing in different transport options varies from area to area.

There isn't one transport solution for all areas. Many of you seem to only want investment in cycling infrastructure while leaving everything else fall apart. It's completely nonsensical and impractical to say "build cycling infratructure and sod everything else".

I've already stated that I'm happy when cycling infrastructure is used when developed. I don't understand why is there a problem with our road network being upgraded and that subsequently being used too? Do you want motorists to have to drive on inadequate roads with all the problems and risks that that brings? Do you want to stifle economic growth?

We have single carriageway roads and crumbling country roads feeding our factories and industrial areas in this country. Large Irish and multinational employers are being constrained by our appalling infrastructure and NIMBYs try to drag this country backwards every step of the way.

Go to any well developed country, and you will find motorways and high quality A roads linking towns, cities, factories and other industry.

gmacww · 26-07-2018 08:14AM

dense wrote: »

How is it that cyclists are imagining RSA ads they haven't seen and are expecting me to have seen them?

So no cyclist has ever seen the RSA ad? Seems a fair argument. Since you asked though:

Safe passing distance:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmYJ6pjQAzg

For balance, a safe cycling one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXhsiJD_Gjo

For riding 2 abreast:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swnGEbKp7QY

Now it's not RSA (wexford council) but for a video explaining the safety of 2 abreast:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NGdQDEkWCE

magicbastarder · 26-07-2018 08:15AM

Bowlardo wrote: »

You know when cyclist are 2/3/4 a breast

no, i don't.

wexandproud · 26-07-2018 08:28AM

dense wrote: »

Some RSA ads say that?

The RSA hasn't said it's safer for cyclists to travel two abreast and that its recommended, has it?

Their has been a link posted to the add that says it .
the vast majority of cyclists know it is safer and the rules of the road say it's allowed . Why don't non regular cyclist who appear to be experts on whats safe or not , actually try cycling around for a couple of weeks , then come back on here and explain where the real dangers on the road are . One poster back up the thread says he would love to cycle but is afraid too because of the danger . Why does he not come back on here and explain what it is he fears

However im sure in their adds to try and educate poor drivers , the RSA would hardly show people cycling two abreast if it was dangerous to do so or illegal

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

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