CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Debate!

Today's rubbish cycling

(4520 posts)

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  1. Mandopicker101
    Member

    The speed merchant coming up to the Jocks Lodge lights this evening.

    Momentarily I found myself at the front of a small bunch of guys itching to get down the road At All Costs. Coming to the mess of bus-stops, nuked tarmac, questionably parked cars and other craziness outside Registers of Scotland, I decided not to go in full pelt and eased off since traffic looked slow moving, solid and the lights ahead were plainly red.

    The guy behind me had other ideas. Either people like him don't slow down or he was totally wheel-sucking me and misjudged his speed, but the next thing I was aware of was him neatly skipping up onto the pavement, undertaking me, then hopping back onto the road, weaving through traffic. As he waited at the lights I cruised up behind him. He gained all of 5-10 seconds.

    Posted 9 years ago #

  2. Dolofright
    Member

    An idiot went through a red light on St John's Road yesterday afternoon when there were several pedestrians crossing. One member of the public shouted at him, but he was wearing headphones, totally oblivious. Decent road bike, with all the gear.

    He was probably coming back from POP. Nice job pal, draining any public sympathy for cyclists.

    Posted 9 years ago #

  3. davidsonsdave
    Member

    Me, this morning deciding to overtake slower moving cyclists on North Meadow Walk but for not observing the oncoming cyclist earlier and having to squeeze back in amongst the slower moving cyclists mid-overtake.

    Also possibly me again yesterday on the way home. I didn't dismount to pass under the rail bridge as per the signs on Russell Road - as usual there were no pedestrians (or other cyclists for that matter). At the other side, approaching the dismount sign, there was a mother and her daughter (on scooter). I was well out of the bridge on the narrow part of the pavement separated by the much larger part of the pavement they were on with a drainage channel, but the mother still took exception to my non-dismountage and started shouting at me for not being able to read.

    After suggesting that I had given her and her daughter lots of room and passed very slowly I couldn't help point out to her that she had failed to read the sign directing pedestrians to use the pavement on the other side of the road.

    I am not sure what she made of the five cyclists who I then passed who all proceeded to cycle under the bridge in her direction.

    Posted 9 years ago #

  4. deckard112
    Member

    Guy riding along George St this morning, followed the route all the way along East bound until we hit the cyclist lights at the junction of Hanover Street. He decides to jump the light, veer left into the path of eastbound traffic which had a green light. Luckily the driver of the red audi didnt hit this fool as he cut right across his path.

    Posted 9 years ago #

  5. Dave
    Member

    Myself, trying to overtake a rather slow cyclist going my way on the approach to some kids who were walking line abreast, failing to notice the chap innocently cycling towards us until we had a bit of an awkward squeeze. Sorry!

    Posted 9 years ago #

  6. ianfieldhouse
    Member

    Guy on touring bike who was behind me on South Meadow Walk (not sure if that's what it's called, it's the bit between Meadow Place and Argyle Place). When we reached the junction at Argyle place, rather than follow me through the cycle junction he decided he would just carry on straight through (without even looking) as if he was a pedestrian across both sets of tactiles only to appear right in front of me as I started to make my way up Argyle Place. This caused me to have to make an emergency stop to prevent myself from t-boning him. He's lucky I was on my MTB today as if I'd been on the Cross bike I wouldn't have been able to stop. He completely blanked me as I remonstrated with him and didn't even stop -- just carried on his way along SMW. i tried engaging him again whilst I was cycling parallel to him as I made my way along Melville Terrace but again he didn't even look at me. What…a…tool…!

    He had previously almost ploughed into me as I waited for the crossing at Marchmont Road as the light were just changing to green for us and he just had to get in front.

    On an unrelated note, why are the majority of cyclists on the towpath so sullen? The amount of times I waited to let people pass pedestrians this morning and not one of them acknowledged that I had waited. All I'd like is a little smile or nod, but most didn't even make eye contact. Is it any wonder people think cyclists are arrogant when, on one of Edinburgh primary routes for potential conflict with other users, most of us can't even be bothered to pass the time of day with other users.

    What a great start to the day!

    Posted 9 years ago #

  7. Wilmington's Cow
    Member

    I'm another who usually nods and smiles at other cyclists, but...

    Most pedestrians walking to work don't acknowledge each other either, I'm not entirely sure why people think cyclists should always be effectively saying hello to other cyclists. Like I say, I do, but the person coming the other way could have just had a fight with their significant other or lost a family pet or be contemplating a particularly awful conference call, so lumping everyone as unfriendly, or even potentially arrogant, is a bit harsh.

