Road rage against cyclists is it just me?

The Noble Nudge · 20-07-2013 09:07PM #1

Sorry mods if there's one started already. I don't think it's paranoia but given the radio coverage this week. Went on a spin into populated areas rather than the hills. Encountered 3 motorist v cyclists rages today. First plick nearly clipped me and my mate head on. I'd to roar at him thankfully he had his window open that he actually heard the sincerity in my voice. 2 other unprovoked incidents.
Christ I drive for a living and know what standard of arsehole that have licences....Do people not understand what damage they'll do to us....I just want a spin on my bike to unwind not be killed!

PerrDub · 20-07-2013 09:12PM

As much as some of the measures announced to tackle "rogue cyclists" will help in some cases... I think it carries a lot of negativity with it, and creates a real "Us and them" sentiment...

Though I would blame the lack of proper cycle lanes, and any sort of real deterrent against careless driving with cyclists involved...

Diarmuid · 20-07-2013 09:13PM

I had my first encounter with a psycho on my short commute in 3 years on Thursday. The same day as the stupid coverage on the radio about the new €50 fines for the RLJs. Completely unprovoked. Coincidence? I think not. Got Norman's car reg though, so it's one for Trafficwatch.

shootermacg · 20-07-2013 09:15PM

Is there currently a fine for parking in a cycle lane?

The Noble Nudge · 20-07-2013 09:21PM

PerrDub wrote: »

As much as some of the measures announced to tackle "rogue cyclists" will help in some cases... I think it carries a lot of negativity with it, and creates a real "Us and them" sentiment...

Though I would blame the lack of proper cycle lanes, and any sort of real deterrent against careless driving with cyclists involved.

Actually cycled up Dame street and said it to a taxi man.
We've taken some pressure off them in the roads. He agreed.
It was like I had a bullseye on my back

John_Rambo · 20-07-2013 09:26PM

I was driving behind a LK reg 520d BMW driver that lost his head at cyclists cycling two abreast on the coast road to Howth in Dublin this morning. He was being a dick, the cyclists were doing 40kph + and wheeled in to Howth about eight seconds after the cars! Could have been one of you, deep blue top, fairly clipping along, big fella. Cyclists either didn't hear the car driver or completely ignored him. I reckon the heat and the €50 fine business has renewed self righteousness amongst some of the less experienced drivers.

PerrDub · 20-07-2013 09:27PM

The Noble Nudge wrote: »

Actually cycled up Dame street and said it to a taxi man.We've taken some pressure off them in the roads. He agreed.

It's pretty bad when cyclists have now become the scourge of the roads replacing taxi drivers! :eek:

downonthefarm · 20-07-2013 09:29PM

I thought that said roid rage cyclists

mistermano · 20-07-2013 09:33PM

it's funny about cyclists going 2 abreast

motorists animated about it

The Noble Nudge · 20-07-2013 09:33PM

John_Rambo wrote: »

I was driving behind a LK reg 520d BMW driver that lost his head at cyclists cycling two abreast on the coast road to Howth in Dublin this morning. He was being a dick, the cyclists were doing 40kph + and wheeled in to Howth about eight seconds after the cars! Could have been one of you, deep blue top, fairly clipping along, big fella. Cyclists either didn't hear the car driver or completely ignored him. I reckon the heat and the €50 fine business has renewed self righteousness amongst some of the less experienced drivers.

Was in the area alright but wasn't me.
There was only 2 of us cycling single file.
Disgusted with driving standard in this country and people's impatience.

Wishbone Ash · 20-07-2013 09:37PM

The Noble Nudge wrote: »

I drive for a living and know what standard of arsehole that have licences...

Unfortunately there are plenty of 'arsehole' cyclists out there too. The situation has also been exacerbated by the good weather as a lot of non-regular "I've an oul bike out in the shed" types are out there slowing things down.

PerrDub · 20-07-2013 09:41PM

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

The situation has also been exacerbated by the good weather as a lot of non-regular "I've an oul bike out in the shed" types are out there slowing things down.

You have a point... I have noticed in my LBS that they are servicing plenty of really old bikes.... though resurrecting them from a rusty death would be a more accurate description!
And people coming in asking if "they rent bikes cos we want to go on a spin to Howth!"

The Noble Nudge · 20-07-2013 09:43PM

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Unfortunately there are plenty of 'arsehole' cyclists out there too. The situation has also been exacerbated by the good weather as a lot of non-regular "I've an oul bike out in the shed" types are out there slowing things down.

Agree with you but regardless of ettiquet of cyclist/arsehole cyclist. Hit by experienced driver/arsehole driver=death or irreparable damage?

John_Rambo · 20-07-2013 09:45PM

The Noble Nudge wrote: »

Was in the area alright but wasn't me.
There was only 2 of us cycling single file.
Disgusted with driving standard in this country and people's impatience.

Actually, you could have been overtaking two slow cyclists? It was just before the causeway at Dollymount.

Tombo2001 · 20-07-2013 09:46PM

Had a man in a van beep at me, then overtake me, then jam the brakes to a halt in front of me on a country road two evenings ago....

Jumps out of the van, shuts the door behind him and walks towards me.

"Ya cant be cycling in the middle of the road. Just because yer a cyclist doesnt mean there arent rules for you too" he shouted at me....

