Stay focused

[Baanfietsryer]

 

 

 

Ciao,

 

Today I was put in a tough spot when approaching an intersection and wanting to turn to the left. Two cyclists were riding in the lane that turns that way.

 

These two were chit chatting in an area with no yellow line and riding two abreast. The one was positioned close to the centre of the lane and the other one very close to the dotted white line. I gave a polite hoot as I approached from the side wanting to get into the proper position to turn left... but no reaction. I would have thought that they would drift closer to the side to open space for approaching vehicles!

 

The problem was that there was no space for me to get into the proper turn-off lane and this was a busy intersection. Fortunately I showed some tolerance since I am a cyclist. I believe that this incident could have resulted in road rage if a non cyclist was to be in the same situation!

 

I had to go around the riders since I could not get into the proper lane otherwise. As a result I almost faced the oncoming traffic due to the wide line coming out of the turn.

 

A few cyclists are giving the bulk of us a bad name. We need to stay responsible and concentrate when on the road.

 

There are many road users and we have to create tolerance.

 

I was on my motorbike and it is sad to see that cyclists put me and my girlfriend in a compromising position. Fortunately I was thinking otherwise the whole think could have been messy.

 

Ciao

 

Jaco

 

 

 

All rounder2008-02-24 08:35:06

[slowpoke]

well done Jaco, but you are so right - it is the few who are causing major trouble for the rest of us. same with motorbikes - it's the irresponsible ones who give all bikers a bad name

[The Guy in Pink]

There is another way ... Motorists can just wait patiently for cyclists to move on before attempting to pass them.  It happens here in Suriname.   Motorists never get upset or impatient, and wait patiently for cyclists and pedestrians. 

 

When I arrived back here last week it took some time to get out of the bad SA motoring habits. 

 

In one incident last I assumed that two pedestrians would wait for my car to pass before stepping across they road in front of me.    They had expected me to stop and wait for them as is normal here. I got some angry looks.  In SA they would have recieved a blast from the hooter, and a wave with less than five fingers.

 

I know which country I prefereto drive a car or ride a  bicycle in. This is it.

 

It will take a massive education program is SA to get to the stage where motorists are the second class citizens of the roads, but if it ever happens SA will be paradise.