Passing Etiquette

[BrumJim]

Given the recent concerns about how to behave on a bike, did I break the etiquette rules this morning?

I was overtaken at some pedestrian/cycle lights by someone getting a better timing - he crossed the road on the fly, whereas it was me who had to stop and press the button.

Anyway, he had a fairly new Trek bike and shorts, indicating good fitness and speed, but wasn't trying particularly hard. Anyway, I got a good head of steam up on the next long stretch of straight road, and passed him whilst free-wheeling.

Is this bad form?

He did keep up with me until the next set of lights, where I deliberately slowed down as the phases were against me again, and I knew that I would have to wait, so didn't see the point in busting a gut just to wait longer.

 

[jonny jeez]

Given the recent concerns about how to behave on a bike, did I break the etiquette rules this morning?



Is this bad form?
quote]


yes

or rather....Its pointless.

Why bother competing with someone over somethig so trivial, I'd have a coronory every day if I tried to compete with all the other people that gained some form of advantage over me form some small coincidents
of life that I had no control over...you'll be trying to scalp the clouds next as they rush overhead ...crossing red lights without stopping....damn those red light jumping clouds...must better them!

 

[MajorMantra]

If you are strong enough to stay in front then why not pass? On the other hand, people who huff and puff and turn bright red to pass you, and then fall back because they can't handle the pace, are annoying.

Matthew

 

[BrumJim]

It is the passing whilst free-wheeling that might be a bit show-offy.

 

[MajorMantra]

It is the passing whilst free-wheeling that might be a bit show-offy.

Maybe a bit.

Of course the correct technique is to pass so quickly that your slipstream buckles their front wheel.

Matthew

 

[trustysteed]

passing with no hands on the bars and no feet on the pedals is the way to go if you really want to impress!

 

[iendicott]

passing with no hands on the bars and no feet on the pedals is the way to go if you really want to impress!

I like to push myself everyday if I can so if I can see a cycle ahead of me I try and catch it up and pass and then keep ahead. It's a bit of a childish game but it gets the adrenalin going.

 

[redjedi]

you'll be trying to scalp the clouds next as they rush overhead ...crossing red lights without stopping....damn those red light jumping clouds...must better them!

I tried to out run the rain a few weeks ago

Left work in light drizzle, started heading south and found the road was dry, no rain and with a tail wind. So decided to go as fast as possible to stay dry.

All was going well until I turned westwards. A few minutes later and I'm soaked through.
I would have made it, if it wasn't for the temp traffics light that refused to change.

 

[Funk-Meister]

I find passing whilst filing my nails is the ultimate insult.

 

[u9ge]

What about passing someone on a mountain bike who is on aerobars?

I overtook him sat fairly upright, hands on the top of the drops, showy?

 

[XmisterIS]

I have three kinds of passing etiquette.

When I am in the car, I give cyclists as much clearance as I possibly can - if the opposite carriage way is clear and empty, I'll pull right over to the other side of the road to pass them.

When I'm on the pushbike, I do a quick lifesaver (shoulder check to those of you non-motorbikers!) and nip past 'em and back in.

When I'm on the motorbike I give them a wide berth too ... but sometimes (if i am feeling in a devlish mood), I will declutch and let the revs off - then coast right up behind them reasonably quietly, then I will drop it down a gear, let the clutch out and whack the throttle open - that makes my bike go from quiet to suddenly incredibly loud. By God, it makes 'em jump! Lol!

I think it's a funny practical joke, and I've had bikers do it to me when I'm on my pushbike There's one guy round here who knows me from the biking fraternity, and he does it to me deliberably! Git.

 

[Arch]

I find passing whilst filing my nails is the ultimate insult.

or, lighting a fag....

I passed a couple of PCSOs the other evening, with a cheery "Evening!" and concealed panting. One said hello back, and the other said "Bloody Hell!"