Riding over cattle grids

[Aravis]

To judge from the comments here, I do seem to be on the cautious side, but I don't see any shame in that. If I'm in any doubt whatsoever, I'm happy to walk.

No doubt it's possible to injure yourself or (worse) your bike when walking through, but in general, the way I see it is that if you walk, you won't; if you ride, you might.

 

[Welsh wheels]

To judge from the comments here, I do seem to be on the cautious side, but I don't see any shame in that. If I'm in any doubt whatsoever, I'm happy to walk.

No doubt it's possible to injure yourself or (worse) your bike when walking through, but in general, the way I see it is that if you walk, you won't; if you ride, you might.

That's a good way to look at it. Personally, I'm inclined to do that in the future to avoid any possibility of an accident.

 

[Alan O]

This is me (with fake sad face), many years ago, fixing a puncture just to the side of a cattle grid...

As it happens, the puncture happened just before I reached the grid - I don't think I'd have liked to ride over it with a flat tyre had it gone a few seconds later.

Alan

 

[wheresthetorch]

Kudos to this guy - on a Penny-farthing!


View: https://youtu.be/HBxYDF-72sc

 

[welsh dragon]

I dont like cattle grids. I am thankful that we don't seem to have many around here. I only have 20 inch wheels, so i would def not ride over a set of them.

 

[Sbudge]

Never had too much problem with them but there are a couple I know that run at a slight angle and those are just evil in the wet.

 

[jefmcg]

I dont like cattle grids. I am thankful that we don't seem to have many around here. I only have 20 inch wheels, so i would def not ride over a set of them.

Yes, road imperfections are always much more noticeable with smaller wheels. Look at the way the rear wheel jumps about (I know most of the weight will be on the front wheel, but still) :

View: https://youtu.be/HBxYDF-72sc

 

[DRHysted]

If ever in doubt use the gate alongside, don't walk on the actual cattle grid.

 

[Racing roadkill]

If ever in doubt use the gate alongside, don't walk on the actual cattle grid.

And don't crap yourself approaching the cattle grid and jam the anchors on, with no warning.

 

[Ian H]

And don't crap yourself approaching the cattle grid and jam the anchors on, with no warning.

Ah yes. Some years ago, on the Gridiron, a rider did just that at the first grid. Fortunately the hundreds of riders behind swept around her without incident, but it was a heart-stopping moment.

 

[lazybloke]

Have never given them much thought - I just cycle in a reasonably straight line and be more careful if it's wet/frosty.
Did a short 3 mile ride with my 10 and 8 yr olds yesterday and they went over 3 separate grids without any issues.

 

[ufkacbln]

Ah yes. Some years ago, on the Gridiron, a rider did just that at the first grid. Fortunately the hundreds of riders behind swept around her without incident, but it was a heart-stopping moment.

Slightly OT

I remember a "SKY ride" in Southampton and turned a corner to find a pile of bikes...... and a small child on a bike with a very loud voice:

"Mummy -you told me to stop!"

 

[Racing roadkill]

Slightly OT

I remember a "SKY ride" in Southampton and turned a corner to find a pile of bikes...... and a small child on a bike with a very loud voice:

"Mummy -you told me to stop!"

That's my patch, it's one of the things you have to be most careful of. Mummy and daddy know best, except they don't when it comes to a group ride .

 

[huggy]

The stopping distance of a small child seems to break the laws of physics. But 25kgs is always going stop faster than 80.

The idea of crossing a cattle grid in a pair of SPD SL cleated shoes is just terrifying. Fast and straight off the saddle every time.