War on britains roads (gaz the glasses)

Gabbo

EssieP wrote:

‘deserves to be run over’.

... is not a death threat. Typical Daily Mail distortion in their familiar inflammatory tone. what a miserable nasty, malicious newspaper.
Why does anybody ever buy it?

Because they're probably self righteous snobs, who are strictly right wing supporters. That's why..

alihisgreat

ShutUpLegs wrote:

dodgy wrote:

Is 'Gaz' a member of these boards?

I think he posts under the username 'ALIHISGREAT'

I thought we were past this.. although maybe there is something in it as I do wear glasses?

iPip

Neale1978 wrote:

Give over man.. its obvious he puts himself in positions where he does not even need to be etc. Adrenaline does not make you ride like you own or police the roads...

I love riding and ride every day and understand & respect other road users at the same time instead of going over the top if anyone comes anywhere me...

I suggested his response may have been elevated by adrenaline not his riding.

Ah, the old, I don't do do it so it must be wrong gag; very open-minded of you.

rodgers73

EssieP wrote:

‘deserves to be run over’.

... is not a death threat. Typical Daily Mail distortion in their familiar inflammatory tone. what a miserable nasty, malicious newspaper.
Why does anybody ever buy it?

It doesn't need to sell any copies. With everyone here clicking through to read their inflammatory articles it can generate a good advertising revenue online these days.

I expect that's the real motivation behind stories like this - to wind people up and get it more attention and so make more money on the back of it...

crescent

I only just caught up with this programme having recorded it during the week. I agree with some of Gaz's comments but, unfortunately, he does have a bit of a smug manner about him which makes him difficult to like. Just my opinion.
I have been hit twice by cars in the last 5 years. Both occurred at Give Way junctions (I was on the main road) and both resulted in minor damage to my bike but, thankfully, not me. My reaction in both occasions was to get up, pull the driver's door open and tell him nose to nose what I thought of him using every expletive I know. This is not like me at all but purely a reaction driven by shock and anger - classic red-mist behaviour. I was utterly embarrassed at myself several hours later when I had a chance to think about it and even phoned one of the drivers to apologise for my threatening behaviour.
The final comments of the show "There are good and bad drivers and there are good and bad cyclists" pretty much sum it up albeit not an earth shattering revelation. If you want to use the roads follow the rules, regardless of whether you are driving, cycling or walking.

Neale1978

iPip wrote:

Neale1978 wrote:

Give over man.. its obvious he puts himself in positions where he does not even need to be etc. Adrenaline does not make you ride like you own or police the roads...

I love riding and ride every day and understand & respect other road users at the same time instead of going over the top if anyone comes anywhere me...

I suggested his response may have been elevated by adrenaline not his riding.

Ah, the old, I don't do do it so it must be wrong gag; very open-minded of you.

Its not just me that can see where he is going wrong. Its very clear. Do you actually ride on the roads at all? Its not just his outbursts. The guy causes trouble where there is no real need for it and in his warped mind he thinks everyone needs to drive how he expects without the slightest error which in reality just does not happen in city centres but most of the time causes no issues because deal with it better and get on with their journey

fast as fupp

i thought he was a pompous prat

and he had a grid like jonathan king :evil:

sfichele

Wow, I see cyclegaz is taking a real battering here!

Now I wonder why he has taken to recording the sh:te we see on our roads? Maybe because the authorities and police in this country regarding cycling are a disgrace. The police and CPS's record on investigating and bringing incidents to court is no less than dreadful. After all they probably suspect it's the lycra lout's fault by being on the road in the first place. Unless you are killed and they are forced to scrape your carcass off the road, then the police pretty much dont give a rats. You become statistic and the driver gets a £15 victim surcharge fine in court by a judge who thinks cyclists should be banned from the roads. If you are really lucky your carcass will make it into the Daily-Fail, where our cycle-hating public get to rant about all cyclists riding 3-abreast, RLJing, and how much road tax they are paying for our expensive cycle lanes.

Meanwhile, another 100+ cyclists will die next year and thousands will be injured...

Now ask yourself why aren't they resorting to helmet cameras in the Netherlands? And who in country is doing anything about it?

downfader

OK I'm going to step in too.

