M
Matt
Guest
Maybe that's why he's screaming Seb 
Currently reading:
why do cyclists act like own the road with such small transport?
A
Anonymous
Guest
oh yes, its so simple now
L
Loose Cannon
Guest
lol seb - nice one, mate
In regards to the first post - i really don't understand it myself. I used to bike it around places, and was always wary of the large transport going past (even the novas) because of the obvious fact that i could much more easily get hurt.
But yeah, same thing as guys and gals with cars, vans etc doing silly things - they should be sensible, but are not...all it takes is a little feeling of superiority on the road (or just some cheap thrills!) to go down, no matter how big/small your vehicle.
In regards to the first post - i really don't understand it myself. I used to bike it around places, and was always wary of the large transport going past (even the novas
) because of the obvious fact that i could much more easily get hurt. But yeah, same thing as guys and gals with cars, vans etc doing silly things - they should be sensible, but are not...all it takes is a little feeling of superiority on the road (or just some cheap thrills!) to go down, no matter how big/small your vehicle.
M
Matt
Guest
For a while I was seriously considering cycling to work in the morning instead of busing it but the thought of cycling 7 miles through Glasgow at rush hour put the fear of god in me. Not only have you to worry about vehicles but I'll probably get mugged on a daily basis
W
Waderider
Guest
Cycling in Glasgow
I didn't declare it (my cycling) in my previous post, but I've cycled to work in Glasgow for the last seven years Matt....and thoroughly enjoyed the exercise with zero muggings or accidents...touch wood. It is the way forward.....saved a fortune, and I'm fit enough to be a fairly proficient mountain biker in my free time.
Actually, my Bravo exists only to move outdoors kit (including bikes) about Scotland......
I didn't declare it (my cycling) in my previous post, but I've cycled to work in Glasgow for the last seven years Matt....and thoroughly enjoyed the exercise with zero muggings or accidents...touch wood. It is the way forward.....saved a fortune, and I'm fit enough to be a fairly proficient mountain biker in my free time.
Actually, my Bravo exists only to move outdoors kit (including bikes) about Scotland......
S
steve
Guest
@Matt
When i said overtake into oncoming traffic I meant the situation where there is a parked car on your side of the road and the traffic on the other side will not let you (in a car) out to pass it. However there is space for a bike to pass both you and the obstruction, so we pass between you and the oncoming traffic (not into the path of the oncoming traffic as it may have sounded)
ps. my bike is only a 650 single with a top speed of 95mph ie not exactly fast, but still faster than most cars to 40-50mph.
On my 16 mile cross city commute the bike can get me there 15 mins quicker than the car (1hr+ in the car)purely due to not having to wait in most of the queues. I stick to speed limits and obey 'most' filtering traffic rules and am generally a more curteous rider than I am a driver.
I cannot say bikes are better than cars or vice versa as I ride/drive both and see bad and good behavior from both. I will say however that it takes less skill/situational awareness to drive a car than it does to ride a bike.
Cyclists however seem to pick and chose if they are motorists or pedestrians depending on what laws,jams,obstacles they want to circumvent, they also are not required to have any form of insurance, tax, MOT or road training. Seems a little unfair to me.
When i said overtake into oncoming traffic I meant the situation where there is a parked car on your side of the road and the traffic on the other side will not let you (in a car) out to pass it. However there is space for a bike to pass both you and the obstruction, so we pass between you and the oncoming traffic (not into the path of the oncoming traffic as it may have sounded)
ps. my bike is only a 650 single with a top speed of 95mph ie not exactly fast, but still faster than most cars to 40-50mph.
On my 16 mile cross city commute the bike can get me there 15 mins quicker than the car (1hr+ in the car)purely due to not having to wait in most of the queues. I stick to speed limits and obey 'most' filtering traffic rules and am generally a more curteous rider than I am a driver.
I cannot say bikes are better than cars or vice versa as I ride/drive both and see bad and good behavior from both. I will say however that it takes less skill/situational awareness to drive a car than it does to ride a bike.
Cyclists however seem to pick and chose if they are motorists or pedestrians depending on what laws,jams,obstacles they want to circumvent, they also are not required to have any form of insurance, tax, MOT or road training. Seems a little unfair to me.
