Warning: gravel, turkeys & cyclists!

[EXCDirt]

All the Two wheeled people fight each other..... again.

Unfortunately it is perfectly legal to ride "two Abreast", most of the time as Cyclists call it.
Sometimes it is not, ie round parked cars and passing other cyclists.
It is also peoples impatience that makes you just want to speed past cyclists just as you get grumpy as you wait behind some tractor driving hillbilly. Or some dropkicks towing a caravan on the Thames coast road.

I would also add that I have had just as many close calls on the push bike(s) as I have had on the motorbike.
Car drivers are still asses... That can be agreed on by everyone.
I agree that lots of cyclists push the rules and limits, but motorcyclists also tend to (mostly) travel at speeds in excess of what is considered safe.

The reason I have a dirtbike now is that no car has a chance of going where you can on a dirtbike. Well.... the tards that try to knock us all off on the way to work anyway.

Nuff said from me, I like anything with two wheels really.

[Motu]

The thing I find most puzzling about cyclists - most of them (including me) have a license and drive a car.I'm sure most of them would get mad if someone deliberately slowed them down,made them take evasive action or forced them onto the opposite side of the centre line.But put them on a bike and suddenly they have a ''right'' to do that same thing to other people.Or maybe they just really are better than us.

[RavenR44]

Tamaki Drive popped into this thread backaways which sparked my interest.

I make the daily trek into and out of the city via this stretch of congestion and over the last decade I've made a couple of observations which I'd like to share with you if I may. If not, stop me now... [pauses for response, and having had none, stoically continues].

There has never been a circumstance where the crawling motorised mob hold up our lycra encased bretheren. There are a few reasons for this, not least of which is the fact that the cyclista pop down the left of the dawdling cages for the vast bulk of the journey, using the bus lane, the white lined zone wherever it's available and just undertaking the motors where it's not.

When in some bizarre circumstance that's not possible, the cyclista pop along the outside for a spell before swerving majestically back onto the shoulder. This, as you can imagine, means that the 6.45am to 8.45am snarl-up of horseless carriages is of no consequence to the majority of the cyclonauts at all, since they invariably navigate around them at the greatest velocity their quads can manage.

If all else fails, and the above mentioned manouevres are rendered void, the cycle-mounted speedsters could, at a pinch, assuming they would lower themselves to indulge, use the [gasp!!!] actual cycle lane that the city fathers generously provide for them, this lane extending the full length of Tamaki Drive.

But for some reason, they simply won't have a bar of it. (See what I did there?)

Perhaps the cycle lane clashes with the graphics on the Lance-Armstrong-Wannabe lycra couture that they pose about in on each and every trip. (And it appears to be a rule that you can't wear the same outfit on consecutive days). Or maybe using the cycle lane undermines the studied metrosexual chic that being a part of the cyclisti imbues on their waxen-legged personas.

Whatever it may be, one thing is for certain - they would sooner be in peril of maiming-by-automobile than to use that cycle lane.

On the return journey from the city, there's a rather narrow bit outside the Mechanics Bay complex where the drivers in the left lane must squeeze their voitures between the right hand road marking and the casually disorganised chaos that passes for parallel parking in Auckland on their left. This is somewhat like threading a needle with a bit of swiftly travelling number 8 wire and most days the road is littered with exterior mirror particles.

Imagine then, the daily chagrin experienced by the home-bound motorist who, intent on upholding his or her self worth by accomplishing the needle-threading at the expected 60 kph, finds that a gaggle of cyclemaniacs have run the red (as usual) and are traversing the bottleneck at an Armstrong-frightening 30 kph.

And the bottleneck continues for a km or so, with the frustrated motornauts queued seethingly behind the oblivious cycletards before losing it entirely and lurching into the right hand lane, itself replete with tunnel-visioned, wheel-gripping queue jumpers looking for the smallest sign of weakness from those in the left lane so they can push their way in and gain a self-worth enhancing single car space in front of some imagined opponent.

And guess what? Yes Virginia. You are correct - there's a perfectly good cycle lane which has been graciously and generously provided by the city for that band of lycra-loving denizens, the cyclists. But they won't use it.

Perhaps the motormaniacs might use it instead, because there's not a hint of a cyclist on there. Ever.

[vtec]

Tamaki Drive popped into this thread backaways which sparked my interest.

There has never been a circumstance where the crawling motorised mob hold up our lycra encased bretheren. There are a few reasons for this, not least of which is the fact that the cyclista pop down the left of the dawdling cages for the vast bulk of the journey, using the bus lane, the white lined zone wherever it's available and just undertaking the motors where it's not.

When in some bizarre circumstance that's not possible, the cyclista pop along the outside for a spell before swerving majestically back onto the shoulder. This, as you can imagine, means that the 6.45am to 8.45am snarl-up of horseless carriages is of no consequence to the majority of the cyclonauts at all, since they invariably navigate around them at the greatest velocity their quads can manage.

If all else fails, and the above mentioned manouevres are rendered void, the cycle-mounted speedsters could, at a pinch, assuming they would lower themselves to indulge, use the [gasp!!!] actual cycle lane that the city fathers generously provide for them, this lane extending the full length of Tamaki Drive.

