Omega Owners Forum
Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: mudflap on 15 July 2010, 17:39:10
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As a careful law abiding cyclist myself, i was somewhat shocked to read the following communication from my local neighbourhood watch co-ordinator regarding local issues for concern from local people USING OFF-ROAD PATHS (excerpt shown)...
"We and some of our dogs have been hit with the bikes. Last week a cyclist hit me at speed wacking my elbow. My arm was numb for nearly an hour. She also hit one of the dogs knocking her over. £40 vet bill to have her checked out. Both dogs were on leads walking to heel. This happened at 7.30 am on the pavement outside the ****** ***. The young lady did not stop but I`m sure our paths will cross. Mine is not an isolated incident as was shown by other members recounts. If you ask or tell the riders to slow down you get foul mouth abuse from both sexes. Can the team and or the Council do anything. "
I have seen then weave through pedestrians at crossings and red lights, and swing out in front of my car as if they owned the road - Is this new aggressive generation of cyclists common to my area? Should they be insured and licenced? Should truck drivers take all the blame for accidents? :-[
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I give them a lot of lee-way but agree with you on insurance.
Anything that uses the road should abide by the same rules as us, I passed my cycling proficieny test as a kid and was not allowed on the road untill I had.
Dont get me wrong, I have no problems with cyclists using the road, most of them are excellent and thoughtfull riders, I dont mind giving them space, I dont even have issues when they come up the nearside to traffic lights.
But it's like when a driver is bad they oh boy are they bad, sadly it's even worse with cyclists and especialy the ones who think they are outside the law.
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As a frequent and law abiding cyclist as well I often come across people like this. I hate them more than the people that killed my brother (knocked down while he was cycling) because in my opinion they perpetuate disrespect for cyclists which makes the roads dangerous for those of us who beleive in defensive legal cycling and relative harmony with motor cars on the roads.
Luckily though in my local area I hold more rank than most cyclists around here and local orders have decreed that bad and illegal cycling will not be tolerated. The most common problem I find here is cycling on the pavements or without lights in the dark. I bollocked one guy once to find out he was one rank above me ::)
Ah well! He should have known better :D
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As a frequent and law abiding cyclist as well I often come across people like this. I hate them more than the people that killed my brother (knocked down while he was cycling) because in my opinion they perpetuate disrespect for cyclists which makes the roads dangerous for those of us who beleive in defensive legal cycling and relative harmony with motor cars on the roads.
Luckily though in my local area I hold more rank than most cyclists around here and local orders have decreed that bad and illegal cycling will not be tolerated. The most common problem I find here is cycling on the pavements or without lights in the dark. I bollocked one guy once to find out he was one rank above me ::)
Ah well! He should have known better :D
Does that matter if he's being a prat when off duty?
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Don`t know why you were shocked. Came across this the other day.
"The Battle Hymn of the Cyclist" (to the "greensleeves" tune)
I am a cyclist bold and free
No rule of the road applies to me
Pedestrian and motorist be aware
As on my merry way I tear
Chorus
Cycling is my great delight
I`m a menace by day and I`m worse at night
Road or pavement they are all the same
To me, the whole world is a cycle lane
Red or green, the lights don`t matter
for cars and walkers I love to scatter
One-way streets are fun to use
There isn`t a law I won`t abuse
Chorus
No lights, no brakes, no indication
What fun to live in a socialist nation
Where rules can be broken every day
And the police are obliged to look away
Chorus
No petrol or diesel to create a smell
We can all tell OPEC to go to hell
We may lose money from North Sea gas
But you can stick that problem right up your a**
Chorus
I hope the day will never come
When doing what I have always done
That`s break the law, because I am free
And a bloody great lorry drives over me.
Not saying it applies to all cyclists, but you get the general idea
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IIRC, there was a thread on here a while back which said that we were going all continental, and that the motorist was going to be blamed every time he was in collision with a bike.
