Cyclists really are in their own world

[Grant85]

Agree that it would be really nice to have a lot more cycle routes and a better culture for using a bike for short journeys or commutes.

Problem I can see, compared to the Netherlands, is it's so bloody hilly. A flat mile or two for a loaf of bread and a block of cheese seems like a pleasant 20 minutes spent on a Friday afternoon or Saturday morning. Even a quick cycle down to the golf course for 9 holes and a couple of beers. But as it is, knocking your pan in with hills both there and back turns into a much bigger ordeal with a shower and a change of clothes involved.

I've seen Chris Boardman banging the drum about cycling infrastructure in this country. But with the terrain there is no way it will ever be as standard as it is in other countries.

Personally it's nice to have a decent cycle route near me, where I can join just a few minutes from my house. But it is hilly and I see it as exercise, not commuting or saving a car journey.

On a cycle route, you know you are out the way of traffic and risk is minimal. But without this, I would not be bothered doing cycling at all. 1 car just needs to not see you, or get that bit too close and you have almost no protection against serious damage or death.

 

[clubchamp98]

The shared cycle/footpath that started the original post - I have been out there every day since the lockdown started and have found that the casual cyclists, the families etc - they are all really polite, thank you for standing to one side, wait for people to move etc. The so-called "lycra louts", the "serious" cyclists - they are the ones who are rude, obnoxious, nearly hit people whilst trying to set their own personal best times etc. And it has happened so often that it is no longer a one-off but a definite trend.

I would mostly agree with this.
But any serious cyclist would know trying to set a time atm with the amount of casual riders out is just not on .
But there will be some who will.

 

[MegaSteve]

My lads have cobbled together a bitsa for me to resume cycling after an enforced 'holiday' from two wheels... Managed a couple of laps around the block without incident... Not sure I am ready for off road just yet... Hopefully I can build up to that, again, during summer... Don't do road cycling as there are way too many homicidal maniacs driving...

 

[fundy]

First time out on the cycle today so am now one of those! round here theres so little traffic currently people are walking down the middle of the roads to social distance lol, clearly not expecting anyone on a cycle either despite there being plenty out

On the downside gears on the bike sounds a little clunky, think I may have bent the chain guard which is causing the noise, at least i hope its that, will examine properly tomorrow

 

[pendodave]

First time out on the cycle today so am now one of those! round here theres so little traffic currently people are walking down the middle of the roads to social distance lol, clearly not expecting anyone on a cycle either despite there being plenty out

On the downside gears on the bike sounds a little clunky, think I may have bent the chain guard which is causing the noise, at least i hope its that, will examine properly tomorrow

YouTube is a fantastic source of how to mend your bike videos. I've never understood how half the things worked until the last couple of weeks.

 

[Jamesbrown]

A slagging off of cyclists has now turned in to a willy waving contest....by cyclists, who knew eh.

Took over a thread like they do the roads. Terrorists they are. The lot of em.

 

[Deleted member 16999]

Bit extreme, let’s hope they catch who’s responsible.

 

[USER1999]

we used to get the odd idiot in our local woods who thought it a good idea to tie wire between two trees at neck height. They never did get caught, but boy was it dangerous to cyclists.

 

[AmandaJR]

YouTube is a fantastic source of how to mend your bike videos. I've never understood how half the things worked until the last couple of weeks.

Me either! Always thought it was a dark art best left to a bike mechanic. Sorted my hybrid chain jumping with some help from youtube and here. Also sorted my road bike which had the chain coming off the small front chainring. Got it very wrong before I got it right - wouldn't change to top ring and then came off top ring...BUT kept tweaking and fiddling and some oily hands later (but no swearing) it now works a treat.

 

[fundy]

we used to get the odd idiot in our local woods who thought it a good idea to tie wire between two trees at neck height. They never did get caught, but boy was it dangerous to cyclists.

was one of those on the promenade down here last year, tied between the beach hut and railings on the front! put at least one person in hospital

 

[USER1999]

i think give it 6 months there will be a lot of bikes on ebay.

I can't think that these 'pop up cyclists' will continue once people can get back to normal.

 

[pendodave]

Me either! Always thought it was a dark art best left to a bike mechanic. Sorted my hybrid chain jumping with some help from youtube and here. Also sorted my road bike which had the chain coming off the small front chainring. Got it very wrong before I got it right - wouldn't change to top ring and then came off top ring...BUT kept tweaking and fiddling and some oily hands later (but no swearing) it now works a treat.

Brilliant! Top limiters, bottom limiters, different tension adjustments.... The world's your lobster.
I even started reading a page which listed the hierarchy of all the different Shimano groups, by category, since the mid 90s.... (The shame)

 

[fundy]

Brilliant! Top limiters, bottom limiters, different tension adjustments.... The world's your lobster.
I even started reading a page which listed the hierarchy of all the different Shimano groups, by category, since the mid 90s.... (The shame)

ok now im actually worried about it lol

 

[AmandaJR]

ok now im actually worried about it lol

I actually know what he means - get in AJ!! I'm rubbish at such things but was so chuffed afterwards...

 

[AmandaJR]

Brilliant! Top limiters, bottom limiters, different tension adjustments.... The world's your lobster.
I even started reading a page which listed the hierarchy of all the different Shimano groups, by category, since the mid 90s.... (The shame)

My bike didn't have H/L on the screws so just picked one and hence the initial problems BUT the fact what I was doing changed something gave me hope!

 

[Diamond]

OK we get that you don't like cyclists but those pathways and trails are not exclusively for your personal use.

I like sensible people, walkers stop for other walkers giving them a considerate distance of 3-4 metres. The cyclists I have seen, and there was about 20 today which aborted my walk, don’t do that.
The trail is not for my personal use which is why I won’t cycle from Warrington to Altrincham on itor even to fiddlers ferry in the other direction.
The roads are quiet, use the roads if you can, whilst vulnerable people are taking their 30 minute stroll, it’s only until lockdown is lifted.

 

[Bunkermagnet]

My bike didn't have H/L on the screws so just picked one and hence the initial problems BUT the fact what I was doing changed something gave me hope!

You don't need those markings, but as long as you watch carefully and adjust things a little at a time it's easy to learn.
If you have the correct or often near enough tools, you can do anything to your bike. Thankfully gone are the days when I would have to strip, clean and grease a cup and cone bottom bracket after each 3 hour mud fest

 

[sunshine]

Dug out my old cheap MTB to use for some exercise found some ok single track trails around my area to cycle but also realized that the bike I had was cheap and not up to much so ordered a new bike that's a bit of an upgrade but just had an email saying its going to be about 6 weeks before I get it!

This looks like many posts on this forum. Lack of performance is due to equipment... New equipment is the answer.

 

[sunshine]

Bit extreme, let’s hope they catch who’s responsible.
View attachment 30423

Looks like Diamond has been out

 

[sunshine]

Never seen so many people on bikes as the last two weeks.
All we need now is to teach them not to use the pavements.!

Absolutely - hopefully many people stick with it post lockdown... especially as a mode of transport (cycling doesn't have to be lycra-clad high intensity exercise).

Although I cycled past a woman riding her racing bike on the pavement yesterday. On a quiet residential road. Was a bizarre sight to see my 4 year old daughter riding her bike on the road and an adult coming the other way on the pavement.