Steep uphill, primary and close passes.

[ianrauk]

Forget Ian's advice..

On a hill like that it's only going to wind up drivers, who in turn will try something stupid however you ride up the hill, secondary, primary or wobbling all over the bleeding place.
It's best not put your self in that situation where that can happen.

For piece of mind find a back route through quieter streets. It may take a little longer and be a bit convoluted but it's worth it for your piece of mind.

 

[Sara_H]

Its hard to get perspective from streetview, hills never seem to look as steep but that first 400m up to the crossroads/pub looks by far the hardest. I think the sensible option would to be walk the steepest part to the crossroads and then get back on for the rest of the hill and you should keep a better pace having not done the steep bit. Personally if it were me, id probably just cycle up the first 400m of path at 5mph if it looked quiet and safe to do so (ie. not at school start/end times!) and give absolute priority to any pedestrians otherwise id walk.
Had my first properly close pass yesterday on a NSL road in a strong road position. Its a fast road though as its relatively straight with no turn-offs for 2 miles. I was doing a steady 16mph and most passes were veryconsiderate, some excessively so and then some blacked out, lowered, de-badged 206 with a silly loud exhaust passed me very very closely at ~70mph while the oncoming carriageway was visably empty for hundreds of metres. Theres not a lot we can to avoid deliberate close passes by chavs, he was gone too quick for me to even get his plate anyway and it hadnt made me jump as id heard the exhaust a mile off, so i didnt wobble or get scared as it was all too quick.

You're right, it's not so steep after the pub, just a long drag up - I seem to go alot faster when I haven't just done a night shift!
I think its a combination of the fact that I'm going a bit slower, it's rush hour and school drop off time. I'm certain that some of the culprits are the parents of some of my sons school friends.

 

[bluemint]

+1 for the alternative route or going on the pavement.

I live by a primary school and know the terror that the parents can unleash. perhaps you can delay your departure by about half an hour to let them clear a bit?

 

[growingvegetables]

I've no shame - that's a horrible time of day to be cycling, and I'd happily walk the tough bits.

But just wondering - is there any chance of going through the cemetery and coming out to use Cherry Bank Road?

 

[Sara_H]

I don't think so, I've not noticed any entrances other than the main entrance on Derbyshire Lane - Also, Cherry Bank is fit only fot doped up tour defrance riders - it's practically vertical!

I hate hills! Why wasn't I born in Norwhich?!

 

[CotterPin]

I'd be one for suggesting taking the primary position as much as possible. One thing I would try and do, which I know can be difficult climbing a hill, is to look back occasionally at the driver behind you. It can sometimes help if they see your face - it may dissuade them from attempting to overtake you too close. Also, is the road always completely parked up or is there the occasional space you can move into to allow vehicles to pass? Although you do then have the issue of getting back into the traffic. Is it a continuous stream or are there breaks?
Stephen

 

[Matthew_T]

I understand the situation you are in. I have a primary school near me. I dont get any close passes on it because I take primary but I do have people refuse to give way (SEE BELOW).

View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-btPVaGDluw&feature=g-upl

The road is much busier when the school has finished though.

 

[400bhp]

50/50 that pal - although it's annoying, you had no more right to that space than he did.

Most car drivers wouldn't do that of course.

 

[HLaB]

Sara, you'll know the road and local traffic conditions better than me but the primary as much as it is useful can wind muppets up and result in closer than norm passes when they snap; you need to play it by ear (so as to speak) be prepared to adapt your position/speed, pull in/over if necessary (but don't swerve!) or consider another route.

 

[MisterStan]

I don't think so, I've not noticed any entrances other than the main entrance on Derbyshire Lane - Also, Cherry Bank is fit only fot doped up tour defrance riders - it's practically vertical!

I hate hills! Why wasn't I born in Norwhich?!

Be thankful you weren't, i'm told it's quite difficult to find gloves with an extra finger....

 

[bluemint]

I understand the situation you are in. I have a primary school near me. I dont get any close passes on it because I take primary but I do have people refuse to give way (SEE BELOW).

View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-btPVaGDluw&feature=g-upl

i hate those people as much as those that just deny my existence when I let them go. You wave thanks at cars, why not me?! Grrrr