Commuting Difference

[upandover]

I've been cycling a lot in Liverpool recently, and not much here (broken toe and big hills didn't seem to mix). Having started again in the last few days, I've been really surprised by the difference in cycling here (Birmingham and Dudley) and in Liverpool. In short, it seems a lot nicer in liverpool, or rather the drivers do.

I've been cycling around quite happily in liverpool (potholes aside) without a care in the world, generally plenty of room from cars, lots more people on bikes, and it all seems a bit more relaxed.

Cycling the last few days from S-birmingham to New Street, and to Dudley, the traffic seems a lot closer, a lot faster (even on the same size roads), and I've had cause to want to shout at a few people. So different it got me doubting my cycling for a short time.

So I'm wondering, is it just in my head?

Steve

 

[PJ79LIZARD]

Welcome to the west midlands, sounds about right to me, on busy roads you need to have your wits about you. Not so bad when you get into the countryside.

 

[cyberknight]

Come to the countryside, no cars around at 3 am this morning on the single track lanes

 

[RedRider]

Liverpool's a fair and jaunty city. Even 30 miles up the road in Manchester things are that little more grim.

 

[BrumJim]

In Liverpool they give plenty of room to cyclists in case they nick their hubcaps as they drive past....

(BrumJim goes off to hide in the corner until row dies down.....)

 

[upandover]

In Liverpool they give plenty of room to cyclists in case they nick their hubcaps as they drive past....

- you may be right.

It really is a different experience, I was noticing it again today. Much as I love my commute (and the nearby country lanes), it's a more pleasant, if less exhilarating experience in Liverrpool.

 

[BentMikey]

It's quite noticeable how driver attitudes change once you get closer into London, zone 1/2 and things are much easier despite it being so much busier.

 

[upandover]

I don't either. Starting cycling again in B'ham managing the traffic quickly became second nature. I guess that's what surprised me, when I forgot I had to and was startled by it. (of course, I'm sure the new different bike didn't help!)

 

[upandover]

I was also surprised coming out of Liverpool Centre to be among 5 bikes at the light, and the only one not in the special bike traffic light lane, which I had missed (i was in the middle of the main lane!). Rarely am I waiting with someone else here, and I didn't know you got bike only lights.

I think though, I might trade the potholes there, for the traffic here. Maybe...

 

[alasdairgf]

I cycle in Liverpool a lot, too, as well as Northampton. I find the Scouse drivers much nicer! Scouse cyclists, though... sheesh, I'm guessing about 50% never leave the pavement. Maybe I exaggerate a little. To be fair, there aren't that many bikes on the road, though more now than there used to be.

 

[BrumJim]

Even the geese in Birmingham are stroppier than anywhere else I have been.

 

[Downward]

No idea It's not too bad, Certainly not as many incidents from me compared to a lot I read on here.

Don't know what the City centres like, Only done it a few times but only ever been down that road by New Street. Don't fancy the tunnels.