Dangerous cyclists are a lawless menace

[silver fox]

All depends who is in the wrong, for one thing. If a cyclist runs a red light and kills as a result for example, then of course there should be consequences. Just as when a motorist guns-it through a red and finishes off a ped.

On the other hand, when a ped steps unexpectedly into your path, whatever you're riding or driving, then it's the ped who is to blame. Other than those two scenarios, there are many cases where both parties have to shoulder their respective share of the blame. I.e. when both have slipped-up and collided as a result.

Yes we all should follow the rules, but few actually do. Only sure way to reduce road deaths, is by engineering the problems out. Anyway, why do you say 'especially cyclists', when cars are way more massive, capable of incredible speeds and are obviously far more lethal to peds when they smack into them?

I’ve tried not to get involved in this thread, but suddenly should an unwary pedestrian walk in front of a vehicle suddenly it’s the the pedestrians at fault, you have constantly claimed that it is down to everyone to give way to pedestrians, make your bloody mind up.

[The PNP]

I’ve tried not to get involved in this thread, but suddenly should an unwary pedestrian walk in front of a vehicle suddenly it’s the the pedestrians at fault, you have constantly claimed that it is down to everyone to give way to pedestrians, make your bloody mind up.

Yes, even should you encounter a ped somewhere as unlikely as the middle-lane of a motorway, every effort should be made to avoid hitting them - I'd have thought that was obvious.

But I suspect you're thinking about the HC rule on junctions....The HC is clear on this point: motorists have to give way to peds crossing the mouth of junctions, as they do also have to for cyclists. What it doesn't say is to stop and give way to peds anywhere and everywhere who want to cross, regardless of location. Having said that, obviously you shouldn't drive into peds or bikes at all, if you can avoid doing so.

[justbecause]

All depends who is in the wrong, for one thing. If a cyclist runs a red light and kills as a result for example, then of course there should be consequences. Just as when a motorist guns-it through a red and finishes off a ped.

On the other hand, when a ped steps unexpectedly into your path, whatever you're riding or driving, then it's the ped who is to blame. Other than those two types of scenario, there are many cases where both parties have to shoulder their respective share of the blame. I.e. when both have slipped-up and collided as a result.

Yes we all should follow the rules, but few actually do. Only sure way to reduce road deaths, is by engineering the problems out. Anyway, why do you say 'especially cyclists', when cars are way more massive, capable of incredible speeds and are obviously far more lethal to peds when they smack into them?

Yes, for once you’re entirely correct, we all should follow the rules, that of course includes you, although by your own admission, you aren’t one of the few who actually do. In fact, you not only don’t follow the rules, you freely admit that you drive dangerously, speeding up beyond the limit simply to ensure that another driver doesn’t get to pass you.

[The PNP]

Yes, for once you’re entirely correct, we all should follow the rules, that of course includes you, although by your own admission, you aren’t one of the few who actually do. In fact, you not only don’t follow the rules, you freely admit that you drive dangerously, speeding up beyond the limit simply to ensure that another driver doesn’t get to pass you.

Yes I do, though strictly only when approaching de-restricted areas. And no, it's not to prevent people passing me. That happens all the time in 20mph and 30mph areas and I have no problem with that. My 'speeding-up' as you well know, is to forestall some shmo trying to get alongside as I reach the de-restricted area. Otherwise they end up stuck alongside at 60mph, which ain't great when something comes the other way - duh!

[justbecause]

Yes I do, though strictly only when approaching de-restricted areas. And no, it's not to prevent people passing me. That happens all the time in 20mph and 30mph areas and I have no problem with that. My 'speeding-up' as you well know, is to forestall some shmo trying to get alongside as I reach the de-restricted area. Otherwise they end up stuck alongside at 60mph, which ain't great when something comes the other way - duh!

Ah right, so you drive dangerously to save some shmo,(not exactly what a shmo is, it’s not listed in the English Oxford) from himself. Very noble of you, it’s still dangerous driving though. Incidentally, did you that a dangerous driving conviction carries a mandatory twelve month disqualification?