    That said, if it's wanting a thank you for having clearly and obviously waited for them to complete a pass or whatever, then yes, a little nod of appreciation doesn't go amiss.

    Posted 9 years ago #

  8. algo
    Member

    I have occasionally not managed to get a nod of appreciation or otherwise in due to a complete inability to complete a manoeuvre safely in a confined space and simultaneously be polite. I could I suppose try to prioritise the politeness, but given the likely result I suspect it would be interpreted as sarcasm.

    Posted 9 years ago #

  9. jdanielp
    Member

    I sporadically make an effort to nod or smile (although how well the latter comes across is another matter) at random cyclists on the canal towpath, whilst some of the regulars will be acknowledged every day when I see them, e.g. Lilac Helmet Lady, but I do always say a thank you of some kind to anyone who has clearly given way to me.

    My advice, therefore, would be to try and establish a rapport with regulars with which to cheer yourself up.

    Posted 9 years ago #

  10. ianfieldhouse
    Member

    > Most pedestrians walking to work don't acknowledge each other either, I'm not entirely sure why people think cyclists should always be effectively saying hello to other cyclists.

    I never said that I expected cyclists, as a whole, to acknowledge me.

    > That said, if it's wanting a thank you for having clearly and obviously waited for them to complete a pass or whatever, then yes, a little nod of appreciation doesn't go amiss.

    That's what I was talking about. If I've gone out of my way to let you pass then at least acknowledge the fact. As a driver this happens almost always.

    Posted 9 years ago #

  11. ianfieldhouse
    Member

    > My advice, therefore, would be to try and establish a rapport with regulars with which to cheer yourself up.

    I was perfectly cheery when I started my commute. :)

    I'll just stick to the roads in future. I'm not sure why I occasionally take the canal as it invariably turns out to be a less pleasant experience that just cycling along Colinton Road.

    Posted 9 years ago #

  12. chdot
    Admin

    "I'll just stick to the roads in future. I'm not sure why I occasionally take the canal as it invariably turns out to be a less pleasant experience that just cycling along Colinton Road."

    I think the problem there is that 'too many' people are using the canal for commuting and some are too fast/inconsiderate, causing stress for everyone else.

    If you feel comfortable with Colinton Rd. then perhaps best all round. Some cyclists are 'getting into cycling' because of the canal and other off-road paths. There is no prospect of widening the towpath or 'sorting out' the bridges - all the more reason for better on-road facilities!

    Posted 9 years ago #

  13. jdanielp
    Member

    @ianfieldhouse ah, sorry! "...to maintain your cheer."

    I can't imagine how cycling along Colinton Road would ever feel more pleasant than cycling along the canal, for me at least, but each to their own and all that.

    Posted 9 years ago #

  14. steveo
    Member

    I generally avoided the canal during peak times too, occasional evening return journeys and weekend cruises only. One pleasant evening I was over taken by a runner such was my enjoyment of the late evening sun.

    Posted 9 years ago #

  15. Cyclingmollie
    Member

    I'm not entirely sure why people think cyclists should always be effectively saying hello to other cyclists.

    Maybe it's a countryside thing.

    Posted 9 years ago #

  16. kaputnik
    Moderator

    Maybe it's a countryside thing.

    Think I'm going to stroll down Princes Street in my wellies and tweed blazer nodding and offering "'Ow do?!" to everyone I pass

    Posted 9 years ago #

  17. Wilmington's Cow
    Member

    Maybe it's a countryside thing.

    That's possible. I've remarked before about going for a walk down the Water of Leith from Balerno and everyone being cheery to begin with and swapping hellos, then the closer you got to town it dropped off, and by the time you were in Dean Village people either stared at their shoelaces as they went past or looked at you as if you had two heads if you said hello.

    I do find it slightly stranger if, at the weekend, riding in the countryside, there's not a nod of acknowledgement from cyclists coming the other way (or when people out walking or cycling clearly for leisure look as if they've just swallowed a wasp). I'm much more forgiving of city commuters looking and acting a bit miserable.

    Posted 9 years ago #

  18. wingpig
    Member

    "...nodding and offering "'Ow do?!" to everyone I pass"

    It was "now then" when/where I was small. I recall that the affably-nodding locals squeaking oillessly along at walking speed in a high gear with their heels on their pedals would do so on the road, despite the famed idiocy of the county's drivers; perhaps, despite their ability to terminate themselves and their passengers, the need for drivers to anticipate a slow-moving tractor around every corner meant that they were at least watching the road, if not the trees beside.

    Posted 9 years ago #

  19. Wilmington's Cow
    Member

    "As a driver this happens almost always."

