Overtaking etiquette

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M

MacLean

Well-Known Member
Location
London
Dont get it, Im pretty new but i've been overtaken fast and I've done overtaking. I dont feel embarrased or demorolised when someone overtakes me and dont feel like im embarrasing someone or being rude when I overtake them?
 
Jezston

Jezston

Über Member
Location
London
I've never been overtaken. And never shall!

But then there's virtually no cyclists on my commute.
 
C

Clamson

New Member
Location
Bucks
I remember overtaking someone a bit slower than me, in the dark. He caught up and I was wondering what the really bright light right behind me was as I couldn't hear or see a car; was a bit worrying at the time. He shouted "set a good pace", so I did. Didn't see him after that ;).

There's only one guy on my commute who is faster than me - he has a roadie, clipless pedals, lycra, the works. I hardly ever see him, but if I do he normally comes past. The competitive spirit in me comes out, and I can almost match him, but he edges away no matter what. The guy must average 23 mph...

Still, I have a hybrid, plain clothes, flat pedals and I smoke. I think I do quite well.
 
D

Deleted member 1258

Guest
MacLean said:
Dont get it, Im pretty new but i've been overtaken fast and I've done overtaking. I dont feel embarrased or demorolised when someone overtakes me and dont feel like im embarrasing someone or being rude when I overtake them?
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I have been cycling for more years than I care to remember, I am well aware that some are faster than me and some are slower than me. If they are slower than I am going I will enjoy overtaking them, If they are faster than me I will sometimes get on their wheel and try and stay with them, if the seem friendly I will try to start a conversation. But I don't see many other cyclists so don't get the chance very often.
 
chap

chap

Veteran
Location
London, GB
Moodyman said:
There's a lot more fair weather cyclists on the road who've not got the Winter miles.

What are the rules for overtaking slower cyclists. I mean, if you get a female or an older gentleman, do you fire past and demoralise them or do you sit back and hope they turn off thus avoiding them the embarrassment?

Is chivalry or respect for elders still applicable on the road?
Click to expand...


Laugh loudly and kick them when you pass! ;)


Alternatively, just overtake them. If space is tight, use the bike bell and say thank you* afterwards.


*Beware in London - where civility took a right going anti-clockwise on the M25 - the shock could make somebody fall off their bike in which case you may be held legally accountable. xx(
 
OP
OP
Moodyman

Moodyman

Legendary Member
Admit it, she had a nice ar*e!

Come to think of it, she did have a nice figure, but that was just my reward for being nice.
 
OP
OP
Moodyman

Moodyman

Legendary Member
I have done that and then huffing and panting thought "Why doesn't the idiot just pass me".

Do you have a nice bum?

Maybe the idiot wanted a just reward for his nicety.
 
BenM

BenM

Veteran
Location
Guildford
I overtook an MTB today on my 'bent... first scalp so I guess my leg muscles are getting better. I think I remember calling hello up to the dizzy heights of the rider on the upwrong but who knows?

Usually if I am being followed I just slow down and keep slowing down until the tailgater skips past (unless I am going at a reasonable speed and don't mind a drafter; I can be generous sometimes ;) even though I am usually too slow to draft anyone) I don't mind being dropped at all and would rather be scalped than have to think about someone immediately behind me itching to get past.

B.
 
Tynan

Tynan

Veteran
Location
e4
as wide and as quickly as possible

I like the idea of hellos but bikes are like sardines on my commute
 
potsy

potsy

Rambler
Location
My Armchair
I've said a couple of 'hello's' this week as I have overtaken them,1st was a 20 something bloke on a mtb and I got a 'alright mate' back.2nd was a postman who ignored me.
Don't get to overtake many as there's not that many about at the times I'm travelling.
 
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