Close passing applies to us too

As a BMX racer I’m used to

As a BMX racer I’m used to close passes on the track. We also shut each other off on berms and bash bars regularly.

But on the road you should try and overtake while giving enough room. I appreciate that isn’t always feasible in London where I live for example, as many of the cycle lanes are too narrow for the cycle traffic volumes they carry. At the same time, a quick shoulder check is a good idea, but isn’t always feasible.

But what I know too is tha too many cycle commuters are pushing too hard. If they want to race, there is a time and a place for it. Just like the Audi and BMW driving dimwits who fight to get through the traffic to the risk of other road users, there are some dimwits on bicycles who don’t appreciate that they are going to work and not racing.

Bikebikebike wrote:

Bikebikebike wrote:

don simon wrote:

700c wrote:

Sounds like he was a bit close but your moving out to avoid pothole may have caught him by surprise. So best to always check before you change road position

Yeah! Why not a quick look over the shoulder before moving? A quick indication with the hand wouldn’t have gone amiss and marked you out as an experienced rider.  I believe you can get mirrors that clip to the glasses if a quick look is too much travel.

It’s not a problem I have come across, no one can over take me.

You should expect people to swerve around potholes.  There’s often not enough time to look or signal – completely the other guy’s fault.

Likely both at fault. As per highway code, signal to others before changing course and check that your actions will not force another road user to change their course or speed.

Methinks some people need a refresher course!

[/quote]Annoying though it is, I’m not sure it’s illegal, or dangerous to anyone except themselves, generally. I would make no complaint if you knocked the phones out of their hands though.

Actually, you’re supposed to have two hands on the bar. Maybe nudge it with an elbow as you pass?

You can’t really achieve this outcome, most riders are right handed so hold their phones in their left hand….it’s all or nothing therefore 🙂 

Chris Hayes wrote:

Mungecrundle wrote:

Chris Hayes wrote:

Confession: I sometimes deliberately close-pass cyclists who are using mobile phones if they wobble in my way; usually on the superhighways and parks in Central London.  If you do this, please stop. 

Does that not constitute a punishment pass? However much the behaviour of others may annoy you, you have no right to be handing out the summary justice. Or if you are a hypocrit like what I am, you don’t mention it publicly.

 

ive yet to knock anyone off and don’t intend to: I’d call it summary good advice rather than justice….

Actually, you’re supposed to have two hands on the bar. Maybe nudge it with an elbow as you pass?

So tired of seeing chavs ride (mostly) on the pavement no-handed, expecting pedestrians to jump out of their way. If I happen to be a pedestrian as they come towards me… Life lessons will be taught.

ChrisB200SX wrote:

Chris Hayes wrote:

Confession: I sometimes deliberately close-pass cyclists who are using mobile phones if they wobble in my way; usually on the superhighways and parks in Central London.  If you do this, please stop. 

just for context, what vehicle are you in when you do this?

A Litespeed – should have mentioned that….. I’m never dangerously close, but close enough to tell them to get off their phones and ride straight. 

You should both have read the

You should both have read the road ahead better so a swerve wasn’t necessary, but the overtaker should have seen that and given enough room. A quick shout by the overtaker wouldn’t have been difficult either.

I’ve been very nearly clipped a couple of times while waiting at traffic lights… last time, the other cyclist flew past through a red light. There was another cyclist behind who saw it, he just shrugged at me. So, when I caught the dickhead 3/4 of the way up the hill I made sure I returned the favour. Wanted to shout at him but I hope missing his handlebar by an inch with my mad bikeskilz was enough to demonstrate that his recklessness wasn’t cool.

Re the lack of pitchforks, how many cyclists kill or injure people compared to drivers? Vehicle mass and energy, or wanton disregard for them, explains the pitchforks.

don simon wrote:

BehindTheBikesheds wrote:

When overtaking give plenty of room no matter what the vehicle, as the person in front has priority it is your responsibility to ensure that they and other road users are safe whilst making your maneouvre.

The overtaker was in the wrong, end of story, if you disagree/won’t accept that, get off the road, hand your motorvehicle licence and bike in and get some training until you undesrstand why you’re wrong!

I’ve never seen the point of rear view mirrors on the car either. Where’s the angle grinder?

So by admittance with your futile and ill judged statement you also don’t get it. stay off the road until you do as it would appear you’re just as ignorant as the rest!