Why do motorists put themselves through this?

[Biscuit]

The one I like is the number of cars that nudge forward as I approach, even if it is a few inches, do they really see me as that much as a threat?

Yeah I know it's laughable isn't it.

 

[Hip Priest]

I've got a car. It's handy for certain things and I enjoy driving it. But why anyone would choose to commute a short distance into a busy town or city by car is beyond me. It's a ludicrously expensive & stressful habit.

 

[donnydave]

I've got a car. It's handy for certain things and I enjoy driving it. But why anyone would choose to commute a short distance into a busy town or city by car is beyond me. It's a ludicrously expensive & stressful habit.

With regards to people who do this, as my grandad would say:

If they were any more stupid they'd need watering twice a week

 

[Diggs]

It's not just cyclists, I need to cross what is effectively the high street on the 10 min walk to the station in the morning.It's at one end near a roundabout so invariably backed up but always busy. Rather that let you through, drivers will edge a couple of feet across you (stopping as they can't get any further) rather than let you through.
So you detour around them, smile and look behind you whilst they sit there. I carefully mouthed a choice word to the minicab driver who did it to me this week, safe in the knowledge he would still be edging his way round to the station whilst I was on the platform or on the train.

 

[fossyant]

I only managed 4 days consecutive commuting in the car when I came back to work following my surgery. By day 5 I just got back on the bike, no matter what discomfort I was in, it was better than the torture of an hour crawling 6 miles to work, when I can ride 11 miles in 35 minutes.

 

[Arfcollins]

See, in the old days the top edge of the bonnet at the scuttle panel would provide a good hand hold but many modern cars seem to filling this gap with plastic for the sake of appearance and aerodynamics so you have to start considering wipers and vents

For that very reason I always have an ice axe hanging from my belt.

 

[fossyant]

Just to give folk a little perk. Rolled into work after a site visit, picked bike up and carried it up a floor with full weight of panniers and locks. Wheel it through a couple of doors. Bump into a colleague I don't know, but she says "I feel so lazy every time I see you", I respond, "Well it's much quicker than driving". To which she responds "oh yes I bet it is."

We aren't all hated.

 

[DrLex]

I've found that on the increase recently. Some drivers make an effort to let you pass by moving over to the left, occasionally others deliberately move out to block the gap.

I get this now and then (only have a short filtering opportunity), and I like to completely ignore the inconsiderate driver, as I believe that if they realise that it really has no effect, either on traffic or my psyche, they may even stop doing it...

 

[ufkacbln]

I've noticed this past week cycling in Southampton that motorists are getting more impatient with cyclists (possibly just me). I've had several cars beeping me and trying to block me off as I filter past them in traffic jams. It does confuse me, but then I don't drive yet so not entirely sure why they have a problem, motorcyclists I find are the best. They often give way to me in traffic jams as they know I can filter through heavier traffic easier than them.

Email exchange with a local company after just this.

ON the A32 is a cycle lane, and this van on consecutive days pulled in and drove along it to stop it being used.

Sent the video to the company and asked if the van could actually use the road... the reply was that apparently it is illegal for cyclists to undertake, and they are going to report me to the Police!

I gave them permission to use the video to support their claim that I was breaking the law, or if they wanted I could "hand myself in" with the video, and asked if this was any help in their decision?

Highway Code rule 140:
Cycle lanes. These are shown by road markings and signs. You MUST NOT drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a solid white line during its times of operation. Do not drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a broken white line unless it is unavoidable. You MUST NOT park in any cycle lane whilst waiting restrictions apply.
Law RTRA sects 5 & 8

Heard no more, but for some reason they have stopped doing it now!

 

[ufkacbln]

I must admit that on the A32 that I have "played with" on a
occasion.

I only use a short stretch and in windy / wet weather there is a dip by the Hoeford pub where the on road facility is unusable, so I move into the traffic.

Typical was one guy who then moved in to block the cycle path, and then when I moved out did the opposite.

A couple of times now I have deliberately pulled in behind them and simply waited until they move in, then move out, then when they move out, I move in.

The record is 24 moves in the few hundred yards

 

[sheffgirl]

I've noticed a few drivers moving closerto the kerb aafter they've overtaken me. I always filter on the left, but I have a mental rule that I won't ride through if the gap is smaller than a certain width. However, if the traffic is stationary, I can scoot along with one foot on the kerb to get past or there are numerous bus stop laybys I can make use of to get past the drivers who are being silly

 

[captain nemo1701]

How many traffic jams do you see in car adverts?

How many times do you see cyclists sail past queuing cars in car adverts?

Not very, that's how many.

I hate those bl**dy CGI -fantasy car ads , some have a noticeable lack of other vehicles on the road as if congestion doesn't exist...

 

[Leaway2]

I hate those bl**dy CGI -fantasy car ads , some have a noticeable lack of other vehicles on the road as if congestion doesn't exist...

Or the 4x4 adverts showing them driving in the desert or though some American wilderness, when in reality they sit in traffic just to drop the kids off at school.

 

[ShipHill]

The mentality of some car drivers is highlighted by the following true story.

I used to live in the Black Country and one day I went to walk down the shop about 200 yards down the road to get a loaf of milk and bottle of bread.
My neighbour left his house at exactly the same time as me.

Me - Morning Fred
Him - Morning John

I walk down the shop. He pulls up outside the shop in his car and strolls in behind me.
I buy my stuff and leave.
As I'm nearing my house he passes me.... then pulls up outside his house.
I get to my door within seconds of him getting to his.

Him - Hello again John
Me - Notice anything?
Him - No. Why what happened?
Me - Ah nothing... Doesn't matter.

 

[Wayne Tully]

It's because many are to thick to plan where they're going.

*too.