No substitute for a car?

[400bhp]

As a society, we really need to get away from the idea that you need to be some kind of specially devoted person to be a year-round cyclist. Look at the pics on Copenhagenize.com. Over there, they just ride bikes because that's how they get about. They aren't "devoted cyclists". They don't wear special clothing. They don't ride special bikes. They just want to get to work. It's cheaper than car ownership. They don't have trouble parking. They don't have to worry about being stuck in traffic. And they have far worse weather in winter than we get in most of Britain.

Cycling is normal. You don't have to be a superhero to ride a bike. JFDI.

d.

So, so true.

 

[CopperCyclist]

all I can say is to those of you who still ride your bike in very wet weather is:
1. you are still young enough not to care.
2. you don't have far to go.
3. you are really really keen ( or foolish)
4. you don't realise the risks of riding in heavy rain from 4 wheeled vehicles. ( maybe goes with 1)
5. you certainly are more devoted cyclists than me.
6. you have no other choice.
feel free to add to this list if you think like me.

I don't think like you, I commute in all weathers, and even still increase my distance, raining or not. Hell, I'm as wet after six miles as I am after twelve. 2 and 5 in your list above MAY apply to me, but I think you should also add:

7. you are too stubborn to ever want to pay for the privilege of getting to work
8. you want to maintain your current fitness

and the big one....

9. you've actually tried it and realised its not as big of a problem as people make out

 

[bobcat]

Why would I take a car,cars are rubbish, fact! Yes I own a car and that too is rubbish, it gets used very rarely and then I just hurl abuse at it! Be prepared for all conditions and cycle.

 

[Panter]

I took the car today, and yesterday. Probably will tomorrow and Thursday too judging by the forecast...

Do you guys really stay dry and comfortable cycling long distances in heavy rain? I'd love to carry on cycling but haven't found any waterproofs that keep me dry without me totally overheating.
Riding in the rain in Summer is fine, I just get wet and dry off under my own heat on the hills but in the Winter I'd be seriously worried about hypothermia!

Am I just lacking the right kit to keep on riding?

 

[400bhp]

Changed for the fun of it...

all I can say is to those of you who still drive your car in very wet weather is:
1. you don't care.
2. you don't have far to go.
3. you are foolish
4. you don't realise the risks of driving in heavy rain. ( maybe goes with 1)
5. you certainly are more devoted drivers than me.
6. you believe you have no other choice.
feel free to add to this list if you are narrow minded like me.

 

[gavroche]

1. 32

4. Care to enlighten us on the additional dangers posed by motorists in the rain compared to say bright sunlight? I'm coming up with aquaplaning..

Aquaplaning is only caused by excessive speed . If you drive carefully and at a speed according to the conditions, you will not have aquaplaning. I have two wheels on my bike, each about half an inch wide compared to 4 wheels each at least 8 inches wide, so which is the safest in heavy rain?
I am happy to stick to my recreational cycling as often as I can and in good weather. Driving to work is not practical for me. Each to his own

 

[400bhp]

You can aquaplane at low speed.

 

[ianrauk]

You can't aquaplane on a bike...

 

[I like Skol]

You can't aquaplane on a bike...

Of course you can! You just can't go fast enough to aquaplane on a bike.

And just in case anyone isn't sure and to prevent any misconceptions, skidding on a wet, slippery road is not aquaplaning. These two things are entirely different.

 

[gavroche]

You can aquaplane at low speed.

only if your car is in a river!

 

[I like Skol]

only if your car is in a river!

I have been in a situation where I had to open the doors to allow in more water so I could sink enough to gain traction...... does this count?

 

[gavroche]

I have been in a situation where I had to open the doors to allow in more water so I could sink enough to gain traction...... does this count?

That's exactly what I said. The road was turned into a river and in that case, you just float!

 

[400bhp]

only if your car is in a river!

not only, no.

 

[Cress1968]

Well considering there are lads at work still stuck in traffic who should have started at 8 this morning I think the bike was the right decision lol
Ps for the record I'm 45, own a car but cycle cos I like to. My feet were wet when I got to work but that's it

 

[StuartG]

They don't have trouble parking. .

Have you been there? It is living proof that the city centre provision of parking will always be inadequate no matter what the mode of transport. However, the rows and rows of bikes stacked so close they inevitably collapse domino style around the main railway station is impressive!