Should cyclists be on the road or not?

Question

Okay, I'm driving along and suddenly encounter a queue of about 6-7 cars travelling at just under 15 mph. I then pass the obstacle- a cyclist, who has refused to pull over to let the lorry immediately behind him overtake. The lorry couldn't get past because it was narrow and there was oncoming traffic.

Since there was a place to pull in, and cyclists shouldn't even be on A roads at all, let alone in the rush hour, I hoot. To this, the response, is the dirty old man sticks his middle finger up. I give this lowlife a dirty look, to which he bellows a couple of f's and c's before I'm out of earshot. The middle finger is also held up until I'm well out of eyesight.

What's worse is my parents are in the car, and my mum was particularly upset by this man's behaviour as she is very sensitive to that kind of thing.

Answer 1

How rude... I think more cycle Lanes should be used on the road. I just think it's so dangerous to put little slow bikes next to cars and lorries... it just doesn't work. P.S. you should have found a big puddle and splashed him!

Answer 2

Cyclists were on the road before cars.  A little more consideration from both sides would be welcome.  

It's as well you didn't meet a horse - there's still a law that if you spook a horse, you have to dismantle your car and throw it in the ditch.

Answer 3

All cyclists have to obey the parts of the highway code that applies to them the trouble is that there is no competency test, or insurance required.  Bikes on a pavement are even more of a menace than on the roads especially when the PC brigade have reduced the pavement to make way for bikes

Answer 4

my opinion is h**l NO! unless the bike they are on is street legal, meaning license plate, headlights, horn, and able to at least go the speed limit...i say make them stay on the side walk at out of my way. it is safer for everyone that way.

Answer 5

LOL!  very funny story!

Answer 6

Cyclists are supposed to be on the road, traveling in the same direction as a car would.  But they are subject to most traffic laws too...including impeding traffic.  Any vehicle that impedes traffic is supposed to pull over or wave someone around them if they cannot maintain the speed of normal traffic.  This includes cyclists.  And cyclists should ALWAYS be in the bike lane if one is provided.

Answer 7

cyclist should be on the road, motorists should be there too, but patience is a vertue

Answer 8

cyclist should always be on the road. You can be fined if you go on the pavement!! There is, however, an certain eticet that they should abide by...and there is certainly no need for attitude like that. And he realy should not have been on an A road!

Answer 9

Been there done that! I have to admit that every time I see a cyclist I immediately think ''Get off the ******* road!'' The ones that can pedal in a straight line are fine, its when they start weaving  all over the place and you get someone to scared to overtake it can be very frustrating.

Answer 10

The question is whether you should be on the road or not.  Where in the highway code does it tell you to hoot at other road users because you are frustrated?  The problem is that the roads are full of ill tempered bad mannered people like you who always get on their high horse when someone else acts in a similar manner.  I am not defending this particular gentlemen but to be fair you started it.  I hope that one of your parents had the road savvy to point out that you shouldn't have hooted in the first place.  Also if your mum is sensitive to confrontation I think it is your duty not to start it.

ps what is your opinion of horses, invalid vehicles, buses, pedestrians etc.  Are they allowed on the roads?

Answer 11

Yeah, I think you are out of order this time. You dont use your horn to scare cyclists or anyone else it is there as a signal when negotiating a blind corner for example.

You dont seem to understand much about the highway code so I suggest you go and read it or better still resit your test. Why dont you report yourself to the police in order to make yourself a better citizen because what you did is a bookable offence.

Answer 12

The only place that cyclists are not allowed are motorways and some dual carriageways.

They can actually be "pulled" for riding on the pavement ( as can horse riders)

The highway code applies to everyone not just motorists, so the guy on the bike was entitled to be there but should have shown consideration to other road users.

Don't judge all cyclists or riders by the actions of a few idiots. Not all car drivers are paragons of virtue either.

There are many varieties of road hog.

Answer 13

Of course Cyclist have a right to be on the road

Answer 14

Yes cyclists should be on the road, you sound as if you would be the first to complain if they were on the pavement.

You had no legitimate reason to honk your horn, his response was unacceptable but nevertheless you cast the first stone so you can't really complain.