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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to be irritated at cyclists on the North Circular?

54 replies

Maria2007loveshersleep · 31/07/2012 12:14

I know the arguments for cycling more, and I agree with most of them. However, I drive on the North Circular (in London) to go to work, and almost every other day, during rush hour too, there's invariably a cyclist there who makes driving really dangerous: everyone has to change lanes quickly (there's no space to pass the cyclist while remaining in lane).

So: am I being unreasonable to feel cyclists just shouldn't be on high speed roads as they make driving conditions there more dangerous than necessary both for them & for drivers too?

OP posts:
2fedup · 31/07/2012 12:18

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ChairOfTheBored · 31/07/2012 12:21

Of course YABU, unless they are swerving wildly into your path, you are required to give them space and over take safely. If this means waiting a few moments for a clear gap to do so, then so be it - it's still delaying you less than if they were all in their own cars...

Original poster
Maria2007loveshersleep · 31/07/2012 12:21

Would you say the same about a motorway too? I'm honestly curious as I feel high speed roads are dangerous as it is, and made far more dangerous for all involved with cyclists on them.

OP posts:
ChairOfTheBored · 31/07/2012 12:22

No - but then they are not allowed to cycle on the motorway - t'is in the highway code.

Original poster
Maria2007loveshersleep · 31/07/2012 12:23

Chairofthebored well of course that's what I do, I take as many minutes as required to allow a gap, then overtake safely, but that usually means people honking from behind, overtaking me from the right, and general confusion.

OP posts:
Original poster
Maria2007loveshersleep · 31/07/2012 12:24

Good to clarify about motorways.

OP posts:
StunningCunt · 31/07/2012 12:29

I drive on the North Circular about once a month and the driving is absolutely fucking diabolical. People doing 70mph in a 40mph, undertaking, cutting people up, poor lane discipline, you name it, it's going on.

The standard of driving on the North Circular is probably among the worst of any road in the country and you are complaining about cyclists?

Biscuit
LaurieFairyCake · 31/07/2012 12:32

It's not a high speed road though, everyone's supposed to be doing 40.

It's only high speed if people drive like tossers.

Original poster
Maria2007loveshersleep · 31/07/2012 12:34

You're both right in terms of people driving FAR too quickly on the North Circular, perhaps that's then part of the problem. I agree with StunningCunt that it's a diabolical road in the best of scenarios (I get honked and overtaken all the time for driving at 40 or 50- the speed limit alternatives between the 2 on the North circular). I still believe it's a road best avoided by cyclists as it just doesn't feel to me like common sense to cycle on this road.

OP posts:
sixlostmonkeys · 31/07/2012 12:41

There should be no need to make a rule/law that cyclists shouldn't use such roads. Common sense should tell cyclists that it's insane to cycle on such roads.
But, oh they have as much right - which sadly may be their final words...

StunningCunt · 31/07/2012 12:41

And town centres are best avoided by women after dark because it's dangerous. Right?

Fleurdebleurgh · 31/07/2012 12:42

I learned to drive on the North Circ. Horrible horrible road.

YANBU about cyclists though.

ChairOfTheBored · 31/07/2012 13:09

I appreciate the point that cyclists may wish to avoid the NC, because of the dangerous ways in which other road users drive, but that is not the same as saying the should avoid it.

Surely the point is that some drivers are making it dangerous by driving too quickly, and not anticipating the needs and actions of other road users. I can't see that the answer is to say 'sure, carry on drivers - silly cyclists for daring to ride'

PlumpDogPillionaire · 31/07/2012 13:25

I drive on the North Circular too, and I agree with you, Maria.

And I know, I know, as Stunning says, perhaps it should be the other driving we get pissed off about, but actually, that sort of sets a scene that it's possible to cope with.

How many of you other posters on this thread actually use the North Circular, btw?

ChairOfTheBored · 31/07/2012 13:30

When I have to, but mostly I try to avoid - even in my big car... I certainly wouldn't be brave enough to use my bike.

Original poster
Maria2007loveshersleep · 31/07/2012 13:33

I certainly agree with all that say that the North circular is not a great road & that drivers very often drive too quickly there, but I think it's unreasonable on a road like that, with no bicycle lane, for cyclists to take the whole of the left lane particularly during rush hour, when in fact they could use plenty of other roads where they'll be cycling at exactly the same speed & where quick lane-changing wouldn't be required of drivers, making driving annoying & precarious.

OP posts:
MavisG · 31/07/2012 15:24

They obviously don't have plenty of other roads to choose from or they would - they need to get somewhere, just like you do. You talk as if they're out for fun while you have Important Business, and it makes you sound like a knob.

bitofcheese · 31/07/2012 15:51

i do i do, i LOVE it, use it all the time :D

YusMilady · 31/07/2012 16:07

Come on OP. Get your cycle clips on. Come over to the dark side. You might like it!

StunningCunt · 31/07/2012 17:54

I certainly agree with all that say that the North circular is not a great road & that drivers very often drive too quickly there, but I think it's unreasonable on a road like that, with no bicycle lane, for cyclists to take the whole of the left lane

Eh?

If there's no bicycle lane then that's precisely why they should take the whole of the left lane. I often take the whole lane on a 3 lane road and should anyone say anything to me, I would just point and say '1, 2, 3, how many lanes do you need?' I've got one, you can have yours.

I just went out now, I make a point of sitting in the middle of the lane, there was a car in front of me, one behind me, I'm a bit slower than the one in front, but you know what we both end up sitting at the next red light. I ain't holding up nobody.

when in fact they could use plenty of other roads where they'll be cycling at exactly the same speed & where quick lane-changing wouldn't be required of drivers, making driving annoying & precarious.

Why don't you use one of these other roads?

Kladdkaka · 31/07/2012 18:16

It's dangerous because of car drivers going too fast, behaving like they own the roads and not wanting to give room to other road users.

YABU

RichTeas · 31/07/2012 18:21

YANBU, but you can balance your frustration with the knowledge that cyclists on these busy roads are taking massive risks with their own safety, and every now and then one dies. Take great care when they are around because essentially, a bike is a vunerable as a child.

squeakytoy · 31/07/2012 18:26

I think you have to know the North Circular to appreciate the OPs points. It is a 3 and 4 lane route, with lots of HGVs and it is not a great road to drive on in the rush hour. It is almost like a motorway in parts, and cyclists do often cause a lot of accidents on there.

googlyeyes · 31/07/2012 18:33

YANBU

StunningCunt · 31/07/2012 21:29

am pretty sure that it's not the cyclist causing the accidents but rather bad driving.

Just so you can have some understanding:

www.goinggoingbike.com/blog/great-divide-ride-aims-to-show-destructive-effect-of-the-north-circular/

It's a horrible road and saying 'these poor people should stay off the road' you could try a little consideration.