An altercation on the commute

[Digital_Cowboy]

Should add to this - I've started cycling at the weekend with a work colleague. He's more of a runner but fancies cycling to boost his fitness.

It wasn't until he was out with me and I was adopting the primary position at pinch points that he realised why "crazy cyclists" go into the middle of the road "right where it narrows".

Being on a bike changes your perspective hugely.

We're trying to control the traffic behind us for both party's safety. They just think you're being an idiot.

Which is why at another site that I go go to we're advocating that actually riding a bicycle be part of drivers ed. So that new drivers will know why we do what we do. As well as learning the rules/laws that apply to bicycles.

 

[BlackPanther]

It's all just bully mentality. They're in a big protected steel box and see themselves as 'stronger' than us. If only there was something we could do to redress the balance of power?

Personally though, I'd prefer an R.P.G. or heat seeking missile.

 

[Bman]

I prefer the Mickle Method: Laser beam eyes...

How did it go? Zzzzzt... Booom!


or somthing like that....

 

[Holdsworth]

So what should I do regarding this cycle path? Would it be sensible for me to submit and ride on it against my will because it is there, or continue to ride on the road and (try to) keep a cool head?

It is the only one of it's type I regularly encounter on my commute, I ride down that road each way in a typical day, cycling south in the morning and north in afternoon. There is another stretch on the south side of the B&Q roundabout, on Weston Road, which I completely avoid due it's short length before it ends and the entrance to the ind. estate side road that runs parallel to the main road. There is a narrow on-road cycle lane on Nantwich Road from the Station onwards, which I pass en-route to Edleston Road if I choose to go that way instead. I tend to ride a little outside of it because it can be so narrow in places, no problems so far, probably because traffic is gridlocked at the time I am down there.

 

[Andy_R]

Personally, I can see about half a dozen reasons why not to use that cycle path in the stretch between the tesco extra and the lights. So no, I wouldn't use it. Rather than remonstrate with drivers, why not confuse and confound them, it's a lot more fun. If someone points at the cycle path, look amazed, and point at the back of their car (make a little "wow" face!). If you're confident at riding no handed, then sit up stright and make the sign of the cross as if you're blessing them. Anything that makes you grin, and has you giggling like a little girl half an hour after your commute ends has got to be better than arguing with a tosser who will a) not understand your argument and b) not gain from having things explained to them without the aid of a rough sawn splintery two by four.