Your rants here.

lost_in_thought

Always Tyred wrote:

lost_in_thought wrote:

antfly wrote:

Details,we need details.Were you sent down?

No, I left of my own accord.

I doubt that. Shady character, this LiT. Were you caught with a French/English English/French Collins Gem in an exam? I knew it.

You got me. It was a Langenscheidts.

biondino

Bless you.

I have had to shout at quite a few peds lately, but I did get a couple of apologies, so that was nice. An arsehole in a BMW was encouraged to "suck me" yesterday morning, even though a choice quip about him being stuck in traffic so actually beeping and zooming past wasn't terribly clever now, was it, would have been more appropriate. Ah well.

antfly

lost_in_thought wrote:

antfly wrote:

Details,we need details.Were you sent down?

No, I left of my own accord.

I am afraid we are going to need a lot more details than that,come on,spill the beans.

I went to Oxford too. It was on a day trip with the school and when we got back on the coach the teacher said "have a good look around boys, because none of you will ever be coming here again". Brutal but accurate,as it turned out.

posh_pedaller

Are we allowed to rant at ourselves here? Because I hate myself for being a right muppet...
So my new bike came yesterday (I plumped for the Vitus Zénium in the end) and I of course was dead excited. Requires a bit more set up than I had hoped, but no worry. Of course like a kid at Christmas I had to play with EVERYTHING - including clipping included cleats and pedals together, but of course I couldn't get them apart again. So I try loosening a bolt, and the cleat came out, but the whole pedal fell apart. And it's now bloody impossible to get it back together.

Fireblade96

Always Tyred wrote:

Okay, I'm going to see how many people I can irk.

Something that annoys me, for no good reason - people who start off cycling by putting their left foot across their right, onto the pedal, then swinging the other leg over the saddle.
Please stop.

Nope. I do this. Almost every time. No problem swinging my leg over my (correctly adjusted) saddle, I guess I'm just flexible.

And I do it on dismounting too. Sometimes I scoot along right-foot-over-left for quite a distance, just because I can :-)

So ner. Ner ner ner ner ner

downfader

I'm gonna have to go to the copshop tomorrow. Had a REALLY aggressive driver this morning on my way into work. I'm doing about 18-20mph heading towards a traffic island, a white van safely over takes but just after I hear the revs behind me of another car about to.

I was actually about 5 foot from the island and stuck my right palm out towards the driver and shouted "NOT YET!!" I caught a glimpse of eye contact and what I thought was a grin and they barged right through. How they never hit me I dont know??!! :shock: :shock: :evil: I said a few rude words in utter shock

20 seconds later I caught up with them at the lights. In my anger and shock I still didnt get a good look at the driver (face hidden slightly by the reflection off their windscreen). I said "What the hell was that about!?" and the male passenger leans out the window and goes:

"WELL 'OW MUCH ROOM YOU F***ING WANT MATE!!?"

They start to pull away and I shout back "Its in the highway code!" and numpty is waving his hand around making gestures out of the passenger window.

I ride 1/4 of a mile up the road and catch up behind another cyclist and sure enough some other pillock cant be bothered to wait for him at the traffic island and gives him (a very slightly better) 5 inches of space. I spoke to the guy for a sec and he seemed ok..

I've just copied off the file and will go around tomorrow. I've had enough of idiots like this. Its only a 10 second wait max!! :roll:

benno68

@ Downfader - What a nightmare! Unfortunately some motorists don't regard cyclists as other roadusers and think of us simply as an inconvenience - @rseholes.
Unless there's a camera covering the incident location, I think you may well be wasting your time with the police.

In Cardiff we have cycle lanes in certain areas about 2 foot from the kerb painted in red (always the worst bit of road), it amazes me how many drivers simply disregard the "cycle only lanes", I've lost count of the amount of learner drivers under professional instruction who disregard the cycle lanes completely. What chance have we got if people aren't being taught to be considerate to cyclists by the, so called, professional driving instructors.

Maybe worth getting all driving instructors in the saddle as part of their training, I'm sure it would give them a better understanding!

downfader

Benno68 wrote:

@ Downfader - What a nightmare! Unfortunately some motorists don't regard cyclists as other roadusers and think of us simply as an inconvenience - @rseholes.
Unless there's a camera covering the incident location, I think you may well be wasting your time with the police.

In Cardiff we have cycle lanes in certain areas about 2 foot from the kerb painted in red (always the worst bit of road), it amazes me how many drivers simply disregard the "cycle only lanes", I've lost count of the amount of learner drivers under professional instruction who disregard the cycle lanes completely. What chance have we got if people aren't being taught to be considerate to cyclists by the, so called, professional driving instructors.

