Fantastic passing by drivers, shock....

[Globalti]

Wednesday evening, I set out for home a bit late from one of my fave cafes (Cobbled Corner in Chipping) and ended up riding the last 30 minutes home through the Ribble Valley with lights on. During that time not a single vehicle passed me too close or scared me; every car, truck and bus went past at least halfway and mostly all the way over the white lines, some waited patiently behind me until the road was clear and nobody abused me.

I was so impressed with drivers' manners that I waved thanks to many as they passed. I can't complain about a single one of them. What am I doing wrong?

 

[gaz]

Nothing.. only a minority of car drivers overtake us unsafely.
I have near to 5,000 interactions with cars over a week and maybe 1 or 2 bad overtakes in that period.

 

[Davidc]

Not surprised. I find it's rare to get a bad overtake in the dark, it's in daylight that more drivers get too close.

Dark or light it can be scary when they do go close though. Most times it's because I haven't taken an assertive enough position, but occasionally it's because the driver is insane.

 

[HovR]

Not surprised. I find it's rare to get a bad overtake in the dark, it's in daylight that more drivers get too close.

I agree. There is a road which I often take in the daylight, and it is not unusual to get a few bad overtakes - However when I recently rode this during the night, ever single overtake was perfect, to the extent where cars would wait behind me for a noticeable time.

 

[pshore]

I am quite sensitive to close passing, especially on the rural 60mph roads I ride. Recently I have been observing that more and more cars are moving right into the oncoming lane to pass. I swear its getting better. Perhaps the message is getting out.

 

[ComedyPilot]

Granted, the majority do pass with care.

I am still puzzled at the mindset of the ones who just have to get past; if that means endangering me, and forcing on-coming traffic to swerve to avoid an accident - then so be it.

Likewise, this happens on 60mph rural roads.

[shiver]

 

[CopperCyclist]

I have near to 5,000 interactions with cars over a week

And we teased poor old Matthew about counting his 'interactions'

 

[Kiwiavenger]

I saw some impressive overtakes the other day by a few trucks passing cyclists when i was driving down the A403. waiting paitently behind cyclist, not too close and then when passing where right over the white lines! and this is a road just off the M48 so lots of heavy goods traffic!

I've had a few cars turn across me, but not had the joy of a close overtake yet

 

[400bhp]

It's Chrissssmasssssss

Goodwill to all men must extend to cyclists too.