weary of cars/trucks

[tats1]

I am 50 years old my job is a truck driver hgv1(24 years) and car driver.
I joined cyclechat a couple of days ago.
So I brought a bike and went out yesterday somewhere quiet, roads and tow paths just to get familiar with bike no problems.
Now went out again today what a difference, cars to close, cutting in, showing no patience.
Now for the trucks,no problems with the few that passed but you could feel the air change as they went by.
I have learnt something today give cyclist more room than you think even if you think you already have when overtaking and be more considerate,even though I consider myself a good driver.
I am aware that their is a car/truck v cyclist on different forums but I thought that I would like to put my point of view from a newbie cyclist.

 

[growingvegetables]

And you're spot on.

Two wee things, as you cycle more and more -

- sadly, you will become acclimatised to much of the lunacy of some drivers;

BUT

- you will become much more skilled at "claiming", "managing", and "controlling" your safe space? Loads of people can offer good perspectives on safe position in the lane. Ask ................................ and you will be deluged with sound advice and help!

 

[Dec66]

Welcome to the world of two wheels.

I honestly think that cycling made me a better driver, not just in terms of courtesy to fellow road users, but also in terms of anticipation and awareness of what's around me.

Car drivers who mouth off to cyclists seem to forget that most cyclists drive cars, too.

And, yes, I know that there are some silly people on bicycles, I see a fair selection of them on my daily commute.

 

[Drago]

I'm a cyclist who is also often weary of car drivers. Yet I am also often grateful for the space and consideration that many car drivers give.

I'm also a car driver, who is often weary of the behaviour of cyclists. Yet I am also often impressed by the roadcraft displayed by many cyclists, and the fact they've bothered to buy lights etc.

Certain people are simply twots, and their chosen means of transport has little bearing on it. I, however, applaud the OP's new found perspective.

 

[Globalti]

Welcome. here's been a thread going on this somewhere but my belief is that cyclists need to project the right body language if they are not going to be cut up and pushed around. This means riding purposefully, well out into the road and with the mindset that you are another vehicle on the road, just one that goes slower than cars.

 

[I like Skol]

Hi Tats.

You are actually perfectly placed to be a great and safe cyclist due to your driving experience. You have 1st hand insider knowledge on how drivers think and act because this is what you have been for a long, long time. Your experience is invaluable and will help you to predict what motorists are likely to do and help you avoid some of the mistakes that non-drivers might make on a bike (for instance I believe that someone that has driven a large van or HGV/bus would not ride between such a vehicle and the pavement or railings).
Use your knowledge to safely negotiate the roads and behave like a vehicle at multiple lane junctions/roundabouts and you should soon build confidence. In my experience the motorists have the most respect for a cyclist that knows what they are doing and acts that way. The impatience and stupidity starts when they encounter someone that clearly doesn't know the rules of the road because they don't want to be held up in any way. Not saying this is right but it appears to be the way it works.
Your driving will change for the better. I have cycled on the roads my whole life from when my age was counted in single figures but I still found I changed my behaviour around cyclists and other vulnerable road users (even the ones in cars) once I started regular commuting in the last 5 yrs.

Good luck and enjoy your cycling

 

[Apollonius]

I have had cause to be grateful to several HGV drivers when shepherding a mixed group of riders on a short stretch of A road we cannot avoid. Willingly or not (I like to believe it is deliberate) they shield our riders until we can get off the road in question. Good driving.

 

[Spinney]

@tats1 - your position on the road can affect how some car drivers treat you when passing (as mentioned about).
Have a look at this thread for a bit of a discussion on primary and secondary positions (and then ask questions if you need to!).
And welcome to CycleChat!
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/primary-and-secondary.81018/#post-1457478

 

[DaveReading]

Shock news: being able to see other road users' perspectives makes you more aware.

Joking aside, I've often thought that experiencing driving an HGV or bus would be an instructive exercise, not that it's likely to happen.

 

[Drago]

I'd like to try the Yorkies.

 

[Dan B]

I'd like to try the Yorkies.

 

[Globalti]

I picked up a girl hitch-hiker a few years ago; she sat in the passenger seat and wriggled and made funny faces at me, which made me feel uncomfortable. After a few miles of me trying to concentrate on the road she said in a very suggestive tone: "You know what? I'm sitting on something you might want!"

I was shocked so I yelled: "Bloomin' 'ell woman!.... not my Yorkie I hope?"

 

[Markymark]

I picked up a girl hitch-hiker a few years ago; she sat in the passenger seat and wriggled and made funny faces at me, which made me feel uncomfortable. After a few miles of me trying to concentrate on the road she said in a very suggestive tone: "You know what? I'm sitting on something you might want!"

I was shocked so I yelled: "Bloomin' 'ell woman!.... not my Yorkie I hope?"

If she was from Essex she probably wouldn't have noticed it!