Motorists: Different levels of retardedness

[Belgarath]

So a little rant is coming...

 

Don't have to be at work today, so obviously I went cycling. Was out at about 8:30. Four different incidents within 5km of getting back home:

 

• Was waiting with another car at the median to cross a busy road. Was waiting in front of her. When I saw my gap, she also pulled away, nearly colliding with me, shouts at me for being in her way.
• Was waiting at the intersection for the lights. Guy crossing has to stomp his brakes real hard, because an idiot was performing a U-turn.
• Same intersection, lights turn, and I set off. Luckily I glanced right again, because an idiot blew the light. Again staring at me like I'm at fault.
• Normally, just before a circle, I glance back at cars coming from behind, indicate, then move to the middle if I want to go straight, otherwise you get sideswiped. Did exactly that, and the lady screams at me that I must stay left/wait for her/some unintelligible garbage. She did turn left, if I stayed left she would have knocked me off.

Really pissed off after a lekker ride....

 

Anyhow, pointlessness of the thread is actually the time of day, and the varying levels of retard people display  - When commuting through heavy early morning traffic, even in the dark, I rarely have incidents. People are courteous, watchful. obviously it's even more fun training, because the side streets are devoid of cars (and Spike isn't looking to kill you too - was hot this morning).

 

Mid-morning people are always in a hurry, thinking less cars means higher speeds. Also, less experienced drivers (such as the lady that is a house wife and on a shopping run) are out and about, looking to kill cyclists.

 

Afternoon commutes home, you have to be extra careful, because people are in a hurry to get home, blow red lights, and taxis stop and ride anywhere.

 

Whew, that feels better. Need to go shower.

[Robbie Stewart]

wait, I'm off to make some fresh popcorn...

[Belgarath]

wait, I'm off to make some fresh popcorn...

 

Why? We're all cyclists here...

 

Or have the Motorluminati infiltrated our ranks?

[worriesnot]

but were you dressed in black? 

 

doesn't sound like a lekker ride... still beats being at work!

[Surv0MTB]

Drives in general atm, are behaving extremely badly. Unfortunately it is the 'general public' drivers, at least 80% of them. Even driving on the road is getting dangerous.

 

If I had a camera to record the amount of stupid **** happening, with people just not looking or thinking.. it would take hours to finish watching it.

[Headshot]

I hear you.I did a 50k road ride around part of the fairest Cape on Sunday. Late start around 9am so there was a bit of traffic. Mostly people cruising the scenic routes and nice and chilled. This didn't prevent similar dangerous incidents for me however.

 

First there was the township traffic circle in Hout Bay where an informal taxi ( A Tazz! ) turned across my path as I kept left just after exiting the circle. Apparently he needed to leave the township and drive 20m to drop someone, rather than just drop them before he exited the circle.  Got the F you when I asked him very loudly what he was doing forcing me off the road.

 

A few km further on in Kalk Bay I had the good old late model Mercedes driver simply pull out of a parking bay into my path causing a wild swerve on my part. A loud shout from me caused him to stop but no acknowledgment or apology. 

 

All this in a highly visible green cycle top and a bright flashing front light. 

[Belgarath]

but were you dressed in black? 

 

doesn't sound like a lekker ride... still beats being at work!

My ugliest, not-getting-laid-tonight bright yellow jersey, with my blinking LED going at the back.

 

Shoot, my pants are black... she probably didn't see me...

[Headshot]

Drives in general atm, are behaving extremely badly. Unfortunately it is the 'general public' drivers, at least 80% of them. Even driving on the road is getting dangerous.

 

If I had a camera to record the amount of stupid **** happening, with people just not looking or thinking.. it would take hours to finish watching it.

And the heat and traffic levels have gone through the roof. Its that end of year craziness.

[Long Wheel Base]

wait, I'm off to make some fresh popcorn...

I'm not so sure this is a popcorn thread. Could be wrong but I don't see much arguing going on here.

[Robbie Stewart]

Why? We're all cyclists here...

 

Or have the Motorluminati infiltrated our ranks?

 

The latter, I suspect...  

 

Nah, just judging by all the pent up rage us cyclists harbor towards the "motorized".

[fanievb]

wait, I'm off to make some fresh popcorn...

 

with all the carnage going on is this really the best comment you can make?

 

FFS cyclists are being KILLED and you make snotty little comments.

 

I suggest you go back to garage, dust off your clubs and go back to golfing.

[worriesnot]

My ugliest, not-getting-laid-tonight bright yellow jersey, with my blinking LED going at the back.

 

Shoot, my pants are black... she probably didn't see me...

 

Ja it's mind boggling, and freakin scary, that even dressing like a Christmas tree doesn't get you noticed.

Glad you're okay 

[Robbie Stewart]

with all the carnage going on is this really the best comment you can make?

 

FFS cyclists are being KILLED and you make snotty little comments.

 

I suggest you go back to garage, dust off your clubs and go back to golfing.

 

 

sheez, you are sensitive today. I know about BDF, and am not trying to make light of his situation, AT ALL...OKAY!!!

 

As for this thread, I merely made a comment in jest. Perhaps I was wrong, and for that I apologize, but as for your asinine comment? Ja, whatever.

 

(And yes, I can comment on this topic, as I have also had a trip to the emergency room, courtesy of the volvo driver who left me stranded after noticing how badly I was hurt.)

[So Is Es]

Its silly season and not to forget the influx of foreign tourists at this time of year.

In a couple of weeks the drunk drivers are also going to increase.

We just have to be super carful and think for every driver at the moment.

[Popit]

Hey Guys , lets not fight amongst ourselves here ...

We are all cyclists here ( one would presume ) .

 

I think the point of this thread is that we all need to be awake/alert whenever we are out there riding our bikes ....

 

Left at 4.30am this morning on the tandem with "the boss".

No incidents and even a couple of courteous motorist ....

[Belgarath]

I think the point of this thread is that we all need to be awake/alert whenever we are out there riding our bikes ....

 

Left at 4.30am this morning on the tandem with "the boss".

No incidents and even a couple of courteous motorist ....

That's it... Seems earlier is better. Intelligence seems to be degraded by the heat...