pwa wrote:reohn2 wrote:jollytiddlywink wrote:My suggestion for any road too narrow for a car and a bicycle to pass each other is to ban cars from it. Cycling both ways and people who want to motor can find a different route!
That makes perfect sense to me.
If two cars can't pass each other comfortably then it should be 'unsuitable for motors' or an 'access only' road with a 20mph limit.
In a sane a sensible society that would be the norm,however this is the UK
That would condemn large areas of Wales to a car ban. That might be a tad controversial. Better, perhaps, to try to get along with other road users. I've never got into an argument on country roads. I've inched up the narrowest, steepest part of the Gospel Pass climb out of Hay with a couple of cars waiting to get past, and
they have hung back patiently for the minute or so it took to get to a
wider bit. A quick wave of thanks from me and no sign of impatience form the drivers. That is my normal experience in that situation.
I find an abundance of patience in Welsh drivers,no so in other part of the countryIf there's wider bits or passing places that's a different matter,and a different road than what's being discussed,where the road is singletrack with other options open to motors there's no reason for them to use such a route other than for accessIf there is a pressure it is from one's own mind. You are already making a big effort to keep the pedals going round. And now there is a car behind. Got to keep the steering neat. Don't want to hold people up too long. You have to blank that and just keep it going. The driver is sitting in a comfy chair, sheltered from the elements and listening to the radio. It will do them no harm to lose 30 seconds or more. Just keep the pedals turning, and if the driver behaves, give a wave of thanks when they pass.
Agreed,when I'm climbing and there's nowhere for the vehicle behind me to pass,I'm not in the least bit concerned for them waiting,even if they honk their horn or shout out of an open window,both of which I've experienced,and which just hardens my resolve
.
However on a flatish road or descent where I'm holding them up I'll stop at the first opportunity.
I continually find the impatience of drivers whether on a singletrack road or not is displayed almost daily by some of the most dangerous driving idiots I come across,who'll overtake me within 50m of the tailend of a 20 car stationary traffic jam,on blind right hand bends,in the face of oncoming traffic causing them to brake,etc,etc.
The last time out with a group of 6 others we were all surprised when stopped at a T junction turning right,most of us with arms out indicating,to join a major road from a small lane,waiting for traffic clear.
A middle aged couple in a car came up behind us right hand indicator on,went into the right hand lane waiting to turn out into the same road as us,.The driver couldn't see if there was anything turning left off the major road into the lane
My cycling is littered with such incidents,where such drivers see me but completely disregard my presence,as if I'm not there at all.
It's scary at times and it's got worse in recent years IME.