Militant Cyclists ...

[Norm]

I think you are either very lucky in where you ride, or you have a very high threshold for the amount of idiocy that is required for a driver to be considered a plonker.

Possibly both of the above. I think my personal bubble is smaller than seems to be the *ahem* norm amongst those who frequently publish their videos as many of the issues which others perceive would be classed as non-events for me. I'm not sure whether that is, as some suggest, because I ride assertively or whether that is because I ride in east Berkshire and London or whether that is because riding a motorbike has affected my perception of close-passes.

I guess it also matters what we consider to be "plonker" behaviour.

IMO, people are annoying when they exhibit the "must get in front" mentality, when they attempt to block an overtake by hugging the pavement (without considering that I'll pass stationary traffic on the right) or when they don't dip their lights at night because I'm "only a bike". Those are annoying but their aren't life threatening.

I consider a plonker to be someone who does something which is dangerous. In a year of commuting 20 miles a day roughly three times a week, I can only think of one plonker who overtook a car which was about to overtake me. And I can think of only one plonker when I've been out for a ride and not commuting, who pulled alongside me approaching a roundabout then tried to squeeze me onto some pedestrian barriers.

 

[wiggydiggy]

Read the particular posts again.

No its ok, I'm happy to bow out of whatever this is.....

 

[MrHappyCyclist]

So, has anyone fitted that description whi has responded to your videos?

Yes indeed. Mikey often makes interesting and useful comments and I think Gaz has also offered good advice in the past. Many others have made comments that are helpful.

Some comments that have been very helpful have been about taking a stronger line at certain points where I have had regular trouble but was previously worried about slowing down traffic (uphill, for example). When I actually started taking the stronger line, I have then been surprised at how little trouble I have had with impatient drivers, whilst the problems have all but disappeared.

Sometimes comments don't cause me to change my practices, but simply confirm that I did nothing wrong and I just encountered a dick-head on that occasion.

So yes, it has been very useful for reflecting on how I can improve my rush-hour cycling.

 

[ferret fur]

And I can think of only one plonker when I've been out for a ride and not commuting, who pulled alongside me approaching a roundabout then tried to squeeze me onto some pedestrian barriers.

That's interesting. It happens to me virtually every day on my commute

 

[MrHappyCyclist]

So, by your reasoning, Mrhappycyclist is none of the above.

Yes, I noticed that as well, but I choose to assume the implication wasn't intended ... until I am told otherwise, in which case I will have the chance to use this emoticon:

 

[Norm]

That's interesting. It happens to me virtually every day on my commute

Well, without knowing where that happens, it's difficult to suggest much.

My own one was whilst David Walliams was doing his swim down the Thames and the road which runs alongside the river was packed with people. Someone didn't appreciate the slow traffic and pulled into the right lane before a roundabout, then just swung across towards me, even though I was in primary in the left hand lane. A firm rap on the roof woke her up and got my space back, though.

I don't think there was much more that I could have done to prevent it from happening, though, just a hacked off driver and I was between her and where she wanted to be. She'd have probably tried the same trick if I had been in the car.

 

[wiggydiggy]

Yes, I noticed that as well, but I choose to assume the implication wasn't intended ... until I am told otherwise, in which case I will have the chance to use this emoticon:

I think I have my stupid hat on today as I've missed whatever's going on

 

[ferret fur]

Well, without knowing where that happens, it's difficult to suggest much.

TBH there is nothing you can suggest. The last part of my commute has a couple of entertaining features which are always good for a giggle. The first is a roundabout with a wide exit which then narrows (to less than the safe width of a bike & car) and turns a sharp left. As it does so the opposite lane opens out into two for the roundabout. The initial exit too wide to block in primary, so cars overtake, get halfway past & are then confronted with a narrowing road and traffic they have been unable to see from round the corner moving into the outside lane in the opposite direction. Faced with a head on with a car or moving sharply further in guess which is the preferred option.

50 yards further on the road widens out into two lanes leading into another small roundabout. Cars overtake in the R/H lane and then as the road bends left to take the roundabout they swing into the left lane (occupied by yours truly) There is no need for this as there is effectively only one exit from this roundabout, but it is of course the straightest line around the obstacle. It doesn't help that the lane markings are worn. What adds to the gaiety is that this is a road to an airport, therefore people are in a hurry & also often unsure of where to go. At this particular roundabout 99% of the time there is no need to stop. Left to my own devices I would be able to sweep round without any diminuation of speed.... apart from the people who have just floored it to try and get past me on the approach and who then brake sharply after having cut in on me (see above) at a roundabout at which there is no need to stop. Slowing down to let these people past at this point is also ineffective as the following driver often knows the road and so is right up the backside of the stopper and just repeats the cutting in manoevre.

In both these cases riding in primary will stop you getting squished against the kerb, but only means the sideswipe takes place further out into the road. Holding a strong primary also infuriates those who are anxious not to miss their flight, leading to further conflict and punishment passes.

 

[MrHappyCyclist]

I think I have my stupid hat on today as I've missed whatever's going on

Don't worry about it. One of your earlier posts could be read to imply that anyone with half a brain, who signals, and shows consideration should be considered to be a more experienced cyclist than me. I know that's not what you meant, though.

 

[Norm]

TBH there is nothing you can suggest.

Ugh... sounds a bastid of a road, even without the "catching my flight over-rides your safety" buffoons.

 

[ferret fur]

Ugh... sounds a bastid of a road, even without the "catching my flight over-rides your safety" buffoons.

& ironically. If I don't get to work, none of them will get to fly.....

 

[Norm]

What? You are a cyclist so you are much less important than someone in a car and you can't possibly have a real job.

 

[MissTillyFlop]

If ever you fancy dying of shame, then spend an unhappy hour watching the RLJ-ing at Islington Green, or the top end of Rosebery Avenue. It's so mortifying that I cycle well out of my way to avoid having to watch them.

Same Kennington to Borough High Street. But the police have been clamping down on this of late, including a prick on a BSO who almost mowed down a little old lady whilst RLJing. Because obviously, that 25 seconds he saved was so much more important than not injuring anyone crossing at the busy pelican in rush hour.

There was also another git who cut me up a little further down the road. I suppose I COULD have warned him about the police car approaching before he RLJd at the first round about... But for some reason, it clean slipped my mind...

 

[wiggydiggy]

Don't worry about it. One of your earlier posts could be read to imply that anyone with half a brain, who signals, and shows consideration should be considered to be a more experienced cyclist than me. I know that's not what you meant, though.

Ah yeah that wasnt what I meant soz....

 

[400bhp]

I think I had one of these "militants" this morning.

Pulls up alongside me at lights (about 12 inches away from me) on a far from quiet road. I thought it was odd (the space he had left between me and him) but the thought went. Then he decides to go through on red. I notice he doesn't have lights too (7:30am). I got pished off at this point and shouted "they're red for a reason". He either waved a thanks or did a one finger salute (i suspect the latter). he then barrells through the next set of red tarffic lights. Cock.

Perhaps it was the fact i had a child seat on that i was treated with distain.