I got back from the UK yesterday, where I did a little over 300km on the bike riding from south Wales, across the Black Mountains (stunningly breathtakingly tranquil btw) then following the Wye Valley across to Hereford, then on to the Cotswolds and into west London.
For the most part, I was really impressed with the standards of driving. Lorry drivers in particular. I was given plenty of room, or drivers hung back until space was available to pass safely. Things only got moronish inside the M25 where I was passed too closely and too fast far too often for my own liking, a number of dickhead wvm types seemed unable to find their brake pedal.
I had conversations with people and encountered positive attitudes towards cyclists and cycling. There seemed to be an acceptance of cyclists on the road and cycling events. It surprised me to be honest. It left me with a good feeling.
All of that said, I can't say I enjoyed the volume of traffic on many of the roads I rode. Over here (in France), I can ride for hours and perhaps only see a tractor. I've gotten to used to that and I don't reckon I'd want to get used to the UK.
For the most part, I was really impressed with the standards of driving. Lorry drivers in particular. I was given plenty of room, or drivers hung back until space was available to pass safely. Things only got moronish inside the M25 where I was passed too closely and too fast far too often for my own liking, a number of dickhead wvm types seemed unable to find their brake pedal.
I had conversations with people and encountered positive attitudes towards cyclists and cycling. There seemed to be an acceptance of cyclists on the road and cycling events. It surprised me to be honest. It left me with a good feeling.
All of that said, I can't say I enjoyed the volume of traffic on many of the roads I rode. Over here (in France), I can ride for hours and perhaps only see a tractor. I've gotten to used to that and I don't reckon I'd want to get used to the UK.
