Big bunches on busy roads

[BrianMTB]

On my way back from my mtb ride at Northern Farm this morning I came up behind a large bunch of Club 100 riders on Cedar Road. They looked like they were having a good ride except that they were riding 3 and 4 abreast, forcing overtaking cars to move into the oncoming traffic lane.

 

I get it completely that we like to ride in bunches, but guys come on; riding like this on a busy road is dangerous and plays into the anti-cyclist mentality that so many motorists have. Ride two abreast in the yellow lane or single file on the road verge and everybody's happy, right?

[Sandro]

I was in a Cyclelab bunch when a guy behind me decided we were going too slowly downhill so he pulled out into the middle of the street right in front of a speeding car who had to brake like a demon to avoid hitting this guy. He didn't even apologise or try get out of the drivers way, just carried on his merry way. I have no words for the amount of stupidity I see amongst cyclists every time I get on the road. Motorists hate us for a reason so best we don't complain until we all decide to wake the hell up and get our attitudes right. You can't argue with 2 tons of steel. Single file on narrow busy roads and maximum two abreast when the roads and traffic allow for it. It's not rocket science!

[barrykm]

+1 Stupidity one can understand, but it's the arrogance of some of our fellow cyclists that gets to me

Edited January 28, 2012 by barrykm

[Mojoman]

You should try emailing/contacting the club, I did with a club that was all over the road oneday on the Hekpoort Hill, the Chairman came back to me and said they had noted the points and would address it, sometimes the clubs don't know whats happening with all the members.

[Sandro]

Have e-mailed the club, I'm actually starting to think we should all have to wear numbers linked to a database every time we ride so that people can actually be tracked and held accountable for their actions. Knowing you're pretty much anonymous on the road isn't a good thing in my opinion.

[W1Z@RD]

I'm actually starting to think we should all have to wear numbers linked to a database every time we ride so that people can actually be tracked and held accountable for their actions. Knowing you're pretty much anonymous on the road isn't a good thing in my opinion.

 

That's not a bad idea.... Might make a person think twice and over time will help clean up the cyclist image on the roads

[Daideron]

I've witnessed the same thing, coming upon a group who are unaware that there are loads of cars behind them, and show no intention of moving over to at least 2 abreat. I'm a cyclist, and it angers and frustrates me at the same time.

Maybe there should be more action taken against a club, that would make the clubs take a more stern approach to the behaviour of the riders in their organised bunches? I'm not saying police charges, or anything that drastic. I know some would criticise this, but at the end of the day it is for the benefit of the riders and ultimately their families at home.

People these days react to things on the roads without ever considering the consequences, laying blame becomes a never ending argument. Maybe we could just find a way to police ourselves,respect other road users (regardless of who has more rights in the eyes of the law) and not depend on the driving public to have to think about a group of cyclists.

We are afterall our own worst enemies.

[mtbDobby]

I ride road and mtb and to be honest have stopped riding with a club on road rides due to the cowboy approach of people in the group and blatant disregard for other road users as mentioned above - as a driver and cyclist it angers me to see bunches riding 3-4 abreast. I have seen tweets etc from cycle lab and on super cycling about being courteous and safe, either these people are ignorantly bliss or just don't care about the move of cyclist to be safer

[Rain]

Have e-mailed the club, I'm actually starting to think we should all have to wear numbers linked to a database every time we ride so that people can actually be tracked and held accountable for their actions. Knowing you're pretty much anonymous on the road isn't a good thing in my opinion.

 

Kind of like a number plate, but on the rider? That actually sounds like a good idea.

 

I've also passed numerous large groups while training that take up the entire road and have no consideration for the drivers. They ride 3 or 4 abreast on single lane roads and force drivers to either stay behind them or risk an accident by overtaking into oncoming cars. It just gives all cyclists a bad name, and we all suffer as a result of those who can't abide by the rules.

[Lucky Luke.]

x = bunch

y = rider IQ

x + club ride = y/x

[Capricorn]

LOL LL

[Konaman]

Cycling SA must start a code of ethics, have a system in place to police it, and those regular offenders should get a red card and be banned from races or have their license suspended for a period.

[buckstopper]

There was a time when the Lab Racing Team marshalled the bunches to get the riders to keep to the 2 abreast idea. The marshalling by a stronger rider is more effective because the race snakes can patrol the bunches to ensure the riders remain disciplined. It would appear that socially-minded although not necessarily stronger members seem to do duty these days, which imho, doesn't make for safer riding. THis is my observation from passing the (slower) bunches where the mayhem normally occurs, usually in the climbs. What I have found to be effective is a dual marshall system, with one setting the pace and one patrolling. The marshalls can alternate, thereby both improving the quality of their rides. The same tjops who are oblivious to the motorists would probably be the first motorists hooting and threatening cyclists who dare wander into their path.

[I FLY]

I had to take my daughter to Lanseria Airport early on Saturday morning and drove along part of the Cradle training route . There were a few Club 100 and Cyclelab bunches along the way.

 

All of them were riding in single or double file. All had ride marshalls front and back.

 

I was impressed.

 

BTW I am not a member of either club.

[Let's Ride]

All clubs have a few idiots who cycle badly.

 

Hoot at them or stop and tell them what they doing.

[Zook]

I used to be a part of Cyclelab and loathed that road-cowboy behaviour. It just feels *** when so many have such little respect for other road users. About a year ago, driving into the Cradle for a ride at Teak was the worst - clowns all over the road, not giving a damn even on blind corners where you either just sit or overtake very dangerously. Even as a cyclist, I wanted a fire engine with a fully loaded hose. Not sure what non-cyclists must feel, but I assume it's less forgiving. Then we freak out when they put nails on the road? Well, move over then. Not a fight we can win, and we're the only ones who can improve the situation.

 

Hopefully we get more reports like I FLY's above, so we can feel proud more often of our fellow cyclists. Until then, +1 for numbers, or just post pics of riders doing it with a "chop of the week" award.