Maybe worth getting all driving instructors in the saddle as part of their training, I'm sure it would give them a better understanding!

This is why I have my "little black box" or basically a sports camera system on my bike. I have the car on video I also have the second driver on video both plates quite clear.

Though sadly because the mic part has to be in my bag on the rack it doesnt pick up much other than my chain rattling around. Its all going on dvd and I'm taking a portable player with me down there tomorrow morning. It just felt so deliberate. :?

As for driving instructors I kind of agree... I think a lot of people have taken up tutoring like this after losing their job or have decided this is a change of career... it has kind of watered down things a fair bit.

I now think that perhaps driving education should actually be done at school and include cycling within that (skills and theory) to get rid of this stupid heirachy that people seem to subscribe to. A vehicle is a vehicle.

fnegroni

Dear silly cyclo-commuter on the Wokingham Road entering Wokingham at 6.13pm tonight.
I beeped my horn at you because you undertook me when traffic was still moving, at a junction, in front of the Shell garage. I gave you plenty of space when I overtook you a mile earlier, and you now undertake me with inches to spare?
What am I supposed to do then? It's a junction, I can't just overtake you again, but you didn't realise traffic was already on the move by the time you got there, which means you cut me up.
I suggest you go and read Cyclecraft and learn to 'over'take, and if traffic is moving, hold the primary position and wait for your turn at the junction.

whyamihere

On the subject of learner drivers, there are roadworks on the road in to Tamworth. This means a gigantic tailback. Filtering past the queue today, I saw a learner driver deliberately move over the centre line and stick his arm out of the window to block my route. I managed to get past, then stopped and looked back. The learner was giving me the finger, while the instructor was looking utterly mortified and too shocked to speak.

Karma got 'im though. The drivers behind had pulled right up to the back of the learner. When a construction lorry came the other way a few seconds later, requiring the entire lane, he had to stop. Moronic learner didn't have any space to get completely back into his own lane, he'd used it all up trying to get in my way. The light cycle was quite long, so the traffic didn't start moving for a good 2 minutes. As I carried on past the rest of the queue, I could hear horns and some very choice language being thrown around behind me. Fantastic.

downfader

whyamihere wrote:

On the subject of learner drivers, there are roadworks on the road in to Tamworth. This means a gigantic tailback. Filtering past the queue today, I saw a learner driver deliberately move over the centre line and stick his arm out of the window to block my route. I managed to get past, then stopped and looked back. The learner was giving me the finger, while the instructor was looking utterly mortified and too shocked to speak.

Karma got 'im though. The drivers behind had pulled right up to the back of the learner. When a construction lorry came the other way a few seconds later, requiring the entire lane, he had to stop. Moronic learner didn't have any space to get completely back into his own lane, he'd used it all up trying to get in my way. The light cycle was quite long, so the traffic didn't start moving for a good 2 minutes. As I carried on past the rest of the queue, I could hear horns and some very choice language being thrown around behind me. Fantastic.

Yeah fantastic!!

I actually have to say I had a really good experience this morning to counter the REALLY bad one. Construction lorry kept a safe distance behind me for half a mile on Portsmouth road here in southampton, then did a really good overtake as I went up hill towards the woolston area.

I had a learner brush my side a couple of years back on Winchester road (I think all of southampton's road are named after other cities ). I shouted a loud "OI! Watch where you're going!" I was doing a fair old lick too.

Kieran_Burns

whyamihere wrote:

On the subject of learner drivers, there are roadworks on the road in to Tamworth. This means a gigantic tailback. Filtering past the queue today, I saw a learner driver deliberately move over the centre line and stick his arm out of the window to block my route. I managed to get past, then stopped and looked back. The learner was giving me the finger, while the instructor was looking utterly mortified and too shocked to speak.

Karma got 'im though. The drivers behind had pulled right up to the back of the learner. When a construction lorry came the other way a few seconds later, requiring the entire lane, he had to stop. Moronic learner didn't have any space to get completely back into his own lane, he'd used it all up trying to get in my way. The light cycle was quite long, so the traffic didn't start moving for a good 2 minutes. As I carried on past the rest of the queue, I could hear horns and some very choice language being thrown around behind me. Fantastic.

Kiss of death I know - but which bit of Tamworth (Tammoth to locals ) ? Just curious as I have a brother at the bottom end of Amington Lane (and an ex- called Julie Andrews... I kid you not) living there

whyamihere

This was on the A453 towards the town centre coming from Sutton Coldfield. Turned off at the island with the A51, taking that towards Lichfield, then turning off onto Coton Lane to meet up with the A513 (which was what I was aiming for), handily avoiding the town centre.

benno68

downfader wrote:

This is why I have my "little black box" or basically a sports camera system on my bike. I have the car on video I also have the second driver on video both plates quite clear.

