Another dithery old man.

[CopperCyclist]

It says a lot for the decline of our society that so many people, including a serving police officer, think that that's an appropriate way for a 17 year old to address an elderly man.

Come on, he didn't swear, he wasn't aggressive, he could only barely be described as angry at a push. He calmly stated why he was upset and moved on. If every 17 year old acted in this way when they felt they had been 'wronged', society wouldn't be in a decline.

 

[Blue]

Come on, he didn't swear, he wasn't aggressive, he could only barely be described as angry at a push. He calmly stated why he was upset and moved on. If every 17 year old acted in this way when they felt they had been 'wronged', society wouldn't be in a decline.

+1

 

[Recycler]

I'm 61 so I probably qualify as a doddery old git to many of you.

As far as I'm concerned age has no bearing on this whatsoever. The OP was a little stressed (understandably) but he didn't swear, go OTT or get abusive. Nothing wrong at all. The car driver should have apologised though it is quite likely that he was worried that he might end up in a physical confrontation.

To put it in perspective I heard today that a good friend ( now he really is a doddery old git!) of mine was knocked of his bike last week. Hospitalised overnight and still suffering badly from concussion but at least his memory has returned. The car driver was in his 20's. Uninsured.

I know which of the two young road users I would prefer to come across as I peddle along.

 

[Matthew_T]

The car driver should have apologised though it is quite likely that he was worried that he might end up in a physical confrontation.

I believe this is the reason why he didnt roll down his window. As I said before, if I had been a bit more polite, then he might have.

 

[Matthew_T]

So you only complain to drivers who are younger than you? Gives me plenty of scope

Gives me the huff.

 

[Matthew_T]

If the driver is too elderely to drive well he should retire from the road. If you get behind the wheel of a car age has nothing to do with the matter. If some old driver knocks me off my bike I'm supposed to give that person a by ball because of their age, I don't think so.

This is why we need to have a statutory age where you then need to retake your driving test (free of charge). I think this would make the roads a lot more safer and possibly decrease the amount of elderly related deaths on the roads.
Elderly people need to be compitent and up-to-date with the current road laws and regulations.

 

[gaz]

This is why we need to have a statutory age where you then need to retake your driving test (free of charge). I think this would make the roads a lot more safer and possibly decrease the amount of elderly related deaths on the roads.
Elderly people need to be compitent and up-to-date with the current road laws and regulations.

Free of charge? Don't be silly. We should have compulsory re-takes for every driver.
We have poor driving standards as it is in this country, which isn't helped by low traffic policing. A compulsory re-test for every driver after x amount of years with a fee applied. The fee would help cover the costs of such a scheme.
Those who are not fit to drive would not be allowed to.

Include with this, better policing on the roads and people will find it much harder to drive without insurance or a drivers license. Safe roads and road users is going to require time and money, we can't do this for free.

 

[Matthew_T]

Safe roads and road users is going to require time and money, we can't do this for free.

We can't do this at the current position the country is in. No way will we be able to cover the costs of starting such a programme.

It is a superb idea and we are in need of it soon, but hopefully when everyone calms down and politicians take their attentions away from saving money and laying people off, we can direct our attentions to starting this and many other schemes which are necessary to make a safer and more populated country.

 

[gaz]

We can't do this at the current position the country is in. No way will we be able to cover the costs of starting such a programme.

Yet we can afford to provide free tests to pensioners?

 

[BlackPanther]

The old driver made a mistake. Although I didn't hear an apology, I take it he realised he'd made a mistake, and you spoke to him without losing your rag.

I don't know if you'd signalled, but signal or not, you had right of way and the driver was completely in the wrong. I think (from daily experience) that mini roundabouts are particularly dangerous and I am always ready to brake for the idiots coming on from the left.

You seemed ready, appeared to be covering your brakes and that's all we can do. We have to allow for the mistakes of others (and ourselves,) keep cool, and give the odd 'lecture' where possible. I've had a word or 2 with drivers before, and it's 50/50. They either look apologetic, or they get very defensive. Either way, say your piece and move on like you did. By 'telling the old chap off' hopefully he'll be more wary in future, and you'll have saved the next cyclist who may not be experienced enough to allow for such a bad lapse of judgement?

 

[Matthew_T]

The problem with this miniroundabout is that it is very tight, therefore its dangerous to indicate whilst you are turning. I signalled strong to the cars behind me before it, and made sure it was clear and I had the room I needed.
My positioning on the roundabout was sufficient to be seen as I was in the middle of my lane. I was going around at some speed and you can tell that by how much I am leaning over.

Its not really busy here much so I doubt I will come across the same thing any time soon.

 

[markharry66]

I think age doesnt come into it. If he has a car and drives then safety to other road users is the prime importance.
Being polite also when he has almost driven into you I think you did well to keep your temper. I think we forget our safety comes first.
He made a mistake fine did he learn from it probably not. But at least you got him to think about his actions for 30 seconds

 

[Black Sheep]

as other people have hinted, there are good reasons to remain calm

1, you stay in more control of the situation and yourself - less likely you get charges brought against you for any reason / you control the direction of the interaction
2, The situation is less likely to escalate / people will react less agressively
3, if you remain calm, some people just get more and more annoyed, its funny to watch and they've nothing to go on

 

[semislickstick]

What's the difference between a miniroundabout and a small roundabout? I thought there was one.

 

[Matthew_T]

Just thought I would post the closest pass I have had yet:


I am sorry for yet again confronting this driver but there was no way that I was going to let something as dangerous as this go. The guy was elderly but him and his wife were genuinely listening to me even though they didnt say a word.
It really shook me up as I didnt expect him to go that close to me.

BTW: Sorry for shouting at the end but I lost my temper a bit.