Not at the apex

eternal_headwind

Has anyone else experienced an increase in the number of motorists who drive past you, then notice you and pull out to give you room?

A few weeks ago a motorist drove past so close that a contraceptive device had to be used, then after travelling a further 50ft up the road she slowed back down to my speed, indicated to pull out and rather neatly overtook an imaginary bicycle.

This is a rather extreme case, but is everyne else noticing this increase in delayed response?

on the road

Yeah, I've noticed that too.

Nigel-YZ1

It's always happened, but yes I think it's increasing.

I think it's either:

Beligerent = 'Oh dear I don't want to slow down? - Can I get round without slowing down? - Oh bugger I've arrived I'm gonna have to swerve!!'

or

Ignorant/Overestimating = 'Yeah he's going about $%^mph, Oh bugger I've arrived I'm gonna have to swerve'.

compared to my approach:

'Ok, cyclist ahead, I know how fast a bike goes, slow down, can't see far enough for clean pass, slow down, pop down a gear or two, keep a decent distance, wait. Ok good gap in traffic, move out and pass, give him/her a good clearance'.

There's just too much of a selfish/aggressive attitude in driving these days (good grief I'm starting to sound old!).

cee

although i do like the 'needed a contraceptive' description of how close the car was

beverick

I thought it was just my perception It does seem to be getting worse although, thankfully most drivers still give plenty of space.

I blame the profusion of cycle lanes for motorists not giving space. I have started to ride an extra 1m from the kerb along some roads just to make it apparent that I'm there.

I did have my first experience of a driver deliberately swerving to drive as close to me as possible a couple of weeks ago - a group of young guys in an ancient Corsa, on their way to MacDonalds I suppose.

It was actually more frightening than being brushed by the side of a bus some years ago.

Bob