AIBU Cyclist Twats

[TractorAndHeadphones]

Walking down lovely canals with DP. Supposed to be romantic - but every 5 minutes we were interrupted by a cyclists whizzing along! Some had the courtesy to ring the bell but even so they rode straight at us instead of around us.

This really boils my piss because cyclists always complain that cars overtake dangerously and that’s it’s their god given right to hold up traffic. But cyclists can ride straight through pedestrians?

There was enough space for a cyclist to ride alongside us if they’d been slower ; even so you don’t expect people to walk in single file on canal roads which are meant to be enjoyed slowly! There were families in front of us, mothers with prams etc. Thé cyclists were probably scared of swerving into the lake but if you can’t control your bike then dont bloody ride!
It really ruined my day.

This has also happened on pavements with people whizzing along in the middle. Even if the road is dangerous there’s no need to go that fast.
AIBU to think that cyclists are twats and should be licensed?
People often complain that cars are rude to cyclists but IMO people in general are twats. Cars can do more damage but they’re not behaving worse than cyclists.

Twat motorists are also in a minority- there are just more cars on the road so therefore a higher number of twats.

Totally. Which is why I don’t start threads titled Motorist Twats asking if AIBU to say that motorists are twats. Because I’m sensible enough to realise that even with all the shit I see it’s still a minority and most people are careful.

@ChardonnaysPetDragon

One cyclist is often one less car on the road, we need more cyclists, not less. Look at the bigger picture.

Not necessarily. Not when they are out riding for fun, that would not reduce car traffic on the roads.

It might do in the longer term as they build up there stamina and confidence.

As a pp has said it’s the cycling 2 abreast which really frustrates me. Unless I’m wrong I thought they weren’t allowed to do that but yet it’s so common. It annoys me that they know they’re not supposed to do it but still do it! Why do they need to be next to each other surely they can’t talk like that anyway? And they often don’t go into single file even though they know you’re waiting to get past. The problem is there’s no good place for cyclists - we need proper cycle paths everywhere.

@Peaplant20

As a pp has said it’s the cycling 2 abreast which really frustrates me. Unless I’m wrong I thought they weren’t allowed to do that but yet it’s so common. It annoys me that they know they’re not supposed to do it but still do it! Why do they need to be next to each other surely they can’t talk like that anyway? And they often don’t go into single file even though they know you’re waiting to get past. The problem is there’s no good place for cyclists - we need proper cycle paths everywhere.

You are wrong, maybe you need to re-read the highway code.

@Peaplant20

As a pp has said it’s the cycling 2 abreast which really frustrates me. Unless I’m wrong I thought they weren’t allowed to do that but yet it’s so common. It annoys me that they know they’re not supposed to do it but still do it! Why do they need to be next to each other surely they can’t talk like that anyway? And they often don’t go into single file even though they know you’re waiting to get past. The problem is there’s no good place for cyclists - we need proper cycle paths everywhere.

They are supposed to cycle two abreast. It’s a courtesy to motorists because it then takes you half as long to overtake.

@ChardonnaysPetDragon

One cyclist is often one less car on the road, we need more cyclists, not less. Look at the bigger picture.

Not necessarily. Not when they are out riding for fun, that would not reduce car traffic on the roads.

Tell you what, if you don't want cyclists out on the road "for fun" let's have the same stipulation for drivers and see which has the bigger impact on congestion.

@Peaplant20

As a pp has said it’s the cycling 2 abreast which really frustrates me. Unless I’m wrong I thought they weren’t allowed to do that but yet it’s so common. It annoys me that they know they’re not supposed to do it but still do it! Why do they need to be next to each other surely they can’t talk like that anyway? And they often don’t go into single file even though they know you’re waiting to get past. The problem is there’s no good place for cyclists - we need proper cycle paths everywhere.

You’re wrong. Hth. The Highway Code says it’s fine but recommend single file for round bends, narrow or busy roads. indeed as said numerous times on here it’s safer for the cyclist and easier for the motorist to pass on most roads.

Tell you what, if you don't want cyclists out on the road "for fun" let's have the same stipulation for drivers and see which has the bigger impact on congestion.

Tell you what, don't twist my words. My post was that not all cycle journey are replacing car journeys, as you claimed, not whether I want them to be on the road or not.

@Peaplant20. why don't you check your highway code? It's perfectly legal (and is now advised by police, highway authorities and road safety campaigns) to ride two abreast unless it's a very narrow road or round bends. Cycling two abreast doesn't hold traffic up any more than cycling single file does, because drivers are supposed to cross to the opposite carriageway to overtake cyclists. In fact, it's quicker to overtake cyclists who are 2 abreast rather than single file.

The comments on. here from drivers showing their ignorance of the Highway Code shows that its not always the cyclists who are abusing other road users.

@CovidCorvid

Twat motorists are also in a minority- there are just more cars on the road so therefore a higher number of twats.

Totally. Which is why I don’t start threads titled Motorist Twats asking if AIBU to say that motorists are twats. Because I’m sensible enough to realise that even with all the shit I see it’s still a minority and most people are careful.

You might not - but there are 'twat motorists' threads aplenty on MN.

Although quite how a thread about twat cyclists (of which there are one or two) on a canal path charging through pedestrians - and I had the same experience recently - has turned into a thread about the evils of car drivers I'm not sure.

