Cyclists and road laws. Red lights, etc. (merged)

[Fatti&Monies]

no CAAD 4, I am actually an insurance motor assessor and see what happens to people and vehicles after stupid accidents, and then i have been a team manager for years now, and i have also lost friends whilst cycling around the Lido, it is no scare it is reality and not nice when a cyclist goes down in front of you, we have to do something about our situation if we want cycling enhanced in this country.

[dee jay]

A decently bright set of front and rear lights makes a huge difference to on-road presence, IMHO.

 

Have mine on whenever I'm on the black stuff & have seen the effect - esp. with the front lights flashing during the day - not just on visibility for motorists, but for pedestrians as well.

 

As mentioned previously, if front and rear lights are mandatory for motorcyclists then this should apply to cyclists as well.

 

That said, being on the slow side, I get passed regularly by folks with rear lights flashing which, after about 40-50m, are no longer visible. No ways that a motorist would be able to take the appropriate evasive action in that short distance!

 

Bottom line: turn those lights on, be vigilant, ride defensively... and obey the rules of the road without exception!

[coldfusion]

We can post a million threads and quote a billion stories about our mates that have almost been totalled by cars/taxis/buses etc but until two things become common nothing will change:

 

1) Common sense.

2) Respect.

 

I'm no bleeding heart liberal but holy hells why do I feel like everyone hates me these days? Scowling faces in cars, race faces at races, miff faces in the office - is it just me or has the rat race consumed everyone?

 

More wealth, more bling, more stuff, better than your fellow man - these are the things people seem to be aspiring to rather than something simple like "happiness".

 

As I've said before - my tribute to Burry is to try and rehumanitise the human race. Since "that day" I've made loads more eye contact with drivers and made a point of thanking them when they give me right of way or just in general. It's amazing how many people seem surprised when you lift a hand to them - they get a weird semi embarrassed expression quickly followed by a return greeting and smile.

 

My interactions with people have become a bit more friendly and a few more words pass between myself and others. Either it's working or I'm becoming that embarrassing dad/parent/senile old fart that people avoid - I think it's the former ;-)

 

To play an old cliche....

 

Be the change you want to see in the world.

 

I always wave when I'm given right of way and in fact just wave to let them know im going. As a result in my area alot of drivers know me and are really nice. Unless its the odd bad driver!!

[Fatti&Monies]

The best lawbiding, social & friendly accomodating training group i have ever come across is the Germiston Wheelers bunch even when they are riding with over 60 members in the bunch. They are accomodating and helpfull and have organized rides catering from beginner to racer, even for the slow & oldies, and no rider will ever be left behind with any puncture or when they bonk. In my experience they have the best attitude training on the road & marshalled by seniors amongst themselves, and an backup vehicle with every ride. Even when my team was racing as their opposition would they have the same attitude and assist where possible, however they were not great at racing .

Well done with your reputation Wheelers we miss you guys, hope you had another great toy run like usual and keep up the good work with development of the sport!

[Scooter69]

Cyclists really have the death wish when riding on the roads.

 

I have nearly taken out three cyclists in the last two days while driving on the road.

 

In all cases it was the cyclists that were at fault, (two MTB riders and one roadie).

 

Road rules do not seem to apply to cyclists, the trouble is that the cyclists will ALWAYS come off second best if there is an accident.

 

Then the motorist will be blamed for everything.

 

Is the average cyclist a retard ?.