Road cyclists?…

[Humphreyshead]

Do you genuinely enjoy having cars following behind you? Or is it just something you’re willing to put up with?

I live in a very popular road cycling area, with scenic routes and lovely windy and hilly roads. Some of these roads are busy though and it can take a few miles sometimes to be able to overtake a cyclist safely.

When I’m driving behind them I often wonder if they’re constantly aware of the cars behind them, which then in turn ruins their experience. Or do you have to just switch them off?

I also ask as I’m an avid mountain biker, and sometimes I have to use the roads to connect trails. But I always pull over when I can, to let cars past, as I hate it!… But road cyclists never seem to do this.

I will move over IF it is safe for me to do so and there is space. Depends on the road. If its twisty, up/down etc a vehicle may not be able to pass safely so I will ride out to prevent me being close passed. If I can see the way ahead is clear I will signal the vehicle to pass. If the road is straight and visibility good they can pass and I will move in if safe to do so. If I was riding with someone and the road is narrow I would single up. I am aware of them and try to get them away from me but try not to let it bother me. We all share the road and yes I do pay VED on my car.

Ooh, my bug bear is when cyclists signal me past. Like I need to be told how to drive (sorry 🙈)

It’s just interesting as a mtber I never stay on the road without letting cars past when I can, usually only a few minutes as there’s a wide section, drive way, junction, lay by etc.

I hate having cats follow me. But it seems that road cyclists don’t mind this.

Dog person?

I don't like having cars behind me, will always stop if safe for me to do so.

Cyclists give me the rage these days. They delight on using up the whole width of the road on country roads so it is difficult to overtake.
I feel like mowing them down but they wear those helmet cameras
Selfish!

Yes 🤔… how does that relate? 😂

I don't wear a camera on my helmet as I don't get out on my bike much. Would appreciate not being mown down even if I haven't got a camera!

Fwiw I don't cycle in the middle of the road, and neither do any of the cyclists I know (a fair few)

I do understand why they take up the whole road sometimes… I do it too when I don’t want people to overtake me. Usually on bendy or narrow bits were I would feel unsafe to be over taken.

I do however, pull over when I can… which is usually within a few minutes. That’s why I don’t understand why road cycling is enjoyable. Riding in close proximity to cars all the time.

@Humphreyshead you said, "I hate having cats follow me."

So are you saying that if they didn’t wear a camera you would mow them down.

I’m tempted because they are so selfish.

😂😂 Cats do follow me!… Because I pay them no attention at all! It’s like a tease for them

I wouldn't call myself a road cyclist as such, but do cycle on the road. I don't love having cars sit behind me. I go up a particularly steep winding hill (e bike) and that means some cars will get stuck behind me if there are cars coming the other way on each bend.

I pull over in the only place that is possible rather than have a car sit behind me.

Yes I am very much aware that a car is following me and will pull over to let it pass if it is obviously going to be a while before the car can pass safely

If I know that there is a straight stretch of road with good visibility coming up then I'll just carry on cycling as I know the car(s) will have the chance to pass soon enough

I hate it if the car drives really close behind me while it's waiting to pass

I ride mtb too and I just don't get road cyclists. Why would you do a ride consisting only of the shit bits of riding a bike and miss out on roots and drops and forest and rocks, etc?

I tried riding a road bike for a while and while I appreciate you will get fit, I just could not get past the fact that you share the road with drivers. (plus: no suspension, shit brakes and even shitter outfits) 😀

Maybe that’s my problem… I’m comparing 😂… Mtb is ace!!! The road is shit and only good for fast connections

Why are they selfish? Drivers have no more right to be on the roads than they do.

I do think its wrong for the MAMILs to go on roads when there are perfectly good (and safe) cycle paths (example, A24 in Dorking). But they are few and far between so what would you like them to do?

As an aside, I've got a local parkrun and I have never needed to drive to it, I can cycle. That has, at the point of writing, taken more than 75 round car trips off the road, with the attendant reduction in pollution (and my own petrol costs). Do you really want me to start driving?

Stop threatening cyclists. You are not more important than they are.

I hate having cats follow me

Oh, so do I.

🤣🤣🤣

Same here.
I wouldn't, naturally.
But cyclists are all so entitled.

What about cyclists who use the road when they have a cycle path!!!!!!!

Someone needs to have a word with kitty about wearing a helmet...

Ooh, my bug bear is when cyclists signal me past. Like I need to be told how to drive (sorry 🙈)

Same. I’lll decide when to overtake, thanks.

And cyclists who terrorise pedestrians on shared pathways.

Goodcat also has nice juxtaposition following OP 😆