I dont understand some cyclist

[SteveH80]

I personally don't feel I should be expected to do anything more than comply with the law in order to be safe on the roads, which it sounds like they were doing.

A very entitled attitude.

 

[winjim]

A very entitled attitude.

Yes I am entitled to safety.

 

[Punkawallah]

Yes I am entitled to safety.

‘The only rights you have are those you can defend. Anything else is a privilege.’

 

[winjim]

‘The only rights you have are those you can defend. Anything else is a privilege.’

Yeah that could be why they were riding two abreast.

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

I personally don't feel I should be expected to do anything more than comply with the law in order to be safe on the roads, which it sounds like they were doing.

Problem with that attitude is that it assumes that no-one else on the road makes a mistake

or drives like a moron

I prefer to brake when I should not need to
than spend a few weeks in a hospital and have to walk with a stick afterwards

In other words - I like to watch other road users and try to predict where a problem might arise and make sure I am not part of it

it does mean that some journeys take a bit longer
but I am happy with that if we are safer

 

[nogoodnamesleft]

What happens if they have a flat.

The small canister repair/re-inflate are small (you'd not notice in a pocket) and work. eg Vittoria Pitstop) but other brands available).

I started carrying one riding in winter when I decided that even with gloves my fingers would often stop working in the cold and a puncture repair would be all but impossible. So small canister doesn't require much from fingers. Had to use one once and was impressed at how well it worked.

 

[winjim]

Problem with that attitude is that it assumes that no-one else on the road makes a mistake

or drives like a moron

I prefer to brake when I should not need to
than spend a few weeks in a hospital and have to walk with a stick afterwards

In other words - I like to watch other road users and try to predict where a problem might arise and make sure I am not part of it

it does mean that some journeys take a bit longer
but I am happy with that if we are safer

I'm not gonna criticise cyclists who are complying with the law and who have done absolutely nothing wrong. I may criticise the societal attitudes and policy decisions which have led people to think that they ought to be doing something differently.

And of course increased safety of the individual may come at the cost of decreased safety of the group. We're in danger of resetting the threshold of expected behaviour beyond where it ought to be.

 

[Shearwater Missile]

I just can't get my head round the attitude that it's 'everybody else's responsibility to keep me safe'.

For example last week's four buffoons coming out of the village heads down and going for it. Two abreast, no lights, all dressed in black, riding into the low sun on a wet and very shiny road.
What could possibly go wrong?

A couple of weeks ago I saw something similar. It was a lousy weather morning and a club run ( I recognised some of the clothing). A lot in black and some had lights and some not. I did`nt bother to go out that day ( I only cycle on my own) because the visibility was not great and I wear hi-viz and have lights. The trouble is with groups of riders they pay more attention to themselves and chatting. Not good. I`d rather wait until a better day to go out. IMHO.

 

[Andy in Germany]

A very entitled attitude.

I'm not sure why. After all, it's the basic attitude of most car drivers, indeed it's essentially the basic attitude of all of us. We all think that if we follow the law, then we should be safe, allowed privacy, et c.

If you don't believe me, try suggesting that all motorists stick hi-viz stickers on the back of their grey cars to be more visible to other road users, or that they should only drive when strictly necessary, as in they need to go to work or hospital/school.

This would lead to increased safety but isn't a legal requirement, so people will not unreasonably tell you to mind your own business.

However, we don't see people in an accident being asked "Were you in a grey car?" or "was your trip necessary?" and being told that they need high-viz or they shouldn't have been driving a non-essential journey, and you can imagine the outcome if you did.

 

[presta]

I used to cycle with nowt but a door key on me at one time, I dunno how I got away with it. It makes me wonder if the more tools you carry, the more punctures you get. I stopped after I had a crank break, which wouldn't have been fixable at the roadside anyway.

 

[Andy in Germany]

I used to cycle with nowt but a door key on me at one time, I dunno how I got away with it.

I'd at least wear some shorts.

 

[Sharky]

All about risk assessment. I would expect one or two punctures a year, so always carry tubes and a repair kit, including a pump.

But converts to tubeless tyres, may feel that the risk of flats is eliminated or extremely rare.

 

[HLaB]

I not only cycle but being in the snow belt, I sit inside and watch a lot of cycling videos in the winter. I see so many rider on long rides that seem to have nothing in the way of tools or tire repair kits. What happens if they have a flat. I myself have a trunk pack on the back of my trike with tools parts patch kits and tubes. I hate the idea of walking home.

It doesn't look like I carry much but I actually have a bit. In the first instance I'm tubeless and carry a small tubeless repair kit but I also carry tyre levers, pump, spare tube, electric pump and co2 cannister and if the spare tube fails park patches. I keep on top of my mechanicals off the bike and only carry a multi tool, valve tool, 'missing link' and tiny pen knife there.

 

[Gwylan]

When I go out with the tools, spare tube, pump I do wonder about needing it.
Then on the rare occasions that I have to fix something I'm grateful for my "Justin" pack.
That's a zip container that fits in a bottle holder, with most bits and tools. The inner tube and a pump go in the bag on the handle bars.

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

In addition to my comments before

I do not think I should have to drive the way I sometimes do

If I am in the middle lane of the motorway and a car joins from a junction then I am perfectly entitled to stay where I am and keep my speed
and I often do
and if he decided he is ENTITLED to go directly from the slip road to the outside lane and I am in his way then that is his problem


I often try to notice the idiots and allow them to do whatever they are doing

mainly in order so I can keep an eye on them and stay safe

but I DO NOT think I need to

same with cycling
if I think a driver at a junction looks dodgy then I might slow down and wave them out
I do not think I should NEED to
I do it because I want to stay safe
but I should not need to if everyone drives/ride properly


Oh - and I do the same on shared paths such as canal paths

some cyclist seems to have an idea of priorities and correct behaviour that does not comply with mine - shall we say

I just let the get on with it

there are idiot cyclists as well as drivers!