M
Matt
Guest
@waderider
Where about in Glasgow are you? I'm up in Milngavie and so would have to go through Maryhill which is chaos at rush hour, I don't even like driving through there in a car after dark, too many wee f*nnies cutting about. Good to hear you've not had any mishaps but it still worries me...big wuss
Where about in Glasgow are you? I'm up in Milngavie and so would have to go through Maryhill which is chaos at rush hour, I don't even like driving through there in a car after dark, too many wee f*nnies cutting about. Good to hear you've not had any mishaps but it still worries me...big wuss
M
Matt
Guest
@steve
That still sounds quite irresponsible and dangerous, someone may have a change of heart and decide to let the person through, and knowing people they'd be out like a shot. Last thing I wanna think about is going to overtake a car only to find a bike overtaking me. This has actually happened to me (but with an impatient car instead of a bike I must add) I didn't hit the guy, still very frustrating though.
That still sounds quite irresponsible and dangerous, someone may have a change of heart and decide to let the person through, and knowing people they'd be out like a shot. Last thing I wanna think about is going to overtake a car only to find a bike overtaking me. This has actually happened to me (but with an impatient car instead of a bike I must add) I didn't hit the guy, still very frustrating though.
W
Waderider
Guest
Glasgow
@Matt
Used to live in Partick and cycle to Tennents Brewery, so really had to face up to the worst of the city centre. Now in Cambuslang, but commute to East Kilbride, which is mainly on country roads (believe it or not...)
@Matt
Used to live in Partick and cycle to Tennents Brewery, so really had to face up to the worst of the city centre. Now in Cambuslang, but commute to East Kilbride, which is mainly on country roads (believe it or not...)
M
Matt
Guest
I know that area reasonable well, have some friends in Carmyle/shettleston area - used to go through there quite alot, can't actually remember why, maybe to go to Paisley or see some scabby ladies :s
But yeah, I imagine Partick to the brewery would be a bit of a battle, the city centre centre's mental during the day.
But yeah, I imagine Partick to the brewery would be a bit of a battle, the city centre centre's mental during the day.
S
steve
Guest
@Matt
I NEVER filter at more than 5 - 10mph so I always have plenty of time to take avoiding action.
Motorcyclists/scooterists who filter aggressively deserve to be mown down if you ask me.
I am never aggressive when I am overtaking someone as I am the one that is in the wrong if it all goes tits up.
If the conditions are not conducive to overtaking then I will happily sit in the queue and wait my turn.
I never tailgate people, I never flash people out of the way. I never flick the 'V's the most i ever give is a shake of the head. So i think a little overtake now and again is allowed to even the odds.
I've not been the subject of any road rage ever (that i can remember) so I must be doing something right
I NEVER filter at more than 5 - 10mph so I always have plenty of time to take avoiding action.
Motorcyclists/scooterists who filter aggressively deserve to be mown down if you ask me.
I am never aggressive when I am overtaking someone as I am the one that is in the wrong if it all goes tits up.
If the conditions are not conducive to overtaking then I will happily sit in the queue and wait my turn.
I never tailgate people, I never flash people out of the way. I never flick the 'V's the most i ever give is a shake of the head. So i think a little overtake now and again is allowed
to even the odds.I've not been the subject of any road rage ever (that i can remember) so I must be doing something right
K
KeithR
Guest
I think cyclists should have to use the pavement, they dont pay road tax
same for horses, not bothered if they cak on the path or "what about pedestrians" they dont pay they shouldnt be allowed to use!
KeithR
same for horses, not bothered if they cak on the path or "what about pedestrians" they dont pay they shouldnt be allowed to use!
KeithR
W
Waderider
Guest
I pay road tax, then sometimes leave the car at home and cycle, hence foregoing my right to use up all that road space, and leaving more space for you.
You should be grateful!
You should be grateful!
M
Matt
Guest
An what about when you're walking down the pavement and a cyclist hits you - I thought road tax covered pavements aswell as roads since they are vitrually the same thing.
Besides, do roads not get paid for by council taxes while road tax and fine revenue go towards the MP's holiday fund??? Sorry, I mean business and relations tours.
Besides, do roads not get paid for by council taxes while road tax and fine revenue go towards the MP's holiday fund??? Sorry, I mean business and relations tours.
