How many cyclists here are also motorcyclists?

asprilla

RichardSwt wrote:

Asprilla wrote:

So you are justifying the use of the ASL so that you can razz away from the lights without anyone impeding you. That sounds safer for cyclists.

In the mean time we have to put up with blocked access (motorcycles tend not to position themselves across the full width if an ASL and are a lot wider than bikes) and end up sucking on exhaust.

Nice. Obviously being a cyclist doesn't make everyone a better motorcyclist.

For a start, not so I can "razz away from the lights", I don't ride motorbikes any more. It dose seem that having been a motorcyclist and cyclist (and car driver for that matter) has given me a more balanced view of using the road though.

But basically, yes, motorbikes are quicker away from the lights makes scene to have them along side or in front of you rather than try and filter through you.

The rest of your post is just pure speculation.

Only speculation in that I specifically refering to you.

An example this morning was myself and two other cyclists arriving at an ASL to find the left hand side full of motorbikes so we are stuck on the right. When the lights go green the motorbikes leave but are followed by more scooters and motorbikes filtering up the left hand cycle lane. As a result none of the bikes can move left out of the way of the cars behind which then attempts to overtake right.

So we, the vulnerable road users, are stuck being over taken on left and right because some bikers though it was ok to be in the ASL. Generally I find car drivers to be a lot more considerate and understanding of cyclists needs than bikers.

Also, you are right I don't want motorbikes filtering though; I'd like the motorcyclists to wait until the cyclists have completed their manouver and are in the road position they need to be and then overtake accordingly, if it is safe to do so.

the flying banana

I have been a motorcyclist for the last 12 years or so touring extensivley in the UK and Europe.
I've cycled since a child, but motorcycling makes you a better everything....car driver, cyclist, pedestrian! I never fails to amaze me how unobservant the average motorist is! They look but don't see. Motorcycling speeds up your reactions, anticipation and makes me more defensive in style.
I think the general standard of driving is poor, and for the safety of all cyclists i would love to see a small separate cycle lane alongside any road which is separate to the main traffic flow.
Compared to other european countries drivers here are generally more aggressive, impatient and less courteous, unlike the Austrians who's roads are good, drivers courteous and polite and ordered....on the other hand you have Italy........the drivers are utterly lawless!

roger_merriman

Used Motorbikes off road for years. but more MTBing. living (then) in a rural land I learnt to drive very early, I was driving off road before I was ten.

regarding ASL I them and just filter to a good gap close to the lights normally 2 to 3 cars back.

Very few bikes have the pick up to get across the junction ahead of the traffic or even make a left/right turn. before they have a car tailgating.

plus they encourage filtering to the ASL even when it's most unwise.

motorbikes are quite rare these parts mostly get cars etc in the ASL or even further ahead...

symo

Had a Triumph Speed Triple 2005 until 18Sep when some dickhead in a Merc pulled across the third lane to reach a slip road on the RHS. Smashed to pieces, I am lucky to be alive and walking.

Still nice compo claim and I fancy the 2011 speed triple in red.

Applespider

I'm not keen on anything powered in the ASL when it's busy. I appreciate the comment that you'd help to keep traffic back but can I rely on that? Or more likely, I'm scared to go ahead of you in case you then blast past me... However, I can't see where you'd go if you filter otherwise so it's a tough one.

I hate even more when a motorcyclist filters and then stops outside the ASL since I then end up with no way to get to an empty ASL so I'd say the lesser of two evils may be letting them in.

In general though, I find motorcyclists generally courteous and aware of cyclists. Scooter-riders on the other hand are a pain in the proverbial and downright dangerous. More training would be a good thing. I had one idiot tonight who cut me up going round a corner at Stockwell - just breezed past and took the corner too tight meaning I had to brake to avoid hitting. Probably still isn't aware that she did it... silly moo!

BR 1979

Did my DAS a couple of years ago, though didn't buy a bike (before new test came in, wanted to get it done). Has certainly helped my cycling.

bakerstreet

I rode a motorcycle for about 5 years. Owned four in that time (Honda CB-1, Yamaha YZF750R, Aprilia RSV1000 and Honda VFR800).

Rode bicycles before I passed my car test when I was 17. Just started riding again ande my years as mnotorcycle rider certainly taught me the benefits of life savers. I don't see every cyclist doing that.

I do admit to using the hatched area as a motocyclist and on push bike.

dcurzon

motorcycles since a boy...
raced all over uk
2006 KRC Endurance - 750cc championship, 3rd overall
2007 Ducati Desmo series, 9th overall
2008 Ducati Desmo series, 7th overall
2008 Superclub SV championship 1st overall
retired in 2009 (temporary, i'll return)

currently too skint to ride or race motorcycles

markp2

Been riding for 35 years. Currently got a Yamaha Fazer 1000 and 1970 Yamaha R5. Experience on a motorcycle definately makes for a more confident (better?) cyclist.
I don't think we have ASLs in East Devon - the old dears round here don't adapt to new stuff very well!!