But for some reason, they simply won't have a bar of it. (See what I did there?)

Perhaps the cycle lane clashes with the graphics on the Lance-Armstrong-Wannabe lycra couture that they pose about in on each and every trip. (And it appears to be a rule that you can't wear the same outfit on consecutive days). Or maybe using the cycle lane undermines the studied metrosexual chic that being a part of the cyclisti imbues on their waxen-legged personas.

Whatever it may be, one thing is for certain - they would sooner be in peril of maiming-by-automobile than to use that cycle lane.

On the return journey from the city, there's a rather narrow bit outside the Mechanics Bay complex where the drivers in the left lane must squeeze their voitures between the right hand road marking and the casually disorganised chaos that passes for parallel parking in Auckland on their left. This is somewhat like threading a needle with a bit of swiftly travelling number 8 wire and most days the road is littered with exterior mirror particles.

Imagine then, the daily chagrin experienced by the home-bound motorist who, intent on upholding his or her self worth by accomplishing the needle-threading at the expected 60 kph, finds that a gaggle of cyclemaniacs have run the red (as usual) and are traversing the bottleneck at an Armstrong-frightening 30 kph.

And the bottleneck continues for a km or so, with the frustrated motornauts queued seethingly behind the oblivious cycletards before losing it entirely and lurching into the right hand lane, itself replete with tunnel-visioned, wheel-gripping queue jumpers looking for the smallest sign of weakness from those in the left lane so they can push their way in and gain a self-worth enhancing single car space in front of some imagined opponent.

And guess what? Yes Virginia. You are correct - there's a perfectly good cycle lane which has been graciously and generously provided by the city for that band of lycra-loving denizens, the cyclists. But they won't use it.

Perhaps the motormaniacs might use it instead, because there's not a hint of a cyclist on there. Ever.

You don't think the cyclists have to slow down to safely overtake or undertake the cars? Just like when cars have to safely overtake bicycles sometimes they have to slow down, or do they just "pop" past on the right without being held up whatsoever? The gaps between the moving cars and the parked cars constantly changes as 97.345% (fact) of the drivers are completely unaware of a bicycle approaching from behind.

The cycle lane you speak of is actually a line down the middle of the FOOTPATH. Would you feel comfortable driving a gokart at 40kph along the footpath shared with pedestrians, rollerbladers, prams, lamp posts, signage and other cyclists coming the other way at speeds of up to 55kph? You are definitely one rider/driver who could do with the increased perspective and awareness that comes with spending time on a bicycle.

And finally OH NO the cyclists ran the red putting all car drivers and the easter bunny in dire peril. It is rare for a car to give way to a bicycle. In fact every time a car gives way to me when I ride my bicycle I give them a wave in appreciation. Bicycles have no rights on the road, so don't expect them to follow the rules that don't protect them whatsoever.

Why is the waterfront even seen as an option for commuters in cars? It's a scenic route that is only faster for most of the people that go through there because the motorway is too congested by guess what... CARS. Limit Tamaki drive to local traffic, busses, motorcycles, and bicycles and bam several problems solved. The downside would mean more cars on the motorway.

The problem is not bicycles it is overpopulation of cars. And drivers attitudes. When bicycles reach a critical mass they will regain their rights, perspectives will change and it will become safe like in places in Europe.

More here about the unsuitability of the "perfectly good" footpath cycle lane: http://www.bettertransport.org.nz/fo...t=149&start=20

Every person on a bicycle (when commuting or delivering) is one less person in a car actually impeding your journey not just being a 5 second obstacle for you to get back in the line of traffic so they can pass you again at the next traffic lights if not before. I still don't see what your beef with cyclists is.... In your >1ton car you're the one putting them in danger?

[twinkle]

The thing I find most puzzling about cyclists - most of them (including me) have a license and drive a car.I'm sure most of them would get mad if someone deliberately slowed them down,made them take evasive action or forced them onto the opposite side of the centre line.But put them on a bike and suddenly they have a ''right'' to do that same thing to other people.Or maybe they just really are better than us.

It is just human nature, watch the pedestrians dodging each other on queen street at lunch time for instance, similar thing to what happens on the road only without the abuse.
Before combustion engines and bicycles I am sure pedestrians and horse drawn carriages where giving each other shit too.

[PrincessBandit]

.........


Bicycles have no rights on the road, so don't expect them to follow the rules that don't protect them whatsoever.
Weird logic


Why is the waterfront even seen as an option for commuters in cars?
Um, 'cos it's a road perhaps?

Limit Tamaki drive to local traffic, busses, motorcycles, and bicycles and bam several problems solved. The downside would mean more cars on the motorway.
Cool. So you 'solve' one problem and create another. Clever.

The problem is not bicycles it is overpopulation of cars. blah blah blah you're in auckland, get used to it.

Every person on a bicycle (when commuting or delivering) is one less person in a car actually impeding your journey not just being a 5 second obstacle for you to get back in the line of traffic so they can pass you again at the next traffic lights if not before. I still don't see what your beef with cyclists is.... In your >1ton car you're the one putting them in danger?