A
Anonymous
Guest
Unfortunately we all use the same road space whether in cars, trucks bikes or bicycles. The law applies to us all. We all have a duty to take reasonable care of other fellow road users in what ever their preferred transport and pedestrians alike. A little tolerance and patience goes along way. A few seconds here a minute there out of your time compared to killing some one or putting them in a wheel chair for life?
Kids kick footballs around and ride bikes often without thought for the conssequences and we need to take additional care. Once they've been through school what do they want to do? Save up for a car and ditch the push bike. It's insane.
Looking around at all the pasty faced slobs and congested roads anyone would wonder why the government are not building more useful dedignated separate cycle lanes and paths instead of an ever increasing number of road improvement schemes. They manage to separate cyclists and motorised traffic in Holland and Germany. In France and Italy they love cycling. It's just Britain has a big problem
I always carry a camera and CS spray on my bicycle. Generally producing a camera and getting out the mobile are suffcient protection to aggressive and dangerous car drivers. I haven't had to use the CS yet but have had some close run ins with people who want to remove me from the gene pool. Best time to cycle is during the World Cup preferrably the final or FA Cup Final. The worst time to cycle is about 20 minutes after a game when all the **** head football supporters get in their cars to go and get more beer.
Simply claiming that because cyclists pay no road tax they have no right to use the road is rubbish. You can't pick and choose what you will pay your taxes on. You assume road tax is spent only on roads. I don't think so. Why should cyclists subsidise car drivers through general taxation and their local taxes that go on maintaining local roads. Car drivers have cheap road tax in this country. £110 for 12 months unlimited use of the roads is peanuts.
I heard a few years back that a van driver who knocked down a cyclist in London in Forest Hill had the shock of their life when the injured party lying on the road with broken arm and fractured leg got up off the tarmac and hoisted their mangled bicyle into the air through the windscreen of offending van. Would love to have seen it.
Cyclists have the highest mortality rate of any group of road user. Despite this there are very small minority of dedicated cyclists who put up with frequent near death experiences every single day. It really is survival one day at a time. Everyone always seems to know some one who has been injured or killed cycling which doesn't say very much for the standard of the average motorist. One tactic I use when being abused, chased or threatened and dependent on the driver of course and nature of what they have done "You get on my bike and I'l drive like you just did! Come on then, frightened are you? Don't think you'll survive? You have a son/brother/daughter/best friend who cycles? How would you feel if they were knocked down and killed by an arsehole like you?"
I myself was knocked own in feb 1999 by a speeding car. I was on one of my training bikes. It was a miracle I wasn't killed. I can remember screaming "Don't break my legs!" as he smashed into me sending me flying through the air onto the tarmac of a busy roundabout (and it was a he, who admitted in court that he was in a hurry!). Luckily there were several good witnesses. As the RAC chap said "How he hit you I don't know. You were lit up like a ****ing Christmas tree!" Fortunately the police caught him and he had the book thrown at him. He was prosecuted and convicted. My left side and hip was pretty messed up from the impact and still have the scars and on going pain, mental as well. I didn't cycle for 2 years after.
But it is bloody useful parking the car (Bravo - must get a Fiat mention in here) up and then getting the Brompton out of the boot, it only takes half the boot space and cycling off leaving everyone else stuck in a jam. I have several cars, but 7 bikes one of which is a Brompton which folds and is the simply best and most useful thing I have ever bought. It is sheer genius. The chap who designed and patented it has made a fortune. It has saved me a fortune in time and money.
Proportionately there are probably alot more offending vehicle drivers than there are cyclists. It is just that cyclists seem to attract such a poor public image. I think alot of it is just ignorance on the part of car drivers. For every cyclist without lights there are probably 10 cars with one headlight out, defective brakes, no MOT or insurance and the driver is on the phone. How many people did you see injured or killed in collision with a cyclist other than the cyclist? 3,500 people are killed on the roads in RTAs every year in the UK - 10 a day. How many of those will be cyclists? And will they be the cause or victims?
I think if the majority of car drivers had in inch of understanding of the impact of their actions then the death and injury on the roads could be slashed. Most car journeys are for a distance of less than 5 miles maybe even less. And whilst you are on a bicycle you can have the satisfaction of claiming the moral high ground for making an environmentally friendly transport choice. I cycle for other reasons such as freedom and keeping supremely fit. Cycling 60-70 miles a day is not a problem. It's so nice being on a bike early in the morning clear, dry and quiet. The colours at this time of year can be stunning. It's nice to have discussion other than cars sometimes. Keep the pedals turnin' in Glasgow. Si.
