Dear Motorist

[Stefan Cremer]

All true, but as a cyclist it infuriates me to see how my fellow cyclists:

- Run red traffic lights

- Don't stop at stops

- Bunch together on any road, be it busy or not

- Weave through traffic like you have a right to do so

- Expect pedestrians to make way because you also happen to own the sidewalk

- Throw signs at cars for doing the same type of things that cyclists do (running red lights, etc.)

 

These things all infuriate me as you are influencing the opinions of motorists negatively and they subsequently act in accordance with how you treat traffic laws.

 

It is each and every cyclist's responsibility to obey these laws and improve the opinions of our fellow road users.

 

[SiriS]

Unfortunately I often see cyclists who apparently fail to grasp the basics of physics ---> weight of bike vs weight of car and consequences thereof. Right or no rights, just be clever about it.

[gongmech]

All true, but as a cyclist it infuriates me to see how my fellow cyclists:

- Run red traffic lights

- Don't stop at stops

- Bunch together on any road, be it busy or not

- Weave through traffic like you have a right to do so

- Expect pedestrians to make way because you also happen to own the sidewalk

- Throw signs at cars for doing the same type of things that cyclists do (running red lights, etc.)

 

These things all infuriate me as you are influencing the opinions of motorists negatively and they subsequently act in accordance with how you treat traffic laws.

 

It is each and every cyclist's responsibility to obey these laws and improve the opinions of our fellow road users.

 

 

And added to that.

-..swerve out into the road without looking behind to check if it's clear.

-Ignore the signs especially on Chapmans Peak drive that state"cyclists single file" because you want to have a conversation with your buddy.

-Read and text on your phone whilst riding.

 

 

Course we could treat you like taxi drivers if you act like one.

[Patchelicious]

Cycling to cradle on Hendrik Pot this afternoon, a guy on his cell phone almost ran me over as he was driving in the emergency lane. Nothing abnormal, however. Heres the kicker....... He had a bike rack on his car. Cyclist drive like douches too.

 

Needless to say I had words with him at the next red light.

Edited February 13, 2014 by ArchedBackChinOut

[Guest Smimby]

 

Course we could treat you like taxi drivers if you act like one.

 

I did not act like a taxi.

 

I see taxi drivers are being treated VERY well by motorists. Taxis do not almost get killed for riding properly.

 

Motorist will give a taxi a gap(well taxis take it) motorists will stop and wait patiently behind a taxi doing anything against the law.

 

BUT not a cyclist. Motorist don't want to give us 100mm on the road or even. JUST A SECOND!

 

 

[Guest Smimby]

Unfortunately I often see cyclists who apparently fail to grasp the basics of physics ---> weight of bike vs weight of car and consequences thereof. Right or no rights, just be clever about it.

 

Good point, but if motorist know we have a right to the road also they might stop treating us like we are pirate riders.

 

To many motorist have told me or asked, why are you not riding on the pavement? Even family members around a braai said but you should not be on the road.

 

It is that wrong perception that motorist need to be educated about.

[Wobbles]

Cyclist have a RIGHT to use the roads

 

No I will not move further left and ride in the glass.

Yes I will have to swerve sometimes to avoid a pothole, just like you do.

No I will not use another road, because you don’t like me using this one.

No I am not allowed to "ride on the pavement"

Yes I have to ride in peak hour traffic, you have a car, I have a bike and we both need to get to work

 

Why can you mr Motorist stop, and sit behind a taxi offloading their passengers in the road, or even mid circle? But you cannot slow down for sec and then SAFELY overtake ME

 

Why don’t you treat me like a another road user? Why can you slow down behind a scooter doing 40km, and wait till safe to pass but you don’t do the same for me?

 

No I don’t pay a license fee, but you have to take that up with the government....not me

 

Why do always want to point out what cyclist do wrong, but you allow you fellow road users to anything and everything and you do nothing......no hooting, shouting etc....BUT just let ONE cyclist not stop, then you can suddenly HOOT, and carry on like the poor cyclist almost killed YOU. (I saw this and it was NOT me)

 

Dear Motorist, all I want is you to treat me like you treat other road user!!!

 

EDIT:font size

 

A very good thread Smimby. The biggest problem in this country are impatient motorists. A very much smaller problem are cyclists who don't obey the rules. If motorists gave us 1,5 meters then the roads would be safer for everyone.

 

I don't believe riding 2 abreast on a wide road is a problem - in fact it is safer as motorists don't squeeze you off the tar.

[Jonkie]

 

 

Had a similar conversation at a braai......they left without eating.

 

 

Good point, but if motorist know we have a right to the road also they might stop treating us like we are pirate riders.

 

To many motorist have told me or asked, why are you not riding on the pavement? Even family members around a braai said but you should not be on the road.

 

It is that wrong perception that motorist need to be educated about.

[Eddy Gordo]

And added to that.

-..swerve out into the road without looking behind to check if it's clear.

-Ignore the signs especially on Chapmans Peak drive that state"cyclists single file" because you want to have a conversation with your buddy.

-Read and text on your phone whilst riding.

 

 

Course we could treat you like taxi drivers if you act like one.

 

 

What about using the cycle lanes the government found fit to install to protect cyclist!! Especially on narrow sections of road where bikes cant fit. Cyclists still tend to use the road instead of the lane even though it is the law!!

[Guest Smimby]

What about using the cycle lanes the government found fit to install to protect cyclist!! Especially on narrow sections of road where bikes cant fit. Cyclists still tend to use the road instead of the lane even though it is the law!!

 

There will always people doing stupid things on both sides.......this is not a thread to list everything cyclists do wrong........but rahter the that motorist think we DO NOT BELONG on the road......

[Eddy Gordo]

There will always people doing stupid things on both sides.......this is not a thread to list everything cyclists do wrong........but rahter the that motorist think we DO NOT BELONG on the road......

 

I hear u, unfortunately people in this world of today are too selfish everything is only about them. Everyone is on their own buzz, and no one is worried about the next person. This is very noticeable on the road.

[Wendy]

Cycling to cradle on Hendrik Pot this afternoon, a guy on his cell phone almost ran me over as he was driving in the emergency lane. Nothing abnormal, however. Heres the kicker....... He had a bike rack on his car. Cyclist drive like douches too.

 

Needless to say I had words with him at the next red light.

 

Oh that's so common, Ive seen cyclists finish their ride in the cradle, pack up their bikes then as they drive out the parking lot onto the road, they pull out straight in front of another cyclist. Its amazing but idiots come in all shapes and sizes and love all sorts of sports. Inconsiderate idiots drive cars, ride bikes, take a bus and sit next to you at a concert or the movies. Unfortunately there is not escaping them.

[Cellar]

Oh that's so common, Ive seen cyclists finish their ride in the cradle, pack up their bikes then as they drive out the parking lot onto the road, they pull out straight in front of another cyclist. Its amazing but idiots come in all shapes and sizes and love all sorts of sports. Inconsiderate idiots drive cars, ride bikes, take a bus and sit next to you at a concert or the movies. Unfortunately there is not escaping them.

 

Probably the same idiots that finish a race, get in their cars and promptly start abusing the very same marshals that kept them safe during the event when they stop them from driving into the oncoming cyclists.