Cyclists

[SO16_Saint]

Now, this isn't the usual dig at cyclists. It's a rant at the council who don't keep the roads in a road worthy condition.

 

I've recently started to cycle to work following a job change.

 

It's unbelievable how bad a condition the roads are in Southampton, and in particular the little 3 foot gap where cyclists ride.

 

I am a car owner also and have never noticed how bad they really are due to suspension but my god, they're awful!!

 

Sort it out, Council!!

[Redbul]

Ar, the roads are pants. I have an off road bike with a pop-lock for the front suspension. What you're supposed to do is lock the suspension on the road so you don't get any unnecessary travel in the forks on the road; you don't want to be putting effort into dipping the forks which would be better employed pushing you forwards....

 

Anyway, I quite often have to unlock this and go into off-road mode so that it's more comfortable cycling on the roads around here. I wouldn't fancy taking my racer out with 120 psi in the tyres, end up getting vibration white body. Or bent wheels.

[anothersaintinsouthsea]

I commute by bike here in taxdodge city and have to say that the roads are pretty good, probably something to do with council subcontracting everything to Colas.

[harvey]

Cyclists are a pain in the arse as far as I'm concerned ...........when I rode a bike years ago, we kept as close to the kerb as possible to keep out of the way of vehicles trying to pass from behind.

Nowadays...the morons think they own the road and can cause as much disruption as possible because they're being 'eco friendly'........

Edited 7 August, 2010 by harvey

[mcjwills]

Cyclists are a pain in the arse as far as I'm concerned ...........when I rode a bike years ago, we kept as close to the kerb as possible to keep out of the way of vehicles trying to pass from behind.

Nowadays...the morons think they own the road and can as much disruption as possible because they're being 'eco friendly'........

 

What grates me is when there is a perfectly good cycle lane at the side of a busy road they ride slowly up the main road too far out causing traffic chaos because some car drivers cant pass without giving a 2 mile wide berth. The cycle lane is there for you to use GET OFF MY ROAD or don't complain when I pass within 12" of you.

[harvey]

What grates me is when there is a perfectly good cycle lane at the side of a busy road they ride slowly up the main road too far out causing traffic chaos because some car drivers cant pass without giving a 2 mile wide berth. The cycle lane is there for you to use GET OFF MY ROAD or don't complain when I pass within 12" of you.

 

Absolutely!!!!!!

[Channon's Windmill]

Absolutely!!!!!!

 

+ 1. Use the fecking cycle path!! Thats why its there, to keep them safe from the busy, narrow roads!!!!!

[Redbul]

What grates me is when there is a perfectly good cycle lane at the side of a busy road they ride slowly up the main road too far out causing traffic chaos because some car drivers cant pass without giving a 2 mile wide berth. The cycle lane is there for you to use GET OFF MY ROAD or don't complain when I pass within 12" of you.

 

Cycle lanes would be okay if pedestrians (and indeed other cyclists) knew how to use them. I ran into a pedestrian last year when she wandered into the cycle lane right in front of me resulting in me nearly going toe to toe with her irate husband until someone pointed out that she wouldn't step into a road without looking....

 

And as has already been pointed out the roads are nowhere near as good as they were 20 or so years ago and cycling about 18-24" from the kerb is a bit of a luxury now; most roads are in such a state of disrepair that you have to cycle 3 or 4 feet out into the road just to find a relatively unbroken stretch of tarmac. If of course there is no pedestrian free cycle lane handy....

[anothersaintinsouthsea]

Cyclists are a pain in the arse as far as I'm concerned ...........when I rode a bike years ago, we kept as close to the kerb as possible to keep out of the way of vehicles trying to pass from behind.

Nowadays...the morons think they own the road and can cause as much disruption as possible because they're being 'eco friendly'........

 

This is one of the worst thing you can do as a cyclist, it puts you in the gutter with the crap and litter and forces you to weave around parked cars and drains.

[anothersaintinsouthsea]

What grates me is when there is a perfectly good cycle lane at the side of a busy road they ride slowly up the main road too far out causing traffic chaos because some car drivers cant pass without giving a 2 mile wide berth. The cycle lane is there for you to use GET OFF MY ROAD or don't complain when I pass within 12" of you.

 

Your road?

[harvey]

This is one of the worst thing you can do as a cyclist, it puts you in the gutter with the crap and litter and forces you to weave around parked cars and drains.

 

With all due respect, I never encountered any problems when I rode a bike.

[Redbul]

With all due respect, I never encountered any problems when I rode a bike.

 

Which you said you did years ago.....with all due respect, give it a go now; you may change your tune!!!!

[Huffton]

You also need to cycle a couple of foot from the kerb to give you a bit of protection from impatient ******s who can't wait for a small gap to overtake you and instead force you into the kerb, or worse.

