Road Karma

[luckyfox]

I have learnt to; use the cycle paths, be lit up like a Christmas tree, not take risks, do all the good cyclist things I didn't know about when I first started commuting, because you learn. Yet it amazes me that I can develop into a decent rider and still motorists have a distinct allergy to indicating or being fair. Most and the majority are kind, the massive trucks on the business estate I work on do wait and are the most patient especially when my legs are knackered by the time I get in at 7am. However one exception... A transporter decided that the four seconds it takes to wait for me to safely pass an island wasn't worth his patience and sped up, overtook and cut me off. Who does that?! Man alive, I really try not to judge but watching this massive vehicle come towards me and close the gap ahead, that was scary, even the white van man behind peeped!

People are who they are but that guy has screwed his karma for the day...not cool!

I'm fine, bit shook up at the time. Someone's just mentioned about taking the position of a car next time, could be an idea. The guys at work however found it hilarious and decided I did in fact battle Optimus Prime on a desert island, they're now whistling the theme tune...

Boys are stupid! (well some are)

 

[Venod]

No matter how good a cyclist you become there will always be inconsiderate/idiotic drivers on the road, as cyclist's we have to be constantly aware, taking the prime position is good advice, but don't expect any applause from motorists.

 

[luckyfox]

V true. That's why I haven't done it @Afnug but I think for my own safety I will! There's no way he didn't see me, they're not all like that tho, you're right as I will be more vigilant now.

 

[Jimmy Doug]

I have to say that truck drivers are usually the most considerate road users to cyclists. It never ceases to amaze me how these guys, under pressure from their bosses to make as many deliveries as they can in a day, under the gaze of GPS trackers, constantly stopped by the police and cut up by motorists can possibly show cyclists so much patience, which they usually do. However, next time something like that happens, remember the name of the haulage company, look at the time and don't forget your position. Then, as soon as you can, write to the company and explain politely what happened. Most likely you'll get an apologetic email and the driver will be asked to be more careful next time.

 

[jefmcg]

One thing I like to do when I force drivers to do the right thing (eg I take primary through narrow gaps) and then give them a big thank you wave or thumbs up.

My hope is it recasts the interaction as them being helpful to another road user, rather than being held up by a cyclist. From a couple of smiles I've had in return, it sometimes works.

And maybe next time they'll do it for a more nervous cyclist who has left a gap just wide enough.

But for @luckyfox, read up on primary. You should decide if the gap is wide enough to share

 

[solan]

This was a main reason I'm a little nervous to get on main roads

 

[luckyfox]

give them a big thank you wave or thumbs up

In the warmer months, wearing my Nike short shorts and vest top was enough for them to be considerate all the time funnily enough

I do like to blow the boys a kiss now again or a thumbs up.

 

[dr snuggles]

In the warmer months, wearing my Nike short shorts and vest top was enough for them to be considerate all the time funnily enough

I do like to blow the boys a kiss now again or a thumbs up.

Can you supply photographic evidence so we can judge for ourselves please

Seriously though there are some major tosspots out there but thank God the majority are considerate road users and the main thing is that we all show the same consideration when riding on the roads. Some cyclists don't!

 

[steve292]

One thing I like to do when I force drivers to do the right thing (eg I take primary through narrow gaps) and then give them a big thank you wave or thumbs up.

My hope is it recasts the interaction as them being helpful to another road user, rather than being held up by a cyclist. From a couple of smiles I've had in return, it sometimes works.

And maybe next time they'll do it for a more nervous cyclist who has left a gap just wide enough.

But for @luckyfox, read up on primary. You should decide if the gap is wide enough to share

This. I do this all the time. & take primary through the pinch points. They are trying to get past you, as it looks like you are close enough to the kerb to do so.
Give a big lifesaver look over your shoulder a couple of times before you move out, it's surprising how much that will slow most people, once they are aware that you are about to move out.
However, saying that you will always encounter the odd twat who will think it's amusing to close pass you.
I don't advocate cycling vigilantes, but I am with whoever said to report it if it is a company vehicle, if it is that close it's the only way to modify some peoples behaviour