What's the etiquette after passing someone?

Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.
The reason I ask......was passed this morning by a roadie in full gear on a downhill stretch.

No problems so far, I'm on a hybrid with panniers and not particularly pushing it as I don't want to get to work a sweaty mess! If I get passed by a guy on a lighter machine who "looks" like he's pushing then that's just what happens.

The problem starts when immediately after passing me he stops pedalling and free wheels down hill before starting to unnecessarily brake for the corner at the bottom (which doesn't need to be braked for). This forces me to slow down so I don't hit him. After I've dropped about 5mph I decide "sod it" drop a gear, increase my cadence to get back up to speed around the corner. I also re-take the racer who's still braking at this point.

Around the bend and thinking (but not saying) "What a t*sser" I hear him flicking through gears and as I can hear his chain assume he's drafting me. Eventually he turns off!

Personally I wouldn't dream of passing someone and then braking to slow down. If I wasn't sure about a bend I'd stay behind the guy in front? If I was going faster after that I'd then overtake him.

Am I wrong in my assumptions?
 

BSRU

A Human Being
Location
Swindon
It sounds like bad forward planning by the roadie.
If I find myself in the position of having to overtake someone I look ahead for anything that might cause me to slow down or stop only overtaking if it's clear and safe to do so.
Once the overtake is complete I maintain my speed and keep an extra look out for the cyclist.
 

BentMikey

Rider of Seolferwulf
Location
South London
That doesn't sound very good riding by the other guy. I'd have waited behind in that sort of situation. OTOH surely you looked to check he was behind you, instead of just hoping your hearing was right?
 
OP
OP
SquareDaff

SquareDaff

Über Member
That doesn't sound very good riding by the other guy. I'd have waited behind in that sort of situation. OTOH surely you looked to check he was behind you, instead of just hoping your hearing was right?
I'd heard the same noise from his chain about 5 seconds before he passed me the 1st time. Hadn't heard anything before that point so he must have been in full "stealth - lets hunt down that hybrid" mode. It was safe to assume he was just behind me when I could pick it out over the wind noise again!
 
It sounds like bad forward planning by the roadie.
If I find myself in the position of having to overtake someone I look ahead for anything that might cause me to slow down or stop only overtaking if it's clear and safe to do so.
Once the overtake is complete I maintain my speed and keep an extra look out for the cyclist.

+1
 

jonny jeez

Legendary Member
Momentary lack of forward planning, nothing to get hot under the collar about.

Relax and enjoy the ride
 
They either get ignored or shouted at depending on which side they pass me. Undertakng seems to be a bit of an issue in central London and I'm getting sick of it.

When I pass someone, I usually make a point of turning my head to make sure I'm well passed them before pulling back in front of them. I would then be very embarrassed if I slowed down to turn off unless it was unavoidable or I was lost!
The most chivalrous and polite thing to do after passing someone is to stop, get off, bow with a flourish, then loudly recite a poem in Old French before setting off again.

Last time you passed me I thought your bow was a little stilted therefor I did not doff my cap quite as much as should be expected.
 

jonny jeez

Legendary Member
Undertakng seems to be a bit of an issue in central London and I'm getting sick of it.

It does seem to get worse in the summer, probably a lot more riders that are not yet used to cycling using the road whilst the weather permits. But I do agree, Undertaking is one of my pet hates, I find myself being more frustrated by cyclists than car drivers on my commutes.
 
OP
OP
SquareDaff

SquareDaff

Über Member
I would then be very embarrassed if I slowed down to turn off unless it was unavoidable or I was lost!
If he'd have slowed to turn off then again I wouldn't have minded as much....but he slowed to take the same 90deg right hander I had to. It's a cambered, sweeping bend with no loose gravel and good sight lines (I should add - in the countryside). It shouldn't have been necessary.
 
Top Bottom