Somnambulant lemmings
I call them something more succinct
I call them something more succinct
Normally I would too but if they stop you lose the high ground by being abusive. A, "You're supposed to be paying attention" usually works. Especially for those that claim not have seen a signal. They also don't realise that signalling around a wet mini-roundabout is not a realistic proposition on a bike when the inattentive are about.
If someone comes up close behind you and sounds as though they are going to squeeze past, look over your shoulder and show them your face
Sounds. As. Though. They. Are. Going. To. Squeeze. Past.
Okey doke.
Really??
Yeah, it's not just different roads you guys ride on... it's a different [i]universe[/i]
As much as eye contact is useful, I don't agree it's always necessary. There's a staggered cross roads where I'll usually deliberately avoid eye contact and go for the "I'm going you're not" body language/assertive riding after pulling out to turn right, and taking the lane.
Although for all intents and purposes probably better if beginners do always make eye contact.
Thanks to everybody for the massive response.
I'll definitely try an alternative route (I was thinking about that before).
I have never trusted in car drivers, it's why I only do mtb but I decided to commute on my hardtail and tried to avoid the road in some areas where the pavement is wider and there are less pedestrians on Mansfield road.
I am coming from Arnold to the city centre and use the bus lane from Sherwood to town.
But this happened on the way back in the busy area of Sherwood where the bus lane ends.
Maybe I should looked at his face when I felt his car too close at the traffic light. Anyway, when he overtook me I could see his gunster look, so probably the eye contact would be irrelevant with those type of people.
I already have a rear light and follow the rules when on the road, just need to plan a new route as most people suggested.
Thanks again!
Might have been said but best thing I ever did was get a camera and stick it on your helmet where it can be seen. I noticed a very significant change on driver behaviour (sadly).
“Sounds. As. Though. They. Are. Going. To. Squeeze. Past.”
Actually that does sound familiar - I try to stay off the roads when commuting but I’m on them about half of my commute. I particularly dislike the inept overtakes shortly before the road goes to one lane where they end up waiting for oncoming traffic or a hill where I’m faster anyway. I’ve got better at claiming my lane and knowing also where to keep out of the way.
Sounds. As. Though. They. Are. Going. To. Squeeze. Past.
Okey doke.
Sounds like you are riding with much less awareness than me and some of the others on this thread.
I can hear where a car is behind me. If it's not slowing down, and there's a car coming the other way or some other obstruction, then I conclude it's going to squeeze past. Looking over my shoulder usually stops this. Sometimes they come quite fast, I don't have time to look and I think I am going to be knocked off, but it turns out to be a motorbike and there's plenty of room.
Looking behind you, showing your face and showing them that you are aware of what you and they are doing helps massively.
I have never trusted in car drivers
You don't have to trust them, in fact you shouldn't; you are not (always) a passive victim.
An example I often use: I'm in a car behind a bloke on a road bike approaching a mini roundabout. Rider looks right as per highway code, sees nothing coming and carries on at his 20mph or so pace. However there's a car coming from his left who's not slowing down (it's quite straight for them) and has not seen the cyclist. They carry straight on and almost clobber the cyclist who is very irate. 100% the driver's fault, but the cyclist was the one nearly clobbered. Look right AND left at roundabouts - look everywhere, expect there to be a car coming and not having seen you. Expect drivers not to slow down behind you when there's a pinch point.
