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Your safety is totally dependent on their decisions and awareness.
Only if you are doing it wrong
Balderdash piffle and poppycock. You are relying on them not to make a mistake
He’s right though.
Is not compatible with
Wouldn’t generally sit on the wheel of someone I don’t know –
I used to do a lot of road racing and quite content to sit in a bunch of 60 riders on a descent at 60kph, but there's a huge difference between your average road racer and someone you casually meet whilst out riding. I would be reluctant to follow someone I don't know - like someone stands up on the pedals, drops back a few feet and you run into the back of them, manoeuvres without looking, or shimmies around a pothole leaving you no room to avoid it. I'd much rather ride alongside if the road is suitable or simply ride on my own. I have at times quite happily towed someone at 20mph for hours on end just for company at the cafe, or to give them a good work out.
I would be reluctant to follow someone I don’t know – like someone stands up on the pedals, drops back a few feet and you run into the back of them, manoeuvres without looking, or shimmies around a pothole leaving you no room to avoid it.
Indeed. And it's a bit presumptuous to expect the person in front to modify their riding because an uninvited stranger is in their personal space.
You are relying on them not to make a mistake
No, you still have eyes and you can ride slightly off centre to see what's happening. When leading you just have to ride smoothly. It's not appropriate in urban settings but fine elsewhere. I usually drop off group rides as we get back into town as people like to race to the finish cafe and it gets silly at times.
I have had decades of group riding experience and have only been taken out once and that was by someone to the side of me who lost the front wheel on gravel, those following avoided us ok. This includes a number of rides I can see not to trust who I either keep ahead of or give more space too.
like someone stands up on the pedals, drops back a few feet and you run into the back of them, manoeuvres without looking, or shimmies around a pothole leaving you no room to avoid it.
It's usually easy to pick them and give them more space. There's only a handful of riders I ride with regularly who I will draft right up close and inline with.
Er, the Highway Code. Rule 160.
"Rule 160
Once moving you should
keep to the left, unless road signs or markings indicate otherwise. The exceptions are when you want to overtake, turn right or pass parked vehicles or pedestrians in the road"
This appears to only apply to public highways. I'm curious about what 'rules' apply to other places people might ride bikes, such as canal towpaths, bridleways, forest paths etc. As far as I am aware, there are no such rules. Happy to be enlightened though.
it’s a bit presumptuous to expect the person in front to modify their riding because an uninvited stranger is in their personal space
I would say adhere to rule one or ask them not to do it, rather than brake check or whatever was suggested on the last page.
I would say adhere to rule one or ask them not to do it, rather than brake check or whatever was suggested on the last page.
Rule number one would be to ask first, it's just good manners.
Rule number one would be to ask first, it’s just good manners.
Do you want a written application and how far in advance would you like it?
Do you want a written application and how far in advance would you like it?
I'm happy with a simple verbal request, but then I'm less socially awkward than some.
Do you want a written application and how far in advance would you like it?
Posted 2 minutes ago
Is it really that difficult to say "Ok with me drafting"? Can you not understand that some people are not happy with wheelsuckers.
Is it really that difficult to say “Ok with me drafting”?
Not at all difficult.
Can you not understand that some people are not happy with wheelsuckers.
Of course. I am simply pointing out its not dangerous if you have at least a few functioning brain cells and it's quite normal. I've had hundreds of riders draft me at one point or other and very few go as far as asking, a few hello's and a smile are fine. I might say mind if I tag along or might not. My example from this weekend the rider overtook me and immediately started giving signals so I don't think we needed to talk.
Of course. I am simply pointing out its not dangerous if you have at least a few functioning brain cells and it’s quite normal.
It's not dangerous or inconsiderate if the rider in front knows you are there, is comfortable with being drafted and knows how to modify their riding accordingly. Even those with only a few brain cells should realise that.
This appears to only apply to public highways. I’m curious about what ‘rules’ apply to other places people might ride bikes, such as canal towpaths, bridleways, forest paths etc. As far as I am aware, there are no such rules. Happy to be enlightened though.
I’m 99% certain The Highway Code applies to all highways. That includes bridleways, footpaths, cycleways, byways, permissive paths etc.
(Usual caveat applies re the Highway Code not being law, in case the discussion’s heading into fine details.)