Abolish the two abreast cycling rule

[mickle]

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

The highway code says that cyclists should not ride more than two abreast. Let's not forget that motorists are supposed to allow cyclists as much room when overtaking as they would any other vehicle - that is, a full lanes width. Which means that, to a motorist making an overtaking manouvre, there shouldn't be any difference between passing one cyclist or two cyclists riding two abreast.

I love it when cyclists complain about other 'cyclists thinking they own the road'. I reminds me just how much the 'motorist mentality' is ingrained in our society. Cyclists are traffic too - but you wouldn't know that from the way that many motorists treat cyclists. Cyclists have 'right of way' on the roads (which differs from 'priority' BTW) - drivers have no rights. The whole frickin system - along with the attitudes of most of the driving population - needs a slap.

 

[yello]

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.

I've heard some real horror stories from relatives. It surprises me given the relative populations of the UK and NZ, there must be some staggeringly intolerant folk over there.

 

[jim55]

[quote="Paulg04, post: 2649084, member: 32333 As I drive though I have a right to moan since I pay my road tax [/quote]
no such thing

 

[Hill Wimp]

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.

If you are being serious in your comment "entitled" does not mean "own" and you will probably find that if you want to herd your livestock you actually do need permission . The local council/ highway agency have more right to say they own the road.

My comment was explaining my numerous experiences of some dreadful cyclist attitudes that seem to be more frequent now.

This weekend was a classic. I live in the country but work in London and have years of cycling in both arenas . Last Sunday there was a sportive in my area which I came across in my usual Sunday ride around the lanes. Most cyclists behaved well on the probably unfamiliar roads many if which are narrow and with high hedgerows making forward visibility very poor. Others however showed complete lack of cycling skill and total ignorance of other road users including myself a fellow cyclist who much of the time was coming the other way only to be faced with a wall of 4 bearing down on me as if they were sprinting for the finish of the TDF.

Being the vulnerable road user i would normally be the first to defend the cyclist but come on do us all a favour, be safe and behave.

Rant over :-)

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I've been told off by a driver for riding two abreast when I was riding on my own. Primary does confuse the poor souls so.

If I, as a driver, felt the need for the second cyclist to disappear (into single file) so that I could complete the overtake safely on a busy road then I would be overtaking the single cyclist far too closely and my overtake would be unsafe. And that would make me a truly poor driver with a lousy attitude to more vulnerable road users. And with a profound lack of patience.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

A car driver with no one in the passenger seat is doing the same thing.

But they pay road tax. And for 5% of the time they have a passenger, and for 1% they have three*

*Based on a recent study. Done round my house. To persuade the lovely Helen to buy a two seater convertible. But her SAAB 93 just walked through its MoT again so that ain't happenin'.

 

[Venod]

What do they say about 2 horses riding side by side ?

Bloody cleaver I'd say, do they have cleats on their hooves, can't see how toe straps would work.

 

[Whiskey88]

If I, as a driver, felt the need for the second cyclist to disappear (into single file) so that I could complete the overtake safely on a busy road then I would be overtaking the single cyclist far too closely and my overtake would be unsafe. And that would make me a truly poor driver with a lousy attitude to more vulnerable road users. And with a profound lack of patience.

That needs to be printed on the back of a cycling shirt.

 

[Archie_tect]

What do they say about 2 horses riding side by side ?

What clever horses... riding bicycles?
[Edit: too slow, beaten by Afnug!]

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

If a car can't pass because of oncoming cars in the opposite carriageway, then it's because there's too many bleeding cars, not because of the cyclist in primary.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

If a car can't pass because of oncoming cars in the opposite carriageway, then it's because there's too many bleeding cars, not because of the cyclist in primary.

The last driver I tried to explain that to tried to headbutt me. Pretty comic given he was five foot nowt and about nine stone wet through and I'm six two and somewhat chunky.

He was also the last driver I've ever tried to explain anything to. Better to comment upon their sexual prowess than comment on their driving.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Dysmorphia innit.

So widespread it seems, it may be a national tragedy.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Perhaps if I were to start dysmorphia awareness week I could collect enough money to buy a set of distorting mirrors.

I give you a few bob for one that makes my top half match the slimness of my bottom half. I am a man of two halves says the lovely Helen. Cyclists bum and legs and arms, ex-rugby player fat boy torso.

 

[Chris Norton]

But they pay road tax. And for 5% of the time they have a passenger, and for 1% they have three*

*Based on a recent study. Done round my house. To persuade the lovely Helen to buy a two seater convertible. But her SAAB 93 just walked through its MoT again so that ain't happenin'.

Again no such thing as road tax.

 

[Chris Norton]

Would following two cyclists riding two a breast and being unable to overtake them count as sucking their wheel?