[The PNP]

Ah right, so you drive dangerously to save some shmo,(not exactly what a shmo is, it’s not listed in the English Oxford) from himself. Very noble of you, it’s still dangerous driving though. Incidentally, did you that a dangerous driving conviction carries a mandatory twelve month disqualification?

I drive as if the Police are right behind, which I guess they may occasionally be - stands me in very good stead, always has.....As for speeding-up on the approach to a de-restricted area. Most people do that and as far as I know, it doesn't incur a 'dangerous driving' charge, thought it could get you done for speeding if they ever caught you, lol!

Btw, 'shmo', (slang) is used in certain circles, in reference to a certain male appendage.

[libraryguy]

[QUOTE=Yes we all should follow the rules, but few actually do. Only sure way to reduce road deaths, is by engineering the problems out. Anyway, why do you say 'especially cyclists', when cars are way more massive, capable of incredible speeds and are obviously far more lethal to peds when they smack into them? [/QUOTE]

Especially cyclists, who run a red light and get side swiped by the car the cyclist failed to see!

[justbecause]

I drive as if the Police are right behind, which I guess they may occasionally be - stands me in very good stead, always has.....As for speeding-up on the approach to a de-restricted area. Most people do that and as far as I know, it doesn't incur a 'dangerous driving' charge, thought it could get you done for speeding if they ever caught you, lol!

Btw, 'shmo', (slang) is used in certain circles, in reference to a certain male appendage.

Thanks for that….shmo!!

[The PNP]

Especially cyclists, who run a red light and get side swiped by the car the cyclist failed to see!

Your concern for cyclists is quite touching. But worry not, Darwinian principles will soon weed-out any that do.

[Hamble]

[/B]
Thanks for that….shmo!!

Definitions of shmo. (Yiddish) a jerk. synonyms: schmo. type of: dork, jerk. a dull stupid fatuous person.


schmuck – actually from the Yiddish word shmok, where it’s original meaning of penis has also deviated into fool, and is responsible for the derivation shmoe. The entomology comes from either the German schmuck (which means jewelry or adornments and thus: the family jewels) or the old Polish smok, meaning dragon/serpent.

[Hamble]

[/B]
Thanks for that….shmo!!

[Hamble]

Having taken advantage of this glorious weather we have been out on the bikes or walking in the hills every day this week.

We have found a new kind of cyclist.

Usually Lycra clad from head to toe.Whippet thin, glasses giving a space invader type glow.
Usually heavilly perspiring after busting a gut up a steep hill.

No usual cyclist friendly wave or greeting from him on passing
just a scowl or grunt.

Who would think electric bikes could draw such disdain.

[silver fox]

Having taken advantage of this glorious weather we have been out on the bikes or walking in the hills every day this week.

We have found a new kind of cyclist.

Usually Lycra clad from head to toe.Whippet thin, glasses giving a space invader type glow.
Usually heavilly perspiring after busting a gut up a steep hill.

No usual cyclist friendly wave or greeting from him on passing
just a scowl or grunt.

Who would think electric bikes could draw such disdain.

Not a new kind of cyclist at all, sadly you have encountered the PNP’s heroes, the cyclist who is too good to ride on cycle tracks, can’t be delayed by anything on the road, red lights to be squirmed through, pedestrian crossings don’t exist, even with pedestrians on them.

These are the same cyclists who raise the hackles of motorists, clearly have the same disdain for pleasure cyclists.

What they are like behind a wheel I shudder to think.

[The PNP]

Avoided possibility of dodgy encounters with shmo's today, by making for a nice safe traffic-free route - only to find it swarming with dingbats!

[carliol]

It seems from comments here and probably in the wider world that those who belong exclusively in the four-wheel camp regard cyclists as spawn of the devil.

But what about those of us who cycle and drive? When we cycle are we more tolerant of motorists and vice versa? Does getting behind the wheel give rise to a loathing, if only temporary, of those clad in lycra or the humble bicycle-clip wearing commuter?

We share the same planet and the same roads. Be nice.