Guardian Article - "taking the lane"

[BobCatMax]

Apologies if this has already been posted somewhere..

may be of interest, may not

Is it a cyclist's right to 'take the lane'?

 

[Piperdave]

Always take the lane, you have a right. Never cycle in the gutter.

If nothing else, it allows you to move in, out of danger

Dave

 

[tintin40]

Always take the lane, you have a right. Never cycle in the gutter.

If nothing else, it allows you to move in, out of danger

Dave

100% agree. Our right to be on the road, just obey the rules of the road.

 

[Neil]

This is the dilemma for me - I can see and understand why cyclists do this- I truly get the point. Accepting that, though, motorists seem more hostile to other road users, and perhaps especially cyclists, more now, than ever.

Painted cycles lanes, and separate cycle paths haven't helped - because they just engender that perspective that cyclists shouldn't be on the road, and actually be traffic.

I also think there is a contingent of cyclists who often behave in a bloody minded way, just to make a point - I say that as somebody who normally defends cyclists in the discussed altercations with other road users. Some of me thinks I get their battle - that they are metaphorically stood on that wall so I don't have to - but then knowing human nature, I suspect many aren't doing it for any particularly noble cause.

All the same, cyclists have actual rights to be using the road - something that only pedestrians and horse-riders can otherwise claim - motorists are merely permitted a qualified privilege to drive vehicles on the road - that can be removed at any time, and often is.

In recent years, I've come to hate cycling on the road - and it pains me to say that, having spent so many years, previously, cycling on road (as well as off). I try and cycle with a mind to be assertive, yet not provocative - mindful that consideration is a two-way street. All the same, though, it really doesn't turn out to be received as I'd intended, and I rarely find the spirit of compromise is evident with most motorists I encounter, when cycling.

I think the primary position sets a marker about being treated as traffic, but at least in my experience, perhaps too much of a presence that will comfortably be tolerated. I try and strike a balance - because the other option of driving in the gutter is effectively what you'll be treated as - and give myself some space from the kerb, but not so much as to entirely dominate the lane. All that said, sometimes, it's not possible to do that without occupying more space than some motorists will think you need - and that leaves us full circle with one of my earlier points about no longer enjoying cycling on the road and being part of traffic.

I suspect, thinking back, in earlier years of cycling on road, before as much knowledge and discussion brought on by the internet years, in my ignorance of (probably) cycling in or near the gutter, I was probably considered a lot less of an inconvenience to motorists I encountered.

 

[orange71]

as a cyclist even I found myself frustrated the other day with a peloton of 70 or so road riders who were riding in places up to 3 or 4 abreast with no gaps between them along the road meaning that there was a queue of many cars behind. They were seemingly oblivious to this.

When we go out as a group we never ride more than in a single file so motorists can get past safely, though we do stay at a reasonable distance form the verge to avoid drain holes etc.

 

[FMJ]

Agreed. Funny how the old school guys in the old shorts, plain jerseys, on steel bikes ride properly, and the Jesper Skibby wannabees dressed up to look like the latest tube of Crest Super Whitening toothpaste are the ones who militantly ride 3-4 abreast.

When we ride our street bikes in a group, we ride in staggered formation, a signal with the right foot means there's a cyclist or pedestrian ahead, and we all filter over to the left tire track (would be the right tire track in the UK) in single file, then back to staggered once past the cyclist(s). The boy racers riding 3 abreast who refuse to move over to single file (probably discussing tactics for the upcoming Cat 4 race on the weekend) throw a wrench in the works, and we have to go into the oncoming lane to get past them.



One good thing. Riding an older carbed bike (FZR400) means you have a great method at your disposal for showing your displeasure at the offending numpties.

 

[cyfa2809]

When we ride our street bikes in a group, we ride in staggered formation, a signal with the right foot means there's a cyclist or pedestrian ahead, and we all filter over to the left tire track in single file, then back to staggered once past the cyclist(s).

Impressive, i salute you

 

[highlandsflyer]

Attitudes of drivers are informed by their experience of other modes of transport. I am very aware of lorries having driven them, and of cyclists and bikes being a user of them.

It would be great to give all learner drivers the opportunity to experience the other forms of transport.

Have to agree with the post suggesting it is two way traffic, we have to be considerate towards each other regardless of our mode of transport. My whole life I have been a cyclist, biker, driver. Later in life I went down the HGV road, and it was an eye opener.

There are times to ride two abreast to prevent the following vehicle maintaining speed in anticipation of a swerve-around overtake.

Then there are times to pull in a bit where it is safe to allow a stream of traffic past. I frequently used to do this in the hills, better get them all past on my terms.

If you feel safer in the lane middle, then by all means assert your right.

Remember we are not enemies, a lot of us are cyclists, bikers and pedestrians as well.

My Other Car's A Bike!

 

[Fudd]

One good thing. Riding an older carbed bike (FZR400) means you have a great method at your disposal for showing your displeasure at the offending numpties.

Ahh yes, the kill switch . How I miss my NC30 for that reason. Its just not the same these days when you have to pull the clutch and rev to the limiter for similar effect

 

[Fudd]

Personally, I hug the gutter or use footpaths if possible. I prefer to stay out of harms way when I can. I ride a mtb so kerbs and drain covers don't pose much of an obstacle. If its a narrow road I may use 1/3rd of my lane to protect my space, but still make it easy for cars to overtake when the chance arises.
As a driver and cyclist, nothing pisses me off more than two roadies, side by side, holding up traffic on an A road :facepalm: