passing a cyclist

horseybbz

stories for cycling near misses

attica

Hi Horsey, welcome to the forum.

Sadly you're not the first and I very much doubt you're he last to get this treatment from other road users.

I don't think you'll find many people on this forum who will argue against your point.

DonDaddyD

Cab drivers are the worst, followed by anyone in a big German made car (BMW 5 series, Mercedes, VW Jetta or Passat), followed by people driving Lexus's!

I find that if you hold your road position slightly further out (but not the middle of the road and I don't do this on a main road) the driver will be more cautious as he has to drive on the other side of road to overtake, he is more aware of oncoming cars and hitting parked cars on the other side, whilst realising what (i.e. you) has made him have to take up this position.

Though the above isn't foolproof and a combination of any number of other tactics/strategies, including eye contact with the driver infront or behind and planning ahead, help me avoid close passing cars. Sometime I stop at the side (where safe) and signal the cars behind to overtake. Sometimes nothing works and I have to scream or shout to get the drivers attention. Sometimes that doesn't work and I'm left with hope...

downfader

horseybbz wrote:

I was recently riding my bike on hebden road when a NHS van speeded past me. I was shocked how it nearly knocked me off. I think people should take a bit more care when passing cyclist :x

Which NHS district? I often speak to my local guys as I work in an adjacent depatment. They all seem pretty cycle aware though (perhaps thanks to the stories I tell them)

If you know where the van is from you can send a letter to the chief executive of the trust in question (mark it "private and confidencial" or he/she wont open it ) in complaint. You could also write to the local rag if you feel this hasnt worked.

I would also personally advise getting a camera on your bike - a great deterrant it seems to the bullying tactics of some, and useful if evidence is ever needed (presuming you can capture it)

ChrisLS

...what the others have said...never ride in the gutter...

chuckcork

I've often though that bikes should come with a special attachment for tools.

Something along the lines of a big hammer, so that you could reach down quickly, and throw your arm sideways, to smash the side windows/panels of the vehicle overtaking way too close. Its only fair if they're prepared to put you at risk I reckon, to provide some risk of damage back.

If motorists thought the consequences of passing way too close might be visited upon them, they might give way more room.

downfader

chuckcork wrote:

I've often though that bikes should come with a special attachment for tools.

Something along the lines of a big hammer, so that you could reach down quickly, and throw your arm sideways, to smash the side windows/panels of the vehicle overtaking way too close. Its only fair if they're prepared to put you at risk I reckon, to provide some risk of damage back.

If motorists thought the consequences of passing way too close might be visited upon them, they might give way more room.

Hammer, no. Pocket Rocket jabbed out, yes (god, no, I'm just kidding! )

karl j

chuckcork wrote:

... If motorists thought the consequences of passing way too close might be visited upon them, they might give way more room.

yes but that needs a serious change in attitudes of (some) motorists doesn't it, if we managed to get rid of the Clarkson factor once and for all, and bring the driving test into the 21st century, and get the courts to treat road safety with a little more than the joke it is at the minute then maybe things would start to change.

Sorry to hear of your incident Horsey, glad you weren't injured and please don't be put off by it, but it probably won't be the last time it happens. (though in general these things thankfully don't happen too often)

Welcome to the forum btw 8)

downfader

Clarkson is harmless. He's like the Itchy and Scratchy of the motorworld.

karl j

without wanting to let this nob take the thread too far OT yes ok *he* may be harmless (i actually think he'd run a mile rather than go toe to toe with someone), but i cannot see how spouting nonsense about running cyclists over "for fun" can be considered "harmless" when it comes to road safety & treating other road-users with due respect.

biondino

I honestly don't think Clarkson has problems with cyclists (and I'll wager he's much less anti-environment than his hugely successful and amusing TV persona), but it's part of his act and I really enjoy his schtick. Yes, there will be people who take on board what he's saying literally, but if they're going to start acting psychotically towards cyclists then they're psychos in the first place.

Evil_Cod

Round where I live its not the cars you need to worry about- its the buses.
I have a friend who is unable to walk 3 months on after getting knocked off for the second time. The bus didn't even stop.

passout

Teenage lad tried to slap my arese with a CD case the other day. And yes, I am talking about cycling! I've had countless encounters over the years. You seem to get it more when wearing lycra I've noticed.

victor ludorum

passout wrote:

Teenage lad tried to slap my arese with a CD case the other day. And yes, I am talking about cycling! I've had countless encounters over the years. You seem to get it more when wearing lycra I've noticed.

Oh, where to begin...?

By 'tried' do you mean 'was paid good money to'?


'I've had countless encounters over the years.'
Insert own Finbar Saunderism here...

'You seem to get it more when wearing lycra I've noticed.'
(If you don't like the attention, no one is forcing you to visit that kind of nightclub...