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Silent approaches…

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  • August 3, 2016 at 6:11 pm #26093
    bromsongsmith

    CYCLIST SAFETY ALERT    (Following four near accidents in Maplehurst Park Lane, West Sussex)

    Before you read any further I need to say that I, my family and my friends , all enjoy riding our bikes in our local lanes so as you read on, (if you do), please don’t think I am a cyclist hater because I am not.

    I have no wish to deny other cyclists the joy of cycling along our country lanes, Bridleways and Heritage trails.  I just ask other cyclists to respect the fact that dog walkers, horse riders, hikers, ramblers and family groups with young children also have an equal right to use these facilities.

    So, if you are cycling at 30 mph along a narrow country lane with no pavements and you are approaching a group of walkers FROM BEHIND (with maybe dogs or children straddling the road), be aware that they do not hear your silent tubeless tyre high speed approach and that they do not have eyes in the back of their heads and are therefore unaware of your impending presence.  (They do, of course, hear approaching motor vehicles and act accordingly)

    There are two things you could do with this problem of ‘silent approach’.

    You could slow down and alert them with a cheery “Good morning, I’m coming through” (or sound your bell) so that they could move aside for you and let you pass them safely.

    OR

    You could continue your high speed ‘silent approach’ and swear at them as you pass at 30 mph blaming them for the near collision after one of the party moved to the left or right just as you were upon them.

    The choice is yours BUT REMEMBER …

    If you hit a dog on a lead at 30 mph, you will kill it.

    If you hit a young child at 30 mph, you will severely injure it and maybe kill it.

    If you hit an elderly walker at 30 mph you will cause irreparable damage.

    If you hit any of the above, you may even kill yourself…

    If you didn’t kill yourself, you would undoubtedly be sued by your victim.

    Surely, cycling at a more leisurely speed of about ten to fifteen miles an hour on a lovely sunny English day might give you time to enjoy the scenery as compared with racing speeds in excess of 30 mph?  Why not use an ‘Off-Road’ track for speed and endurance training?

    So all I ask is this…   Just sound your approach and slow down before passing walkers.  Even then, be aware that a deaf person will still be oblivious to you approach!

    Our beautiful country lanes can then be safe for all of us to enjoy, including you!

    (I welcome your comments)

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  • August 7, 2016 at 5:08 am #876091
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    Mungecrundle

    Bugger me, that’s the second
    Bugger me, that’s the second posting in as many days that I agree with every word of a Superpython comment.

    As to the whole silent passing thing. I have ridden with people who hear an aggressive use of the horn where I hear a courtesy beep from a passing car. I would assume that using a bell or shouted warning “cycles back!” is equally open to misinterpretation. However, I take the view that it’s safer they are aware of my presence and you can always add a “good morning”, “thanks” or other friendly follow up as you pass.

    Chill, share the road, enjoy the ride. It’s not a race.

    August 5, 2016 at 10:42 pm #876089
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    The _Kaner
    700c wrote:
    PPS does anyone know why, when cycling, cars pass me more closely than when I am jogging? Anybody else experienced this and anyone have any theories why this is the case? 

     

    Very regularly happens to me…

    Just last Sunday a car passed/overtook me (80kph road) – fairly narrow road – and barely straddles the dotted white line in doing so… probably approx 6 inches ‘ wiggle room’ –  certainly no more.

    Less than 100 yards up the road the driver completely crosses over onto the other side/lane to pass an oncoming pedestrian (no footpath). The driver probably sees no issue in that and can’t see how selective his ‘obstacle avoidance’ is.

    About 300 yards up the same road I am overtaken by another driver, who then immediately ‘left hooks’ me by turning into his driveway, I have to yank on the brakes. I shout after him as he’s getting out the car, and am told to fuck off….I shouldn’t be on the road (don’t pay tax, blah blah blah…and to stop playing with toys… I’ll leave it a few weeks…balloons and corrosive substances…Jackson Pollock in the making….

