so the schools are back then

[ianrauk]

I used to commute pass a school in Beckenham daily, so you can imagine the amount of 4x4's blocking the road everywhere. On the school railings by the hatches were posters painted by the kiddies 'TELLING' people not to park there.. do they take notice? of course not, ignorant peanuts

What I noticed this morning is how parents seem to think it's fine to stop on the hatch marks outside the school gate and then pull away with no observation at all.

 

[johnsie]

Not til tomorrow

Took the car in today 'cos I need to be out early after tea - So tomorrow I shall probably have to watch out for the 5 children that go to school in the village (NFN).....

 

[Origamist]

Oh goody - very-near's 4x4 mention-alert has gone off again. Does the man ever cycle, or does he just haunt these forums to jump on any mention of his precious mode of transport?

** Sits back with steaming mug of tea in the spectators' gallery awaiting the kick-off **

I've found this especially for Linf and other interested forumites:

"Sports Utility Vehicles: Collision Risks and Outcomes for London’s Road Users"

http://londonroadsafety.tfl.gov.uk/www/downloads/publications/SUV_report.pdf

August 2009

 

[jonny jeez]

I not only noticed the increased traffic...but also the increased attitude.

I was amazed..Having only started cycling in over the summer break, its like a whole new world for me.

I noticed a lot of people (a real lot) driving really erratically around schools and high street's much more than I've never been conscious of before. Not just mum's but also commuters desperate to get past mums and motorbikes desperate to get past commuters going past mums.

and then little ol me stuck right in the thick of it.

The city seemd a lot calmer by comparrison, and didnt feel like it had changed too much...but the outskirts are a totally different picture.

Gonna have to change my style of cycling to accomodate methinks

 

[very-near]

Oh goody - very-near's 4x4 mention-alert has gone off again. Does the man ever cycle, or does he just haunt these forums to jump on any mention of his precious mode of transport?

** Sits back with steaming mug of tea in the spectators' gallery awaiting the kick-off **

You can address me in the 1st inatance Goo - I don't bite

 

[scouserinlondon]

I not only noticed the increased traffic...but also the increased attitude.

I was amazed..Having only started cycling in over the summer break, its like a whole new world for me.

I noticed a lot of people (a real lot) driving really erratically around schools and high street's much more than I've never been conscious of before. Not just mum's but also commuters desperate to get past mums and motorbikes desperate to get past commuters going past mums.

and then little ol me stuck right in the thick of it.

The city seemd a lot calmer by comparrison, and didnt feel like it had changed too much...but the outskirts are a totally different picture.

Gonna have to change my style of cycling to accomodate methinks

I think you've experienced a real double-edged sword.

On the one hand you've had the summer to give you space and confidence, on the other, you've perhaps been lulled into a false sense of security. I think today is particularly bad, it'll calm down once people are back in their proper routine.

 

[upsidedown]

it'll calm down once people are back in their proper routine.

then it will start getting dark in the late afternoon, and the fun will really start.

 

[jonny jeez]

I think you've experienced a real double-edged sword.

On the one hand you've had the summer to give you space and confidence, on the other, you've perhaps been lulled into a false sense of security. I think today is particularly bad, it'll calm down once people are back in their proper routine.

Hope so.

It wasnt enought to put me off, just a real shock at how "distracted" people can be out in the "regions"when the mkids are all back.

oh and upsidedown....I'm one step ahead of you there....I despise the dark afternoons that we get in the blighty winter, it makes the whole country kinda grey and dull. So I will cheer myself up with a tidy new "Luminous" long sleeve jersey...just as soon as my LBS decide that summer is over and actually stocks a few!!

 

[fossyant]

There are usually 'key points' in the year when things take a turn for the worse, then steadily improve, until the next 'point'.....

Schools going back (September by far the worse)
Clocks going back (i.e. dark commute home suddenly)
Christmas run up (rush..rush..don't look)
Return after Christmas

Anyone elso got other 'times' of the year they are EXTRA careful.

 

[John the Monkey]

Freshers week.

Tons of people weaving in and out of traffic and up the inside of buses on bikes that have seen better days, with lights obscured by trendy long coat/messenger bag, or simply not present at all.

 

[skudupnorth]

Yes,i had the joy of passing many,many child filled cars today now the schools are back.....just hope some of them do not try and wipe me out after a good few weeks on no hassle commuting.Dark nights next

 

[GrasB]

Schools in so now cycling 1.7 miles further is quicker, not to mention safer, than using the cycle lane (completely ignored by the 4x4 driving mums).

 

[User169]

Freshers week.

Tons of people weaving in and out of traffic and up the inside of buses on bikes that have seen better days, with lights obscured by trendy long coat/messenger bag, or simply not present at all.

Had that a couple of weeks ago here. Dirty great herds of them ambling around vaguely shepherded by some of the older students.

It does though brighten up the place when the students are around and it's pretty cool when they set up huge sound systems on barges in the middle of town.

 

[andrew-the-tortoise]

On the routes I take, it is often 'hot hatches' parked on the 'yellow hatches' but have observed the odd 4 x 4

 

[D4VOW]

Lots of yummy mummies

Don't forget the fit 6th formers

I love it now the schools are back. Seeing all the annoyed people sat in their cars travelling at less than walking pace while I just ride past them all taking in the fine scenery of the yummie mummies and 6th formers, and not forgetting all the complimentary nice ass comments being thrown my way