I've frequented many of the cycling forums over the years and this is just one of them. I've also known Gaz through youtube and twitter for a while, and whilst I have never met him in a physical sense I do think he comes across as a pretty good bloke.

How many of you guys slagging him off have been as involved with Police work, or educating other riders? There is no need to inter-forum wars or cyclist-on-cyclist hostility. We should ALL be in this together, working strongly towards the same agenda - roads that are safe and inviting. I know Gaz has done his share, now will you?

How many of you ride in accordance with Bikeability? Out of the doorzone, taking a prominent position at the lights. Gaz is not "looking for trouble" because of this. Some of you come across as having beaten-wife syndrome, that somehow you should bow down to size and might of the engine.

Have any of you here considered that the editing might be to blame? I was one of the riders contacted by Leopard Films - if you look at my youtube channel you will see its not like much of the helmet camera stuff, though I do occasionally upload examples of bad driving and riding.

2 other riders that I know of pulled out their permission when they learned that this was to be about "war" and "two tribes". I didnt take part because I thought initially that it was a hoax, after all, why would they be contacting me about reg-plate videos of bad driving?

If we lose people like Gaz from campaigning then cycling will suffer. Will any of you replace him and put in the effort? ...because I very much doubt it.

jgsi

So you you think he rides with care and caution to himself and other road users ?

Vexedveloist

Bit harsh on Gaz folks. He regularly posts video of bad driving and bad cycling. Without people like him prepared to stand up and say, "No, I'm not having that!" where would we be? Confined to gutters and between painted lanes on pavements? Is that what you want?

Think about the way the programme was edited. The cabbie was filmed face on, camera at his eye level, Gaz was filmed from slightly below eye level to give the impression he was 'talking down' to the viewer. Please don't be suckered by crafty editing.

downfader

JGSI wrote:

So you you think he rides with care and caution to himself and other road users ?

Yes.

And this is proved by his knowledge of the highway code, law and bikeability/vehicular knowlegde he talks about in Silly Cyclists and on his blog.

And will now ask you personally - what have you done to raise awareness and respect on the roads?

jgsi

downfader wrote:

JGSI wrote:

So you you think he rides with care and caution to himself and other road users ?

Yes.

And this is proved by his knowledge of the highway code, law and bikeability/vehicular knowlegde he talks about in Silly Cyclists and on his blog.

And will now ask you personally - what have you done to raise awareness and respect on the roads?

In all civilness, absolutely nothing apart from keep myself out of mischief on the Queen's highways.
I go out in my club colours, (any misdemeanour, info emblazoned on my jersey and shorts should anyone wish to take issue) and cause as little mayhem as possible.

Vexedveloist

JGSI wrote:

downfader wrote:

JGSI wrote:

So you you think he rides with care and caution to himself and other road users ?

Yes.

And this is proved by his knowledge of the highway code, law and bikeability/vehicular knowlegde he talks about in Silly Cyclists and on his blog.

And will now ask you personally - what have you done to raise awareness and respect on the roads?

In all civilness, absolutely nothing apart from keep myself out of mischief on the Queen's highways.
I go out in my club colours, (any misdemeanour, info emblazoned on my jersey and shorts should anyone wish to take issue) and cause as little mayhem as possible.

Do you commute by bicycle?

downfader

JGSI wrote:

downfader wrote:

JGSI wrote:

So you you think he rides with care and caution to himself and other road users ?

Yes.

And this is proved by his knowledge of the highway code, law and bikeability/vehicular knowlegde he talks about in Silly Cyclists and on his blog.

And will now ask you personally - what have you done to raise awareness and respect on the roads?

In all civilness, absolutely nothing apart from keep myself out of mischief on the Queen's highways.
I go out in my club colours, (any misdemeanour, info emblazoned on my jersey and shorts should anyone wish to take issue) and cause as little mayhem as possible.

It is your obligation (and others here) to look at the documentary with objectivity. The film crew were looking for bad riders for viewers to question. They picked a scapegoat.

