Tales from today's commute....

[Arjimlad]

This morning was amazing.

I had to drive yesterday and with the forecast as it is, I will probably drive tomorrow.

Took a last-minute turn away from the 7.5 mile route to take the 12 mile route into work.

I was listening to a podcast about the battle of "Badon Hill" and Hengist, a Saxon warrior/king, and King Arthur etc... just as my route took me along Baden Hill Road and I will be visiting Hengistbury Head next week. Eerie!

Stunning autumn colours.

 

[HLaB]

Two of us got 'splashed' last night - we were waiting to cross the main road at a ped/cycle crossing, and most drivers drove round the puddle, including a HGV driver who gave it a wide birth. Not one woman, straight through covering us two cyclists. Ah Well.

The SBC van was doing a ridiculous speed past the pedestrian/cycle entrance for the station but I'd backed off knowing the puddle could be there, so fortunately the splash was in front of me and I avoided it.

 

[katiewlx]

ride in was fine, the roads were so quiet I thought everyone was taking an early half term, I think there was a tailwind boost too as I was literally running out of gears to use, which was nice for a change

ride home not so great, I dont know what was different but traffic volumes were markedly increased, and it wasnt just like around this village hall where there was clearly something going on and loads of traffic, but at the local schools too.

so I was battling through alot of congestion, which I think contributed to this happening, but I join the main road, no traffic behind me,all is well, but as I approach one of those pedestrian island pinchpoints in the road, I hear a car behind me approaching, thats not quitting. Im riding a hard prime position through here normally, to the point last time I had issue here the driver actually drove around the other side of the island into oncoming traffic, I couldnt report them because my camera doesnt cope with that kind of distance when theyre opposite lane and traffic island away from me.

anyway todays driver wasnt doing that, there was no change in the pitch of the engine, no hesitation, theyre coming through regardless, at which point the only thing you can do is move left, people say hold prime, but I value not being hit more & you just hope theres enough room. which ulimately if there hadnt been I wouldnt be here sharing this with you, so there was clearly, but it was close, and completely unnecessary,

because no more than 500 metres later they had to stop at a red traffic light, and I could have gone and had a conversation about everything that had just happened,but I chose not to. Im only disappointed 2 more cars overtook me in the time after their close pass, but both gave me so much room you could have undertook them and still not close passed me, that I didnt end up directly behind them.

Im tempted to report it if only to see what the police make of it, but theres also why put myself through that hassle

 

[ianrauk]

The storm and heavy rain's had only just arrived by the time I had got to the train station this morning. I decided to stay on the train for a couple of extra stops making it a very short cycle commute. The rain still wasn't that heavy, but wet never the less. Thankfully it wasn't cold.
It's half day Friday for me and the weather is looking practically biblical later. I should have worked from home but hey ho.

Rainy commute #31 for the year
Same period last year, 24 rainy commutes.

 

[ianrauk]

anyway todays driver wasnt doing that, there was no change in the pitch of the engine, no hesitation, theyre coming through regardless, at which point the only thing you can do is move left, people say hold prime, but I value not being hit more & you just hope theres enough room. which ulimately if there hadnt been I wouldnt be here sharing this with you, so there was clearly, but it was close, and completely unnecessary,

I think all us cycle commuters on here have experienced this at one time or another Katie and know exactly where you are coming from. You just get a sixth sense and a feel for these type of drivers. Not nice at all.

 

[biking_fox]

Im only disappointed 2 more cars overtook me in the time after their close pass, but both gave me so much room you could have undertook them and still not close passed me, that I didnt end up directly behind them.

I'm seeing this as well, it's quite odd. More close passes, but also more very very wide passes, only when they can be completely in the opposite lane do they pass. It's sort of nice, but also means they sit behind you for much longer.

Today's ride in all nice, still autumn, low Friday traffic. Not looking forward to this afternoon!

ETA add - reminder the clocks go back this weekend, make sure your lights are working!

 

[Arjimlad]

ride in was fine, the roads were so quiet I thought everyone was taking an early half term, I think there was a tailwind boost too as I was literally running out of gears to use, which was nice for a change

ride home not so great, I dont know what was different but traffic volumes were markedly increased, and it wasnt just like around this village hall where there was clearly something going on and loads of traffic, but at the local schools too.

so I was battling through alot of congestion, which I think contributed to this happening, but I join the main road, no traffic behind me,all is well, but as I approach one of those pedestrian island pinchpoints in the road, I hear a car behind me approaching, thats not quitting. Im riding a hard prime position through here normally, to the point last time I had issue here the driver actually drove around the other side of the island into oncoming traffic, I couldnt report them because my camera doesnt cope with that kind of distance when theyre opposite lane and traffic island away from me.

anyway todays driver wasnt doing that, there was no change in the pitch of the engine, no hesitation, theyre coming through regardless, at which point the only thing you can do is move left, people say hold prime, but I value not being hit more & you just hope theres enough room. which ulimately if there hadnt been I wouldnt be here sharing this with you, so there was clearly, but it was close, and completely unnecessary,

because no more than 500 metres later they had to stop at a red traffic light, and I could have gone and had a conversation about everything that had just happened,but I chose not to. Im only disappointed 2 more cars overtook me in the time after their close pass, but both gave me so much room you could have undertook them and still not close passed me, that I didnt end up directly behind them.

Im tempted to report it if only to see what the police make of it, but theres also why put myself through that hassle

Please send it in. Cameras & reporting means it's not worth bothering discussing with drivers. The average careless or dangerous driver will not take it kindly. Nasty stuff.