I could see a house nearby, a man and a woman rushing to the front door to see what was going on while he was shouting at me.....

I'd been cycling where I usually do; about 3-4ft from the side of the road.....which probably put me in the middle of the lane, as opposed to the middle of the road.

Because I wasnt right up against the verge....this guy was 'avn't it.....

I didnt say anything the whole time; was just glad afterwards he didnt assault me.....loon.

Tombo2001 · 20-07-2013 09:47PM

As an addendum; I would think the Irish Times has really whipped up a lot of anti cyclist feeling in recent weeks.

20-07-2013 09:47PM

I started cycling around March this year. I didn't last long, the crap I got from other road users put me right off.

Not just motorists mind you, other cyclists too. I don't know how many times I went down the Whitehall flyover into Santry and encountered someone cycling the wrong way in the cycle lane there.

Wishbone Ash · 20-07-2013 09:53PM

Karsini wrote: »

I don't know how many times I went down the Whitehall flyover into Santry and encountered someone cycling the wrong way in the cycle lane there.

For some reason, it seems to be endemic on that stretch.

mistermano · 20-07-2013 09:55PM

how much of a factor is the recession in all this cyclist v motorist war

and that(we) cyclists can get about cheaper than drivers?

kerry4sam · 20-07-2013 10:00PM

Karsini wrote: »

I started cycling around March this year. I didn't last long, the crap I got from other road users put me right off.

Not just motorists mind you, other cyclists too. I don't know how many times I went down the Whitehall flyover into Santry and encountered someone cycling the wrong way in the cycle lane there.

Ah get back on your bike please; seriously do not allow that deter you from one amazing sport / pastime

I only took up cycling around almost 1year ago only and have encountered every type known to man on my travels; but I am still peddling on (even after bring thrown off my bike and injured my back and legs and meeting some right d***heads in their vehicles) so

Please try and Get back out there cycling

big mce · 20-07-2013 10:03PM

I've been cycling 15 years. The abuse and people horn blowing today was the worst ever! It must be the weather...

McTigs · 20-07-2013 10:03PM

mistermano wrote: »

how much of a factor is the recession in all this cyclist v motorist war

and that(we) cyclists can get about cheaper than drivers?

i think what bothers them most is a sense that cyclists are "freeloading"..... not just "road tax" either, i genuinely believe it bothers them that we don't have to get insurance or fork out for petrol.

also, the breezing through traffic while thy have to sit and wait annoys the hell out of them, they look to get their own back and have their moment on the open road.

having said all that i cycle across galway and back everyday and rarely experience any road rage, but any i do i put down to the reasons above.

The Noble Nudge · 20-07-2013 10:04PM

John_Rambo wrote: »

Actually, you could have been overtaking two slow cyclists? It was just before the causeway at Dollymount.

Your worrying me now! Stalker drivers

Was in a predominantly yellow jersey today ;D as the leader of the tour of the D north side would be

micar · 20-07-2013 10:06PM

Karsini wrote: »

Not just motorists mind you, other cyclists too. I don't know how many times I went down the Whitehall flyover into Santry and encountered someone cycling the wrong way in the cycle lane there.

I get the same on the way to work between cabintely and cherrywood on the N11. I come across 2-3 people everyday.
It so bloody dangerous!!!!!!

Raam · 20-07-2013 10:07PM

I rarely get any grief, but when I do I just ignore them. I'm not wasting any time, energy or stress dealing with some twat.

John_Rambo · 20-07-2013 10:15PM

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

For some reason, it seems to be endemic on that stretch.

Haha!! It's funny though, we cruised behind these two all the way to Sutton cross. There was absalutely no point in overtaking, they were thumping along and I could see traffic or red lights ahead most if the time, but the LK BMW was overtaking, braking, overtaking, braking... Accelerating, braking. And as I said before, the cyclists were literally seconds behind them.

The Noble Nudge · 20-07-2013 10:17PM

John_Rambo wrote: »

Haha!! It's funny though, we cruised behind these two all the way to Sutton cross. There was absalutely no point in overtaking, they were thumping along and I could see traffic or red lights ahead most if the time, but the LK BMW was overtaking, braking, overtaking, braking... Accelerating, braking. And as I said before, the cyclists were literally seconds behind them.

You have me intrigued what time were you there today Jon Rambo.

John_Rambo · 20-07-2013 10:19PM

The Noble Nudge wrote: »

You have me intrigued what time were you there today Jon Rambo.

About 1pm dude.

lizzylad84 · 20-07-2013 10:23PM

Encountered a lovely chap in stamullen today, I was coming down back into the village and some c**t decided at the last minute that he wanted to turn left, without indicating, while also talking on his phone. He missed me by about 6 inches....turned his car and followed me down the road shouting abuse at me...

Ole Rodrigo · 20-07-2013 10:24PM

Most situations can be ignored, just keep your nerve.

What I've noticed lately while out on spins and stopping at garages for water refills, is a sort of surly attitude from motorists while in the shop. Something in their body language suggesting they don't approve at all !

You'd think with the good weather they wouldn't bother being such twits.

The Noble Nudge · 20-07-2013 10:28PM

John_Rambo wrote: »

About 1pm dude.

I was defo in a yellow ring of Kerry jersey.

Road rage against cyclists is it just me?

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