Taxi Drivers- spawn of Satan?

[CotterPin]

I ride in London all the time and it's rare I have a run in with a black cab,most of the time I find them ok.

It's a bit like me saying BMW drivers are dodgy,whereas they can be I think you need a bit of an open mind.

I find the "Pre Booked" more dodgy just with the style of driving basically.

^^^^^
Oooops
I think possibly you need an open mind with all drivers and not single them out because of what they drive.

That's the sermon for today folks from the book of hackbike 666.Amen.

You're quite right - we shouldn't really stereotype drivers of particular vehicles. The difference, however, between yer bog standard BMW driver and a driver of a taxi is that I would have thought that the latter would have had some additional training to be able do their job, and so in theory should be less likely to pull stupid stunts. However, the evidence seems to suggest otherwise.

Although the failings of licenced cabbies fade into insignificance against private hire vehicles. Cycling through London I can virtually guarantee that some of the stupidest behaviour will be pulled by cars with a little TfL private hire sticker in the back window. In fact I don't think those stickers are given out for registered private hire vehicles. If you read it carefully you will probably see it says "I am a knobhead - avoid me at all costs."

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Our local taxi drivers have developed an 'special' driving style that has elevated them from needing to adhere to the highway code in any way, shape or form.

 

[Alan Whicker]

Minicabs - absolutely the Spawn Of Satan

Black Cabs - 15% less Spawn-like. Though I'm still not giving cabbies tips until I have a good encounter with one to cancel the driver who took sides with the WVM who almost knocked me off.

 

[hackbike 666]

I really think that Black Cab drivers are more tolerant nowadays and more knowledgeable about cyclists,granted I usually get some that pass probably a bit too close so I try to get out of the way as this tends to happen down the Mile End Road and not Central London.I think you get to learn their idiosyncrasies and that of bus drivers....Not meaning to be insulting or anything but we all know that when an arm goes up in the air the nearest taxi aims for it like a scud missile.Same with buses and bus stops.

Unfortunately when there is a bit of bad driving and the vehicle goes past,some of the time it has one of those tell tale stickers in the back.

 

[HLaB]

I was just about knocked off by some idiot a while ago. The following mini cab driver pulled in to check if I was OK; they're not all bad.

Edit and lately I've foun black Cab behind me are much more patient in general

 

[BentMikey]

I wasn't going to post this as I was looking to spread happiness and good will, however since it's come up I shall.

I think you'll be able to work out my opinion of some taxi drivers (and I have to say that they seem to be the only driver type that pulls this stunt with this degree of panache and elan). I express my feelings quite loudly, quite clearly and quite bluntly so it would be an idea to turn the sound down if anyone around you might be offended.


View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsbCwe73Cb0

That's a rough one Ben, I was well shocked when I saw it.

Luckily most black cabbies are great drivers, and very tolerant and careful of cyclists.

 

[asterix]

I know a York taxi driver. He gets apoplectic on the subject of drivers using their mobile and any similar distractions. Never had a lift from him as I never use a taxi but suspect he's an ok driver.

 

[joolsybools]

You're quite right - we shouldn't really stereotype drivers of particular vehicles. The difference, however, between yer bog standard BMW driver and a driver of a taxi is that I would have thought that the latter would have had some additional training to be able do their job, and so in theory should be less likely to pull stupid stunts. However, the evidence seems to suggest otherwise.

Although the failings of licenced cabbies fade into insignificance against private hire vehicles. Cycling through London I can virtually guarantee that some of the stupidest behaviour will be pulled by cars with a little TfL private hire sticker in the back window. In fact I don't think those stickers are given out for registered private hire vehicles. If you read it carefully you will probably see it says "I am a knobhead - avoid me at all costs."

+1

 

[jmaccyd]

I certainly am not the spawn of satan, well not unless the old man has been keeping something very quiet. Only one thing gets me chewing the wheel, and that s the number of cyclists with their saddles far too low - for godness sake people sort it out!

 

[Jonathan M]

Hmmm, my experiences are that private hires are chance takers, the (relatively few) black cabs around my way have better driving standards.

Worst bit of road rage I've ever had from a car driver was from a private hire who pulled out on me from the right & going in my direction, and when i shook my head at him he slowed, and started effing & jeffing at me about what my problem was. Told him he was a tool and had pulled out on me, got a reply back "you're only a bike". I got his plate number and rang the local authority about him.

 

[purplepolly]

Only one thing gets me chewing the wheel, and that s the number of cyclists with their saddles far too low

Do you ever feel like just pulling them off the bike, getting out the allen keys and moving it up for them?

 

[al78]

I don't seem to have any problems with taxi drivers whenever I cycle in London.

I did have an unusual encounter with one once. I was stopped in a queue of traffic at a red light on Gower St, about two cars back from the front of the queue. Black cab driver on my right advised me that I would be better filtering to the front of the queue as it is safer. As there was no ASL there was nowhere to position myself at the front without jumping the light, so in the event I stayed put. The taxi driver wasn't aggressive or anything but just sounded like he was trying to give some helpful advice.

 

[hackbike 666]

One said to me once I look like a Christmas tree.:arrow:

 

[jmaccyd]

Do you ever feel like just pulling them off the bike, getting out the allen keys and moving it up for them?

Yeah I actually do! The over treat is looking out for the lovely steel framed machines that are still knocking about. Lovely orange framed Holdsworth chained up at the top of Eastbourne terrace by Paddington station always catches my eye - big frame size too.

 

[hackbike 666]

Originally Posted by benborp
I wasn't going to post this as I was looking to spread happiness and good will, however since it's come up I shall.

I think you'll be able to work out my opinion of some taxi drivers (and I have to say that they seem to be the only driver type that pulls this stunt with this degree of panache and elan). I express my feelings quite loudly, quite clearly and quite bluntly so it would be an idea to turn the sound down if anyone around you might be offended.


View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsbCwe73Cb0



If he did that to me I'd lean on the horn button until he effed off.