Days that put you off commuting.

[markharry66]

I dont travel far, and by no means the route I use is hardly dangerous or congested.
I travel about about 10 miles a day hardly far. I have been doing this since November.
I travel from Sidcup to just outside woolwhich. The route I use is upper wickham lane, welling etc.
This takes me on dual carriage way on way into woolwhich. The dual carriage way is impossible to avoid.
Yesterday bus pulls straight across me almost knocking me out of the road with less than inch to spare.
Knocked on window, did not swear and informed him only to be met with I overtook safely. I informed him in no uncertain terms that he was a twat. To day coming down bottom of upper wickham lane bus pulls over at stop taking up half my side of road. Lorry comes up other side pulls straight across to avoid parked cars causing me to break, about two seconds from total wipe out. The dual carriage way has a cycle path. Of course you cant use it from plumstead station onwards its the most popular car park in woolwhich. If you take central position in left had lane you get abuse. Pratts in cars honking, comments etc. If you stay slightly off centre from lane you get close over takes even if the other lane is empty. Any ideas would be appreciated. I have been cycling for over ten years off and on never had a problem before and I am concerned that I am doing something wrong. i wear fluro jackets have lights on bike. I stop at red lights etc.

 

[martint235]

Is it not possible to cut up to Central Avenue in Welling and use slightly quieter roads that way to get across to Woolwich?

 

[Andrew_Culture]

Not a lot to say, other than if a motorist asks 'what's your problem' you may be able to detain him for some time with your answer

 

[HLaB]

Sorry to hear this Harry, fortunately these days are few and far between for me. Only occasionally I'll take to a local dual carriageway. When I am on the dual carriageway about all I can do is move to primary at junctions and anticipate muppets, unfortunately I'm not sure how to stop them. Similary when I'm in the secondary anticipate close passes, staying in the primary seems to aggravate folk and you have more of these (punishment?). If I'm not in the mood or feeling up to speed I'm lucky enough to be able to choose another route.

 

[fossyant]

It's the flo jacket. Dress like a lycra lout and you'll be fine. The drivers tend to shut their mouths.

 

[400bhp]

There is pretty much always an alternative route-stick it on google maps so we can see.

 

[Hip Priest]

Don't let bad drivers put you off commuting.

That's what the wind is for.

 

[fossyant]

There is pretty much always an alternative route-stick it on google maps so we can see.

There is always the long route, which all self respecting cyclist's do. Just look at strava to see that !!! Go on, you want to.

 

[markharry66]

Limited to route as there is a shockingly big hill at plumstead common I really dont fancy tackling every day for sake of dickhead motorists

 

[martint235]

Limited to route as there is a shockingly big hill at plumstead common I really dont fancy tackling every day for sake of dickhead motorists

If that hill counts as "shockingly big" I take it you're unlikely to go the Shooters Hill/Woolwich Common route..........

 

[Beebo]

I cycle that way too, but I go left at Wickes via the shockingly big hill (Kings Highway) as Plumstead Highstreet and the dual carriage way through Woolwich is crappy.
I have been hit twice on Plumstead highstreet, both times I just managed to stay on the bike, but I was wiped out by a white van man outside the Waterfront leisure centre.
I was having a chat with a cyclist last week about how Plumstead Highstreet is the most unpredictable road, it is best to avoid it.

 

[Dmcd33]

I've had those days too. I have avoided wearing a helmet cam for 15yrs of cycling in London, but two recent events (got railroaded by impatient angry drivers that could have been serious) made me go for a test run.
They're not everyones cup of tea, but i've noticed a difference in car drivers approach to me when they spot the small camera on my head (dogcam pro) and it gives me great peace of mind when commuting. It's a small camera and looks like a light, so is also disguised to a point.

My commute is from Stockwell to Sutton and covers some horrendous junctions in Clapham and Mitcham to name but two.

 

[markharry66]

No I meant the hill on right I go home via woolwhich arsenal. I have been way your talking about but its wrong way for me as I come off half way down dual carriage way, Hill I am talking about is hill by side of Plumstead train station which is the only other route available. To do that each day would be a killer hill. Shooter hill is indeed a bigger hill I wouldnt do that hill everyday as I need to turn up to work not sweating or stinking like a pair of gym socks no showers at work means I have to take it easy on way in.

 

[400bhp]

We don't all live in London you know, so if you could open the thread out a bit so non London people know what the heck you are talking about it might help.

Post a link.

 

[vickster]

My commute is from Stockwell to Sutton and covers some horrendous junctions in Clapham and Mitcham to name but two.

Indeed as I found out to my detriment