…or ‘I’d rather drivers be predictable than be kind’.

This typically happens at a T junction where I'm waiting to turn right from a side road into a main road. I'm scanning left and right, assessing the situation, looking for a safe time to go. I spot a gap 4 cars back, I look the other direction to confirm it's safe that way also and then....someone slows down, stops, and waves at me/flashes their lights. Now I've got to assess the situation again - is it actually safe to go? Does someone else also have to wave me through for this to work? Do I see something that the driver hasn't seen? Very often I do, and make big waving motions for the driver to GO!

In the second or two it's taken me to assess the situation and decide not to go, and the couple of seconds it takes for the driver to look at me like I'm crazy, realise I'm not taking them up on their kind offer, and then drive off shaking their head, we've had this awkward standoff, held up traffic behind, and that gap I was waiting for has disappeared into the ether as the traffic behind has compressed into a miserable queue.

Now no-one's happy - I'm back to where I started, looking for a safe gap, the driver is shaking their head at this ungrateful cyclist who wouldn't accept their generosity, and the traffic behind is annoyed at us both for holding them up with this whole 'after you' 'no, after you' standoff.

A recent example (this takes a bit of description but all happened in the space of a few seconds): I was approaching a 4-way junction where I did not have priority - the road crossing perpendicular to the one I was on was the 'main road' in this situation (all of these roads were reasonably minor and 20mph limit). I had a couple of small children following me, who are confident road riders but not quite up to making decisions on their own at junctions - they will do whatever I do. I was intending to ride straight across this junction when safe, and there was some traffic in both directions on the main road. Seeing the traffic, I stopped at the junction and waited for a safe gap. After a few cars went by, one car approaching from the right (ie in the near lane to me) stopped in the middle of the junction and waved at me to go. I looked at the lane approaching from the left - was the gap big enough for me *and* my little train of kids? I looked across the junction, where there was a car in the lane coming towards us and possibly turning right (across the line I was intending to take) - did the driver of that car think that they were being waved through, rather than me, and would collide with us if we went through the junction? Before I needed to make a decision on either of these things, a car overtook the waver through-er in the middle of the junction - so if we’d taken them up on the offer, we’d have all been run over. It was an unsafe and illegal overtake of course, but that wouldn’t have given us much comfort. At that moment I decided to get off my bike and walked it and the kids onto the pavement, where we spotted a nearby zebra crossing and crossed there instead.

I don’t mind it so much when I’m turning right from a main road into a side road, as there’s only one direction of traffic to think about and the visibility is better (though there was that time when a driver flashed their lights at me to turn across them, forgetting that there was an occupied bus lane on the other side of them…)

I’m not really concerned about the social awkwardness of it all - I take responsibility for my own safety, and don’t entrust it to anyone who waves me through. I think that a lot of times it’s counterproductive - it’s intended as a kindness, but in fact it can make a situation less safe and adds to a cyclist’s decisionmaking load in traffic. I know that letting people through in busy traffic is a common part of London driving culture, and I’ve sometimes been grateful for it when I’ve occasionally driven a zipcar here, but as a cyclist, I’d rather drivers be predictable than be kind!

What do others think?

I’ve never been a member or had a subscription with them, but I just bought a bike for £65 from this link https://ride.buzzbike.cc/buy-your-buzzbike Payment went through and I received an invoice, but no email confirmation.

Anyone else bought one and received email confirmation? Slightly worried that there’s an issue because I don’t have an account, however the payment page didn’t mention I needed one.

Hey fellow cyclists!

I'm looking for a good bike route from Walthamstow to Soho. I've tried the routes Google Maps suggested, but I wasn’t too thrilled with them. Markfield Park and the canal path were pitch dark so not feasible, and when I passed through Stamford Hill, I didn’t feel very safe with the way drivers were handling that area.

I’m hoping to find an alternative route if anyone has one to suggest. I know custom routes (from fellow cyclists!) are often way better than the ones Google Maps or other apps give.

Any tips or hidden gems would be greatly appreciated—thanks so much in advance!