[quote EmmaGrundyForPM]@Peaplant20. why don't you check your highway code? It's perfectly legal (and is now advised by police, highway authorities and road safety campaigns) to ride two abreast unless it's a very narrow road or round bends. Cycling two abreast doesn't hold traffic up any more than cycling single file does, because drivers are supposed to cross to the opposite carriageway to overtake cyclists. In fact, it's quicker to overtake cyclists who are 2 abreast rather than single file.

The comments on. here from drivers showing their ignorance of the Highway Code shows that its not always the cyclists who are abusing other road users.[/quote]
It’s almost all single track or narrow country roads here, sometimes we get 8cyclists riding two abreast or as this morning 6 riding 3 abreast. They also get very cross if you don’t overtake because frankly it’s too narrow to do so safely , I would worry about clipping someone and gesticulate at you waving you wildly past . I don’t appreciate the aggressive gestures , a cyclist reduced me to tears the other day .

What is eveb the point of this post...OP is out for a walk for leisure so not needing to go anywhere by a certain time. So what is your having to move to the side for other people to get on with their journey.

After all your judt out for a walk.

Same with drivers saying they hate being held up for a few minutes, well if you left enough time for your journeys whats the rush? Its going to be a rare instance its a real emergency.

[quote EmmaGrundyForPM]@Peaplant20. why don't you check your highway code? It's perfectly legal (and is now advised by police, highway authorities and road safety campaigns) to ride two abreast unless it's a very narrow road or round bends. Cycling two abreast doesn't hold traffic up any more than cycling single file does, because drivers are supposed to cross to the opposite carriageway to overtake cyclists. In fact, it's quicker to overtake cyclists who are 2 abreast rather than single file.

The comments on. here from drivers showing their ignorance of the Highway Code shows that its not always the cyclists who are abusing other road users.[/quote]
I don't know what the roads are like around you but cycling two abreast definitely holds traffic up more than single riders where I am. I KNOW it's legal and, at time advisable, but it's obnoxious to hold up loads of cars for too long when you can easily either go single file for a little while or pull over.

I'm a cyclist who rides two abreast but I'm considerate of drivers. If the road conditions allow it I drop to single file to let cars pass or if that's not safe I'll often pull in to a passing space and let the cars by.

The amount of space you should leave cyclist when you overtake is more than most people think. It's simply not possible to overtake cyclists who are riding two abreast on a lot of the roads around me.

Slow moving Farm vehicles often pull over to let traffic go by so if they can do it so can cyclists! I do.

In general I don't mind cyclists apart from the kids from secondary school. On the rare occasion I pick up I park a few streets away and still get kids riding 3 or 4 abreast and won't move even when you ask or kids with their bikes in the road while chatting to their mates and cars parked on both sides so you have to squeeze through and pray you don't hit the bike (or a c2). They never have helmets on either. There is a primary school near them and some kids whizz along the pavement and god help any young children or old people in their way
I totally accept that some cyclists are considerate and often wonder if the kids are just showing off for their friends. It doesn't make me angry just scared.

If you can’t overtake cyclists riding two abreast, then it isn’t safe to overtake at all. To allow enough space to overtake a single cyclist you need to enter the other lane and if you can enter it a bit then you can enter it fully to allow space for two cyclists. See attached graphic from Surrey police.

They need number plates and road tax so are identifiable.

@MintyGreenDream

They need number plates and road tax so are identifiable.

Sigh.

Not when they are out riding for fun, that would not reduce car traffic on the roads

But perhaps they are out riding their bikes for fun rather driving their cars for fun.

@MintyGreenDream

They need number plates and road tax so are identifiable.

I have a car with a number plate but I hate to break it to you - I don't pay "road tax" or, indeed, "vehicle excise duty"! Look it up.

@MintyGreenDream

They need number plates and road tax so are identifiable.

This must be a piss take. No one has paid road tax since 1937. And since vehicle excise duty is based on emissions how much pollution do you think a cyclist produces?

I'm a cyclist who rides two abreast but I'm considerate of drivers. If the road conditions allow it I drop to single file to let cars pass or if that's not safe I'll often pull in to a passing space and let the cars by

I will pull over to let a car past too.

But you are wrong about it being inconsiderate to ride two abreast. If it is too narrow to overtake two cyclists, it is too narrow to overtake one. When I go out in a group we ride single file on a country lane, but you still can't really overtake and ultimately we have to pull in.

Why do you think the car driver is more important? You must do because you're saying the cyclist must frequently stop throughout their journey to let the cars past

If I am out for a leisure ride I will let cars past if there are no easy places to overtake, because they may be going to work or doing a duty visit to an aged relative. They may be on their way to the beach. But I don't know, so I'll let them past if I can.

I have no objection to people cycling to get somewhere, but the lycra clad bellends do my head in. Move the fuck over and let me overtake I have places to be and don't give a shit about your hobby.

Thanks for everyone telling me I was wrong 😂 that’s why I said “I think” because I didn’t actually know. Fair enough, makes sense that in theory it’s quicker to overtake but as one of you said they’re not supposed to do it around bends, which is half of my route to work so that’s exactly what I was thinking of. It’s obviously not as much of an issue on a wide straight road!