    August 5, 2016 at 8:48 pm #876087
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    Anonymous

    (No subject)
    http://img.ifcdn.com/images/7e5761fdb5a65c7c232b3e840c0c53744f88beae4fd7194ea5a314977da2e0b3_1.jpg

    August 5, 2016 at 8:33 pm #876085
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    bromsongsmith

    No, I don’t have a speed gun,

    No, I don’t have a speed gun, but even today I was driving on a small rural lane behind a cyclist travelling at the same speed as he/she and my vehicle speedometer read 33 mph.  I would like to think that the cyclist braking power would be good enough to stop him/her in a reasonable distance in an emergency, but I very much doubt it.  I do admire his/her stamina though !

     

    August 5, 2016 at 8:32 pm #876083
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    bromsongsmith

    No, I don’t have a speed gun,

    No, I don’t have a speed gun, but even today I was driving on a small rural lane behind a cyclist travelling at the same speed as he/she and my vehicle speedometer read 33 mph.  I would like to think that the cyclist braking power would be good enough to stop him/her in a reasonable distance in an emergency, but I very much doubt it.  I do admire his/her stamina though !

     

    August 5, 2016 at 11:38 am #876081
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    psling
    bromsongsmith wrote:
    Dear Yorkshire wallet.  This is not a ‘speed issue’ at all.  You have missed the point completely.  SPEED is not theproblem (so by all means cycle as fast as you want) …

     

     

    And yet you mention, in a derogatory fashion, cycling at 30mph 5 times  in your OP and then  go on to suggest cyclists should be riding at 10 – 15mph.

    Make your mind up!

    August 5, 2016 at 10:26 am #876079
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    PennineRider

    1. Sometimes, pedestrians
    1. Sometimes, pedestrians step out in front of me without looking. Should I post a pompous “safety alert” on the Ramblers forum?

    2. As a pedestrian you are some 400 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured by a driver than a cyclist. Your “safety message” is targeting the wrong people.

    3. Bells and polite shouts attract anger and unpredictable “startled” behaviour. Maybe keep a lookout if you are walking on the road, and control your dog?

    4. “30 mph” Do you carry a calibrated speed gun? You are plainly exaggerating

    August 5, 2016 at 10:22 am #876077
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    the little onion
    dottigirl wrote:
     

    I’ve been walk-riding my two dogs off-lead, on the Thames towpath. So, I’m a cyclist, with two dogs running around me. Being not able to walk too far, this is the best way for them to get the exercise they need. I’ll call ‘dogs!’ or signal to speeders to slow down. At night or low light, I stick flashing, reflective bands around the dogs’ necks.

    Most people are sensible. However, there are those who, despite the proliferation of dogs milling around, still think it’s acceptable to treat the place as their own, personal racetrack. Luckily, these runners and cyclists are few and far between.

    And yes, it’s perfectly fine to have dogs off the lead in public places, especially if you’re training them. And it’s usually not a good idea to call them to you if someone approaches, as that can make them more unpredictable. I’d rather have dogs running free than on extendable leads, or long ropes, which are an even worse trip hazard. The exception to this is dogs which constantly chase or act aggressively towards others, without any attempt from their owners to control them.

     

    In other words, be understanding of all users, and don’t be a dick.

     

    If these are shared use tow paths, then I think it is a bit selfish to have them running loose. Everyone has responsibilities. Sure, cyclists should slow down to pass dogs, but at the same time, dog owners should have their animals under control at all times, and that only happens when they are on a short lead.

    August 5, 2016 at 8:27 am #876075
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    A2thaJ

    Sometimes a warning noise or

    Sometimes a warning noise or a bell can cause a pedestrian to change course and then actually block the way. I always slow down, often say hello and give plenty of space when gonig around walkers, horses etc. Everyone on the road is responsible for the safety themselves and all other road users.

     

    Its also not just the stereotypical racer type who can be guilty for inconsiderate riding. I was walking down a narrow gravel path and saw an old biddy steaming towards me on a bobbin bike. I thought, surely shes going to slow down or move over…. no, shes going to ride right at me, wobbling all over the place….. i almost fell in the canal. life takes all sorts. (she was probably in a hurry to spend her final salary pension, whilst celebrating brexit having previously picked up the daily mail. She did however have a high viz tabbard on).

    August 5, 2016 at 8:12 am #876073
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    brooksby
    dottigirl wrote:
    …

    – if it’s shared use, chill the fuck out.

