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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To think that some cyclists ignore cycle lanes to prove a point?

82 replies

Thepursuitofhappiness · 31/08/2013 16:57

I enjoy cycling and go a couple of times a week, I'm currently on maternity leave but often cycled to work before that.

I understand that some cycle lanes are dreadful and avoid accordingly - full of potholes, rubbish shrewn, requiring you to stop at each small road turn off etc...

However, I live in Cheshire and there are some brilliant cycle lanes running parallel (ie not just on the kerb) of some major A roads near where I live. Uninterrupted cycle lanes for miles, beautifully maintained and wide. Most cyclists use these. But there are always some who are still determined to use the major A road. Despite holding up traffic. Surely it's a more pleasant experience for everyone if the cycle lanes are used.

AIBU to believe that they are only avoiding the (good) cycle lanes to prove a point, that they have as much right to the road as the cars? I think it's pretty daft to be honest.

OP posts:

VivaLeBeaver · 01/09/2013 20:57

Redbindy - why so aggressive to other road users?

You do realise what you're saying is illegal and could get you a conviction for dangerous driving? If you do crush someone under your wheels and kill them you'll end up with a conviction for causing death by dangerous driving whether its on camera or not. An ex neighbour of mine got a 12 month prison sentence for killing a cyclist that "she didn't see".

Sparklingbrook · 01/09/2013 20:57

How are they going to police speeding in the cycle lane?

I think cyclists speeding down canal towpaths are the worst. Cycling as fast as they can and not veering from their straight line for anyone. Dinging their bell furiously at the pesky pedestrians.

twistyfeet · 01/09/2013 20:59

or obey the Highway code Redbindy, which you appear to have not read. Wait until it is safe to overtake.
Learn to drive properly.

VivaLeBeaver · 01/09/2013 20:59

Red bindy, you daft little idiot of a shit poor driver.

You're meant to wait until the road is clear in the opposite direction before overtaking. That way you won't scratch your car, its quite simple.

Highway Code states you must leave 6ft when passing a cyclist I think.

VivaLeBeaver · 01/09/2013 21:01

I've just bought an Ice Trike which is lovely and wide. Cars won't have a hope in hell of getting past unless there's nothing coming the other way.

rootypig · 01/09/2013 21:01

Oh redbindy. All the cunts with self esteem issues stopped driving beamers in the 90s.

Redbindy · 01/09/2013 21:02

No self esteem issues, just an expensive car.

InternationalPower · 01/09/2013 21:03

LOL at the BMW mention - was it v v expensive? This be a wind up no-one could be quite that stupid surely

twistyfeet · 01/09/2013 21:05

car is a car. Its just a box on wheels, like a large wheelchair so you dont have to waggle your legs. Completely underimpressed by labels here.

Redbindy · 01/09/2013 21:05

Viva:
The Highway Code states no such thing. You should try reading it.

EmmaBemma · 01/09/2013 21:08

Redbindy:

www.gov.uk/using-the-road-159-to-203/overtaking-162-to-169

"...give motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car"

Justforlaughs · 01/09/2013 21:08

Can all just ignore Redbindy, PLEASE! There's no point in engaging with someone who is obviously out for a reaction.
As for cyclists not using cycle lanes, there is often a reason for it - annoying as it is for me to admit it. They drive me mad, cycling down the narrow roads by me, when I know that there is a new cycle path, which was built precisely to avoid this, BUT, the fact is that the surface is not suitable for road bikes and the path is normally clogged with "non-serious" cyclists, walkers, dog walkers and children walking to and from school - all of whom have every right to be there, as do the "serious" cyclists have the right to be on the road. "Serious" cyclists can easily reach speeds of 30 - 40 mph on a flat/ slight downhill and this would cause far more of an issue on a cycle path than possibly holding up traffic on a road for a short time. I do however, wish that they would follow the example of the tractor drivers and pull over at a safe lay by to allow traffic to pass once in a while.

EmmaBemma · 01/09/2013 21:09

I'm going to key your BMW if I ever find it. Kisses!

twistyfeet · 01/09/2013 21:09

it states in the Highway Code, for the Hard of Thinking...

'give motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car'

The usual distance stated is 3 feet.

twistyfeet · 01/09/2013 21:10

and a few others.

'Overtake only when it is safe and legal to do so. You should

not get too close to the vehicle you intend to overtake

use your mirrors, signal when it is safe to do so, take a quick sideways glance if necessary into the blind spot area and then start to move out

not assume that you can simply follow a vehicle ahead which is overtaking; there may only be enough room for one vehicle

move quickly past the vehicle you are overtaking, once you have started to overtake. Allow plenty of room. Move back to the left as soon as you can but do not cut in'

Redbindy · 01/09/2013 21:11

No need Emma, it's already scratched from getting too close to cyclists handlebars.

Rowlers · 01/09/2013 21:12

Have you got children Redbindy?
It might be them knocked off their bike by an angry tosser one day.

Redbindy · 01/09/2013 21:13

Justforlaughs
You are spot on. I'm off to bed now.

Justforlaughs · 01/09/2013 21:15

Good night Red

Sparklingbrook · 01/09/2013 21:16

School tomorrow for Redbindy, hence the early night.

JobsComfortBlanket · 01/09/2013 21:21

You're all missing the point. It's about priority. I don't use the (brand new, empty, smooth) cycle lanes near me when I'm commuting at speeds of 20 - 30 mph because to do so would mean I have to give way at every single side road, driveway, dropped kerb, bus stop, footpath, you name it.

I cycle in the road, with the traffic. It may be more dangerous but it's a hell of a lot quicker, and I'm nails. Unlike sad fat-arsed cunts in their tragic BMWs.

Cycle lane design in this country is truly pitiful.

Sparklingbrook · 01/09/2013 21:24

Cycle lanes round here are a sectioned off bit of the road in the gutter, The parents at one of the local primaries park at the side of the road to escort their children into school, completely over the cycle lane. So the cyclists are in the middle of the road dodging the cars and the car doors opening.

Justforlaughs · 01/09/2013 21:25

Am I missing something Jobs - you are "nails"??
As for the priority issue, it is another consideration but certainly not the only one, and round here not really one at all, as the cycle path is away from the main road and has none of the issues you listed - just the ones i did

Justforlaughs · 01/09/2013 21:26

Major difference between cycle paths and cycle lanes.

candycoatedwaterdrops · 01/09/2013 21:32

YABU. I don't have an issue with cyclists not using the cycle lanes. Is it in the highway code that the cyclist must use their lanes if there is one available?

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