Are Cyclists Causing Traffic Problems on Country Roads?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the impact of cyclists on traffic flow on country roads, particularly focusing on safety concerns, the behavior of cyclists, and the rights of both cyclists and drivers. The conversation includes personal experiences, opinions on road etiquette, and the responsibilities of road users.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express concern that cyclists riding three abreast on narrow country lanes pose a danger to traffic, particularly on bends.
  • Others argue that cyclists should ride single file to avoid obstructing traffic, citing local traffic laws as a reference.
  • There are claims that some cyclists feel morally superior and may block traffic intentionally, while others counter that cyclists are asserting their rights as legitimate road users.
  • Participants share personal experiences of encountering cyclists and express varying levels of tolerance towards them, with some acknowledging the need for courtesy from both cyclists and drivers.
  • Some contributors highlight the potential dangers of inconsiderate driving and cycling, emphasizing that the responsibility for safety ultimately lies with drivers.
  • There is a discussion about the perception of cyclists as an oppressed group, with some suggesting that they may need to assert their rights more forcefully.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion features multiple competing views regarding the behavior of cyclists and their impact on traffic. Participants do not reach a consensus on whether cyclists are a danger or if their presence is justified, nor on the appropriate etiquette for both cyclists and drivers.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the need for cyclists to pay for road usage, while others argue that cyclists have the same rights as motor vehicles. The conversation reflects a variety of assumptions about road safety, courtesy, and the responsibilities of different road users.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals concerned with road safety, traffic laws, and the dynamics between cyclists and drivers, particularly in rural settings.

  • #61
I think this thread has served it purpose, it has shown what laws apply to cyclists, the rest is personal opinion.
 
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  • #62
zoobyshoe said:
Attached is an example of what I'm talking about: white male, upper middle class, expensive bike, dressed in "bicyclist" costume,
At best the is stereotypnig. At worst, this is profiling. Are we really going to go here?

So we assume that, based on similar appearance, individuals are identical, share the same values and motivations?
Because these guys on that kind of bike, wearing that riding outfit with this colour skin were rude, means that it's a safe assumption that the next guy I encounter that looks like that is going to have the same manners and attitude?

zooby, please send me your mugshot. I will determine, based things I see in it (with a very heavy dose of arbitrary prejudgement), how you and all other zooby-like people I have never yet met will behave. I can tell by the clothes you wear, and by my understanding of what class of person buys that kind of shirt. o0)
 
  • #63
wolram said:
I think this thread ha s served it purpose, it has shown what laws apply to cyclists, the rest is personal opinion.
+1

We sure have shed some light on a subject people have very strong - and quite polar - views on. Forget politics and religion - it's road etiquette that will bring people to blows. :woot:
 
  • #64
wolram said:
I think this thread has served it purpose, it has shown what laws apply to cyclists, the rest is personal opinion.

Agreed. Thread is tied off.
 

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