    I get a roughly 50:50 hit rate (as a driver I let a lot of people out unless (and here my prejudice comes to the fore) they're driving an SUV). As a cyclist if I let out a driver or whatever my hit rate of a wave used to be a LOT lower, but I've noticed recently it's picked up, to the point I probably get thanked more than when I'm driving.

    In fairness you did ask, "... why are the majority of cyclists on the towpath so sullen?" Then went into people not acknowledging common courtesy, but are they the majority of all cyclists? (apologies, I'm in a pedantic mood... ;) )

    Sad truth that the towpath invariably winds up stressful.

    Posted 9 years ago #

  20. threefromleith
    Member

    I make an effort to nod to those I pass on my commute, with the occasional 'Morning!' to those I overtake on the way into work.

    Giving any kind of greeting is seen as a little eccentric in the UK these days, I guess. I do love it when walking/hiking in foreign parts and everyone gives a cheery 'Morning!' or 'Afternoon!'(in whichever language) as they pass.

    Perhaps it's just a walker's thing?

    Posted 9 years ago #

  21. paddyirish
    Member

    In my experience, definitely a City/Country thing with a greeting trending towards zero as I head towards the city centre.

    Will always thank walkers/cyclists/drivers who allow me through and have often found dog walkers to be particularly cheery in response. Drivers pretty good about acknowledging when I give way, especially if we've made eye contact.

    Agree with threefromleith's view on walkers, especially overseas.

    Posted 9 years ago #

  22. lorlane
    Member

    Well, I got a foul look from one chap this evening as I approached the Craiglockhart Primary exit on the canal towpath. For the past week or so the towpath has been under construction and the bridge ahead has been blocked off, so...

    without indicating (because everyone has to come off since the road ahead is blocked!) I slowed to a stop at the turnoff point and surly man who was waiting to come on gave me a pursed lipped, clenched jawed shake of the head.

    And I smiled and said sorry too!! It was only as I exited that I realised the path was open again but still, unfriendly or what?

    Posted 9 years ago #

  23. wingpig
    Member

    A selection of impatience, discourteousness and not-yet-instilled-observation on the NEPN this evening:

    [+] Embed the video | Video DownloadGet the Flash Video

    Posted 9 years ago #

  24. Snowy
    Member

    Wow - that makes the canal look well behaved! Wee one at the end gave me a good chuckle...

    Posted 9 years ago #

  25. ianfieldhouse
    Member

    I can't imagine how cycling along Colinton Road would ever feel more pleasant than cycling along the canal, for me at least, but each to their own and all that.

    It's one of those roads that looks a lot worse than it actually is. I think it's down to the fact that for large sections of it it's nice and wide so there is plenty of room for overtakes to be made without getting too close. There's also not much in the way of roadside parking so you're not really having to filter into the flow of traffic much. The only time I really have any issues on it are when the school run is in full effect around Watson's. The same could be said about most streets in the surrounding areas of schools I would imagine though.

    Posted 9 years ago #

  26. fimm
    Member

    LoL at the "after you, no after you..." bit.
    Some of that I have to confess I don't see the issue with, I am afraid.

    Anyway, I came on to confess to SMIDSYing a fellow cyclist at a roundabout. He was behind a car. It would have been a bit less obvious if my front brakes were better adjusted... I suppose we should both be glad I wasn't driving a car (though I think if I'd been driving I would have come to a stop rather than trying to roll onto the roundabout without slowing much).

    (No impact occurred, in case that isn't clear!)

    Posted 9 years ago #

  27. wingpig
    Member

    "Some of that I have to confess I don't see the issue with, I am afraid."

    On mine? People playing racey-bikes and overtaking when people are approaching is a bit stupid and a bit rude, plus the first person who came around when I was waiting at Craigleith had been a couple of feet off my wheel since I started slowing on the approach.

    Posted 9 years ago #

  28. fimm
    Member

    Yes, I really dislike it if I pass someone because I am moving faster than them, and then they pass me because I've slowed right down to be courteous to someone. I'm another who prefers the road to the canal path unless I decide I'd like a pootle...
    I guess we are back to things looking less close on video than they were in real life.

    Posted 9 years ago #

  29. condor2378
    Member

    @wingpig At 15s on your video when the guy in the blue jacket goes around when you're stopped, is that "What a tw@t" I hear muttered? Made me laugh anyway :)

    Posted 9 years ago #

  30. wingpig
    Member

    That Virb has a more pronounced distortion than the Roam it supplants, with the result that a really close pass from a car yesterday was barely identifiable as such in the footage. It's also evidently a bit faster to adjust sound recording levels when the rattling of the handlebar-mounted D-lock abates.

    Posted 9 years ago #

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