Clocks going back

[bonker]

Is it just me or do drivers really get closer on these newly dark commutes?

I've had more close passes in the last two days than in the previous six months.

 

[ianrauk]

The past 2 nights commute home I haven't seen any difference.

But can imagine that for some it takes a while to get used to the dark.

 

[gaz]

Put your lights on?

 

[XC26]

As everyone is travelling home an hour later than before, I bet they are more tired at the wheel, with reduced concentration.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

Is it just me or do drivers really get closer on these newly dark commutes?

I've had more close passes in the last two days than in the previous six months.

I've noticed exactly the same.

 

[Poacher]

Put your lights on?

Having put in a nine-hour day on Monday, I missed the first really dark rush hour, but last night I noticed, as usual at this time of year, that a few drivers seem to have forgotten how to switch their lights on!

Still not as many as the number of cyclists without even the presence of lights, working or not, though.

 

[Matthew_T]

TBH it has been surpirsingly calm on the roads around here.

I often see a pattern in the attitudes of drivers throughout the year. In Spring/Summer drivers are more careless and agressive. And in Autumn/Winter they take more care and give more room.
As a result, I havent had any close passes for a few days and only a few minor pull outs.

 

[Inertia]

This time of year I notice drivers leave me more room than normal, maybe because its dark they are more cautious so I'm surprised you have had the opposite experience. I assume you are well lit? I passed an elderly gentleman the other night with zero lights going down a unlit country road, Ive no idea how he could see to ride.

 

[Steve Saunders]

Only commuted once since the clocks changed so far, but not noticed cars any closer when overtaking ... but I have heard them maintain speed until fairly close behind and it sounds like they brake heavily ...and floor it to overtake. Odd given that I have three lights and loads of reflectors on the back including a Smart 1Watt, Cateye TDL1100 and a Moon one. I guess it's that they can see the lights but find it hard to judge how far away you are.

I did encounter one IDIOT though. I was going round a long sweeping bend that's maybe about 1/3rd mile long. The car behind me appeared to be patient and was waiting ... until about half way round the bend and they decided to overtake. Okay, with it being dark they could imply nothing was coming - unless it was a ninja cyclist with dim/no lights. But what really shocked me was that the car immediately behind them also overtook, and proceeded to overtake the car that overtook me ... still going round this blind(ish) bend. If there was a cyclist on that side of the road they probably would have been toast.

Sadly I didn't get the full licence plate or the make of car.

 

[akb]

Its school holidays round this way, so the roads are considerably quiet and the ride home in the dark has been enjoyable. I have nothing but praise for the local drivers, especially on a long twisty section of my commute. Very patient and nice wide passes.
Not looking forward to next week though!!

 

[Melonfish]

no issues here, but then my bike looks like a rolling disco.

 

[PJ79LIZARD]

I find I get given more room when cycling in the dark.

 

[Matthew_T]

Talking about lights. I have just ordered a new rear light as my current cateye seems a bit small. So I have just ordered a 5 LED long one to go on the back of my pannier rack.

 

[Matthew_T]

I find I get given more room when cycling in the dark.

Same here. Motorists find it difficult to see your extremities unless they are lit up.

 

[gaz]

TBH it has been surpirsingly calm on the roads around here.

I often see a pattern in the attitudes of drivers throughout the year. In Spring/Summer drivers are more careless and agressive. And in Autumn/Winter they take more care and give more room.
As a result, I havent had any close passes for a few days and only a few minor pull outs.

half term.