Kids kick footballs around and ride bikes often without thought for the conssequences and we need to take additional care. Once they've been through school what do they want to do? Save up for a car and ditch the push bike. It's insane.
Looking around at all the pasty faced slobs and congested roads anyone would wonder why the government are not building more useful dedignated separate cycle lanes and paths instead of an ever increasing number of road improvement schemes. They manage to separate cyclists and motorised traffic in Holland and Germany. In France and Italy they love cycling. It's just Britain has a big problem
I always carry a camera and CS spray on my bicycle. Generally producing a camera and getting out the mobile are suffcient protection to aggressive and dangerous car drivers. I haven't had to use the CS yet but have had some close run ins with people who want to remove me from the gene pool. Best time to cycle is during the World Cup preferrably the final or FA Cup Final. The worst time to cycle is about 20 minutes after a game when all the **** head football supporters get in their cars to go and get more beer.
Simply claiming that because cyclists pay no road tax they have no right to use the road is rubbish. You can't pick and choose what you will pay your taxes on. You assume road tax is spent only on roads. I don't think so. Why should cyclists subsidise car drivers through general taxation and their local taxes that go on maintaining local roads. Car drivers have cheap road tax in this country. £110 for 12 months unlimited use of the roads is peanuts.
I heard a few years back that a van driver who knocked down a cyclist in London in Forest Hill had the shock of their life when the injured party lying on the road with broken arm and fractured leg got up off the tarmac and hoisted their mangled bicyle into the air through the windscreen of offending van. Would love to have seen it.
Cyclists have the highest mortality rate of any group of road user. Despite this there are very small minority of dedicated cyclists who put up with frequent near death experiences every single day. It really is survival one day at a time. Everyone always seems to know some one who has been injured or killed cycling which doesn't say very much for the standard of the average motorist. One tactic I use when being abused, chased or threatened and dependent on the driver of course and nature of what they have done "You get on my bike and I'l drive like you just did! Come on then, frightened are you? Don't think you'll survive? You have a son/brother/daughter/best friend who cycles? How would you feel if they were knocked down and killed by an arsehole like you?"
I myself was knocked own in feb 1999 by a speeding car. I was on one of my training bikes. It was a miracle I wasn't killed. I can remember screaming "Don't break my legs!" as he smashed into me sending me flying through the air onto the tarmac of a busy roundabout (and it was a he, who admitted in court that he was in a hurry!). Luckily there were several good witnesses. As the RAC chap said "How he hit you I don't know. You were lit up like a ****ing Christmas tree!" Fortunately the police caught him and he had the book thrown at him. He was prosecuted and convicted. My left side and hip was pretty messed up from the impact and still have the scars and on going pain, mental as well. I didn't cycle for 2 years after.
But it is bloody useful parking the car (Bravo - must get a Fiat mention in here) up and then getting the Brompton out of the boot, it only takes half the boot space and cycling off leaving everyone else stuck in a jam. I have several cars, but 7 bikes one of which is a Brompton which folds and is the simply best and most useful thing I have ever bought. It is sheer genius. The chap who designed and patented it has made a fortune. It has saved me a fortune in time and money.
Proportionately there are probably alot more offending vehicle drivers than there are cyclists. It is just that cyclists seem to attract such a poor public image. I think alot of it is just ignorance on the part of car drivers. For every cyclist without lights there are probably 10 cars with one headlight out, defective brakes, no MOT or insurance and the driver is on the phone. How many people did you see injured or killed in collision with a cyclist other than the cyclist? 3,500 people are killed on the roads in RTAs every year in the UK - 10 a day. How many of those will be cyclists? And will they be the cause or victims?
I think if the majority of car drivers had in inch of understanding of the impact of their actions then the death and injury on the roads could be slashed. Most car journeys are for a distance of less than 5 miles maybe even less. And whilst you are on a bicycle you can have the satisfaction of claiming the moral high ground for making an environmentally friendly transport choice. I cycle for other reasons such as freedom and keeping supremely fit. Cycling 60-70 miles a day is not a problem. It's so nice being on a bike early in the morning clear, dry and quiet. The colours at this time of year can be stunning. It's nice to have discussion other than cars sometimes. Keep the pedals turnin' in Glasgow. Si.
