Changes to your driving caused by cycling...

[BentMikey]

I'm finding that lately I've been driving hardly at all and doing a lot of cycling mileage. When I do drive I get two problems: One is that I *hate* waiting in traffic queues far more than I used to since I'm so used to just filtering past the whole lot. The second is that I keep having to stop myself using bus lanes. It's no fun at all! Mrs BM was laughing when I complained about the traffic this morning, it was apparently very light.

What about you, do you have similar experiences?

 

[jonny jeez]

I have a "compounded" issue in that I don’t just cycle but also Motorcycle and so, when I do get back in the car (which seems to be about one day each month right now) I get very frustrated for all the same reasons.

I do have to stop myself (literally) from filtering as it comes so naturally now and I forget that I'm on 4 wheels not two.

On the other hand, it’s a bit strange turning up at the office, just holding my keys and my phone and not having to disrobe, shower, dry, dress, carry loads of gear , dry loads of gear and squeeze my bike into the boiler room (Chitty likes it in there it's nice and cosy!).

I just arrive, and go to my desk…and I always feel as If I've forgotten something.

 

[Davidc]

I've cycled since long before I learnt to drive. nonetheless I agree with your point.

I don't find too much trouble with bus lanes, but I do find myself mis-navigating, starting to or actually going the way I would using the other form of transport.

I have a problem when walking too. There are a number of dual use paths I use cycling or walking. I cycle more than walk locally (it's quicker) and find myself walking in the cycling part of the path, where I'm used to being. Then I get complaints from cyclists.

I find my speed judgement goes wrong very quickly. If I've been using only a bike for a week I find myself going around at 20 instead of 30 next time I'm in the car. If I've used the car a lot I wonder who's put superglue in the bike's bearings next time I ride it.

I agree completely about the traffic.

 

[asterix]

Yes, I dislike driving, it's a very tedious pastime.

 

[XmisterIS]

The one thing that I do as a driver is give all cyclists the room they deserve!

I notice this with other drivers too when I'm on my bike - the other day a car waited for ages before overtaking me, gave me about 2 meters of room ... and he had a full cycle rack on the back of the car.

I agree with the getting pissed off though - I ride a bicycle and a motorbike; and like you Jonny, I have to remind myself that I can't filter in the car! I also sometimes find myself only giving myself motorbike braking distance when I'm in the car - resulting in some near-on emergency stops! Lol!

 

[Brahan]

I *HATE* traffic too. Sitting in my car, stuck in traffic, radio on when there's nothing good to listen to and some smug git on a bike whooooshes past with a big smuggy smug grin plastered all over his face and just for that split second after I've checked out his super cool bike - I hate him too.

 

[rh100]

The one thing that I do as a driver is give all cyclists the room they deserve!

Same here - I think I used to give plenty of room - then I drove the gf's car last night and had to overtake 2 cyclists in the dark, I ended up waiting a fair bit until the other lane was clear to overtake in that lane - once you know how it feels to be overtook by cars, you don't half think about it more.

 

[jonny jeez]

I *HATE* traffic too. Sitting in my car, stuck in traffic, radio on when there's nothing good to listen to and some smug git on a bike whooooshes past with a big smuggy smug grin plastered all over his face and just for that split second after I've checked out his super cool bike - I hate him too.

So, perhaps all those drivers that cut us up each day are just frustrated, jealous (ex)-cyclists.

 

[jay clock]

My daughter is learning to drive so I have been taking her out for some practice. We now have a little routine where as we approach a cyclist I say "what are cyclists?" and she has to say "cyclists are gods".....indoctrinated for life!

 

[numbnuts]

lately I have found that I drive more slowly, which can't be a bad thing

 

[BentMikey]

Yes, I also drive more slowly since cycling teaches you how little point there is to rushing, and also give much more room to cyclists.

XmisterIS, surely that's wrong about mbike braking? I would have thought a car could outbrake a motorbike? I also used to ride, btw.

 

[HLaB]

I get fustrated sitting in queues in a car, although I occaisionally do on a bike but just having the knowledge i can escape seems to stop any fustration. Hopefully on the occaisional time I drive, I'm more considerate towards other road users. One thing I think is I cruise up to a queue/ stop rather than wasting energy.

 

[Rhythm Thief]

I can change between modes of transport without really thinking about it. The only thing I (very occasionally) do is take a turning in a car as if I'm driving a lorry, i.e. leaving room for a 45' long trailer! But otherwise, no problems.
Mind you, I can hardly be said to have been a regular cyclist recently ...

 

[XmisterIS]

XmisterIS, surely that's wrong about mbike braking? I would have thought a car could outbrake a motorbike? I also used to ride, btw.

Depends how much engine braking you've got and how big your front discs are! In my case, hoofin' great V-Twin and hoofin' great front discs

 

[grhm]

I tend to give cyclists more room than I did before I started commuting by bike - and then spend a fair time after passing them feeling guilty that I got impatient and didn't allow them even more room