[Whitey Grandad]

Holes in the road are not surprising after the frosts we had last winter, although they should have bee repaired by now, and would have been if councillors ever cycled to work. The problem with cycle paths on the pavements is that when you get to a side road you no longer have priority, unlike in Holland where cyclists have priority over motorists changing direction.

[hamster]

I was once driving down the M27 when I saw some idiot in on a pushbike wearing a pompey shirt up ahead with no helmet on to boot. it was mayhem as cars had to change lanes, some even drove on the hard shoulder, I almost had drive up the embankment. Thankfully, some chap in MKI Cortina got him.

[Deppo]

Cyclists think they are being green when they are infact doing the opposite. Cars have to slow down then drop down a gear and put their foot down to over take releasing more fumes into the atmosphere.

 

Don't be daft.

[Redbul]

Cyclists think they are being green when they are infact doing the opposite. Cars have to slow down then drop down a gear and put their foot down to over take releasing more fumes into the atmosphere.

 

Um, how is the cyclist not being 'green'?

[anothersaintinsouthsea]

Like I just said.... By making motorists break then overtake therefor releasing more fumes into the atmosphere as the cars put their foot down.

 

So by your logic how should those cyclist get to where they want to go? go by car? cos that would be more green.....

[St Landrew]

Now, this isn't the usual dig at cyclists. It's a rant at the council who don't keep the roads in a road worthy condition.

 

I've recently started to cycle to work following a job change.

 

It's unbelievable how bad a condition the roads are in Southampton, and in particular the little 3 foot gap where cyclists ride.

 

I am a car owner also and have never noticed how bad they really are due to suspension but my god, they're awful!!

 

Sort it out, Council!!

 

Nice to see a car driver actually observe a situation from the other side. You say... sort it out Council... but would you say it if you weren't on a pushbike..? The roads were awful before you became a cyclist.

 

Well, well... as they say, to be understood, first you must understand. Looks like you managed it. Now carry that through in everything you do.

[toofarnorth]

Now, this isn't the usual dig at cyclists. It's a rant at the council who don't keep the roads in a road worthy condition.

 

I've recently started to cycle to work following a job change.

 

It's unbelievable how bad a condition the roads are in Southampton, and in particular the little 3 foot gap where cyclists ride.

 

I am a car owner also and have never noticed how bad they really are due to suspension but my god, they're awful!!

 

Sort it out, Council!!

 

To be honest your car must have good suspension as i've noticed the incredibley poor condition of the road whilst driving. I've had to get a new wheel in the last few months after a big bump into a pothole buckled the wheel so the tyre wouldn't retain air properly. I do also cycle to work and I am seriosuly considering getting an off-road bike as the roads are so bad.

 

Also on a side note please people dont lump all cyclists in to the same group. There are some bad one's but most are very courteous and follow the rules of the road correctly.

[Deppo]

Like I just said.... By making motorists break then overtake therefor releasing more fumes into the atmosphere as the cars put their foot down.

 

Don't be silly.

[Deppo]

Yup as then vehicles would stay at a steady speed more.

 

Come on. You aren't really this thick.

[Master Bates]

I love seeing cyclists go through red lights, because they think they have a right too, then almost getting run over, one day it'll happen, and i'll smile

[Saint in Paradise]

I love seeing cyclists go through red lights, because they think they have a right too, then almost getting run over, one day it'll happen, and i'll smile

 

If you hit a cyclist and do him/her great damage you will not smile, you

will feel very upset even though it might be 100% their fault.

[Master Bates]

If you hit a cyclist and do him/her great damage you will not smile, you

will feel very upset even though it might be 100% their fault.

 

I've hit 3 cyclists in my time, all with my arm because they've all nearly run me over from behind whilst I was on the pavement. One guy even had the cheek to have a go at me.

 

Luckily I don't drive, so wouldn't hit them with a car.

 

Think this is the last post I can make for today, so bye bye.

[Redbul]

Like I just said.... By making motorists break then overtake therefor releasing more fumes into the atmosphere as the cars put their foot down.

 

But that's the decision of the driver, not the cyclist. If you've seen a cyclist/slower moving vehicle ahead then you plan your manoeuvre way back so you don't have to jam on the brakes, knock it down a cog or 2 and then put your foot down.

Edited 10 August, 2010 by Redbul
Fat fingeredness

[Special K]

What grates me is when there is a perfectly good cycle lane at the side of a busy road they ride slowly up the main road too far out causing traffic chaos because some car drivers cant pass without giving a 2 mile wide berth. The cycle lane is there for you to use GET OFF MY ROAD or don't complain when I pass within 12" of you.

