Abolish the two abreast cycling rule

[Paulg04]

[QUOTE 2649020, member: 259"]'Hate' is a bit strong isn't it? [/quote]

Hate is possibly too strong but what I really hate is when you sit behind the 'two' when if they were in single file you could safely pass. Not only can you not safely pass, (two abreast always seem to be going much slower than a normal cyclist would) they look at you like you're an idiot when you finally do pass.

@Hill Wimp is correct, we are all cyclists so feel we have a right to be on the road as much as cars but some cyclists have a superiority complex. Remember we don't pay road tax to be on our bike. As I drive though I have a right to moan since I pay my road tax haha. Rant over

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Might get shot down for this, but I hate when cyclists ride two abreast when on a relatively busy road. I don't think it's too much to ask for one to nip infront of the other when the road is busy

Have you ever ridden on a busy road beside another cyclist within a group?

 

[Paulg04]

Have you ever ridden on a busy road beside another cyclist within a group?

I haven't

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

I haven't

Figured that bit out.

Hate is possibly too strong but what I really hate is when you sit behind the 'two' when if they were in single file you could safely pass. Not only can you not safely pass, (two abreast always seem to be going much slower than a normal cyclist would) they look at you like you're an idiot when you finally do pass.

How exactly do you figure you can pass safely on a busy road if cyclists are riding single file? Busy road suggesting traffic in both directions, so you may not be able to cross the white line (hence overtaking with plenty of space)

What do you think is safer for the cyclists, group or otherwise? More road presence or stringing out along a road?

 

[Paulg04]

Figured that bit out.


How exactly do you figure you can pass safely on a busy road if cyclists are riding single file? Busy road suggesting traffic in both directions, so you may not be able to cross the white line (hence overtaking with plenty of space)

What do you think is safer for the cyclists, group or otherwise? More road presence or stringing out along a road?

I appreciate a bigger group together is safer, obviously wouldn't make sense on them stringing out but that's not what the thread is.

Most busy roads are wider than say a street in a housing estate, meaning if it was one cyclist then a car can safely pass as it is passing a car on the opposite side as well. This isn't obviously the rule but for talking sake. But if it was two abreast then safely passing even on a wider busy road becomes dangerous. That's the point I'm making.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

I appreciate a bigger group together is safer, obviously wouldn't make sense on them stringing out but that's not what the thread is.

Most busy roads are wider than say a street in a housing estate, meaning if it was one cyclist then a car can safely pass as it is passing a car on the opposite side as well. This isn't obviously the rule but for talking sake. But if it was two abreast then safely passing even on a wider busy road becomes dangerous. That's the point I'm making.

No.

 

[Paulg04]

No.

Yes

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Yes

Have you ever ridden on a busy road beside another cyclist within a group?

I haven't

 

[Paulg04]

I'm assuming that being stuck behind two abreast many-a-time, but not having you're experience of riding in similar situations means my opinion and point is invalid

 

[Paulg04]

Is this serious?

Tongue n cheek

 

[Linford]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd...._=1379084244_718031cee9bf13992334a68fd0a7d5b1

Don't get me started on the Kiwis!

I lived out there for over 2 years. Seriously, if you think cycling infrastructure and acceptance is poor in the UK, you don't know how (comparatively) lucky we are.

From what I can remember about my time in Auckland, there was only 1 main segregated cycle lane, which runs alongside the North-Western Motorway (SH16). If you want to take your bike from the main part of the city to the North Shore (across the harbour), the options were a roughly $20 ferry or a 7-8 hour ride around the harbour inlet, despite there being a bridge crossing much closer that would get you there in under 30 minutes.

The drivers truly despise all cyclists. I have never felt aggression as vicious as when riding on Auckland's streets, particularly Dominion Road between Mt Eden and Mt Roskill and Mt Eden Road south of the volcano. All the press are against cyclists and cycling, further fuelling drivers' anger. Even my flatmates, who worked at the same environmental organisation as myself, did nothing but scorn me when I bought my bike.

I had no option but to constantly take primary position in the lane. If you take secondary, drivers WILL squeeze you out or just force you into the door zone, which is even more full of idiots that don't look than in the UK.

There is a glimmer of hope - Christchurch. The main city on the South Island which was devastated by a serious earthquake (which I felt, on the other side of the damn island!) in 2011. A lot of the infrastructure is in tatters right now whilst the rebuild is ongoing, but it's a flat city and their buses even have collapsible racks on the front bumper that can hold 3 non-folding bikes! An idea that London could definitely learn from. It's still affected by very poor drivers (the standard across NZ is generally quite a bit poorer than the UK), but they're on the right track.

They have these folding bike racks on buses in Orlando,FL. I guess they don't want them on the back as passers by will probably try and pinch the bikes.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

I'm assuming that being stuck behind two abreast many-a-time, but not having you're experience of riding in similar situations means my opinion and point is invalid

I have opinions on nuclear weapons and rocket science - but I wouldn't attempt to discuss either while admitting I've never had any experience in those areas.

Not invalid by any means - but I wouldn't take it seriously.

 

[mickle]

Thank heavens I'm not the only one. There appears to be an increasing attitude amongst some cyclists that actually they own the road.

Cyclists do own the roads actually. Drivers require licenses, qualifications and permission. Cyclists, along with pedestrians and people herding their geese to markety are entitled.

 

[Paulg04]

I have opinions on nuclear weapons and rocket science - but I wouldn't attempt to discuss either while admitting I've never had any experience in those areas.

I suppose that is exactly the same thing.

Well I'll it to people more in the know

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

I suppose that is exactly the same thing.

Well I'll it to people more in the know

You didn't consider the bit I bolded then?