You have MORE obligations than simply riding to the law. What do you personally do when a driver pulls out on you last second? Do you shrink back or do you let out a warning? Every cyclist in this country has to be more involved - to understand the ins and outs of the law, the highway code, the best practice of Bikeability and to work with these in mind to challenge and encourage authorities to make cycling safer, and more enjoyable.

Look at the statistics. 13 million UK cyclists, yet ONLY 3% of all traffic. Kind of says something when kids cant ride to school, and grannies drive into their 90s.

Hairybuddha

Dear oh dear - You people suck.

The programme makers clearly did a complete hatchet job on Gaz. He does a lot of good work campaigning, raising awareness and teaching road craft. Shame most contributors here can't at least be a little more constructive.

diy

What is his expertise to teach roadcraft? What qualifications does he have? what experience of rider/driver education?

You'll forgive me if I am doubtful that he has any.

Sorry but the roads are full or wannabe traffic plod who couldn't pass the learner test let alone an advanced test. looking at his video he makes many, many mistakes.

jgsi

Now you really are being condescending. .. comments like 'grannies.... ' very hilarious I'm sure

Oh, actually we don't suck we just perhaps have an opposing perspective on the issue.

downfader

diy wrote:

What is his expertise to teach roadcraft? What qualifications does he have? what experience of rider/driver education?

You'll forgive me if I am doubtful that he has any.

Sorry but the roads are full or wannabe traffic plod who couldn't pass the learner test let alone an advanced test. looking at his video he makes many, many mistakes.

By that very nature what expertise do you have to criticise him? And for something misrepresented on television..

downfader

JGSI wrote:

Now you really are being condescending. .. comments like 'grannies.... ' very hilarious I'm sure

Oh, actually we don't suck we just perhaps have an opposing perspective on the issue.

Why do you cycle? You've come across as a bit of a balls-to-the-pedals kind of a rider yourself with that reply. Others have to benefit from cycling like we have, it shouldnt be down to the brave and the reckless to be cyclists, others have to feel comfortable with it too. Sustrans surveyed non-cyclists last year and found a majority too scared to ride and many who had given up

Hairybuddha

No you do suck. You are terrible, terrible people.

diy

downfader wrote:

diy wrote:

What is his expertise to teach roadcraft? What qualifications does he have? what experience of rider/driver education?

You'll forgive me if I am doubtful that he has any.

Sorry but the roads are full or wannabe traffic plod who couldn't pass the learner test let alone an advanced test. looking at his video he makes many, many mistakes.

By that very nature what expertise do you have to criticise him? And for something misrepresented on television..

As a starter - 10 years as an advanced motorcycle instructor for both civilian and police.

downfader

diy wrote:

downfader wrote:

diy wrote:

What is his expertise to teach roadcraft? What qualifications does he have? what experience of rider/driver education?

You'll forgive me if I am doubtful that he has any.

Sorry but the roads are full or wannabe traffic plod who couldn't pass the learner test let alone an advanced test. looking at his video he makes many, many mistakes.

By that very nature what expertise do you have to criticise him? And for something misrepresented on television..

As a starter - 10 years as an advanced motorcycle instructor for both civilian and police.

He's worked with the Road Safe traffic police in London. They would point him in the right direction if he made grevious errors.

I'll say again - are you not judging the guy based on some limited perception from the television?

I'm starting to agree with Buddha. You suck, and do cycling no favours. We will forever be limited to the 3% share of traffic with your mindsets.

Vexedveloist

diy wrote:

downfader wrote:

diy wrote:

What is his expertise to teach roadcraft? What qualifications does he have? what experience of rider/driver education?

You'll forgive me if I am doubtful that he has any.

Sorry but the roads are full or wannabe traffic plod who couldn't pass the learner test let alone an advanced test. looking at his video he makes many, many mistakes.

By that very nature what expertise do you have to criticise him? And for something misrepresented on television..

As a starter - 10 years as an advanced motorcycle instructor for both civilian and police.

But do you commute by bicycle?

jgsi

Vexedveloist wrote:

JGSI wrote:

downfader wrote:

JGSI wrote:

So you you think he rides with care and caution to himself and other road users ?

Yes.

