Damn Cyclists

[naddis01]

Originally Posted by xbgs351

My commiserations to you and your family. My father recieved similar injuries two years back after a truck pulled out in front of him, but luckily he pulled through. What really annoyed me was that the truck driver wasn't charged.

Thanks mate. I know what you mean about not being charged unfortunatly :

[chris0]

Originally Posted by MO

It seems that a common theme of 'bike riders don't emit co2 'is being used....hmm so how much was emitted making your bike? Then of course there is another gas that bike riders DO emit and that is methane,oh but wait bike riders are legends in their own lunchbox so I guess they don't.
As for riding two abreast well it should be single file,the number of times I've seen two abreast take up a whole lane,I've lost count.
This type of thread has been done to death,as for me if the bike rider stays out of my way I'll stay out of theirs,as for rego on bikes yes I'm for it.
So the wash up is if the bike riders obey the rules fine if not suffer the consequences.
Finally I'll give this thread about 12 or so hrs and the lockwood will out.

As previously stated, two a breast is law. I'm sure in your circumstance there was no bike lane when the cyclists were taking up a "whole lane", but i'm only assuming.
Thankyou xbgs351,
Velodromes are hard to access at the best of times.

[torbirdie]

Originally Posted by MO

And not taken personally,as I said the number of times that two abreast takes up a whole lane. Thats further apart than driver and passenger in a car.
As for the rules not mine but the duly legal ones.

I think the problem you have MO, is that you think a car and a bicycle should be able to exist in the same lane or you have been squeezing past cycles that are in the same lane?

Yes, some cyclists start off that way, keeping as far left as possible, but soon realise that many vehicles wont give them much room and pass by them by mm in the same lane, forcing the cyclist to ride on the uneven surface that comprises the gutter, ridges, pot holes, manhole covers, water covers etc or worse forcing them into the gutter and off the road completely

Thats why more experienced cyclists will ride towards the middle of the lane, making motorists actually go into another lane to go past them. Two abreast, it shouldnt matter, you need to at least get part of your vehicle into the next lane to give the cyclist enough room, yes that means merging right/using mirrors/brain for the car driver.

[MO]

Originally Posted by chris0

As previously stated, two a breast is law. I'm sure in your circumstance there was no bike lane when the cyclists were taking up a "whole lane", but i'm only assuming.
Thankyou xbgs351,
Velodromes are hard to access at the best of times.

So it is but what is the specified gap that the riders must maintain and yes no bike lane but then i've very rarely seen them used anyway.

[Linkachu]

The worst is when there are 2 riders, one is in the bike lane and the other rides on the road.

Being only 20 and having my P's for almost 2 years this can be a rather scary experience especially when there is oncoming traffic.

[geckoGT]

Originally Posted by Pedro

Chris, you say training on the road is the only way to stay fit for road racing. What's the difference training on a road as opposed to say a velodrome?

Really, did you read the thread before posting? We have been there and covered that.

I do see your point, but not possible.

You can not train to ride at 80kph+ in the middle of a pack, 6 inches from other riders over undulating round through bends etc, whilst on a velodrome or home trainer. Also, would you mentally be able to drive 200km around a car park without going nuts. Training for Ironman Triathlon I often did 180km training rides, professional road cyclists often do training rides of 200-300km, imagine that on a 400m velodrome.

These are skills that a competitive cyclist must have in order to compete in the upper levels of the sport. It would be like asking a rugby player to train in his back yard or a cricket player to train in his garage.

Good point.

The limitation is the smaller less congested roads are full of intersections, stop signs and giveway signs. This means on the 200km training ride (impossible to plan without main roads), you are stopping and starting all the time. In a race, you do not stop and start every 400m for the duration of the race, so training like this will not simulate race conditions.

Trust me, if there was a safer way to enjoy and achieve at the sport, the vast majority of cyclists would do it. Many cyclists have been hit, some seriously injured (myself included, riding through an open intersection, motorist sped through without looking and t-boned me). None of us go out and play with nearly 2 tonnes of metal because it is fun.

Originally Posted by Mo

It seems that a common theme of 'bike riders don't emit co2 'is being used....hmm so how much was emitted making your bike? Then of course there is another gas that bike riders DO emit and that is methane,oh but wait bike riders are legends in their own lunchbox so I guess they don't.