Hi Guys, I was buzzbike member and they no longer in service! However it offered to buy me the bike for only £150! Do you guys have any idea estimate for this bike below?

https://www.buzzbike.cc/ez-electric-bike#specs

I know I am going to get a lot of stick for this but I just thought this might be worth posting just for awareness.

I was on Waterloo Road this morning heading northbound towards Waterloo Bridge and on the junction at Baylis road a van turned right across the junction unsurprisingly he did not want to wait. He was playing follow the leader with the taxi driver who turned before him, who was actually looking. The lights were on amber as I went through (I am going to get crucified). The van driver didn’t give way to me and continued going. I moved to the left to compensate for this but he still got very close probably to reprimand me. Then he blared his horn and rolled down his window to call me an “idiot”. I cussed him back calling him a effing pri*k as he presumably wanted to hear me say something with his window open. I also noticed some gasps from the pedestrians at the junction which is something that I can’t recall happening before. It was probably because he very nearly knocked me off and they were probably going to see a potentially serious collision.

I don’t run a camera so no one can call me Jeremy Vine, plus I admit I ride like a lunatic for self preservation. In my experience, (facts aren’t anecdotes) I’ve had more dangerous and aggressive events from drivers when I “followed the rules of the road”. If you ride “unpredictably” for a driver who only drives they seem to get very nervous and give you more space as they don’t know where you are going. This also makes them pay more attention which is a good thing as most exclusive drivers drive habitually, in the sense that when they commute by car they mainly stare at the car in front, not making as many observations and not scanning the road. They also don’t become as aggressive as you don’t look timid to them as those cyclists that hold the gutter because they “don’t want to hold everyone up”

I’ve had a reflection and I think it was not the best decision. But, I also just don’t agree just letting people know who drive bigger vehicles that they can force their way past because they are driving in a threatening manner towards vulnerable road users. The attitudes of a lot drivers need to change as we all know he isn’t the only driver who thinks like this.

Apologies for the language but my blood is boiling as I write this. Today I was cycling on Cable Street (bike lanes are narrow anyway) and a tuktuk wanker, who was occupying his side and half the other side, saw me a hundred yards away and didn’t budge an inch but continued onwards chatting on his phone.

At the last second, I had to mount the kerb (there wasn’t even room to stop safely) - luckily there wasn’t anyone there and it wasn’t on the side of the car traffic. I was just incredulous that even though he saw me coming and knew how thin the lanes are, he didn’t slow down or even try to give some room.

Is it possible to report this incident? I don’t care about him in particular but it’s incredibly dangerous for other cyclists. I’d also be happy to include feedback from others.

Thank you!

10 mile commute into central London. Pedal assist road bike or not??

I’ve been cycle commuter for a few years now but max has been a couple miles each way. Had a nice bike for a while but then got stolen recently so been on my old single speed struggle bus.

In the next few months I’ll be moving a bit further out and the commute will be approx 10miles each way. Way home will be likely Crystal Palace hill so a bit of a climb.

Was planning on getting a new road bike to both commute and maybe do a few country rides but curious if I should get one with battery pedal assist or not. Not after a full e-bike but maybe alittle assistance for this long climbs and tired legs come Friday.

Do they really make a difference and true assist or are they a gimmick?

Curious what you all think

Got cut up by some bellend in a white car turning left into me from the right hand lane while I was in the middle left hand lane looking to go straight ahead. Nearly took me out and I had to break sharply, which left me floundering a bit in the box junction and wondering if I was going to get mown down by anyone else. Thankfully I'm ok but quite shaken up and stressed out.

I just started commuting by bike every day and tower bridge is the most obvious route without a massive detour. I find it absolutely fine going north to south in the morning, and the bridge itself is ok because I just sit in the middle of the lane. But south to north on the way home almost gives me a heart attack at the junction very single time.

How do people do it safely? I feel like if I stay in the far left lane, I'll get pushed into turning left by other traffic. If I sit in the middle, I feel extremely vulnerable. I don't always make it to the front before the lights change and I'm not confident enough to filter through and chance it if I can see they've been red for a bit. Especially if there's buses and HGVs up ahead.

I really don't want this to ruin my commute. I just got my fitness up over the last couple of weeks and now my confidence has taken a knock.

