i live in scotland, a country with stunningly bad figures on health, especially the health of our hearts. we also live in a world where we are expected to do our bit for the environment. so i, in a major double-whammy, cycle everywhere. i am an good cyclist, and i am a safe cyclist. i make sure it is safe to turn corners, i always signal and so on.
however, my last two cycling adventures have really stared to get me thinking. on monday, i was getting into my lane as i approached a roundabout on my way home from work. i was in the outside lane and going straight on (as the arrows told me to do) when a car spectacularly whizzed up the inside lane, turned left and nearly knocked me off my bike!
today i was turning right in a 30 zone. i signaled and started to pull out when a car overtook me. i though, fine, i'm not actually at the junction yet. i continued to pull out and was pretty much in the middle of the road and about to turn right when another car overtook me (and once again, nearly knocked me off my bike). i wobbled, then turned right then heard the 3rd car in the procession ask me "what da ya think your doing, ya nut-job".
i've been shouted at numerous times to "cycling on the pavement ya..." etc., had cars whizz past me far, far to close and so on. and what with the state of the road i cycle on, it really gets me wondering, what does the government want me to do? between where i work and where i live i could either take the bus via glasgow which takes about an hour, or spend half an hour cycling. and yet when i cycle i have to cycle about 2 feet in from the side of the road they're so bad! and this really peeves drivers off!
gah!
should i but orange flashing gloves for pseudo indicators?
Originally posted by geniusDon't worry about it. It's not you, it's everybody else. Some people just aren't happy if they don't get to where they're going at least 10 minutes before they set off. They own the road and if they have to wait to get past someone, they feel exceptionally hard done by. ALmost as if they have been had over.
i live in scotland, a country with stunningly bad figures on health, especially the health of our hearts. we also live in a world where we are expected to do our bit for the environment. so i, in a major double-whammy, cycle everywhere. i am an good cyclist, and i am a safe cyclist. i make sure it is safe to turn corners, i always signal and so on.
however ...[text shortened]... peeves drivers off!
gah!
should i but orange flashing gloves for pseudo indicators?
All I can suggest is don the brightest clothes you can, and constantly watch your sweet butt. You only have one!!!
Originally posted by geniusI've cycled in London all my life, and on the roads for the last 8 or 9 years. I find that if you are confident when you're cycling and know exactly what you are going to do before you do it, and look carefully for potential dangers, nothing will happen. I've never been in a proper accident (I once had someone clip my pedal and send me flying, but that was a third parties fault) and I have never owned or worn a helmet. Just be vigilant and confident and you should be alright.
i live in scotland, a country with stunningly bad figures on health, especially the health of our hearts. we also live in a world where we are expected to do our bit for the environment. so i, in a major double-whammy, cycle everywhere. i am an good cyclist, and i am a safe cyclist. i make sure it is safe to turn corners, i always signal and so on.
however ...[text shortened]... peeves drivers off!
gah!
should i but orange flashing gloves for pseudo indicators?
Originally posted by Freddie2006I only cycled to work in london for about 2 years but was knocked over 3 times, once while I was stationary at a junction and the car slowly pushed me over, I looked behind just before I lost my balance to see the driver was inching forward but looking at his passenger who was desparately shouting at him to stop. I wasn't hurt so I wasn't particularly bothered, as it was a great way of keeping fit and took less time than public transport to get home.
I've cycled in London all my life, and on the roads for the last 8 or 9 years. I find that if you are confident when you're cycling and know exactly what you are going to do before you do it, and look carefully for potential dangers, nothing will happen. I've never been in a proper accident (I once had someone clip my pedal and send me flying, but that w ...[text shortened]... have never owned or worn a helmet. Just be vigilant and confident and you should be alright.
Originally posted by geniusBuy a pair of running spikes and when the buggers get too close kick out with the base of your shoes.
i live in scotland, a country with stunningly bad figures on health, especially the health of our hearts. we also live in a world where we are expected to do our bit for the environment. so i, in a major double-whammy, cycle everywhere. i am an good cyclist, and i am a safe cyclist. i make sure it is safe to turn corners, i always signal and so on.
however peeves drivers off!
gah!
should i but orange flashing gloves for pseudo indicators?
You can almost hears the scratching of their paintwork.
Originally posted by adramforallmy problem isn't people close behind me, it is people being to close whilst overtaking. spike-tips for my handlebars could work. hmm...or sand-paper elbow pads...
Buy a pair of running spikes and when the buggers get too close kick out with the base of your shoes.
You can almost hears the scratching of their paintwork.
Originally posted by Freddie2006You may be able to avoid accidents that are your fault, but how are you going about avoiding accidents that are not your fault?
No, I just feel that I'm a good enough cyclist to avoid an accident, whether it be my fault or someone elses. Plus, they looking freaking stupid. 😛
I don't care what the helmets look like, but I do find them quite uncomfortable. But I prefer the discomfort to maybe ending up with severe brain damage.