    – call ‘passing left/right’ if they appear oblivious to your approach.

    – give as much room as possible.

    Stick to this and the hassle factor for all should be minimised.

    …

    In other words, be understanding of all users, and don’t be a dick.

    I agree with these comments about shared-use.  However, in all fairness, the OP wasn’t talking about shared-use: the OP was talking about walking in a group on a narrow open-to-all-traffic type road, with their theoretical loose dogs and children whilst wandering left and right to look at the lovely sunflowers.

    August 5, 2016 at 7:51 am #876071
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    dottigirl

    General rules?

    General rules?

     

    – if it’s shared use, chill the fuck out.

     

    – call ‘passing left/right’ if they appear oblivious to your approach.

     

    – give as much room as possible.

     

    Stick to this and the hassle factor for all should be minimised.

     

    I’ve been walk-riding my two dogs off-lead, on the Thames towpath. So, I’m a cyclist, with two dogs running around me. Being not able to walk too far, this is the best way for them to get the exercise they need. I’ll call ‘dogs!’ or signal to speeders to slow down. At night or low light, I stick flashing, reflective bands around the dogs’ necks.

    Most people are sensible. However, there are those who, despite the proliferation of dogs milling around, still think it’s acceptable to treat the place as their own, personal racetrack. Luckily, these runners and cyclists are few and far between.

    And yes, it’s perfectly fine to have dogs off the lead in public places, especially if you’re training them. And it’s usually not a good idea to call them to you if someone approaches, as that can make them more unpredictable. I’d rather have dogs running free than on extendable leads, or long ropes, which are an even worse trip hazard. The exception to this is dogs which constantly chase or act aggressively towards others, without any attempt from their owners to control them.

     

    In other words, be understanding of all users, and don’t be a dick.

    August 5, 2016 at 4:10 am #876069
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    davel

    bromsongsmith wrote:

    bromsongsmith wrote:

    Dear Yorkshire wallet.  This is not a ‘speed issue’ at all.  You have missed the point completely.  SPEED is not theproblem (so by all means cycle as fast as you want) but be aware that dog walkers, rambler groups who don’t hear you approaching from behind them are likely to wander to the left or right to actually enjoy looking at sunflowers.  Give them a chance to do so without being run down, abused or vilified for using the country lane for their own selfish enjoyment.   You know what ….  I’m out of here….  Too much aggression ….

     

    If people are wandering around country lanes without paying attention to what’s on the road they probably have more to worry about than a bit of vilification (the age of the silent hybrid car is here), and it’s vanishingly unlikely that it’ll be cyclists running them down.

    But if you do feel that you’ve been driven from here by debate (sorry, ‘aggression’), please ensure you stop off at pistonheads and make more generalised comments to stereotypes of those who do actually kill and maim on country lanes.

    August 4, 2016 at 10:49 pm #876067
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    brooksby
    MartyMcCann wrote:
    If I managed to cycle at 30mph I sure as hell won’t be silent- you will hear my breathing from about 2 miles away!

    Oh, I hear that, brother!

    August 4, 2016 at 10:48 pm #876065
    0
    brooksby
    bromsongsmith wrote:
    Dear Yorkshire wallet.  This is not a ‘speed issue’ at all.  You have missed the point completely.  SPEED is not theproblem (so by all means cycle as fast as you want) but be aware that dog walkers, rambler groups who don’t hear you approaching from behind them are likely to wander to the left or right to actually enjoy looking at sunflowers.  Give them a chance to do so without being run down, abused or vilified for using the country lane for their own selfish enjoyment.   You know what ….  I’m out of here….  Too much aggression ….

    Hang on: as I said earlier, cyclists or motorists shouldn’t be coming from behind you if you’re walking facing the traffic.

    And equally, if you are walking on a country lane which is open to general traffic then I’m afraid that you probably shouldn’t be wandering left and right no matter how amazing are the sunflowers.

    August 4, 2016 at 9:23 pm #876063
    0
    MartyMcCann

    If I managed to cycle at

    If I managed to cycle at 30mph I sure as hell won’t be silent- you will hear my breathing from about 2 miles away!

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