Guardian Article - "taking the lane"

[legrandefromage]

I cant really do this on the A14...

 

[Ernie]

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

+1..i command 18" away from the kerb..i travel the same journey eveyday..i look over my right shoulder every 20..30 sec..yes i get abuse as there is a cycle path..but this is used by joggers/cyclists with ipods and dog walkers who some of them let the dogs sh&t on the pavement.

This argument is always on the go..usually cyclist who go through red lights in broad day light..i will pass through a red light at 05.00hours in the morning but would not dream of doing it at 17.00hours broad day light..then you get drivers who will close down there nearside when in traffic so you cant make progress :roll:

Personally i have been knocked of my bike by a bus..still on going..they admitted 100% liability..the driving standards are getting better..but this must progress by better riding standards from "us" cyclists..it is a "compromise/2 way street"

Ernie

 

[TheGreenRabbit]

I ride in the lane,

 

[cyfa2809]

It is a 2 way street certainly, but i think drivers need to give first (no we should give first, blah blah blah)
But im clearly more fearful of a car than it is of me

 

[Kentphil]

If it puts me a safer position and doesn't impede vehicle drivers then i do "take the lane". For example i wouldn't do it on a dual carriage way but i would when taking a sharp bend or when passing parked cars.

 

[technodup]

I take the lane when it suits.
I definitely take the lane at traffic lights in case the twat to my right is turning left but isn't indicating so.
I use cycle lanes when it suits.
I occasionally take the pavement when it suits.

In short I ride where it suits me, for my speed and safety. The number of drivers I see on phones, eating, dealing with children or are otherwise distracted at the wheel means I have to.

Thankfully I don't have to ride in London. But Glasgow drivers should be aware that I give as good as I get and more, and that I carry a handy cosh in the shape of a D-lock.

 

[JeRkY]

As a cyclist in London I am amongst the fastest moving vehicles on the roads. Holding a lane position is the natural safe thing to do. There are few times where motorists can meaningfully overtake and hold position and it makes sense to protect against people making those silly dashes past only to swerve back in tight infront of you forcing you into the kerb. However you still have to expect to take abuse from some antisocial typeswho get frustrated that there fancycars are being beaten home by slush bike.