Doesn’t appear to be a problem in Holland.....or Denmark......or Germany.......are Brits any less competent?
I think it's more the size. Holland has only 17 million people , Denmark 5.8 million and whilst Germany is comparable with 83 million, it has over 44 thousand square miles more than the U.K. http://www.nationmaster.com/country-info/stats/Geography/Land-area/Square-miles Locally here we have a good cycle track network but you are more likely to see them riding on the pathways and footpaths or 3 abreast on a main road. In London as with most big cities and towns, the complaint is too much smog so we need to get on our bikes. Many roads, using London as an example, have been built over hundreds of years so little or no expansion of lanes is possible. The "fix" therefore has been to often close down one road lane, turn it into a cycle lane and forcing every single vehicle down the one lane. This has caused more traffic congestion than there was before so has defeated its intent to reduce smog. On the rare occasions I go into London as I hate it, it seems cyclists see red lights in the same way bmw and audi drivers see indicators, as an optional choice
I’m in a London cab 4 times a week, the cycle superhighways are a pain as they have bottlenecked traffic, meaning a 2 mile journey from Waterloo to Farringdon can cost £20. However, when you look at the high volume of cycle traffic, sticking them in a car or on the already over congested public transport system will not help the matter. Even though work pay, depending on the weather and what I’m carrying, I tend to walk more now. Doing my bit reduce congestion and stay healthy, until I pass a nice pub.. I would love a cycle commute, it would save me from the gym!
All 3 of these counties have invested heavily (over the last 50 years) in high quality cycling infrastructure and have legislated in favour of cycle users. This has been particularly successful in Holland where, in some areas, >40% of daily journeys are by bike. Bear in mind that Holland is around twice as densely populated as the UK and has similar issues with cities whose infrastructure dates from the late middle ages. They have simply seen cycling as a solution and not as a problem. This is reflected in the national psyche and has created a attitude which is totally the reverse of that found in the UK (I lived and worked in Amsterdam for 3 years and have been gobsmacked by the difference in outlook and tolerance). Germany and Denmark (and many other countries) are on a similar journey (because it is better for congestion, productivity, health and well being). We are are long way behind, and unless we do something radical to reduce car use in cities we will need to play catch up or face grid lock.
It’s funny, you often hear bikers highlighting how motorists on the continent are more accommodating to motorcycles.... I bet these same people are the irate fist shakers when a some cyclists delay them by a few minutes. Don’t get me wrong, I hate it when cyclists ride 2-3 abreast or crowd your car at a red light. Guess what, there are bell ends in all walks of life.
I might partake in the occasional fist shake, it’s usually the case 3 years into a relationship to be fair.
...the time lost to this kind of example must be a minute percent on a minute percent on a minute percent of total travel time. It is more about driver indignation that they have been held up by a few minutes at most.....by some one that doesn't pay "road tax" to use "their" roads.... I can't recall getting stuck for more than 2-3 mins max - a small price to pay in support of people that enjoy what they are doing, have limited impact on the environment and are all the more healthy for it. ....now middle and outside lane lane hoggers, non hands free mobile phone using drivers and tailgaters.....another issue all together. They're the ones that will cause you real damage, irrespective of your form of transport.
As said already, the difference in attitude toward cyclists on the continent is amazing. I've cycled in Spain, France and Italy. If your on a big climb motorists often applaud you with cheers, clapping and a thumbs up with a horn toot. Imagine that in the UK I absolutely hate the idea of holding up traffic when I'm out on my bike. I'm very conscious of it and stick to the lanes where possible. Believe me, riding in heavy traffic is shite... When I'm pootling around in town I try not to be a PITA. But don't get me started on women drivers and afforded space to cyclists. They're wired different they are.....
re the 2 abreast comments, that's what they're meant to do. means less time in the opposing lane when you overtake (properly, with adequate space)
You're funny What they are supposed to do is get out of the way and not intentionally block traffic on country lanes 2 and 3 abreast like a work colleagues club teaches them to do. Fekking ridiculous statement and teaching. If I ever go out on a push bike (in jeans / t shirt and trainers btw) I always respect the traffic and make sure I am not a hindrance, not the exact opposite that the MAMIL brigade think it's their purpose in life to do.
If you want stupidity, surely that's horse riders? Why do they ride on a road and risk the animal getting spooked or injured. Stick to the effing brideways...
