I cycle for exercise and enjoyment of the countryside.
I'm 65, not super fit, and only average about 8 mph and try to manage 100 miles a month.
I'm fortunate to live in County Durham, and for the last 25 years I've made extensive use of our excellent network of old-railway paths.
This year I seem to having more and more problems with other cyclists coming up from behind and overtaking without warning. The first time I see them is when my peripheral vision startles me. This is quite likely to make me jump or swerve. In any case the path surfaces are not always regular (although the County Council generally keeps them in good repair !) and sometimes there are deposits that one would rather not ride through.
This problem has been getting worse for the last couple of months. I had a near collision last Thursday for this reason, and when I remonstrated (politely) with the other cyclist and asked him to give warning when overtaking, I was told to 'keep my line' and 'learn to ride a bike'. !
It is now at the point when I'm almost afraid to go out on the paths, especially at times like early evening when there are more likely to be more 'fast riders' about!
I myself am always polite to other path users, and give plenty of warning when coming up from behind.
Please can anybody suggest any way in which I can stay safe and enjoy my bike rides?
I'm 65, not super fit, and only average about 8 mph and try to manage 100 miles a month.
I'm fortunate to live in County Durham, and for the last 25 years I've made extensive use of our excellent network of old-railway paths.
This year I seem to having more and more problems with other cyclists coming up from behind and overtaking without warning. The first time I see them is when my peripheral vision startles me. This is quite likely to make me jump or swerve. In any case the path surfaces are not always regular (although the County Council generally keeps them in good repair !) and sometimes there are deposits that one would rather not ride through.
This problem has been getting worse for the last couple of months. I had a near collision last Thursday for this reason, and when I remonstrated (politely) with the other cyclist and asked him to give warning when overtaking, I was told to 'keep my line' and 'learn to ride a bike'. !
It is now at the point when I'm almost afraid to go out on the paths, especially at times like early evening when there are more likely to be more 'fast riders' about!
I myself am always polite to other path users, and give plenty of warning when coming up from behind.
Please can anybody suggest any way in which I can stay safe and enjoy my bike rides?