Driving rants

Rooter

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I am not allowed to ride motorbikes anymore... it has made me a safer driver in my opinion. I would say my hazard awareness is above forum average.
 

Beezerk

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Regarding tailgating, I hate it however it's become the norm now that any little gap you leave between yourself and the car in front is fair game for those knobs who go down the inside and cut in!
Even if the car cutting in can barely fit in the gap there seems to be a "the gap is there so it's mine" mentality now. Never used to be like that I'm sure.
 

triple_bogey

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Having a RWD car has its positives with dealing with tailgating. Spinning the wheels at stops soon produces a nice safe gap between you both.

People pulling out of junctions at the last second and not accelerating fast enough(or at all).
 

Blue in Munich

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Interesting article that explains why cyclists may to motorists appear to 'hog' the road.......

http://www.motoring.co.uk/car-news/cyclists-why-do-they-ride-in-the-middle-of-the-road-_62617

If they're passing a car I can see that car. If they're passing a refuge I can see that refuge. If the road is narrow I can see that as well. That article actually insults the intelligence of any decent car driver.

Unfortunately it doesn't explain why they do it when none of the above apply, although I've probably worked that one out for myself.
 

Tashyboy

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Came back from Mablethorpe today. It's a wonder there's not more motorcyclists killed. Some of them are absolute nutters and was not suprised to see one was on the deck with blankets over him. (Hope he's ok).
gets home and faffing about in garden and cars are thrashing about on rd that runs alongside back garden. it's a 30mph. daughter rings me and tells me road has been blocked off. A car was on its roof in someone's back garden in three pieces. She could not recognise the cars make. What's up with some people.
 

Whereditgo

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If they're passing a car I can see that car. If they're passing a refuge I can see that refuge. If the road is narrow I can see that as well. That article actually insults the intelligence of any decent car driver.

Unfortunately it doesn't explain why they do it when none of the above apply, although I've probably worked that one out for myself.

No it doesn't, it describes what most cyclists encounter from inconsiderate, impatient, aggressive or unintelligent drivers on most, if not every, ride out and the methods employed by those cyclists to protect themselves. Intelligent and considerate road users are rarely a problem to anyone!

The fact that the road is narrow, the car driver can see that, can also see the vehicle approaching on the opposite carriageway and can even work out that all 3 will arrive at the same section of road at the same time, doesn't prevent the type of driver described above from bullying his way past the cyclist, it may inconvenience him slightly to be delayed for a few seconds......it's a damned sight more inconvenient to the cyclist and his family when the actions of the driver result in contact.

I've had a car driver stop and threaten me with physical harm after he broke his door mirror on my elbow........he did change his mind about that one when I unclipped and stood back up!
 

Lord Tyrion

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Came back from Mablethorpe today. It's a wonder there's not more motorcyclists killed. Some of them are absolute nutters and was not suprised to see one was on the deck with blankets over him. (Hope he's ok).
gets home and faffing about in garden and cars are thrashing about on rd that runs alongside back garden. it's a 30mph. daughter rings me and tells me road has been blocked off. A car was on its roof in someone's back garden in three pieces. She could not recognise the cars make. What's up with some people.

There was a piece on our local news last night about motorcyclists in N.Yorkshire. Apparently it is a great place to ride but unfortunately it also has many fatalities. They interviewed a few bikers and they came out with the same phrase. "ride within your limits". Too many accidents occur when riders get too carried away with a flowing road and let the bike and road get out of control. I am near to a road in Northumberland, A697 for those bikers amongst you, which attracts a lot of bikers at weekends and it doesn't take long to be on it to understand why so many crash.

Before any angry bikers come on, I am well aware that car drivers are to blame for many crashes and I am not excusing bad driving that does not take notice of those on two wheels.
 
C

c1973

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No lights. No reflectors. No hi-vis. Yep, a lycra clad cyclist on a busy bypass this morning in poor visibility.

I would/should have been irate, but she had a lovely bottom so I'll cut her some slack.
 

Blue in Munich

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No it doesn't, it describes what most cyclists encounter from inconsiderate, impatient, aggressive or unintelligent drivers on most, if not every, ride out and the methods employed by those cyclists to protect themselves. Intelligent and considerate road users are rarely a problem to anyone!

The fact that the road is narrow, the car driver can see that, can also see the vehicle approaching on the opposite carriageway and can even work out that all 3 will arrive at the same section of road at the same time, doesn't prevent the type of driver described above from bullying his way past the cyclist, it may inconvenience him slightly to be delayed for a few seconds......it's a damned sight more inconvenient to the cyclist and his family when the actions of the driver result in contact.

I've had a car driver stop and threaten me with physical harm after he broke his door mirror on my elbow........he did change his mind about that one when I unclipped and stood back up!

A few quotes from your chosen article;

"See those potholes? Not good for your suspension, are they?"

"Cyclists are expert pothole - spotters. Use this inside knowledge to prevent costly damage to your car's suspension."

"Remember, motorists - unless their cars concertina like Autobots from the Transformers movie www.imdb.com/title/tt0418279/ - ride two abreast all the time, even when driving solo."

"Cyclists often "block the road" in order to save their lives, and possibly yours, too."

About the author;

"He drives a Nissan Note "but not very often." He's writing a history book on motoring's cycling beginnings, Roads Were Not Built For Cars."

A useful contribution to the education of motorists? Or a patronising & condescending stereotyping of all motorists?

I'm more than happy to listen to any advice that might improve my understanding of the cyclist's lot, but I'm not prepared to be spoken down to in that tone.
 
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