Also: is it me or are there more cunty drivers on the road tonight? Maybe it's the weather or I'm more sensitive but I feel like I've had way more close passes. I've got a hi-viz, bright lights and fluoro coloured clothing. I couldn't be more visible unless I was wearing the mirror ball suit from the mighty boosh

On occasion a driver will get frustrated that they are stuck in stationary traffic and you are able to wizz by without a problem. I’ve had a couple drivers roll down the window and yell profanities. Whats your favourite one liner to yell back?

Hi! If anyone here would like to have a bespoke, at home bicycle service, please check out our website mobilecyclecare.co.uk . We we also have an online shop-definitely subscribe for Black Friday sales!

Quick reminder: Share the Joy Fund deadline for projects helping other people to cycle is this Sunday 10 November. Can be spent on core costs, equipment, existing work. Review from previous applicant: "the lack of red tape and simple approach makes it very accessible" https://lcc.org.uk/share-the-joy-fund/

I recently learnt how to ride a bicycle and have been using Santander bikes. I've been thinking of getting an e-bike to help me with hills and longer distances. I spotted a second-hand Forme Buxton Pro E Folding E- Bike for £250. Is this a good deal?

I'm not sure how easy/convenient foldable bikes are / if anyone can share their experience with them?

Also have a fear of them getting nicked but I suppose that goes with any bicycles in London..

https://preview.redd.it/v7k6llwot5zd1.png?width=997&format=png&auto=webp&s=272cd2433870778d510818c1faa8d74ed52e5520

I live outside London in the countryside. My work is 5 miles away, also in the country side with no public transport. The road to my work is a dual carriage road with speeds 20-50 mph.

To minimise car traffic, I try to take longer routes in 20-30 mph areas and go to work early, around 07:00, and come home a slightly late, around 17:30. But I cannot totally avoid 30-50 mph roads for at least 3 miles.

I also ALWAYS wear reflective vest above my clothes, and ALWAYS have a reflective rain cover over my backpack. At night I use two back lights and three front lights. Still everyday I feel lucky to arrive to my destination alive. There are mainly two problems:

1. Cars overtake very close, like a foot from my elbow, despite empty road ahead and wide opposing lane. It seems some people miss judge how wide their cars/trucks/vans are.
2. Some drivers overtake in tight spaces or when there is no visibility and are forced to merge aggressively into me. The other day someone tried to overtake in a no-visibility turn, miss judged the distance, and an opposing car suddenly appeared. This person was forced to brake really hard and get back behind me again. It was terrifying, I though I will be squeezed into a frontal crash. This scenario, or similar, happens daily!!!!

Today the road home was extremely terrifying. Drivers were really in a hurry and aggressive.

My company has bike2work scheme, but when I discuss cycling with my colleagues they sound like "I am not suicidal" or "I am not brave enough to cycle."

What else can I do to bike safely to work? Do people really bike2work? I would like to listen to your experience.

A man got on my train with a Dawes 101 white with red/pink accents. Front basket and lime green chillies bottle in the cage. Let's just say he didn't match the bikes aesthetic 😅

He got on at brockley around 13:52 and then off at the next stop new cross gate.

Hope the person gets it back if stolen!

Many of London's parks have some sort of user group attached to them which meets with park management a few times a year. Many of these user groups have an associated Facebook group, and if you've ever had the pleasure of browsing one of these, it won't take long before you find rants about cyclists in parks - usually variations of:

• cyclists go too fast in the park
• me/my dog/my elderly parent have almost been killed by near-misses by cyclists in the park
• cyclists should be banned from the park like they were when I was a kid
• the law says that cyclists have to dismount or ride at walking pace in the park (it doesn't)
• The speed limit for bikes in the park is 12mph (it isn't)
• cyclists should ride on the adjacent busy road instead (never mind that half of the cyclists in the park are kids going to/from school with their parents)

A lot of the complaints are attributable to delivery riders on illegal e-bikes, but there's plenty of vitriol to go around. Not that all cyclists are perfect mind you, but I think most of the interactions between bikes and pedestrians that I see in parks are pretty amicable, and there's nothing like the chaos that is decried on facebook groups.

