I've been off the bike for a couple of weeks with a virus, and got back on today for the first time for ages (probably mistakenly). Anyway, the effect of my illness has left me weak and feeble and unable to manage anything more than about 10mph (so about half what I'm used to).
It's been an education...
In the morning, trying to get from Canaan Lane to the canal, I chose to go via Balcarres Street and through Morningside Park to Morningside Drive and the IWRATS snicket beside the railway at Craiglockhart station rather than jousting with traffic on Colinton Road or making right turns anywhere. It was about 1/2 mile longer but it meant I could take it slow and didn't need any acceleration.
On the towpath, I was overtaken by lots of people on bikes at all kinds of inadvisable places. Most rang their bell, some didn't: they just crept up on me silently. Someone tried overtaking when there was a frozen puddle beside me, which they obviously hadn't noticed and which caused them some consternation. Someone squeezed past at a narrow bit when there was a wide bit visible just ahead. Someone rang their bell repeatedly in a 'get out of my way' tone.
..and so on...
It's (again) opened my eyes to the cycling experience of those who aren't fit, fast and confident. It's not like riding with children, because other people make some allowances for them. If you're on your own and slow, the traffic can be quite intimidating (and 'traffic' here includes other people on bikes). I'm a confident vehicular cyclist, but today has reminded me why vehicular cycling is not and never can be the answer for everyone.
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