I don't think people have a beef with A bicycle rider doing his/her thing. It's when you get a gaggle of them. As you so kindly point out "they have no rights on the road blah blah blah" - should they not use it at all then, or if they do don't you think it would be in their interests too to share the road considerately? Or is it only car drivers who have to acquiesce to all other people who want their share of the "not the footpath" thing?

[2wheeldrifter]

Where are all these turkeys at?

Auckland...... lol

[RavenR44]

"you don't think the cyclists have to slow down to safely overtake or undertake the cars?"

No, because it's not about safety; it's seemingly about fantasizing that they're on the Tour de Farmacy and the cyclists apparently don't feel any obligation to "safely" overtake crawling cages.

"The cycle lane you speak of is actually a line down the middle of the FOOTPATH. Would you feel comfortable driving a gokart at 40kph along the footpath shared with pedestrians, rollerbladers, prams, lamp posts, signage and other cyclists coming the other way at speeds of up to 55kph?"

It's still a dedicated cycle lane and there is absolutely no rule that dictates you have to travel "at 40kph along the footpath shared with pedestrians, rollerbladers, prams, lamp posts, signage and other cyclists coming the other way at speeds of up to 55kph". Again, the Lance Armstrong Wannabe mentality at play. You can choose to use that cycle lane and leave the fantasy for the weekend, or insist on your right to ride at high speed amongst the traffic. Your call, but don't complain about the lack of safety when you have valid alternatives.

"Why is the waterfront even seen as an option for commuters in cars? It's a scenic route that is only faster for most of the people that go through there because the motorway is too congested by guess what... CARS."

Because people like me need to use our cars for our income and it's the most direct route into the city from where we live, perhaps? No matter that it's scenic, it's a road. If you want to advance your elite, minority cyclist needs, petition the government for a better dedicated cycle lane, because, guess what, ours is a motorised society and it won't be changing while you or I still draw breath.

"I still don't see what your beef with cyclists is.... In your >1ton car you're the one putting them in danger"

Just a heads-up for you - I don't have a beef with cyclists using Tamaki Drive. I expect people who are at a huge safety disadvantage to use some common sense and put themselves at less risk. You feel that's not necessary or desirable? Fine.

I hope that other road users will show me the same courtesy I show them. I'm constantly disappointed and cyclists are no exception. You feel that your rights to be there override courtesy? Fine.

"And finally OH NO the cyclists ran the red putting all car drivers and the easter bunny in dire peril. It is rare for a car to give way to a bicycle."

The arrogant attitude of some cyclists in ignoring the road rules other road users follow is quite nicely summed up by your response above. And you wonder why people detest cyclists?

Apparently you're so immersed in your anti-car mindset that you didn't actually comprehend my post above. If you read it again, I hope you'll see that the car driver copped a heap of sarcasm as well.

And as my parting shot, I have family who engage in competitive cycling.

Andy.

[Pixie]

I'm lost for words.

Yay!!........

[Pixie]

Blah blah cyclists blah blah inconsiderate blah blah cagers blah blah bikers polishing their halos blah blah atom bomb blah blah...............

[Pixie]

The thing I find most puzzling about cyclists - most of them (including me) have a license and drive a car.I'm sure most of them would get mad if someone deliberately slowed them down,made them take evasive action or forced them onto the opposite side of the centre line.But put them on a bike and suddenly they have a ''right'' to do that same thing to other people.Or maybe they just really are better than us.

The same way the nicest people climb into a cars and become cunts

[Kickaha]

The arrogant attitude of some cyclists in ignoring the road rules other road users follow is quite nicely summed up by your response above. And you wonder why people detest cyclists?

They're not so different than some motorcyclists then

I'm lost for words.

We can only hope

[RavenR44]

They're not so different than some motorcyclists then

We can only hope

No, sadly. But I thought that was a given.

[vtec]

I don't think people have a beef with A bicycle rider doing his/her thing. It's when you get a gaggle of them. As you so kindly point out "they have no rights on the road blah blah blah" - should they not use it at all then, or if they do don't you think it would be in their interests too to share the road considerately? Or is it only car drivers who have to acquiesce to all other people who want their share of the "not the footpath" thing?

I never said I solved the problem of car congestion. But it sure as hell ain't bicycles fault. The not the footpath rule is actually a law and in place for a reason, the footpath is unsafe for the speed that bicycles maintain. Also, my comment about bicycles not having any rights was not about their situation under the law, it's about the reality of riding a bicycle, you have the right to try to not get hit by cars, this is your only infallible right on a bicycle.

If anyone can calculate the inconvenience caused by these "gaggles of bicycles" that are seemingly everywhere and making road use intolerable. Give me details of how much damage they've caused to you, and how much extra time in traffic they create for you, and then if it is worked out with sound logic my heart will pump a little bit of custard for you. Volume of cars on the roads is actually the cause of all this frustration, bicycles are just an easy target for people who lose their rationality.

[RavenR44]

Blah blah cyclists blah blah inconsiderate blah blah cagers blah blah bikers polishing their halos blah blah atom bomb blah blah...............

Someone forcing you to read this thread?

BTW, the 'Ignore' feature also works well, if you feel you need it.