I was going to leave this one, but I can't. :

Are you telling me you never emit methane in your car? Maybe you should pay methane tax too :

[xy500]

Originally Posted by geckoGT

I was going to leave this one, but I can't. :

Are you telling me you never emit methane in your car? Maybe you should pay methane tax too :

you really think you are some kind of expert don't you?
his point is cycling is not a zero emission mode of transport, as was suggested in earlier posts.
you need to get off your high horse or penny farthing or whatever overpriced contraption it is you call a bike and realise who you are talking to here.

Roads are not marathon training grounds, do you see runners running around the city streets for training? use rural or scenic roads if you want to train, its a better view anyway.
The point is cyclists definitely do overdo their rights and often ignore their responsibilities on the roads, just like many drivers.
if you are a cyclist and you cannot understand why you are causing frustration, then your input in this thread is a bit irrelevant.

[geckoGT]

Originally Posted by xy500

you really think you are some kind of expert don't you?
his point is cycling is not a zero emission mode of transport, as was suggested in earlier posts.
you need to get off your high horse or penny farthing or whatever overpriced contraption it is you call a bike and realise who you are talking to here.

Roads are not marathon training grounds, do you see runners running around the city streets for training? use rural or scenic roads if you want to train, its a better view anyway.
The point is cyclists definitely do overdo their rights and often ignore their responsibilities on the roads, just like many drivers.
if you are a cyclist and you cannot understand why you are causing frustration, then your input in this thread is a bit irrelevant.

Wow, talking of high horses, how is the air up there.

Expert no, experienced more than the average person on both sides of the coin, yes maybe. Experienced enough anyway.

Yes marathon runners do train in city streets, I know enough of them to know this. Added to this I had to train for marathon as part of training for an Ironman Triathlon (it ends in a marathon).

As for training in the country, ok add 1-2 hrs travel time out of the city to get to the start point and the training time gets longer. This equals less time for work, sleep and family, just so I don't hold you up for 10 seconds of your precious life, who is on the high horse now?

Yes, granted some cyclists do overdo their rights on the road, as do some motorists (particularly the ones that believe they have exclusive right to it). Going by my location, I see that more often than you do at the moment (city brisbane compared to SW WA for you). I also do realise that the presenece of cyclist can cause frustration to motorists, how much of it is justified is the point of contention.

Have I satisfied you in my qualification to have an opinion and enter into open discussion with logic based on life experience?

[greenfoam]

Compared to a bike cars have no right to be on the roads or even exsist. So Since I beleive this I have no problem with giving room for bikes and letting them do whatever they have to do, imho God is on their side :P.f I were prime minsister I'd ban all cars as of tomorrow and make everyone ride everywhere (this is why I'm not P.M). But imagine how fit the girls would be

[geckoGT]

Originally Posted by greenfoam

Compared to a bike cars have no right to be on the roads or even exsist. So Since I beleive this I have no problem with giving room for bikes and letting them do whatever they have to do, imho God is on their side :P.f I were prime minsister I'd ban all cars as of tomorrow and make everyone ride everywhere (this is why I'm not P.M). But imagine how fit the girls would be

Wow, that view is a bit left wing! I bet it will not be too popular around here.

Even I consider that a little extreme and would be happy with equal rights and happy coexistence, but I do like the comment on the fit girls.

[torbirdie]

Originally Posted by xy500

you really think you are some kind of expert don't you?
his point is cycling is not a zero emission mode of transport, as was suggested in earlier posts.
.

And indeed a lame point it was. Neither yourself or him understands that the carbon cycle? Its only adding to the greenhouse effect by releasing carbon locked under the ground that is what is getting man into a mess. Oh and the energy needed to make a pushbike, ffs, less than the amount of fuel the average car uses one day, and the pushbike will last for friggin years!

Originally Posted by xy500

you need to get off your high horse or penny farthing or whatever overpriced contraption it is you call a bike and realise who you are talking to here.
.

? and who might that be, please let us know, so we can give you a wide berth when out on the road.

Originally Posted by xy500

if you are a cyclist and you cannot understand why you are causing frustration, then your input in this thread is a bit irrelevant.

He understands the fustration caused, and is trying to get through to people like yourself that the roads are not the god given gift to car drivers that you think they are.

