Times Have Changed A Bit

[Igor73]

In the interests of balance, the behaviour of a notable section of cyclists is also getting worse. Ride without lights at night in my day and the local Bobby would knock your block off, but now every 2nd rider seems to do it with impunity.

Cannot disagree with you on that, there's definitely a number of unsafe cyclists too.

 

[Igor73]

OK, in the interests of balance...
I started riding again this year after an absence of only 8 years or so. First thing I noticed was how much more considerate I'm finding drivers. Black cabbies for example who used to be a nightmare now seem far more aware etc. I've even, dare I say it, encountered some non-feral white van drivers (though I suspect they may be just poorly disguised aliens)!

Like I say the majority are great, it's definitely a minority that's the problem..................it's just that that minority is much more bigger now then when I was cycling back in the 80's. I've seen some really good, considerate drivers but in less than 8 weeks I've lost count of the close shaves I've had and the total lack of patience of some drivers.

 

[steve50]

You want to try the A58/A629 roundabout, via Orange Street, staying on the A58.

that one is bad enough in the car, i avoid it if I can when I'm on the bike. Doen it once coming from Keighly Rd side (Burdock Way) had to have eyes in the back of my head and i was only headed for the town centre.
In fact that particular roundabout is now ten times worse since they opened the new shopping centre car park and altered the priorities on the roundabout.

 

[steve50]

OK, in the interests of balance...
I started riding again this year after an absence of only 8 years or so. First thing I noticed was how much more considerate I'm finding drivers. Black cabbies for example who used to be a nightmare now seem far more aware etc. I've even, dare I say it, encountered some non-feral white van drivers (though I suspect they may be just poorly disguised aliens)!

I watched a documentary on the box a while back about driving in London, seems drivers from all walks of life are getting more aware of all the cameras monitoring them so they are being more tolerant / respectful of other road users.

 

[andyfraser]

I've even, dare I say it, encountered some non-feral white van drivers (though I suspect they may be just poorly disguised aliens)!

If they look like Scarlett Johansson, run!

 

[sidevalve]

If they look like Scarlett Johansson, run!

If they look like Scarlett Johansson Stuff running I'm following

 

[jonny jeez]

I see plenty of guys riding bikes worth 4 times as much as mine

That's true i blame halfords as they now sell a number of bikes for under £100

 

[andyfraser]

If they look like Scarlett Johansson Stuff running I'm following

You'll change your mind after watching Under The Skin.

 

[Drago]

You cheeky mofo Johnny!

Going backish to topic regarding car drivers, I'm must agree the while the majority are good and courteous and respond well to good and courteous behaviour from a cyclist, the level of stupidity has indeed risen.

However, as an occasional car driver I reckon averages speeds have fallen. Sure, there are still plums who overtake at warp factor 9 but in general adherence to speed limits, or at least a close approximation of them, seems much better than is used to be. I don't know if it's congestion, fuel prices or what but that definitely seems to be my observation.