 

I'm a cyclist and a driver and i agree 100% here - especially true on The Avenue during the rush hour. Quite a few cyclists do use the pavement up there (which is a cycle lane) but there are stubborn ones who don't, or who are oblivious to the signs.

[St Landrew]

Like I just said.... By making motorists break then overtake therefor releasing more fumes into the atmosphere as the cars put their foot down.

 

The average set of sleeping policeman do far worse.

 

BTW, cyclists don't make motorists brake, motorists choose to do it because of their driving habits. Plan your maneuver. I could say the same about motorists. I can't trundle along, on my motorbike, at 30mph, in a 30mph district, because of all these mobile chicanes with wheels attached at each corner..! They will insist in forming themselves into a traffic jam. Inevitably, inside these huge metal boxes is a single occupant. Get onto a bloody pushbike and take up less room..!

[Redbul]

Just out of interest, with all this talk of cycle lanes, what is the etiquette of cycling along these? I'm sure a lot of cyclists get on the road where they have a choice so they can get on the rivet and rip along as fast as they can if they're going to or from work. In cycle lanes I presume that you have to trundle along at a little over jogging pace because of other users and pedestrians? Might as well get your running shoes on a run to work....

 

Just asking....

[Sheaf Saint]

I've hit 3 cyclists in my time, all with my arm because they've all nearly run me over from behind whilst I was on the pavement. One guy even had the cheek to have a go at me.

 

So you're upset that someone had the cheek to have a go at you for hitting him with your arm because he nearly (but didn't) hit you.

 

Hmmmm. To be honest MB, if I was riding past and managed to NOT hit you and you decided to hit me with your arm in response to me not hitting you, I think I would probably have a go at you as well.

[Whitey Grandad]

Just out of interest, with all this talk of cycle lanes, what is the etiquette of cycling along these? I'm sure a lot of cyclists get on the road where they have a choice so they can get on the rivet and rip along as fast as they can if they're going to or from work. In cycle lanes I presume that you have to trundle along at a little over jogging pace because of other users and pedestrians? Might as well get your running shoes on a run to work....

 

Just asking....

Try it in Germany where if you wander onto the bit of pavement that's painted a different colour you'll learn a whole new set of swear words. They take their demarcation very seriously over there.

[Redbul]

Try it in Germany where if you wander onto the bit of pavement that's painted a different colour you'll learn a whole new set of swear words. They take their demarcation very seriously over there.

 

Taking demarcation over here a bit more seriously would help!!!! Probably wouldn't have ploughed into the pedestrain mentioned in one of my posts above if rules of demarcation had been properly observed!!!!

 

But anyway, how fast can you resonably be expected to go on a cycle path? I tend to get my head down to try and get from Point A to Point B as quickly as possble if I'm commuting.

[Master Bates]

So you're upset that someone had the cheek to have a go at you for hitting him with your arm because he nearly (but didn't) hit you.

 

Hmmmm. To be honest MB, if I was riding past and managed to NOT hit you and you decided to hit me with your arm in response to me not hitting you, I think I would probably have a go at you as well.

 

It didn't hurt him, more of a tap.

[mcjwills]

What grates me is when there is a perfectly good cycle lane at the side of a busy road they ride slowly up the main road too far out causing traffic chaos because some car drivers cant pass without giving a 2 mile wide berth. The cycle lane is there for you to use GET OFF MY ROAD or don't complain when I pass within 12" of you.

 

Your road?

 

£190 odd road fund licence !!!

[tombletomble]

£190 odd road fund licence !!!

 

I think you will find that you pay Vehicle excise duty, a tax on owning a motor vehicle. Local road upkeep is paid for by councils out of the council tax that we all pay.

 

I would more than happily pay the VED amount for my bike under the current system. CO2 emission s= 0, VED = £0.

[toofarnorth]

Whilst we're on the subject of cycling after sitting in traffic for 30 minutes last night i've decided i'm going to cycle to the Orient game. Anyone else cycle to the ground and what routes do you use to avoid the main roads. I'll be coming from Winchester Rd (the dodgy end).

[anothersaintinsouthsea]

I think you will find that you pay Vehicle excise duty, a tax on owning a motor vehicle. Local road upkeep is paid for by councils out of the council tax that we all pay.

 

I would more than happily pay the VED amount for my bike under the current system. CO2 emission s= 0, VED = £0.

 

HAHA mcjwills, you fail.

 

Not to mention the fact that whilst I'm a cyclist I also own a car so I've also paid my "road tax" just like car drivers.

[mcjwills]

HAHA mcjwills, you fail.

 

Not to mention the fact that whilst I'm a cyclist I also own a car so I've also paid my "road tax" just like car drivers.

