Something needs to be done about the British mentality towards us cyclists!

[GrumpyGregry]

No one else concerned that 'Nearly There' thinks those road markings show a cycle lane?

More bothered that staff from the local highways authority and bikeability instructors think lines similar to those road markings show a cycle lane

 

[Hip Priest]

I find this shocking ... the fact that the biggest selling bike brand in Britain is Apollo.

It's easy to see why. To the general population Halford's are a reliable company, an Apollo bikes are the sort of price that yer average person would pay. I had an Apollo, which was a bit basic but perfectly solid. 'til someone pinched it.

 

[gambatte]

Ref Apollos. Horses for courses. I got our lass a second hand Apollo ladies bike about 10 years ago. Still going strong. She goes down to the allotment on it and has a kiddie seat on the back, with which she's now onto the 3rd of our kids, taking him to school. None of these journeys are over a mile.

Putting it away isn't her priority, I've regularly been pleased its not an expensive bike when I've seen it at the side of the house, in the rain, when moving it 3 foot would see it under a porch.

The only major replacement has been a new rear wheel, this year, when the bearings finally gave out. I figured getting an alloy replacement was a better bet than rebuilding the bearings in a rusty chromed steel wheel.

I wouldn't be happy using it or something of similar quality for my commute, but for the job its asked to do, its quality is about right.

 

[Nearly there]

To be fair, a lot of people would think that. A lot of people (and worryingly including some driving instructors I know) think that cyclists should be as far over to the left as they can get.

Blimey ive started something here

when i was learning to drive (18 years ago) my driving instructor told me cyclists werent suppose to ride two abreast and thats what ive always believed its something ive never really thought about tbh as i generally cycle alone and always to the left its what i was told as a kid

 

[Nearly there]

Does he or is he only concerned that the cyclist should not be on his road? Whether its in a cycle lane or in the edge of carriageway gutter strip is irrelevant as long as the cyclist knows his place.

Im a total novice at this cycling crack hence the can of worms ive opened oh lord help me

 

[gambatte]

No problem NT, interestingly different debate

 

[wiggydiggy]

Blimey ive started something here

when i was learning to drive (18 years ago) my driving instructor told me cyclists werent suppose to ride two abreast and thats what ive always believed its something ive never really thought about tbh as i generally cycle alone and always to the left its what i was told as a kid

Thats the issue, or one of them, that the advice given on the test regarding cyclist may not be consistent.

 

[gambatte]

The comment about not to ride 2 abreast is a case in point. I believe the wording is 'no more than' and you're advised to double up to reduce passes and increase safety, where passing can't be carried out safely.

I'm obviously open to corrections on this?

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Blimey ive started something here

when i was learning to drive (18 years ago) my driving instructor told me cyclists werent suppose to ride two abreast and thats what ive always believed its something ive never really thought about tbh as i generally cycle alone and always to the left its what i was told as a kid

Keep 'em coming NT we will put you right.

Did your instructor also tell you that motorists weren't supposed to speed....?

 

[pshore]

<br />Blimey ive started something here <img src="http://www.cyclechat.net/styles/default/xenforo/smilies/ohmy.gif" /> when i was learning to drive (18 years ago) my driving instructor told me cyclists werent suppose to ride two abreast and thats what ive always believed its something ive never really thought about tbh as i generally cycle alone and always to the left its what i was told as a kid <img src="http://www.cyclechat.net/styles/default/xenforo/smilies/whistling.gif" /><br />

<br /><br /><br />

Hehe. Well done for coming back to the thread. Don't feel too bad, you are representative of the typical driver in the UK. We can use that.

How would you feel about paying for driver training to get a discount on your insurance ?

Cue bucket load of worms

 

[John the Monkey]

Well I feel terrible now.

The other day, a motorist said to us, "HEY! You can't ride two abreast!"

We said, "Don't worry, we're going to Audlem for a picnic."

No wonder he was angry.

 

[Nearly there]

Keep 'em coming NT we will put you right.

Did your instructor also tell you that motorists weren't supposed to speed....?

Can they

 

[snailracer]

But you could argue the law would then be weighted toward one party, be he a cyclist, driver, pedestrian, mugging victim, whatever....

Someone who is in court is entitled to a fair trail. There is no requirement for the laws themselves to be "fair", however.