Dont think I dreamt that. :-/
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A couple of years ago I saw 2 plod cyclists cycling in Soho Square. The signs say "No" and it's not a big square (50m x 50m) as if you need to save your legs.
When plod disobey the laws flagrantly you can tell we're a long way from having it regularised. They drive cars on the pavement in my road - criminal offense by the RTA. >:(
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IIRC, there was a thread on here a while back which said that we were going all continental, and that the motorist was going to be blamed every time he was in collision with a bike.
Dont think I dreamt that. :-/
Mostly seems to be the case now Steve >:(
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Don't see the difference, it's people, not cyclist, pedestrian, car driver, lorry driver IMO. ESP in higher populated areas, people become intolerant, frustrated, feel their space is being invaded. Rat raced/road raged etc. We all get impatient at times ::) and we all make mistakes too. And become a little too righteous on occasion.
Now don't even get me started on Lorrie drivers...... :D ;D
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Here we go:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6841326.ece
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Cyclists should IMO be insured 3rd party at least. I have had several cars stuck over the years by many a two wheeled demon and left to pick up the costs of repairs. There's also an old chap in a electric buggy who seems to like the road, despite the council putting drop kerbs everywhere on his route.
Funny this topic came up, as driving around for the last few days I have noticed laminated signs appearing from the local constabulary regarding riding on the pavements.
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Cyclists need to obey the rules of the road, carry insurance and pay a token road tax after having an "MOT" of some sort.
They also need to use the facilities provided. There is a road near me which has a wide cycle/foot path combined but the cyclists have to give way at road junctions so they all use the road. It really grips my $h!t and I must confess they get less room from me than normal :-[
Still plenty of space but I normally pass cyclists as if they are the size of a car... Not on this road >:( >:(
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Cyclists need to obey the rules of the road, carry insurance and pay a token road tax after having an "MOT" of some sort.
They also need to use the facilities provided. There is a road near me which has a wide cycle/foot path combined but the cyclists have to give way at road junctions so they all use the road. It really grips my $h!t and I must confess they get less room from me than normal :-[
Still plenty of space but I normally pass cyclists as if they are the size of a car... Not on this road >:( >:(
Cyclists are not obliged to use cycle lanes, especially when they are poorly designed. They ahve just as much right to be on the road as you do and they have just as much an obligation to obeying the rules also.
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Cyclists need to obey the rules of the road, carry insurance and pay a token road tax after having an "MOT" of some sort.
They also need to use the facilities provided. There is a road near me which has a wide cycle/foot path combined but the cyclists have to give way at road junctions so they all use the road. It really grips my $h!t and I must confess they get less room from me than normal :-[
Still plenty of space but I normally pass cyclists as if they are the size of a car... Not on this road >:( >:(
Cyclists are not obliged to use cycle lanes, especially when they are poorly designed. They ahve just as much right to be on the road as you do and they have just as much an obligation to obeying the rules also.
Laws, not rules. It`s a pity the old bill doesn`t turn as many blind eyes to the motorist as they do to the cyclists >:(
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Cyclists need to obey the rules of the road, carry insurance and pay a token road tax after having an "MOT" of some sort.
They also need to use the facilities provided. There is a road near me which has a wide cycle/foot path combined but the cyclists have to give way at road junctions so they all use the road. It really grips my $h!t and I must confess they get less room from me than normal :-[
Still plenty of space but I normally pass cyclists as if they are the size of a car... Not on this road >:( >:(
Cyclists are not obliged to use cycle lanes, especially when they are poorly designed. They ahve just as much right to be on the road as you do and they have just as much an obligation to obeying the rules also.
Yep... And when they obey the rules of the road I'll eat my hat ::)
As I said, they get enough space, just not as much as I give in normal circumstances.
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Cyclists need to obey the rules of the road, carry insurance and pay a token road tax after having an "MOT" of some sort.
