Hey London Cyclists......

[Mr Foldy]

I normally commute by Dahon folder in Central Scotland. This week I was in the City of London - without my bike sadly. If any of you are interested in my impressions.....
1. There are loads of bikes, and they clearly made the fastest progress!
2. There are lots of girl cyclists. Nothing looks sexier than a girl on a bike. Bikes add at least 50% to your sexiness. This is probably true of men too actually!
3. There were a fair few red light jumpers. They were a risk to pedestrians. This needs to stop.
4. I like the cycle lanes, but unfortunately so did a few parked vans.
5. So many places to chain up!
6. Them Boris bikes!
In conclusion, I knew I would have no chance to cycle this trip, but now I'd love to bring my folder down next time and explore properly.

 

[Cycleops]

I shouldn't try cycling in London if I were you, you'd almost certainly have a accident being distracted by all those female cyclists.

 

[Tin Pot]

I shouldn't try cycling in London if I were you, you'd almost certainly have a accident being distracted by all those female cyclists.

Is it poor etiquette to draft a female cyclist?

 

[vickster]

Is it poor etiquette to draft a female cyclist?

Yes, you lazy so-and-so!

 

[Shut Up Legs]

It's poor etiquette to draft anyone. If you must, then at least ask the cyclist in front if it's OK.
We hardly get any female cyclists over here . The cycling population is so lopsided.

 

[mustang1]

Yeah I'm not very fond of those RLJers who interrupt pedestrians flow to cross the road. I will sometimes jump a red when its safe to meaning there are NO pedestrians crossing, waiting to cross, or any where near the crossing section. Most of the time however I stop at reds just to take a breather.

What did you think of the pollution levels though? I was in Edinburgh many years ago and the air was so fresh. London air sucks.

I see sometimes men doing dangerous things attempting to stay behind female cyclists especially during summer. I can understand coz my hormones go nuts too but usually I can't keep up so I go at my own pace. But I'll stress again some of those blokes are a little sadistic in summer on the roads.

 

[jonny jeez]

Is it poor etiquette to draft a female cyclist?

Not if you take turns.

 

[jonny jeez]

This is probably true of men too actually!

This is the only point I'm not sure I can agree with...speaking from the Male perspective.

otherwise, it sounds like you have London worked out.

 

[slowmotion]

Never mind the "gender issues", hasn't it been shown that the bike in front actually gets an aerodynamic speed benefit from being drafted?

 

[Tin Pot]

Is that by reducing the pressure differential behind the lead rider, and reducing drag?

 

[slowmotion]

Is that by reducing the pressure differential behind the lead rider, and reducing drag?

I think so but I don't have a link to hand that explains the physics. I can't remember what the benefit is either but I think it might be about 5% (from wonky memory!).

Edit: Lookee here....
http://forums.roadbikereview.com/ge...on/3%-advantage-someone-drafting-u-16207.html

 

[Turbo Rider]

Never mind the "gender issues", hasn't it been shown that the bike in front actually gets an aerodynamic speed benefit from being drafted?

I hate drafters. I have 2 rude b*stards who draft me regularly and they seem to think it's all fun, games & friendliness. Nothing to do with aerodynamics, because it's not my air to get fussy over in the first place, but it makes me feel completely unsafe, so I have to slow down for them to pass. Annoying thing is, that once they've passed, they tend to get in my way and I refuse to pass them back, else I know I'll end up in the same uneasy situation again. I could rant all day about that!

 

[jonny jeez]

I hate drafters. I have 2 rude b*stards who draft me regularly and they seem to think it's all fun, games & friendliness. Nothing to do with aerodynamics, because it's not my air to get fussy over in the first place, but it makes me feel completely unsafe, so I have to slow down for them to pass. Annoying thing is, that once they've passed, they tend to get in my way and I refuse to pass them back, else I know I'll end up in the same uneasy situation again. I could rant all day about that!

Slowing down is most definitely the best way to politely let them know you don't appreciate it.

I honestly feel chuffed when other riders draft me, It feels like a nod of respect that I am pegging along at a fair good pace and they want to try to keep up.

I've had many a rider thank me for the ride, not in a sarcastic way but a genuine appreciation that they just reached some personal best. That said I tend to ride to work with mates and we draft each other so a new joiner is always welcome.

But... I still appreciate it when I ride alone.

 

[jonny jeez]

It's poor etiquette to draft anyone.

Its really not...embrace it, you never know if you share the drafting and both enjoy it you may find yourself a ride buddy. Had lots of chats with riders who have I've shared the ride with.

Sticking at the back, Yep that is poor etiquette.

 

[Turbo Rider]

Slowing down is most definitely the best way to politely let them know you don't appreciate it.

I honestly feel chuffed when other riders draft me, It feels like a nod of respect that I am pegging along at a fair good pace and they want to try to keep up.

I've had many a rider thank me for the ride, not in a sarcastic way but a genuine appreciation that they just reached some personal best. That said I tend to ride to work with mates and we draft each other so a new joiner is always welcome.

But... I still appreciate it when I ride alone.

Mm, didn't really think of it like that...still makes me wobble though...two sides to every coin, I suppose. Cheers for that