what do I do?........

[Gerry Attrick]

Mrs A and I, as is our wont, have just walked back from our local pub. It's only a couple of miles, but a mile of it is on a totally unlit country lane. As it was dark, as I usually do, we took a torch and wore hi viz to enable the local pedestrian/cyclist blind drivers of tin boxes to see us. We have in the past and in accordance with the Highway Code walked on the right in order to face oncoming barmpots....er drivers. However, this has caused some drivers to get conused as the white light is on the opposite side to that which they expect white lights at night. So tonight, we walked on the left side, only to be honked by a clown who thought we should walk on the right.

Now without going to the exteme of wearing red on my backside, white on my chest, and walking at 50 mph, what the heck are we supposed to do to satisfy these pillocks who seem to think the only objects on the road should be themselves?

 

[ttcycle]

You should walk towards traffic as that's safest and recommended by HC- you'll be chasing your own tail trying to please others- someone is not going to like what you're doing regardless, you can't please 'em all- if it keeps you safe and visible - then no worries.

 

[ComedyPilot]

what the heck are we supposed to do to satisfy these pillocks who seem to think the only objects on the road should be themselves?

Drive instead...?

 

[Arch]

+1 to ttcycle. Walk where the HC says you should. If you wave the torch about a bit (I don't mean hugely, just let it swing a bit as you walk), it should be clear to drivers that you are pedestrians. And if they are confused, and slow down, all the better.

I think it is recommended that you cross over briefly if you're coming to a blind bend to the right, so that you're on the outside of the bend, but then cross back after it.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Yes, face the oncoming cars and as Arch says a bit of torch waving should get the message across.

It's probably bad advice to throw a brick at them as they pass isn't it ...

 

[tyred]

Definitely face the oncoming traffic. How bright is your torch? You don't need a super high powered halogen torch for this and point it at the ground.

 

[gbb]

Sometimes we miss the obvious and best solution ?
Get in touch with your local council/highways dept and highlight the problem. They may be able to erect a warning sign to motorists or extra lighting.

Around here, we had a set of TL's with a slow changing phase that used to delay / annoy everyone for no good reason.
After much complaints amongst each other for lord knows how long, one guy contacted the highways dept and let them know. Within 2 days...there's a van at the TL's, hours later all was well. Job done.

Its not the same problem, but the principle applies. The local authorities can sometimes get it right.

 

[Slowgrind]

Stick to the walking towards oncoming traffic with a light pointed at the ground!
Some drivers get upset at anything out of the ordinary.
Some drivers are twits!

 

[Dayvo]

Walk along the side of the road facing the traffic with an extremely bright halogen light/torch and burn the back of their eyes out!

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

+1 to ttcycle. Walk where the HC says you should. If you wave the torch about a bit (I don't mean hugely, just let it swing a bit as you walk), it should be clear to drivers that you are pedestrians. And if they are confused, and slow down, all the better.

I think it is recommended that you cross over briefly if you're coming to a blind bend to the right, so that you're on the outside of the bend, but then cross back after it.

+1

And ignore the idiots who moan - or tell em to read the HC.

 

[Alan Whicker]

Stick to the walking towards oncoming traffic with a light pointed at the ground!
Some drivers get upset at anything out of the ordinary.
Some drivers are twits!

+1

And get one of those comedy police helmets with a flashing blue light on top. Possibly.

 

[Gerry Attrick]

Thanks to all for your replies. The torch we use is extremely bright (225 lumens) which I do keep pointed to the ground. Until Mrs A's wrist fully heals, we will continue to walk irrespective of the cage pilots' opinions. I still do not understand why they complain, as when I am driving at night and see the smallest indication of pedestrians or cyclists, I slow down without thinking. It has never entered my bonce to sound my horn or yell obscenities.

Takes all sorts!