Give us an update - be interesting to know what the police say about it.

downfader

Benno68 wrote:

downfader wrote:

This is why I have my "little black box" or basically a sports camera system on my bike. I have the car on video I also have the second driver on video both plates quite clear.

Give us an update - be interesting to know what the police say about it.

Havent been around yet tbh, thought I'd drop in after work on monday due to 'puter problems (and also perhaps ask about the little chavs racing - yes actual racing - up and down my road in their cars :? )

watershed2100

I got run off the road by some stupid boot on the phone in a micra at the Cherry Tree in Wishaw the other night going to work, just drifted in and kept coming my only option was the grass verge in a tanlge of arms legs and bike. By the time i got up she was gone, scary thing is she didn`t even see me. :evil:

downfader

watershed2100 wrote:

I got run off the road by some stupid boot on the phone in a micra at the Cherry Tree in Wishaw the other night going to work, just drifted in and kept coming my only option was the grass verge in a tanlge of arms legs and bike. By the time i got up she was gone, scary thing is she didn`t even see me. :evil:

If you're in that situation my advise is not to try and hold your ground, stop pedalling and if necessary brake and issue a loud vocal warning of "hey watchout!!"

You've been technically involved in a hit and run. Go to the police and report what you know of the vehicle to the police including time and date. At the very least it needs to be added to the database so figures are up to date. There may be CCTV also and the police can track that down if needed.

I hope you're not injured and that the bike is ok. Bad luck.

CiB

Clive Tyldesley, that sodding football commentator. I can just about put up with his ridiculous hyperbole on occasional Tuesday nights on ITV's football coverage or on FA Cup replays, but he's the voice on the Play Station FIFA football games, and he's doing my nut in, whether I'm coming in from work hearing his hysterical reaction to a successful thumb up / forefinger stab action by the boy on the sofa, or stumbling in through the back door after a nice 54 miler on the bike and being met by his nasal detuned voice telling me that 'thats their 3rd corner so far', or just his overboard amazed reaction to some completely unlikely PS game like Man Urenited losing 6-1 to Scunthorpe. Maybe it's my programming background, but all I hear is Tyldesley sitting in a darkened room being asked to shout his 73 stock phrases in 3 intensities each into a mic, for some bunch of developers to match to them to the afore mentioned youth's digital dexterity, or lack of. When I meet Clive Tyldesley, I plan to deck him. Grrr.

Not strictly a cycling rant, but some things just build.

benno68

I bet it makes you feel like going straight back out and onto another 54 miler. Wonder if wireless headphones work as a pair, maybe an idea for you to keep your sanity?

jopari

Quick reverse rant. Driving in today had to stop at lights at bottom of kirkstall hill, on kirkstall road, Leeds. Had been sat a few seconds when a chap on a v fast road bike flew through the red light, narrowly avoiding a lorry coming from the left.
Doesn't help the view that the 'cycling community' is a reckless one.

To be fair, this is a rare occurance on my commute.

Roastie

I am ashamed. :oops:

Idiot in a Merc pulls out from a side street (from my right) directly into my path. I had to swerve and brake after which I still had momentum to roll up next to him to clout his window - hard.

The dude gets arsey, as is probably a normal if pig-headed response, to which I loose my rag. We get into a rather childish exchange.

Me: "Don't just pull out like that - LOOK!
Him: "What? Idiot"
Me: "You pulled out in front of me, idiot"
Him "Idiot!"
Me: "IDIOT!!" ...

I frightened myself with my last "Idiot" - it was filled with anger and violence, prob did the same to him as he shut his window and got away quickly. I was ready to punch him (which is unusual, as I am usually very calm and non-violent).

Now I feel ashamed. Achieved nothing other an raising my heart attack risk and making the driver probably more likely to be aggro towards other cyclists. And probably looked like just another loutish, overly aggressive cyclist to all the folk on the pavement - doing "our cause" no good.

benno68

@ Roastie

We all have our bad days mate. I've smacked a few cars/vans and shoved the finger at people who've nearly caused me an injury - I think a "fight back" reaction is in our nature.

Over recent times I seem to accept bad driving as par for the course. I still say to myself "what a pr!ck" if I have a close shave.

A calm question to the driver may disarm them a little, maybe a simple "Did you see me then?". I have done that once and got a reply of "no - sorry" - that got the message across without any hassle.

Must admit, I can't truthfully say that I'll never smack a car in anger though.

Eau Rouge

Roastiecp wrote:

I am ashamed. :oops:

Idiot in a Merc pulls out from a side street (from my right) directly into my path. I had to swerve and brake after which I still had momentum to roll up next to him to clout his window - hard.