Are you going to be judge, jury and executioner for who uses public roads and for what purposes. If cyclists can use them according to the road rules, then it is really no interest of yours whether they are using them to get fit, ride to work, visit their sick mom, go to the beach, pictrures whatever.

What greater purpose do you have being on the road that couldnt be accommodated otherwise.

[bob^]

Wonder how many of the bike haters have an exercise regime that consists of walking to the car and back every day?

[greenfoam]

Originally Posted by geckoGT

Wow, that view is a bit left wing! I bet it will not be too popular around here.

Even I consider that a little extreme and would be happy with equal rights and happy coexistence, but I do like the comment on the fit girls.

Doesn't matter left or right or popular or not It's correct and that's all that counts in the end. Sometimes instead of waiting 50 years to do something it's best to do it right now. It's like wood powered fireplaces, they will be goners sooner or later, may as well do that now too

[xbgs351]

Originally Posted by Linkachu

The worst is when there are 2 riders, one is in the bike lane and the other rides on the road.

Being only 20 and having my P's for almost 2 years this can be a rather scary experience especially when there is oncoming traffic.

There is no need to be 'scared' of backing off the throttle for a few seconds until it is safe to pass. I bet you wouldn't hold your breath and try to squeeze through if it was a tractor instead of a cyclist.

[BlackLS]

Originally Posted by chris0

Combined paths are a different story ala the path along the M7, which is a perfect width for pedestrians and cyclists. Its not a bad ride either.....

No we can't win there either: http://www.westlinkm7.com.au/news-de...ise-caution-13

Following recent incidents, Westlink today issued further advice to cyclists using the Westlink M7's shared path to be aware of wire or other objects strung across the path.

I'm on a XC MTB and glad theres so many remote tracks through the Blue Mountains.

[xbgs351]

Originally Posted by BlackLS

No we can't win there either: http://www.westlinkm7.com.au/news-de...ise-caution-13




I'm on a XC MTB and glad theres so many remote tracks through the Blue Mountains.

"Westlink works closely with Police to reduce the incidents of anti social behaviour including funding additional Police patrols in the area. Should you see any anti social incidents or observe any suspicious behaviour, please call your local Police Station."

Anti-social? Anti-social like throwing rocks from overpasses? Those wires have killed and seriously maimed people.

[DBourne]

Originally Posted by xy500

you really think you are some kind of expert don't you?
his point is cycling is not a zero emission mode of transport, as was suggested in earlier posts.
you need to get off your high horse or penny farthing or whatever overpriced contraption it is you call a bike and realise who you are talking to here.

Roads are not marathon training grounds, do you see runners running around the city streets for training? use rural or scenic roads if you want to train, its a better view anyway.
The point is cyclists definitely do overdo their rights and often ignore their responsibilities on the roads, just like many drivers.
if you are a cyclist and you cannot understand why you are causing frustration, then your input in this thread is a bit irrelevant.

You really seem to have no idea.

If you are a motorist and you don't have the ability to exercise caution for 20 seconds then you probably shouldn't be able to drive a car.

[russellw]

Can we please keep this discussion civil and remember that everyone is entitled to an opinion as long as it is expressed in accordance with the T&C.

Cheers
Russ

[Bucknaked]

If you have children and one of them is knocked off their bike by a motorist who is speeding, texting or talking on their mobile, is your attitude towards bikes going to be the same? My 8 year old doesn't pay rego. He rides his bike to and from school. Does he deserve to be anywhere near the road? Licence holders are adults. Time to start acting like one.

[irlewy86]

Originally Posted by Pinch

See that is good to hear. In NSW though there is nothing, nothing mainstream anyway. Our primary school did a safety day I remember doing, local cops turned up and all to do a talk and explain things. Same school also made you do a 'test' and get a 'licence' (basic road rule stuff) before you were allowed to ride to school. Nothing from the RTA (or DMR or whatever it was back then).

Was that mandated though, or did you do it of your own free will? People who care about road safety will usually do such things, like those of us that do defensive or advanced driving courses. It seems the ones who don't care that are the problem though.

It was always a voluntary thing and while the material (equipment etc) was provided by the DoT the days were conducted by volunteers (My old man is a 2 wheel tragic which is why I did so many times) either parents or teachers. When I grew up I reckon about a third of kids rode to school, another third got a bus. Only a small percentage were chauffered every day. So I guess when you had 400 kids riding bikes it was a priority of the school to have these programs.