And this is proved by his knowledge of the highway code, law and bikeability/vehicular knowlegde he talks about in Silly Cyclists and on his blog.

And will now ask you personally - what have you done to raise awareness and respect on the roads?

In all civilness, absolutely nothing apart from keep myself out of mischief on the Queen's highways.
I go out in my club colours, (any misdemeanour, info emblazoned on my jersey and shorts should anyone wish to take issue) and cause as little mayhem as possible.

Do you commute by bicycle?

Forgive my impoliteness, but you have just joined this forum and all of a sudden asking me if I commute?
Anyways, I dont... I drive.. I also sin by driving to most of my races

Oh , yes,, I sort of adhere to some of the requirements of the 'obligations' I am member of BC , an affiliated club, on very good terms with another local club that promotes novice cyclists and would ride for them for TTs as 2nd claim, if I could stick TTs that is....

sfichele

diy wrote:

downfader wrote:

diy wrote:

What is his expertise to teach roadcraft? What qualifications does he have? what experience of rider/driver education?

You'll forgive me if I am doubtful that he has any.

Sorry but the roads are full or wannabe traffic plod who couldn't pass the learner test let alone an advanced test. looking at his video he makes many, many mistakes.

By that very nature what expertise do you have to criticise him? And for something misrepresented on television..

As a starter - 10 years as an advanced motorcycle instructor for both civilian and police.

Wow - everybody bow down. DIY you're amazing. If only everybody was advanced like you.
I guess no cyclist would ever get injured or bullied on our roads if we all had to take advanced pohleece
training.

So at what age should school kids be given this magical advanced training of yours (which anybody else just calls sixth sense).

Vexedveloist

JGSI wrote:

Vexedveloist wrote:

JGSI wrote:

downfader wrote:

JGSI wrote:

So you you think he rides with care and caution to himself and other road users ?

Yes.

And this is proved by his knowledge of the highway code, law and bikeability/vehicular knowlegde he talks about in Silly Cyclists and on his blog.

And will now ask you personally - what have you done to raise awareness and respect on the roads?

In all civilness, absolutely nothing apart from keep myself out of mischief on the Queen's highways.
I go out in my club colours, (any misdemeanour, info emblazoned on my jersey and shorts should anyone wish to take issue) and cause as little mayhem as possible.

Do you commute by bicycle?

Forgive my impoliteness, but you have just joined this forum and all of a sudden asking me if I commute?
Anyways, I dont... I drive.. I also sin by driving to most of my races

Oh , yes,, I sort of adhere to some of the requirements of the 'obligations' I am member of BC , an affiliated club, on very good terms with another local club that promotes novice cyclists and would ride for them for TTs as 2nd claim, if I could stick TTs that is....

Well you're being highly critical of a commuting cyclist, so it follows that you would have to have at least the same level of experience of cycle commuting in order to be able to criticise. It would be a bit much for a simple leisure cyclist to be critical of a commuting cyclist.

jgsi

Well this leisure cyclist says good luck in your onward fight.

Neale1978

To the guys blaming our opinions on editing or the fact that he was filmed from below blah blah

Dont patronise people esp when they have a lot of road riding experience

As soon as the guy (Gaz) came on talking about people in their 'metal boxes' and how he could ride past them whilst they were stuck you just knew there was going to be conflict around the corner. We are EQUALS on the road no matter how we are getting around and a mutual respect is vital

I agree that we should have people fighting our corner due to the accidents, deaths and careless car drivers but it has to be done right.. Certainly not by the wannabe bicycle police amateurs on that prog which are doing just as much damage as 'trying to educate'

diy

sfichele wrote:

Wow - everybody bow down. DIY you're amazing. If only everybody was advanced like you.
I guess no cyclist would ever get injured or bullied on our roads if we all had to take advanced pohleece
training.

So at what age should school kids be given this magical advanced training of yours (which anybody else just calls sixth sense).

your missing my point - my point is that its all about attitude. screaming at people and escalating mistakes in to confrontation does nothing to improve your own safety and sticking it on youtube does nothing to help drivers appreciate cyclists and look out for us. So many of these near misses can be totally avoided by attitude adjustment.