If you just went by these groups you'd think that there was some sort of minor miracle going on where cyclists close-pass pedestrians all the time but never actually collide with them...but I digress. What's clear is that the perception is out there, and the worry for me is that these people have the ear of the user group, who has the ear of park management/council.

I avoid parks like the plague when commuting as I find riding in traffic far less stressful than dodging unpredictable pedestrians and dogs. However there are plenty of people who do need to ride through parks (eg kids with their parents and other less confident cyclists).

Has anyone here had any success in being a part of one of these user groups (edit: the real life groups, not the Facebook groups) and advocating for bike riders' use of the park?

Open to suggestions

Thought I'd share an interesting proposal from Barnet Council. I don't think I've seen circular network route that covers a borough like this. Neat.

https://www.engage.barnet.gov.uk/hub-page/barnet-loop-engagement-hub

Why do so many people ride at night with no lights? Sometimes batteries go flat, sometimes you forget them (though in winter you know you're going to be riding in the dark at some point). But loads of riders have no lights fitted and no reflectors either. Wear head to toe black if you like, but put at a minimum the cheapest white light you can find on the front and something red and illuminated on the back of your bike/bag/helmet. Doesn't need to burn with the light of a million suns or flash out the Da Vinci Code in morse, just lit up. Even more bizarre are the ebikes which don't switch on their wired lights. For the sake of your family, other road users and pedestrians, light up at night.

People who put a red light om the front and white to the rear are complete sociopaths however.

*Even the red light jumpers, Deliveroo riders and pavement cyclists.

If you saw me delete this it's because the video didn't upload properly :P Every time I don't pedal after speeding up a little, my chain just falls off the front chain ring..? I sort of understand when it happens over a bump but it'll happen on the road. For context, she's a hybrid and I've had her for three months, but this has only started to happen in the past couple of weeks. I've already taken her to a bicycle store and he said the chain isn't worn down and took out a couple of links. I didn't make it 200m before the chain fell off again.

I regularly apply WD40. I don't have a front derailleur. I bought my bicycle second-hand. I've attached photos and a video— is there an issue I'm not seeing? Is the chain too slack?

Additionally, this issue seems to happen more when my gear is set to 6 than when it's at 5. I never use gears 1-4— should I change the cassette?

Any and all advice is appreciated. Thank you all in advance!

https://preview.redd.it/yal04z0toxyd1.jpg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=405374b9f565b45ebff485b27c056aa415adf3b8

https://preview.redd.it/fkbb9y0toxyd1.jpg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4c36d3de8a3fcb7cdec66ea169110006ef51f9a6

https://preview.redd.it/jpowmt1toxyd1.jpg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7e7e82848bbd0389d97d61b419e3137c7483514c

https://preview.redd.it/rlhvis1toxyd1.jpg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=580dbe47dec550df42f2347b07db6e07278138e9

https://reddit.com/link/1gjmgqj/video/h0382ivtoxyd1/player

Was cycling through Hammersmith, from Chiswick this morning at roughly 06:45 Apparently 2 cyclist had crashed into one another. One of the guys was just sitting on the kerb in shock and the other was laying on the floor, unresponsive when I first approached. Being first aid trained I was keen to get him into the recovery position but some random Australian woman started yelling at me telling me not to move him…was all a bit odd 5/6 other cyclists just there doing nothing and one guy on the phone to emergency services. The guy gained consciousness and was just changing his position on the floor. No one seemed to provide any assistance. Didn’t just want to remain in the way so went on. Any up dates?

Hello!

Just a quick post , if things go well hopefully not the last . I am taking over a family bike shop as a fresh buissness and starting from scratch in terms of what we offer on top of servicing and maintenance.

As I've only really known this shop since childhood so id like to get some outside opinions on what you , a London cyclist , want to see from a bike shop that'll keep you coming back. Changes need to be made as the old buissness stopped profiting and I'd like us to become more community driven.

So please If you have the time , a list of things you'd like to see from your hypothetical go to bike shop :)

Ideally not stolen

The bike is a Cowboy 3 ebike. I crashed it a few weeks ago and now there's a kink in the front wheel