I dont understand some cyclist

[Yellow Saddle]

I have, but I've also thought about the overall context of the thread.

The correct response to the statement "I don't understand..." is "Have you tried?"

The point I was responding to was "I don't understand why cyclists would ride without lights despite it being broad daylight and there being no legal requirement for them to do so"

Have you tried? What conclusions did you reach? Because I understand why that statement was made and I don't like the conclusions.

Doing what you are expected to do, is completely different from doing what could make you a little safer. That applies for drivers, cyclists, mounaineers, lathe operators or nightclubbers.

The world expects me to ride with a high-viz gilet. Personally, I regret that and I tell people who advise me to do so to go and jump.

But you know what? Wearing a high-viz gilet does make me just a tiny fraction bit more visible on the road and there is some sanity in the expectation, even though it isn't legally required.

My mother told me to wear a jumper when it was cold. It wasn't legally required and I didn't want to be seen as a softie, but hey, it makes sense.

If I criticised you within the above parameters, I'll stand by my comment. If not, I'll move on.

 

[sevenfourate]

I have seen some tool containers in water bottle format ie look like a water bottle and fit in a cage.

Struck me as a good idea as I never ever seem to drink when out for a ride (not even cycling in warmer climates with full camping gear). I appreciate I should but never get round so ysing the cage for tools seemed a great idea. And that might make others think

Black coloured; wide-neck ‘bottle’ you speak of - is what’s on mine on the seat-tube. Fit’s in a standard cage and comes in 3 sizes. Made by Zefal.

Mines the small one (Approx 400-500 ml) and Inside still fits: mini pump, inner tube, levers, patches, multi tool, rubber gloves, some cash, hand wipes etc

 

[Shut Up Legs]

Regardless of their preparedness, or lack thereof, at least they're cycling and not driving. If an experienced cyclist ends up helping them fix a puncture or something else they should have learned to do themselves, well that can only improve their perception of cyclists in general, which is another good thing.

 

[Yellow Saddle]

Where does one draw the line when expecting a potential victim to be pro-active in mitigating the effects of the behaviour of others? Send the womenfolk out in chastity belts of an evening? Stop wearing nice watches in public? Send teenage boys out in stab resistant vests?

I have no universal answer to that legitimate question. But, it you refine it to a specific scenario, I may have a different answer that when it is posed without specific nuances.

Not wanting to wade into a chastity belt scenario, I'll focus on wathches.

Yes, it is unfair that we should feel unsafe when wearing a Rolex Daytona when walking the streets of London. But, since you're going out tonight and will be walking from your favourite pub to the bus station, why not not wear your Daytona tonight? After all, you've read the newspapers reportring on Rolex gangs prowling the streets. yes, you do have insurance, but dammit man, the bloody paperwork involved is just not worth the effort of taking off your Rolex and strapping on a nice Casio.

If you still insist on wearing your Rolex and prance oround like overconfidentialis vulgaris, you have issues. These could include small dick energy, stupidity, bravado, pig-headedness, you-name-it.

You are not going to solve bigger issues by taking a stand on one dark night.

And by you I don't mean you. I mean y'all...us.

 

[Yellow Saddle]

Regardless of their preparedness, or lack thereof, at least they're cycling and not driving. If an experienced cyclist ends up helping them fix a puncture or something else they should have learned to do themselves, well that can only improve their perception of cyclists in general, which is another good thing.

I prefer the tough love approach.

 

[nogoodnamesleft]

Regardless of their preparedness, or lack thereof, at least they're cycling and not driving. If an experienced cyclist ends up helping them fix a puncture or something else they should have learned to do themselves, well that can only improve their perception of cyclists in general, which is another good thing.

I'm a great believer in "pay forward". No idea how much that happens in cities but seeing a cyclist stopped beside road I'll generally stop to ask if help needed (being aware I'm a bloke and might be seen as a worry to a stopped lone woman so keep distance, etc. ask if help wanted and if "no" cycle on ...)

 

[Yellow Saddle]

View attachment 800743

Black coloured; wide-neck ‘bottle’ you speak of - is what’s on mine on the seat-tube. Fit’s in a standard cage and comes in 3 sizes. Made by Zefal.

Mines the small one (Approx 400-500 ml) and Inside still fits: mini pump, inner tube, levers, patches, multi tool, rubber gloves, some cash, hand wipes etc

I liked not because I liked what you wrote. I didn't read any of it. I just focused on that nice clean bike. Welcome to my club.

 

[Sharky]

I was driving today and saw several cyclists, dressed in all black!

Yep I saw them!

 

[Pat "5mph"]

seeing a cyclist stopped beside road I'll generally stop to ask if help needed (being aware I'm a bloke and might be seen as a worry to a stopped lone woman so keep distance, etc.

Haha, me, a woman, if I do the same to a male cyclist stopped with what seems a mechanical, I'm met with a look of disbelief, like, what can she possibly know about bike mechanics
But I do know the basics, and carry what's necessary to fix punctures, even though I very rarely get any because I run Marathon tyres

 

[nogoodnamesleft]

Haha, me, a woman, if I do the same to a male cyclist stopped with what seems a mechanical, I'm met with a look of disbelief, like, what can she possibly know about bike mechanics
But I do know the basics, and carry what's necessary to fix punctures, even though I very rarely get any because I run Marathon tyres

I wasn't thinking about mechanical capability, more how blokes can sometimes be seen as a worry. Some jobs can be a lot easier with two pairs of hands where nothing sensible to support the bike against, maybe colder weather, etc.

I don't see gender as having much to do with mechanical capability-more a question of interest and motivation.

 

[PaulSB]

I was driving today and saw several cyclists, dressed in all black!

Yep I saw them!

Yes, you probably would on a reasonable day but I would argue not as easily riders in other colours. I ride with a lot of people who turn out head to toe in black. I think it's a very foolish decision. They no this is my opinion. For most of us looking cool under any circumstances is tough, on a bike its damn near impossible.

When driving I pay a lot of attention to cyclists, their clothing and light choices and how effective these are. I've concluded, and use myself at all times, the following combination is the most visible:

• Strong single colour jersey or jacket
• Yellow or orange overshoes in winter
• "Day bright" flashing front light
• "Day bright" flashing or solid rear light

When I see the above it immediately sends the message - cyclist. To the above I choose to add, but rarely see, a Varia in flash mode but set so the light is only activated to flash when a vehicle is detected. I run a solid rear light.

As for hi-viz? My personal view is that it's OK but as a general observation it is nowhere near as effective as a strong single colour top.

 

[blackrat]

This is a really outre thread which seems to have brought out many peculiar attitudes and beliefs; however:
I always assume the car has the potential of doing me in so I act and behave on the road accordingly.
I always call out to a cyclist looking as if help is needed if they need help - why does it matter if the cyclist is a woman?
M attitude is it is entirely my responsibility to leave home and return in one piece.
I try hard not to be a nuisance to other road users.
I am also a car driver and I know how irksome it is to round a corner and find a cyclist a few yards ahead of me in my lane on a narrow road.
I do not assume that the world is full of prats until or unless they prove otherwise.
I always wear a helmet and don't get pissy whenever the subject arises.
I always wear a high viz jersey.