van v. cyclist: driver sacked

**Alison** · 13-04-2010, 11:49 AM

The biggest low I had was the day when I was cycling along quite happily and was spat at by the passenger in a white van

**HeyWayne** · 13-04-2010, 12:22 PM

Originally posted by Two_Sheds View Post

I expect this article will only appeal to Organic and myself,

29 views so far may suggest otherwise.

The whole world isn't against cyclists.

**Two_Sheds** · 13-04-2010, 12:23 PM

Yes, I've been spat at too. And shouted at, received disgusting sexual verbal abuse etc etc.

My favourite was a boy who leaned out of his father's people carrier to shout something at me. They all had a good laugh inside the car.
Then they got caught in a traffic jam and as I went past in the bike lane, I sprayed the car with my water bottle (yes, the windows were open)

**Two_Sheds** · 13-04-2010, 12:23 PM

Originally posted by HeyWayne View Post

The whole world isn't against cyclists.

No, it just feels like it when you're on a bike.

**piskieinboots** · 13-04-2010, 12:27 PM

Originally posted by HeyWayne View Post

The whole world isn't against cyclists.

Indeed it isn't and I'm sure this will make me very unpopular but I often see some really bad road manners from cyclists. I'm not looking to start a nasty debate, just stating that bad manners comes from both sides.

I'm appalled that you have both been spat at, it beggars belief

**Alison** · 13-04-2010, 12:36 PM

Originally posted by piskieinboots View Post

Indeed it isn't and I'm sure this will make me very unpopular but I often see some really bad road manners from cyclists. I'm not looking to start a nasty debate, just stating that bad manners comes from both sides.

The manners thing is indeed true and we're probably on equal footing when it comes to shouting etc but when it comes to bad road manners, a bike going across a red light is less likely to danger the life of the car they drive into than if it were the other way round....... Not advocating going across red lights here as I think all road users should obey the highway code, just using it as an example.

**Incy** · 13-04-2010, 12:39 PM

Good to see that a company will stand up for what is right.
I must admit that at times I am stunned by the dangerous decisions made by both cyclists and drivers when they are sharing the road. My view however is that we ARE sharing the road and therefore courtesy and awareness of the fact that a cyclist is MUCH more vulnerable is essential. I don't cycle much these days and when I do it's usually on a car free cycle path with my lad, but when I was younger I did cycle a lot (in the London area) and remember how awful it could be. Sounds as though it's got a lot worse though

**phil the shed** · 13-04-2010, 12:43 PM

you know i see it from both sides of the coin but agression always rankles with me and there should be no place for it. we now only cycle on set cycle routes and paths because i don't like to take the kids on the road it just bothers me when i'm with them.

but as a driver i always respect the space of the bike this come from my road racing days and relentless training. unfortunately we can all recite issues with poor mannered cyclists too.

recently as the light turned green and i pulled away the bike ran in to me from the drivers side. he hurled some abuse at me about not understanding road users and cyclists. (note bike rack on rear with 3 bikes on and 2 on the roof bars) he didn't notice them. he was just red light jumping, when i offered to call the police and an ambulance he just rode off. i reported it just in case.

**HeyWayne** · 13-04-2010, 12:43 PM

Just try being a pedestrian!

**piskieinboots** · 13-04-2010, 12:47 PM

Originally posted by HeyWayne View Post

Just try being a pedestrian!

or a horse

**Two_Sheds** · 13-04-2010, 12:52 PM

Originally posted by HeyWayne View Post

Just try being a pedestrian!

I know, and I am one too.

The thing I hate most at the moment is pedestrians on cycle lanes. From my home to town is a segregated off-road cycle lane/footpath. There are blue signs, white lines on the pavement etc, but peds completely ignore them, and amble along on the bike lane, often with their dogs running loose too. They just hate cyclists and will not move for them. They probably write letters to the local paper complaining bitterly about cyclists on pavements.

I slow down, ring my bell, toot my horn and sometimes they move over, often they won't. I always say thank you anyway. I never shout abuse or swear at them, although I am sorely tempted sometimes. I do have a semi-permanent simmering rage inside me when I'm riding. It's really not an enjoyable experience most days, sadly.

I can count the number of times they've apologised to me on the thumbs of one hand (that was when a woman's Staffie ran into me knocking me to the ground and leaving a handlebar shaped bruise on my leg. I could prolly have sued, but I didn't. She was apologetic, nice and promised to keep the dog on a lead in future.)

**Bigmallly** · 13-04-2010, 12:53 PM

Originally posted by HeyWayne View Post

Just try being a pedestrian!

I was just thinking the same, many a time I have seen cyclists riding on the path to avoid waiting at red lights. I'm sure car drivers would do the same if they could fit on the path...........

**stupot** · 13-04-2010, 12:57 PM

We need more bike lanes. There some pathetic efforts around Reading. I remember one across the road from me in a new estate that was on 10m long - I think it made the news it was so ridiculous. I imagine it was there so some greedy developer gets planning permission. When I go to Belgium to visit the inlaws it cyle heaven - everyone cycles, proper lanes - of course Belgium is nice and flat too. Another advantage of everyone cycling over there - people are much thinner... and have great legs!

**Two_Sheds** · 13-04-2010, 01:00 PM

Originally posted by piskieinboots View Post

I often see some really bad road manners from cyclists.

I'm interested ... tell me examples.

Quite often what people think of as "stupid" cycling are because drivers don't understand, and have never experienced, riding in traffic or riding on roads full of pot holes.

The advice given to cyclists by training groups, is to ride to the left, but not in the gutter: about a metre from the kerb - in order to be seen, as well as avoid the holes and debris at the side of the road. Drivers don't look to the left of their cars very much, their line of vision is nearer the centre line. Often drivers perceive this as a cyclist "hogging the road" and will then try to shave them (pass too close).

Another example might be what drivers perceive to be overtaking on the inside: this is in the highway code as filtering, and is allowed (so long as you're careful). Drivers hate being overtaken on the inside by a cyclist because they think it's wrong: it's not.

Another example might be a cyclist shaking a fist as you overtake them. This could well be because you have passed them too close and too fast, sometimes with a lot of revving which sounds very aggressive when you're on a bike. Drivers don't really know how much space is on their passenger side and nearly always pass too close, even on open roads.

Piskie, obviously I'm not having a go at you, it's just that your comment set me thinking.

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