Is there anything to be done other than just not go?

[MusicMenu]

I have a small group of middle aged women friends who enjoy a social bike ride and lunch. Obviously we've done precious little of it recently, but are able to go again now under the rule of six for an outdoor lunch.

We're not quick like lycra clad racers, but we keep a respectable pace and most of us are sensible road users and considerate of drivers.

One of our number is not. She will pull out with out looking, overtake on bends, send abuse back when drivers tell her what they think. Riding behind her is terrifying. We've all tried pointing out the error of her ways, everything from gentle explanations to very forceful "discussions" taking things from the pov of her children losing their mother, how unfair it is to the group, how bad it makes us all look, nothing is going in.

In every other way she's a perfectly good person and a valued friend.

Is there anything we can do?

It's immoral to ride a bike around Dartmoor unless you are commuting

Its not morally ok to go for bike rides because Dobby needs the roads to be clear?

Umm...

@NiceGerbil

It's immoral to ride a bike around Dartmoor unless you are commuting

@NiceGerbil STOP twisting what I am saying! It is rude, dangerous and inconsiderate to deliberately cause an obstruction on the roads for your own pleasure for mile upon mile.

I told you about the covered ones.
You can fit a lot on mopeds.
I'd have thought with all the trouble you're having it might be worth some thought!

And I'm surprised that there are so many cyclists out in all weathers every day of the week. When you say the weather is so bad you wouldn't even consider an alternative covered vehicle.

And now you're saying you need a car to take your two dogs with you...

And it's still easier to overtake two horses next to each other I take it?

I get that plenty of people hate cyclists. Many cyclists drive as well. And loads of people on the road behave badly. That's life.

What is your point here anyway? Just to have a whinge and throw unconvincing arguments around?

'It is rude, dangerous and inconsiderate to deliberately cause an obstruction on the roads for your own pleasure for mile upon mile.'

What do you think cars do??!!

Massive queues, much more polluting. Loads of incompetent dangerous drivers about.

You have a massive blind spot it seems.

It is a bit strange to complain about cyclists causing an obstruction if you’re in the habit of driving a car. I think they cause more obstructions!

This is the kind of attitude that can lead to cyclists getting a bit arsey, like the OP’s friend. It’s not ideal, but it is understandable.

Sorry about your thread OP . Maybe introduce your friend to dobby, while she's getting her head talked off about all dobbys pet hates you can ride away.

@Dobbyafreeelf - so in the case of the 15 miles, they were arranged themselves into lots of small groups you could over take when it was safe.

Roads aren't just for cars. Mostly they are used for cars, but not just for them. Other than motorways, you have to share. If its not cyclists, it could be horses, tractors, or just someone who wants to go slower.

Cyclists are equally entitled to use the roads and are under no obligation to pull over and let you go past just because you think you are more important (you aren't).

I always find it funny when drivers are pitted against cyclists. I walk and run a lot on the country roads by me, and nearby there's a popular mountain biking area. The cyclists all drive to it in their VW vans, and I'm not kidding when I say they drive like fucking lunatics. I've had a lot of near misses with them taking corners too fast, presumably because they're so desperate to get onto their bikes

Op, your only options are to make it clear to her she cant come anymore or just all of you make arrangements without her. Youve tried to get her to change the behaviour sensitively and she ignored it. I am not sure theres a way anymore that isnt going to be awkward, but its either that or you continue to be put in danger, get a bad reputation or continue to not properly enjoy your rides.
Its her feelings vs everyone elses now and thats on her, not you.

I used to cycle a lot. I do not like the behaviour of some long lines of cyclists in groups on the road. They are often riding two abreast and chatting. It is too dangerous for them to be doing this.

That woman should not be cycling and you lot need to tell her why she will no longer be invited and if she strops off for good is it so much of a loss?

@Dobbyafreeelf

Stop getting your knickers in a twist about something you have no control over. They’re there, they’ll always be there. You just have to accept it.

@Dobbyafreeelf You need to get over the fact that cyclists are perfectly entitled to use the roads for their own amusement. Lots of cars on the road will be creating traffic going to places simply for their own amusement. It sounds like your job is underpaid and incredibly stressful. It's not acceptable that you are not allowed sufficient time to travel between clients or that you need to work 7 days a week. This isn't the fault of other perfectly legal road users.

Just to be absolutely clear I have no objection to cyclist or indeed any other road users using the roads for what they are for - which is getting from a to b. I have no problem with cyclists who are socially using the roads, or drivers out for a drive etc. What I object to and think should be illegal is the roads being used as a race track. Cars are not permitted to race on open roads why is it ok for cyclists?!!! What I am taking about is organised cycling clubs taking over the roads and causing obstructions and making the roads unsafe for all road users. If they want to do that ask for the road to be shut, or go to a proper track. Narrow windy lanes are not a suitable race track!

How are they making the roads unsafe for all road users?

Cars cause the most death, life changing injury, and pollution that kills.

Bikes aren't doing any of that.

'There were 27,820 killed or seriously injured casualties (KSIs) in reported road traffic accidents reported to the police, for the year ending June 2019. This compares to 26,724 in the year ending June 2018. The total number of casualties decreased by 5% to 157,630.'

Public health England

'Air pollution is the biggest environmental threat to health in the UK, with between 28,000 and 36,000 deaths a year attributed to long-term exposure. There is strong evidence that air pollution causes the development of coronary heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease and lung cancer, and exacerbates asthma.'

And once again, if you're in a car and the other person is on a bike. In the event of a collision etc. You will not come off worse.

I don't understand how they're making things dangerous. If it's not safe to pass then you don't. Easy.

Wow, it must be absolutely exhausting to live life so angry. I recommend some fresh air and exercise and a nice lunch with friends. It will improve your life and your mood immeasurably

@MusicMenu

Wow, it must be absolutely exhausting to live life so angry. I recommend some fresh air and exercise and a nice lunch with friends. It will improve your life and your mood immeasurably

In think sue should cycle there

merryhouse

What on earth is social about a bike ride?
Are you joking or bring daft?
A few friends out doing an activity they enjoy. Often it involves a cafe stop either cake and chat. That's pretty sociable!