 

But your not using your car that you have paid your road tax for, I've no objections to cyclist, just if there is a cycle lane use it, my taxes I have paid (regardless if it was Road Tax, Council Tax or Income tax) went into providing it for you, it is there for your safety not mine, on another fact why do cyclists insist on undertaking you on your left hand side when traffic is moving slowly, and complain when you turn left and nearly hit them, if you want to pass me overtake m.e on my right as it is instinct to look over my right shoulder to make sure there is nothing coming

[Whitey Grandad]

Your road?

 

Get yourself a BMW and then you can own the whole road.

[anothersaintinsouthsea]

But your not using your car that you have paid your road tax for, I've no objections to cyclist, just if there is a cycle lane use it, my taxes I have paid (regardless if it was Road Tax, Council Tax or Income tax) went into providing it for you, it is there for your safety not mine, on another fact why do cyclists insist on undertaking you on your left hand side when traffic is moving slowly, and complain when you turn left and nearly hit them, if you want to pass me overtake m.e on my right as it is instinct to look over my right shoulder to make sure there is nothing coming

 

I sometimes use the cycle lane, I sometimes don't. Sometimes they are poorly designed and are actually less safe to use than the open road. They are completely optional.

 

With regard to undertaking on the left had side, I only do so when I'm sure that no car is about to turn left. If I'm near a junction with cars turning left I filter back into the traffic safely so that no cars would turn across me. I don't see what the problem is for drivers, whenever I turn left in a car I quickly check my inside mirror and blindspot. Its not difficult.

 

Some cyclists have no road sense, just like some car drivers. all you need to do is show respect for other road users and pay attention to what's going on around you.

[Redbul]

But your not using your car that you have paid your road tax for, I've no objections to cyclist, just if there is a cycle lane use it, my taxes I have paid (regardless if it was Road Tax, Council Tax or Income tax) went into providing it for you, it is there for your safety not mine, on another fact why do cyclists insist on undertaking you on your left hand side when traffic is moving slowly, and complain when you turn left and nearly hit them, if you want to pass me overtake m.e on my right as it is instinct to look over my right shoulder to make sure there is nothing coming

 

In fairness, you really should check your left side for just this eventuality. This isn't a 'stand up for cyclists have a go at a car driver' post but is something we were told we should do when I took both my car and bike tests about 25 years ago. I think you'll find that if you took a cyclist out (or other road user) by turning left in front of them you could get prosecuted for driving without due care and attention.

[Wade Garrett]

Sometimes I cycle to work, sometimes I don't. But what really grips my sh*t are the numpties on bikes who don't even use the cycle lane on West Quay Road at 6.30 in the morning, and they ride through all the red lights.

 

C*nts.

[Minty]

The day everyone observes the Highway Code to the letter of the law, is the day they can lecture others on how to use the road.

 

If everyone treated others as they themselves would expect to be treated on the road, then we wouldn't have 95% of the problems we have. The selfishness and impatience of motorists AND cyclists, not to mention pedestrians who also cause problems, knows no bounds.

[Redbul]

The day everyone observes the Highway Code to the letter of the law, is the day they can lecture others on how to use the road.

 

If everyone treated others as they themselves would expect to be treated on the road, then we wouldn't have 95% of the problems we have. The selfishness and impatience of motorists AND cyclists, not to mention pedestrians who also cause problems, knows no bounds.

 

Cheers Minty; the voice of reason. That's finished this thread off then!!!!

[St Steve]

Dont you hate club cyclists that find they can not ride in a single file they have to ride side by side with thier mates. These are the ****s that think they own the road and do as much as possible to **** off motorists.

[Redbul]

Dont you hate club cyclists that find they can not ride in a single file they have to ride side by side with thier mates. These are the ****s that think they own the road and do as much as possible to **** off motorists.

 

If you mean the serious types that are out doing time trials then they form little peletons. They do try to do these on quiet roads, usually out in the New Forest, but I think I know the types you mean; the ≤ 15mph lot probably. There you go, creating divisions in the cycling camp now I am....

[St Steve]

If you mean the serious types that are out doing time trials then they form little peletons. They do try to do these on quiet roads, usually out in the New Forest, but I think I know the types you mean; the ≤ 15mph lot probably. There you go, creating divisions in the cycling camp now I am....

 

Thats fine in the forest used to ride around it alot myself, its places like portsmouth road i hate.

[mcjwills]

Thats fine in the forest used to ride around it alot myself, its places like portsmouth road i hate.

 

I think it a byelaw in the Forest that you have to drink at least 6 pints in a local hostillery before your allowed to leave the forest, though did have a mate that after doing it was head down and went straight into a New Forest Pony and wrecked the front wheel on his bike.

[Big John]

Was the pony alright. I do believe that by law you MUST report a collision with a pony. Was there a crime scene investigation officer? CSI Bashley, has a nice ring to it...