KEEP LEFT!!

[jonny jeez]

We cyclists all seem to obey by certain road rules, some out of courtesy, some from common sense.

Keeping left is one of them. We all cycle on the left to avoid traffic and to keep the road moving. Can you imagine the chaos that would ensue if we didn't

So why, when we enter a cycle lane or worse still a cycle junction does this rule fly out the window. I'm noticing more and more riders that are coming in the opposite direction suddenly veer to my left...for no reason...even when my left is blocked by another rider or perhaps a railing or a car.

why the sudden loss of direction?, why are we so easily confused when the kerb disappears?

its simple

KEEP LEFT!!

 

[gaz]

I prefer KEEP SAFE, i'll ride where i need to ride.

 

[downfader]

Define "left". It can mean many different things to many different road users.

With ASLs you're safer to stand slightly centre if you're the only rider there as you're in the line of sight of drivers behind.

With cyclelanes many are too narrow to actually keep left, LOL. It does irk me when on offroad routes a rider takes to the right or cuts in on the bends. It can end up like this the way some people ride:


View: http://youtu.be/alnDRqMaDqs

 

[snorri]

My theory.
Inexperienced cyclists think, because they are in a motor vehicle free environment, that they are safe on a path and don't need to heed the 'Rules of the Road'.
This problem seldom arises on mainland Europe where road disciplines seem to be carried over to off road paths.

 

[trampyjoe]

My theory.
Inexperienced cyclists think, because they are in a motor vehicle free environment, that they are safe on a path and don't need to heed the 'Rules of the Road'.

Just started cycling after not being on a bike for 15+ years. So far on my commute through a park on cycle paths I've ended up in the hedge twice due to 'experienced'* cyclists.

I always keep to the left.

* Disclaimer, they may not of been experienced but the bikes being ridden, clothing and accessories made them look experienced.

 

[Strick]

I had some old bloke with a candle lit front lamp wibbling towards me on a stretch on cycle path last night. Slowed right down and let him pass on his way, but slightly baffled as to why common sense couldnt prevail and allow him to ride on the left. It was a wide enough stretch of clear smooth tarmac. But hey-ho and all that.

One time it does annoy me in real life is when using stairs in shops, shopping centre, etc. If everyone walked to their left, wouldnt things flow so much smoother? Sheeeesh, they taught us this the first week of secondary school.

 

[jonny jeez]

I prefer KEEP SAFE, i'll ride where i need to ride.

For sure, when riding on the troad...I'm talking about crossings (in particular the constitution arch) and the entrance to cycle paths (the parks). In this situation, when faced with oncoming riders, there seem to be "no rules". The times I've come to a full stop when a rider shoots across in front of me when everyone else is keeping left!!!

Define "left". It can mean many different things to many different road users.

With ASLs you're safer to stand slightly centre if you're the only rider there as you're in the line of sight of drivers behind.

With cyclelanes many are too narrow to actually keep left, LOL. It does irk me when on offroad routes a rider takes to the right or cuts in on the bends. It can end up like this the way some people ride:


View: http://youtu.be/alnDRqMaDqs

See above

 

[John the Monkey]

If it's seems like it's going to cause a problem, I tend to shout "Stay Left, mate" or "Stay Left Please" in a cheery sort of voice.

It works in Crewe & Manchester, although I suspect I'm encountering fewer cyclists than you types in that London.

 

[jonny jeez]

I had some old bloke with a candle lit front lamp wibbling towards me on a stretch on cycle path last night. Slowed right down and let him pass on his way, but slightly baffled as to why common sense couldnt prevail and allow him to ride on the left. It was a wide enough stretch of clear smooth tarmac. But hey-ho and all that.

One time it does annoy me in real life is when using stairs in shops, shopping centre, etc. If everyone walked to their left, wouldnt things flow so much smoother? Sheeeesh, they taught us this the first week of secondary school.

thats it, thats what I'm talking about...WHY!

dont get me started on stairs...

 

[gaz]

For sure, when riding on the troad...I'm talking about crossings (in particular the constitution arch) and the entrance to cycle paths (the parks). In this situation, when faced with oncoming riders, there seem to be "no rules". The times I've come to a full stop when a rider shoots across in front of me when everyone else is keeping left!!!

Oh I see! Yes KEEP LEFT!

 

[snailracer]

...
One time it does annoy me in real life is when using stairs in shops, shopping centre, etc. If everyone walked to their left, wouldnt things flow so much smoother? ...

Now on the tube, you keep left if you want to walk up the escalator, but keep right if you want the escalator to do the walking for you

 

[I like Skol]

One time it does annoy me in real life is when using stairs in shops, shopping centre, etc. If everyone walked to their left, wouldnt things flow so much smoother? Sheeeesh, they taught us this the first week of secondary school.

I was going to throw that point in. It's a principle that works well in all 'walks' of life (see what I did there? ). As you say, it is taught at decent schools, walk to the left in corridors and on stairs and I would go as far as saying it needs to apply to supermarkets as well, arghh, the standard of trolley driving and parking in the centre of the aisles really gets my goat. I often just bash badly abandoned trolleys out of the way as the drivers really should be more considerate of others.

 

[Strick]

Now on the tube, you keep left if you want to walk up the escalator, but keep right if you want the escalator to do the walking for you

I know. I assume thats for all the "keep right" foreign visitors? lol

Escalators dont bother me as much, as they are only going one way.

Oh, while i'm on my soapbox...... people at shop doors or waiting for a lift. For the love of God, let the people OUT first, then you may find it easier getting in. The amount of time lift doors open and you cant get out for people standing right there (jaw wide open as they are shocked to see someone in it already! lol).

 

[Strick]

it is taught at decent schools,

Not just decent schools it would appear, they taught it at ours too!

 

[I like Skol]

Not just decent schools it would appear, they taught it at ours too!

Yes but, I am going back err, oh, umm, argh..... a 'few' years and they don't seem to teach kids anything except the curriculum these days (if that!) hence the number of kids and college students that just step out in front of my car as I drive past in the mornings.