Overtaking a herse- etiquette?

[thefollen]

The other day I was cycling up Trinity Road towards Wandsworth and encountered some slow traffic. On this particular road it's not uncommon for traffic to be slow due to the many junctions and roadworks, so naturally I did the cyclist thing and overtook in the space between kerb and traffic (is this called 'secondary'?). It was only until almost at the front I noticed it was a funeral procession and I was about to come parallel to the herse. This felt rather awkward naturally and as opposed to overtaking I stayed a metre or two back. Eventually the procession stopped at a junction where I progressed to the cycle area and sped off ahead when green.

Just wondering what people here would do?? If say it was a long road without junctions would you stay behind at the slow pace or overtake? Personally I'd like to be out of there as quickly as possible without appearing too disrespectful...

 

[gavintc]

Talking of hearses, I had one drive at me recently. I was cycling along a long straight road and coming toward me was a string of cars. Suddenly a car pulled out to overtake the string and was now heading straight for me. I went into the gutter and noted as it went past at some speed, that it was a hearse - complete with box in the back. I remember thinking that someone was going to be late for their own funeral.

With regard to the OP comment - I would overtake if it was not preceded by a man with a stick or some other procession.

 

[Camgreen]

Tricky one I guess. General norm, regardless of vehicle, would be to follow in the queue, as a matter of respect. Probably an old school view these days. I guess if you're in a hurry or perhaps more importantly if hanging back made you vulnerable to other road users, there might be a case for discretely overtaking?

All boils down to your sense of values I guess; I recall hearing a story of a car driver who flashed his lights and sounded his horn for the hearse in front of him to move over and let him pass. Slightly different to your situation, but I guess there might actually be a school of thought that this behaviour acceptable, but not in my World.

 

[Crankarm]

The other day I was cycling up Trinity Road towards Wandsworth and encountered some slow traffic. On this particular road it's not uncommon for traffic to be slow due to the many junctions and roadworks, so naturally I did the cyclist thing and overtook in the space between kerb and traffic (is this called 'secondary'?). It was only until almost at the front I noticed it was a funeral procession and I was about to come parallel to the herse. This felt rather awkward naturally and as opposed to overtaking I stayed a metre or two back. Eventually the procession stopped at a junction where I progressed to the cycle area and sped off ahead when green.

Just wondering what people here would do?? If say it was a long road without junctions would you stay behind at the slow pace or overtake? Personally I'd like to be out of there as quickly as possible without appearing too disrespectful...

No, this is the gutter.

Why get stuck behind a hearse and procession if you can pass it safely without causing an inconvenience? You didn't know the person did you?

 

[gaz]

I would wait as a sign of respect.

 

[gaz]

I would wait as a sign of respect.

 

[Bollo]

2x

I would wait as a sign of respect.

That's a lot of respect.

Personally I'd do the same and wait, but it's up to you really.

 

[fossyant]

Scalp 'em......

 

[DrSquirrel]

You can overtake (when safe) if you want, it's only if you wish to remain behind that you should...


Though afterall - it's one more motorised scalp to chalk up...

 

[karlos_the_jackal]

I'd wait. Especially in london, there is always a junction in a minute.

 

[mr_cellophane]

I see a lot as the main route to the main Essex Cemy passes through Upminster.  I always wait after all you don't know how the person died and if it was in a motoring accident having a cyclist passing and possibly having to drop in to the middle of the procession could be upsetting.
I haven't seen a horse draw hearse while cycling yet although they are used quite often round here (all the East End villains who moved out)

 

[numbnuts]

I would wait as a sign of respect.

me too

 

[DrSquirrel]

I see a lot as the main route to the main Essex Cemy passes through Upminster. I always wait after all you don't know how the person died and if it was in a motoring accident having a cyclist passing and possibly having to drop in to the middle of the procession could be upsetting.
I haven't seen a horse draw hearse while cycling yet although they are used quite often round here (all the East End villains who moved out)

Why would a cyclist cause worries for a previous motoring accident? Maybe if it was a cycling accident...

I've been in a car crash whilst following (a relatives) procession behind the herses...

 

[guitarpete247]

Talking of hearses, I had one drive at me recently. I was cycling along a long straight road and coming toward me was a string of cars. Suddenly a car pulled out to overtake the string and was now heading straight for me. I went into the gutter and noted as it went past at some speed, that it was a hearse - complete with box in the back. I remember thinking that someone was going to be late for their own funeral.

Maybe the box was empty and they were wanting to fill it?

I would pass then wait ahead and stand with helmet in hand and head bowed. GF, being Catholic, would cross herself.

 

[mad despot]

Use your Airzound to warn them that you're coming through.