To set the scene, we set off this morning to drive to Lyme Regis, the kids to play on the sand, fish and chips for lunch, and all that good stuff...
About 6 miles out the fog/mist was really heavy, to the extent that visibility was probably 50 yards at best. So fog lights on and suitably speed for the conditions...
We ended up following a very slow moving 4x4 who appeared to start driving down the middle of the road... odd... but no, as we followed on we saw why, a group of cyclists, 20 or more, strung out and heading towards Lyme. Now the 4x4 was very careful around them, given that they were invisible until you were 15 yards off the back (no lights at all), but this didnt stop a few hand gestures from the 'roadies' towards the driver.
We overtook the first group, and I couldn't believe not one of them had at least a rear light. It seemed almost suicidal behaviour.
Anyhow, a few yards further on we came up behind another group of 5 or so, and again no lights, and practicably invisible until 10-15 yards behind.
I drove alongside the rear rider, and window down said "chaps, you are really invisible" .. this was met by a gesture to sod off - but I thought I'd try once more and highlight the danger they were putting themselves in... this time I got a reply at least - "it was clear when we set off 30 miles ago, what are we meant to do about it", along with another hand gesture.
Now I don't want to sound clever, but I always have a rear light on my saddle pack as in this country you never know what the weather will do, and many times on the commute it gets used. Again, at the weekends when riding with the club I have a rear light attached so if it rains or gets dark I can at least give drivers an idea I am there.
I'm not sure if these fellas were trying to win a Darwin award, but their attitude and stupidity does little to endear cyclists to other road users, and given the fact the weather and conditions were as forecast, they can have no complaint at getting "caught out" by it.
I hope none of them got hurt, but I really hope they think long and hard about their future conduct on the roads and at least give themselves a chance of making old bones!
So if you are out there, if one of you chances across this post... for goodness sake, be safe and make sure you can be seen!
About 6 miles out the fog/mist was really heavy, to the extent that visibility was probably 50 yards at best. So fog lights on and suitably speed for the conditions...
We ended up following a very slow moving 4x4 who appeared to start driving down the middle of the road... odd... but no, as we followed on we saw why, a group of cyclists, 20 or more, strung out and heading towards Lyme. Now the 4x4 was very careful around them, given that they were invisible until you were 15 yards off the back (no lights at all), but this didnt stop a few hand gestures from the 'roadies' towards the driver.
We overtook the first group, and I couldn't believe not one of them had at least a rear light. It seemed almost suicidal behaviour.
Anyhow, a few yards further on we came up behind another group of 5 or so, and again no lights, and practicably invisible until 10-15 yards behind.
I drove alongside the rear rider, and window down said "chaps, you are really invisible" .. this was met by a gesture to sod off - but I thought I'd try once more and highlight the danger they were putting themselves in... this time I got a reply at least - "it was clear when we set off 30 miles ago, what are we meant to do about it", along with another hand gesture.
Now I don't want to sound clever, but I always have a rear light on my saddle pack as in this country you never know what the weather will do, and many times on the commute it gets used. Again, at the weekends when riding with the club I have a rear light attached so if it rains or gets dark I can at least give drivers an idea I am there.
I'm not sure if these fellas were trying to win a Darwin award, but their attitude and stupidity does little to endear cyclists to other road users, and given the fact the weather and conditions were as forecast, they can have no complaint at getting "caught out" by it.
I hope none of them got hurt, but I really hope they think long and hard about their future conduct on the roads and at least give themselves a chance of making old bones!
So if you are out there, if one of you chances across this post... for goodness sake, be safe and make sure you can be seen!