They also need to use the facilities provided. There is a road near me which has a wide cycle/foot path combined but the cyclists have to give way at road junctions so they all use the road. It really grips my $h!t and I must confess they get less room from me than normal :-[
Still plenty of space but I normally pass cyclists as if they are the size of a car... Not on this road >:( >:(
Cyclists are not obliged to use cycle lanes, especially when they are poorly designed. They ahve just as much right to be on the road as you do and they have just as much an obligation to obeying the rules also.
Laws, not rules. It`s a pity the old bill doesn`t turn as many blind eyes to the motorist as they do to the cyclists >:(
I agree, cyclists that break the rules need to be held to rights. Rules of the road/laws/whatever you want to call them.....all should be obeyed by drivers and cyclists. I manage to do it on my bike and still get around pretty quick but I lose count every day how many drivers do not give ample space when they pass me. I am fairly immune to it now except when I get clipped by wing mirrors, that hurts! >:(
I currently average about 4 situations a week where I am cycling and obeying all the rules/laws yet I have to take evasive action to avoid getting hurt or potentially killed by motorists. So lets not get a hump on about cyclists here and paint us all with that big brush I come across more bad motorists than I do cyclists. And dont forget on 2 wheels I am far less prtected than you are so you should follow the rules and give cyclists room when you pass :y
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me, I think its great if people want to cycle, you know the keep fit and be green thing. Given the general standard in driving my way, I also think they are incredibly brave/stupid!On the other hand I see plenty of tw*ts on bikes whether it be the kid who leapt off the kirb in front of me without looking that tested reactions/brakes the other day or all those idiots who think that just because its summertime and theyre on a country lane, they can ride 3 and even 4 abreast across both sides of the road!(this is fun cause you can give them the wobble by coming right up close behind them -they never seem to have any awareness of anything else on the road-and giving a blast on the horn). Guess like any type of roaduser there are good and bad cyclists.
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me, I think its great if people want to cycle, you know the keep fit and be green thing. Given the general standard in driving my way, I also think they are incredibly brave/stupid!On the other hand I see plenty of tw*ts on bikes whether it be the kid who leapt off the kirb in front of me without looking that tested reactions/brakes the other day or all those idiots who think that just because its summertime and theyre on a country lane, they can ride 3 and even 4 abreast across both sides of the road!(this is fun cause you can give them the wobble by coming right up close behind them -they never seem to have any awareness of anything else on the road-and giving a blast on the horn). Guess like any type of roaduser there are good and bad cyclists.
:y
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I cycle, (read ponce about on an old mountain bike) I also drive a truck so feel i can see both sides to this topic. Yes i admit some truck drivers, brit & euro are out of order at times, fair go. The usual case is a cyclist getting injured/killed trying to go straight on at a junction by a truck turning left I honestly sympathize with the families of those killed thsi way but since when did a two foot gap between my traler & the kerb/ barrier constitute another lane just for you?..What were you doing there in the first place? Wait with the rest of the traffic.
There is no realistic way to insure & tax cyclists How do you enforce such rules on a 5 or 6 year old? ::)
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Don't see the difference, it's people, not cyclist, pedestrian, car driver, lorry driver IMO. ESP in higher populated areas, people become intolerant, frustrated, feel their space is being invaded. Rat raced/road raged etc. We all get impatient at times ::) and we all make mistakes too. And become a little too righteous on occasion.
Now don't even get me started on Lorrie drivers...... :D ;D
No come on, get started on lorry drivers. I for one would ove to hear your views!!!
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plenty of cycle lanes round here now, which is good in my opinion.but, 2 car lanes turned into one because of this and now traffic jams. motorbikes think they can crawl up the outside on the other side of the rd, until i drive nearer the white line coming the other way stopping this, nothing preventing them having a bit of patience like car drivers instead of forcing us to swerve over to the curb.
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Can`t ride a pushbike....It looks like i`m riding with saddle bags.... ;D ;D ;D ;D
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.... until i drive nearer the white line coming the other way stopping this, nothing preventing them having a bit of patience like car drivers instead of forcing us to swerve over to the curb.
There are a couple less door/wing mirrors on a few local cars that've tried that with me >:(
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Let me just make my position clear because I've re-read my post and it's easy to misinterpret!
