Why do so many people hate cyclists?

[Peter Armstrong]

No need to apologise, it is funny. I do, as you noticed, get a bit fed up with the mote beam pointing at cyclist law braking.

Just came across it on google while looking for somthing else....

 

[Dan B]

It's not illegal, but neither is driving in a cycle lane (superhighway in London anyway). I'm all for two abreast cycling, but have come accross people doing it as if to make a point and holding up large tailbacks. It only takes a bit of give and take.

From memory, I believe the rule is that you may not drive or park in a mandatory cycle lane (unbroken white line) and should not drive in an advisory lane (broken line) unless you have to[*]

The problem (at least, one of the problems) with the superhighways is that large stretches of many of them really are just blue paint or pictures of bicycles which have no legal significance at all.



[*] in practice, "unless you want to"

 

[Garethgas]

I'm a new member and this is my first post.
I have to say I'm astounded at some of the replies to this thread.
Typically, the majority put forward perfectly valid opinions and views but there are some (one picked at random below) who have a shocking attitude.

Alternatively, kick his mirror off as he performs his close pass. I would imagine he'll feel more inclined to give you room when close passing costs him significant money.

The reason I believe that so many cyclist are despised is due to their (perceived) arrogance, self righteous and aggressive behaviour and total disregard for others.
Whilst these types are a minority, the effect is that motorists then tar everyone with the same brush.
Like most of you here, I've had a few close shaves...I've also been in the wrong too but I never, ever get angry, vengeful or even swear at others as it achieves absolutely nothing.
A cheery smile, a wave or any polite acknowledgement not only diffuses a situation but puts the cyclist in a better frame of mind to continue his journey.
I also think that many cyclists simply ride too fast for a given situation ie through heavy traffic weaving in and out and then wonder why a motorist didn't spot them.
The roads in the UK are also riddled with street furniture, bizzare road markings, pedestrians etc. which add to the observational workload of any driver.
In the interest of self preservation, I cycle considerably slower in traffic, I don't weave in and out and have never had an incident that required more than an emergency stop.
Is that a coincidence, luck or a wise strategy?

 

[glenn forger]

calm down. cyclists don't want to get hurt. your post seems angry.

 

[Kookas]

I'm a new member and this is my first post.
I have to say I'm astounded at some of the replies to this thread.
Typically, the majority put forward perfectly valid opinions and views but there are some (one picked at random below) who have a shocking attitude.



The reason I believe that so many cyclist are despised is due to their (perceived) arrogance, self righteous and aggressive behaviour and total disregard for others.
Whilst these types are a minority, the effect is that motorists then tar everyone with the same brush.
Like most of you here, I've had a few close shaves...I've also been in the wrong too but I never, ever get angry, vengeful or even swear at others as it achieves absolutely nothing.
A cheery smile, a wave or any polite acknowledgement not only diffuses a situation but puts the cyclist in a better frame of mind to continue his journey.
I also think that many cyclists simply ride too fast for a given situation ie through heavy traffic weaving in and out and then wonder why a motorist didn't spot them.
The roads in the UK are also riddled with street furniture, bizzare road markings, pedestrians etc. which add to the observational workload of any driver.
In the interest of self preservation, I cycle considerably slower in traffic, I don't weave in and out and have never had an incident that required more than an emergency stop.
Is that a coincidence, luck or a wise strategy?

Maybe we don't want to do 10mph everywhere just because drivers won't get used to it. I'm all for slowing down when the situation calls for it, but when cars are doing 30 in a 30 on a dry, straight road where it's perfectly safe, there's nothing wrong with me following suit.

 

[400bhp]

The reason I believe that so many cyclist are despised

They are not. It's in your head.

 

[Garethgas]

Maybe we don't want to do 10mph everywhere just because drivers won't get used to it. I'm all for slowing down when the situation calls for it, but when cars are doing 30 in a 30 on a dry, straight road where it's perfectly safe, there's nothing wrong with me following suit.

Of course not, and I didn't suggest you do that.
Why change the example I use to mean the opposite ie 30mph on a clear dry road and then claim there's nothing wrong with it?

I deliberately used my example to illustrate a point, nothing more.
You've just demonstrated that your speed should be appropriate for the conditions...which is exactly what I said.
Oh, and I'm not angry guys...honest

 

[Garethgas]

They are not. It's in your head.

Not according to the OP

 

[Big Nick]

Some drivers pass you with inches to spare when there's the whole road to use and you're already well in to the left, for some its ignorance for others it's clearly deliberate

Cyclists who ride 2 or 3 abreast taking up the whole lane don't exactly enamour us to drivers though!

 

[400bhp]

Not according to the OP

In his mind too.

 

[theclaud]

Some drivers pass you with inches to spare when there's the whole road to use and you're already well in to the left, for some its ignorance for others it's clearly deliberate

Cyclists who ride 2 or 3 abreast taking up the whole lane don't exactly enamour us to drivers though!

Drivers taking up vast amounts of space with imaginary companions don't much endear themselves to me, but I tend not to endanger their lives because of it. Convivial cycling should be positively encouraged, and drivers should get over themselves.

 

[ComedyPilot]

Some drivers pass you with inches to spare when there's the whole road to use and you're already well in to the left, for some its ignorance for others it's clearly deliberate

Cyclists who ride 2 or 3 abreast taking up the whole lane don't exactly enamour us to drivers though!

A solitary cyclist should be passed by EVERY overtaking vehicle as if they're taking the whole lane. So 2 or 3 cyclists riding abreast in the lane should make ZERO difference to a safe*, considerate*, competent*, forward-thinking*, anticipating* motorist coming up behind and overtaking........


*see what I did there....?

 

[Big Nick]

Drivers taking up vast amounts of space with imaginary companions don't much endear themselves to me, but I tend not to endanger their lives because of it. Convivial cycling should be positively encouraged, and drivers should get over themselves.

I'm not against 'convivial' cycling just not when there's another road user quicker than you who wants to overtake and is being held up unnecessarily

It's about basic road manners irrespective of what vehicle you're using

 

[Big Nick]

A solitary cyclist should be passed by EVERY overtaking vehicle as if they're taking the whole lane. So 2 or 3 cyclists riding abreast in the lane should make ZERO difference to a safe*, considerate*, competent*, forward-thinking*, anticipating* motorist coming up behind and overtaking.......

'Should' being the operative word, back in reality there's very few car drivers who feel confident totally committing fully into the oncoming lane which therein lies the problem

 

[ComedyPilot]

'Should' being the operative word, back in reality there's very few car drivers who feel confident totally committing fully into the oncoming lane which therein lies the problem

So continuing along in a lane already occupied by a (vulnerable) cyclist makes perfect sense.