I had an old dear do exaclty that to me last week, in a little village of all places. She only seemed to notice me as she was halfway out, judging by the panicked reaction she had trying to drag her car over to the side of the narrow country lane (virtually single track) as I tried to squeeze down the (widening) gap between her and the opposite hedge. A quick Lance Stare (tm) and an exagerated tut and I carried on. She passed me later without incident.
Even with that calm response (which I was kinda proud of) it stilled riled me up inside and had me fuming to myself until the next hill took up all my concentration and effort.

Mr Blister

I have been doing a daily commute for about 6 months now without incident until friday. I had some women shouting at me that i had no right to be taking up the road when i moved into the middle lane to take a roundabout. I was quite taken aback. I always make a point of obeying the rules of the road. I get so pissed off with when driver have the attitude that cyclists ought to only ride in the gutter!?!

Rant over.

ocaaaaa

I went for a ride today to do a couple of deliveries (bloody RM strike yesterday!) got totally lost on my way back from North London to SW London and ended up doing a lot of cycling in the center, tottenham court road etc. so many pedestrians wandering all over the place .

Really hate cycling on roads with 4-5 lanes if I have no clue where I'm going :oops:

downfader

Mr Blister wrote:

I have been doing a daily commute for about 6 months now without incident until friday. I had some women shouting at me that i had no right to be taking up the road when i moved into the middle lane to take a roundabout. I was quite taken aback. I always make a point of obeying the rules of the road. I get so pissed off with when driver have the attitude that cyclists ought to only ride in the gutter!?!

Rant over.

Hi there, welcome to the forum!

The highway code iirc does say you can take primary at roundabouts and junctions for right turns, increase your visibility, etc..

Dont worry about it, you just experienced an impatient moron with no memory of what she's supposed to know. She'll be in hospital with clogged arteries before long

The Chingford Skinhead

downfader wrote:

Mr Blister wrote:

I have been doing a daily commute for about 6 months now without incident until friday. I had some women shouting at me that i had no right to be taking up the road when i moved into the middle lane to take a roundabout. I was quite taken aback. I always make a point of obeying the rules of the road. I get so pissed off with when driver have the attitude that cyclists ought to only ride in the gutter!?!

Rant over.

Hi there, welcome to the forum!

The highway code iirc does say you can take primary at roundabouts and junctions for right turns, increase your visibility, etc..

Dont worry about it, you just experienced an impatient moron with no memory of what she's supposed to know. She'll be in hospital with clogged arteries before long

I have occassionallay thought of taking a few copies of the highway code with me, with key sections marked by post it note so that I can show the driver before I beat them to death using the spine of the book. "I was provoked m'lord" :twisted:

downfader

The Chingford Skinhead wrote:

downfader wrote:

Mr Blister wrote:

I have been doing a daily commute for about 6 months now without incident until friday. I had some women shouting at me that i had no right to be taking up the road when i moved into the middle lane to take a roundabout. I was quite taken aback. I always make a point of obeying the rules of the road. I get so pissed off with when driver have the attitude that cyclists ought to only ride in the gutter!?!

Rant over.

Hi there, welcome to the forum!

The highway code iirc does say you can take primary at roundabouts and junctions for right turns, increase your visibility, etc..

Dont worry about it, you just experienced an impatient moron with no memory of what she's supposed to know. She'll be in hospital with clogged arteries before long

I have occassionallay thought of taking a few copies of the highway code with me, with key sections marked by post it note so that I can show the driver before I beat them to death using the spine of the book. "I was provoked m'lord" :twisted:

LOL drivers around here would accuse me of printing my own! :twisted:

Kieran_Burns

The Chingford Skinhead wrote:

downfader wrote:

Mr Blister wrote:

I have been doing a daily commute for about 6 months now without incident until friday. I had some women shouting at me that i had no right to be taking up the road when i moved into the middle lane to take a roundabout. I was quite taken aback. I always make a point of obeying the rules of the road. I get so pissed off with when driver have the attitude that cyclists ought to only ride in the gutter!?!

Rant over.

Hi there, welcome to the forum!

The highway code iirc does say you can take primary at roundabouts and junctions for right turns, increase your visibility, etc..

Dont worry about it, you just experienced an impatient moron with no memory of what she's supposed to know. She'll be in hospital with clogged arteries before long

I have occassionallay thought of taking a few copies of the highway code with me, with key sections marked by post it note so that I can show the driver before I beat them to death using the spine of the book. "I was provoked m'lord" :twisted:

that would be: "my way IS the highway!" <smack> <smack> <smack>

sarajoy

Got cut up and forced into the kerb twice this morning. By the same guy. On the same roundabout. Git clearly wasn't looking at his blind spot, and I was too nice to kick his car.