I have no issues with people cycling and have a lot of respect for them. I normally pass on the other side of the road, giving at least 4-5 foot of clear air. The ones who refuse to use the cycle path only get about 2-3 foot of clear air... Not exactly close ;) :y
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The two Blunket's Bobbies/whatever-they=call-themselves I saw yesterday should've been easy to give plenty of room in the car ..... they were both side by side on the pavement! :o >:( I wish I'd been walking the other way ::) ::) ::) ::)
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.... until i drive nearer the white line coming the other way stopping this, nothing preventing them having a bit of patience like car drivers instead of forcing us to swerve over to the curb.
There are a couple less door/wing mirrors on a few local cars that've tried that with me >:(
Gouged the side of a van, gouged a bonnet, don't close a gap when a motor bike is in it.
Cyclists are fair game when.
1) It is dark and they have no lights, seen one bricking it when nearly hit by a Jaguar.
2) Going over red lights.
3) Completely blocking the road (very rare)
4) Wrong way up one way systems.
I personally prefer cycle paths
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5) And pretending they are French. (more common than it should be) We ride/drive on the LEFT.
I have only once had one forced one off his bike and I only saw them as they fell off. Was only a chav and a complete idiot.
Now try to defend this.
Riding at night, no lights, on the wrong side of the road, no reflectors, towards me :o :o :o :o, I didn't see them until literally feet away, they fell off onto the grass between road and pavement.
I was driving quite slowly as well - good job I was not bombing along.
Blocking roads - twice in Worcester, they cycle along a path, go into the road to cross it, see a car coming and stop to make the car stop.
Possibly same chav both times.
WHY!!!!
Now I have never been knocked off a pedal bike, why?
I keep to my side of the road and also when I rode at night I had two sets of lights!
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BTW for me short trips with the children at weekends or after work if not tired, we all keep to cycle paths they are all careful and rarely have issues.
99% of other road path users are fine, you do get the odd knobhead pedestrian and the very rare cutter upper in a car.
But follow the rules of the road and enjoy yourselves.
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As a pedestrian - I have had a cyclist bomb through when I was crossing the road on a green man. He did not like being told off!
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As to Gaffers - he is what sounds like an exempliary cyclist, carry on bollocking the idiots :y :y
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As a pedestrian - I have had a cyclist bomb through when I was crossing the road on a green man. He did not like being told off!
I had a young lad in a car do the same thing to me, my wife & two young kids. He got a little moe than a telling off! >:(
.......... No. I didn't hit him though. ;)
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I think we should declare any month without an "r" in it to be open season on cyclists. We should get a badge for each one we manage to take out.
They're a bloody nuisance. :( :( :(
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I think we should declare any month without an "r" in it to be open season on cyclists. We should get a badge for each one we manage to take out.
They're a bloody nuisance. :( :( :(
have not read the rest of the thread, could not be bothered.
on visiting cambridge many years ago the local bobbies spent most of their time shouting at the cyclists.
what he said ^^^
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I think we should declare any month without an "r" in it to be open season on cyclists. We should get a badge for each one we manage to take out.
They're a bloody nuisance. :( :( :(
have not read the rest of the thread, could not be bothered.
on visiting cambridge many years ago the local bobbies spent most of their time shouting at the cyclists.
what he said ^^^
Bring it on, I assure you that I will come off better than you ;)
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Just bollocked another one, in his 70's, not adhering to a traffic flow priority system causing me to slam the brakes on.
I have noticed after a quick search of cycling clubs, not a single one of them promote responsible cycling techniques :o
Time to look at that me thinks :y
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Pisses me off when cyclists stop the traffic at a light controlled pedestrian crossing, then cycle across.
And another incident, one went through a red light. He thought he was safe doing it at 4.30am, he was lucky my brakes are very sharp.
Mick
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And another incident, one went through a red light .....
I thought they all did! :-? :-? :-? I've not seen any stop for a red light for years.