Giving up commuting

[vbc]

After yet another close thing involving motorised traffic - car jumping a red light and nearly taking me down - I'm seriously thinking of giving up cycle commuting altogether.

I live less than 3 miles from work and have been walking to work more of late, largely because of the ice and snow but South Glocs roads are getting more unsafe all the time, so I shall be doing a lot more walking from now on. However, I'll still cycle at weekends and when the evenings become lighter but for enjoyment rather than as a way to get to work. Pity really but I don't fancy another spell in Frenchay Hospital.

 

[gaz]

Safety first in my books. at least your not giving up cycling

 

[marinyork]

Nowt wrong with that. You're walking, sounds pretty good to me . Best of luck whatever you decide.

 

[ianrauk]

It's a shame you feel that way. But a spell away from the bike commute will do you good. Give it time and you will soon want to get back on the bike again...this prolonged bout of crappy weather certainly doesn't help.

 

[BentMikey]

It's a good example of the intimidation factor of car drivers and their attitude, vs. the actual danger of cycling which is vanishingly small.

 

[skudupnorth]

I know what you mean by getting fed up with idiots in cars,last week i had a downer week to the point i did not want to ride.This morning a little prat in his Civic type R decided he was not sticking to the limit or behind the car he was behind and decided to overtake and come right over to my side of the road,any further over then it would have been curtains for me,you just wish there was a Police car around as it happens.
On a plus note,the heavy snow tonight in Bolton caused yet more grid-lock and i happily blasted past it all.....MoJo returned !
A rest from the grind might change your mind,but i fully understand your concern.Enjoy the pleasure riding

 

[summerdays]

It's sad that car drivers are forcing you to change your ways - but only you can make that call over whether its safe to continue. Where was your close call? I am sick of motorists jumping lights and talking on the phone etc.

 

[magnatom]

vbc, sometimes we all go through patches like that, however it does pass and then you get big long stretches where nothing of note happens (which is great). Personally I'd stick through it, but then that is just who I am. Just do what is right for you.

Lee, you do talk some twaddle sometimes!

 

[BentMikey]

I suppose it could be quite dangerous when you ride like Lee - RLJing, no lights at night. But on average, no, cycling is extremely safe.

 

[fossyant]

Stick with it, and think about planning a quieter route to work......take the back lanes/roads.....and a LONGER ROUTE works treats.....

Never give up... I was RTA'ed once, then 2 other really close calls all within 2 weeks in December 2008..... 2 and 3 really shot my pants, after the no 1 off, but you carry on, get comfortable again and keep going. RTA 1 has caused lasting damage in my shoulder, but I'll be damned if I pack this fun in......

 

[gb155]

Can you not take a hugly long (and safer) way to work ?

 

[gb155]

Stick with it, and think about planning a quieter route to work......take the back lanes/roads.....and a LONGER ROUTE works treats.....

Never give up... I was RTA'ed once, then 2 other really close calls all within 2 weeks in December 2008..... 2 and 3 really shot my pants, after the no 1 off, but you carry on, get comfortable again and keep going. RTA 1 has caused lasting damage in my shoulder, but I'll be damned if I pack this fun in......

ooops missed this post, Foz im still suffering with my knee from my RTA, the head wind was a killer today but there is NO WAY im giving up what I agree is AMAZING FUN

 

[fossyant]

ooops missed this post, Foz im still suffering with my knee from my RTA, the head wind was a killer today but there is NO WAY im giving up what I agree is AMAZING FUN

It's a long going RTA issue with me..long story.........like most RTA's are with bikes, despite an early 3rd party admission of fault.........fixing the body bits will take time........

 

[Tubbs]

I know what you mean... I almost got knocked off again tonight when a van left-hooked me and I bumped into the side of it - I was turning left too so managed to correct myself. Then not a minute later a bus went past and started to pull in far too soon so I was forced to move over and brake.

Myself - I should have taken the centre of the lane when I was turning left - I usually do, but didn't move out enough this time. The bus was annoying but I had enough room to move out of the way so all good.

While it's dark and bad weather I've been taking a slightly different route, it takes a bit longer and I have to use a shared path and take it slowly in parts - but much less stressful... can you not change your route to make it easier?

 

[gouldina]

I gave up for a bit once when the stress of work and the cycle commuting combined got too much but it didn't last long. I changed jobs and found less stressful routes which is something that you can almost always do in London even if you think you know every route there is on your journey. That was over ten years ago and I haven't stopped since. Give yourself a bit of a break and a chill out then see how you feel. Either way, good luck to you.