This is not a wind up!

[Ladycardriver]

Please may i start this post by saying it not a wind up and would love to hear all views, good, bad or whatever.
Firstly i will say i don't ride a bike and don't want to ride a bike, i have a car and i'm happy with it.
Whilst out with a group of friends last night a discussion was started that became quite heated and was all one sided.
The topic was 'flippin (or a word like that) cyclists!!
Although it was quite a large group nobody came out on the side of the cyclist which is why i would love to hear a cyclists view.
So here goes, please feel free to be blunt i can take it -
I am based in Oxfordshire where we have a lot of cycle paths, the one in questions is on a run to a large place of employment on a 60mph road, it is a good cycle path as in flat and well tarmaced so why don't cyclists use it and would rather hold up fast moving traffic?
I am forever getting stuck behind cyclists who seem oblivious to using the cycle paths or think they are above them.
And what is it with this lycra thing?
Most women i know wouldn't dare wear it so why do cyclists? Sorry but men in lycra with shaved legs is wrong but feel free to correct me.
And why can't cyclists wear fluorescent gear? You wear lycra, you shave your legs so don't tell me florescent isn't cool.
I could bring up lack of indication, dark glasses on when no sun, riding in groups on fast roads etc etc but i have probably annoyed you all enough.
So come on give me the other side of the argument, esp about cycle paths, i have found nobody in favour of cyclists so i have joined your forum to find out.

 

[accountantpete]

1. We wear glasses to keep the flies and dust out of our eyes - dark ones just look a lot cooler.

2. Lycra shorts don't chaff and keep a trim figure against the wind.

3. Cycle paths are usually strewn with broken glass.

4. Riding in groups is more enjoyable as you can have a chat or shelter from the headwind.

If you cycled around you would encounter a far more dangerous and anti-social set of people who use their wallet and right foot to get up hills.

 

[gbb]

Hiya ladycar..
Its difficult to know where to start LOL.
Cyclepaths ?...the truth is, they're usually cr@p, dont go where you need them to, usually covered in glass, and you're usually fighting for space with pedestrians. In short, they're a pretty useless for anyone on a bike capable of any decent speed.
Lycra...Its not usually lycra, just cycle specific clothing that many cyclists wear. Its worn mainly because its comfortable, keeps muscle warm, doesnt catch in the gears etc etc etc. Its just the right clothing for the job...thats all.
Sunglasses ? The one thing a cyclist needs is a good view on everything going on, you need eyes everywhere. Personally i dont wear in 'non' sunny weather, but some sort of eye protection is a good idea, dust, bugs, small stones etc etc.
Fluorescents ? I think a lot of cyclists DO wear bright clothing...i nearly always wear a yellow jacket, not fluorescent, but bright all the same. But should i have to anyway ?
Shouldnt a driver be looking anyway...can't he see pedestrians, other cars, lamposts ?...should we coat everything in fluoresent material ?..why are cyclists any different (if you get my drift)

I'd like half an hour with your friends.

 

[mark barker]

Not all cyclists wear lycra!

 

[Gerry Attrick]

Why do car drivers, lady or otherwise:

Get frustrated because they are held up 10 seconds by a cyclist?;
Don't get frustrated when the ten seconds delay is caused by a pedestrian?;
Pass far too closely to a cyclist when the whole of the road is free?;
Insist on occupying cyclist only boxes at traffic lights?;
Think that tailgating a cyclist in primary position is acceptable?;
Shout inanities at cyclists quite correctly using a road when there happens to be a cycle lane available which the car driver considers more appropriate?

These are just a few questions that come to mind.

Oh, and before you draw inappropriate conclusions, I also happen to be a car driver.

 

[ianrauk]

 

[PaulSecteur]

With the greatest of respect to the original poster, why not lend a bike and find the answers for yourself?

The truth is out there.

 

[Crackle]

I was thinking that Ian. I'll wait to see Ladycardriver's responses first.

 

[Mad Doug Biker]

Not all cyclists wear lycra!

Yes, I have never managed to bring myself to actually own, never mind wear lycra shorts or a one piece (Gay Super Hero Alert! ). The closest I get are 'trackie bottoms'.

 

[Trembler49]

Yes, it is a wind up, stop responding to this numpty!!

 

[potsy]

Any thread that starts 'this is not a wind up' has to be very dubious surely?
Like Crackle I will reserve judgement until they post a few responses.

 

[GM]

I agree with all the above, plus I think it should be compulsory to include a cycling course with driving test.

 

[Gerry Attrick]

Ladycardriver = Bonj?

 

[Trembler49]

Oh all right then, I think all cyclists should have mandatory insurance and pay road tax!!

 

[summerdays]

Other reasons for not using the cycle path is that it is less likely (make that highly unlikely) to be gritted in winter, or swept clear of leaves in autumn.

If you are using a cycle path then when you get to a junction then you have to stop and give way to the traffic and it may be quite difficult to cross the road, as you will need to be looking over a wider angle than if you were on the road to see if it is clear. We could adopt the dutch style where the car drivers give way to the cyclists crossing the junction instead . It is so much easier to just be on the road and in the mind of the motorist than only suddenly appearing at a junction.

Another problem with cycle paths is that cars often park on them blocking them, or workmen put road signs in them - not to mention the tree's and bus stops that sometimes block the way.

It's a lot easier on the road generally. There are a lot of nice motorists but also a number who think they can use their car to bully cyclists. If by coming on here and thinking about it you get some more understanding of why we appear to be in your way then thank you for investigating.