I don't believe mandatory licensing/registration will solve the issue some people have with cyclists. Given the latest preventative health report the Fedral government has got know we may say incentives for more people to start riding which will definately spice up this debate some.

[Pedro]

[QUOTE=geckoGT]Really, did you read the thread before posting? We have been there and covered that. QUOTE]


Of course I didn't read the total posts. I only just came across the thread, and with a thread heading like that, and being 5 pages, one would have to assume that the content would be mostly drivel between the fors and the againsts.

[Falcman0o7]

Originally Posted by greenfoam

Compared to a bike cars have no right to be on the roads or even exsist. So Since I beleive this I have no problem with giving room for bikes and letting them do whatever they have to do, imho God is on their side :P.f I were prime minsister I'd ban all cars as of tomorrow and make everyone ride everywhere (this is why I'm not P.M). But imagine how fit the girls would be

And i thought my comments were stupid! Mine got deleted because i went over board and what i said was a bit rough ( I didn't really do it, But i thought about it ) Your comments should be deleted for being absolutely queer.
So you would want to remove all cars, trucks ect? Umm, How do think your silly bike got here? Your food, Medical supplies, clothes, electrical goods, Ect.

Take transport away and you'll soon be curled up in a little ball begging for mercy. :togo:

[Fev]

i think he was being sarcastic..

[RG]

Originally Posted by Fev

i think he was being sarcastic..

You must be some sort of genius to have figured that out Fev lmao.

Only a little obvious isn't it.

[chris0]

Originally Posted by BlackLS

No we can't win there either: http://www.westlinkm7.com.au/news-de...ise-caution-13




I'm on a XC MTB and glad theres so many remote tracks through the Blue Mountains.

I've heard of this wire being strung up in the past. The case i heard was on a MTB trail. (luckily i too ride XC in the mountains )
Thats not good to hear about the M7. Its a good ride, plenty of hills and its a decent distance from end to end. Not real good is it, ride on the footpath and be decapitated OR ride on the road and be killed, presumably by some lunatic furious with the sight of lycra

[Falcman0o7]

Originally Posted by Fev

i think he was being sarcastic..

Phhh! Judging by posts i've read around here i wouldn't know!

[xy500]

Originally Posted by geckoGT

Wow, talking of high horses, how is the air up there.

Expert no, experienced more than the average person on both sides of the coin, yes maybe. Experienced enough anyway.

Yes marathon runners do train in city streets, I know enough of them to know this. Added to this I had to train for marathon as part of training for an Ironman Triathlon (it ends in a marathon).

As for training in the country, ok add 1-2 hrs travel time out of the city to get to the start point and the training time gets longer. This equals less time for work, sleep and family, just so I don't hold you up for 10 seconds of your precious life, who is on the high horse now?

Yes, granted some cyclists do overdo their rights on the road, as do some motorists (particularly the ones that believe they have exclusive right to it). Going by my location, I see that more often than you do at the moment (city brisbane compared to SW WA for you). I also do realise that the presenece of cyclist can cause frustration to motorists, how much of it is justified is the point of contention.

Have I satisfied you in my qualification to have an opinion and enter into open discussion with logic based on life experience?

whatever almighty biking and motoring expert!
so marathon runners run on the road in city traffic do they now? thats a first.
i feel sorry for you that it takes 1-2 hours to get out of the city, last time i was in your area it took about 15min to arrive in semi rural surrounds.

So you know what goes on in SW WA? and perth apparently doesnt have as many cyclists?

Your missing the point a little i think, i thought we were talking about annoying cyclists werent we?

[dandandandan]

Some of the attitudes displayed here disappoints me. If you can't drive/ride/walk etc safely on the roads then you shouldn't be there in the first place.

Have some consideration for your fellow commuters.

[tweeked]

OK

i have a suggestion

Should be illegal for cyclists to pass cars at traffic lights.

The most dangerous part is passing them, but the amount of times i have passed the same bike a dozen times in the city because he/she doesnt wait in line is frustraitng. They always want equality, well wait with the rest of us, with the added benefit of nowhere near as muckh overtaking required.

[auxr]

Wow, this thread just keeps on going - to help alleviate the problem, I have now taken myself off the street and will now be commuting 3.5klms to the train station by way of a helicopter - that sorts out the problem for me, dont know about the rest of you guys though