Cycling in Melbourne Australia
Top ten hazards of commuter racing?
Conventional wisdom has it that if you get two cyclists going in the same direction, then you've got a race. I guess everyone likes a bit of competition now and then, but there's a time and place for everything. And I'd suggest that narrow bike paths and busy city streets shared with cyclists of unknown ability are probably not the time/place.
So, let's see if we can get together a list of top ten hazards associated with commuter racing.
To kick-off, I'd say:
Nominations are now open.
NB: This is intended to be a bit of fun. Let's not get too hung up on imaginary risks--remember it's a myth that cycling is dangerous!
So, let's see if we can get together a list of top ten hazards associated with commuter racing.
To kick-off, I'd say:
- The inside pass--see Matt's post from last week (which triggered this thought).
- The unbreakable train--that special moment when you meet a train of three, four or even five riders coming your way, on your side of a narrow bike path, apparently unwilling to break their paceline even if it means mowing you down or running you off the path.
Nominations are now open.
NB: This is intended to be a bit of fun. Let's not get too hung up on imaginary risks--remember it's a myth that cycling is dangerous!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by ChrisS on -
- Bar Ends of Death - in the opposing direction
- Poor Spatial Awareness - combined with above
- Front Red Light of Daftness - self explanatory
- The Cut Off - usually occurs entering a path or spur path, usually by a cowboy/s who can't be arsed noticing your and your bikes existance
- Getting a Free Tow - rider sitting on yout rear wheel without attempting a brief chat or nod of acknowledgement when finally passing
- The Unpleasant Stranger - see above - but a male doing this to the leading (female) cyclist and being a tad too creepy than is really necessary
- Wake in Anger - pootling along on, unaware of the approaching Gardiners Creek peloton & having the shit scared out of you when they blow past
- Working Through Something - when riding to work or home, another cyclist targets another to rid themselves of cube farm tension. Usually takes the form of multiple attacks, wheel sucking and general weirdness
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Permalink Reply by Treadly and Me on -
Hmm, with a list like that, I think you're a bit of a weirdo-magnet Chris!
Don't get me started on the Front Red Light thing! I haven't been on the wrong end of any bar ends (as far as I recall) but I can see how that could be a problem--turning commuting into a kind of bike-mounted bullfight.
As for the free tow, I don't mind it except when you've pulled someone up several hills and they thank you by blasting past (without so much as a grunt) just as you reach the crest of that nice big downhill.
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Permalink Reply by ChrisS on
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In all seriousness I personally don't consider myself a freak magnet, although with emerging changes with personal mobility we're going to start seeing different and somewhat complex behaviour patterns from commuter cyclists.
There's practically a whole lexicon of stuff about how vehicle operators behave towards each other & we're just at the beginning of seeing new patterns develop amongst self propelled people.
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Permalink Reply by DamianM on -
Hrm, there's a Melbourne to Sydney difference, I don't think I've been around other riders long enough to draft / be drafted while commuting.
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Permalink Reply by Adrian Tritschler on -
Damn, I think ChrisS has got the lot!
My vote for the extra scary is the "Front Red Light of Daftness", but I'd have chosen a stronger word.
The "Getting a Free Tow" when you don't realise they're there can be disturbing, especially if you slow for *your* turn-off and it isn't *their* turn-off and find yourself receiving a mouthful of vitriol for not warning them! I couldn't care less about them doing less work, but please let me know you're there. Drafting is fine when both parties know about it and when you know where you're all going.
Note to self: Always check over shoulder before blowing nose...
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Permalink Reply by Treadly and Me on
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Well, we don't have to stop at ten.
A related one is incorrect signalling. For example, I was once behind a bloke on the suspended path under the Monash Linear Carpark and as we emerged onto the wooden bridge at the Yarra end he signalled slowing/stopping, then made a left turn into the narrow entry gate at St Kev's—a turning signal would have been more informative. But at least he signalled—if he hadn't I'd probably have T-boned him.
After that one, I started to leave even more distance between me and the rider in front when following.
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Permalink Reply by Pete on -
I have a solution to the "Free Tow" or leeches as I like to call them. Slow down a bit. Not a lot, be subtle about it and be gradual. The leech will then pass and now is your time to strike speed up and sit on there wheel for a bit. The Tow'er becomes the Tow'ed :)
That all said I have had the occasions where I encounter someone of similar speed that is prepared to work with you rather than race, which makes the ride home fast and fun.
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Permalink Reply by LongLoad on -
There's also the reverse of the free tow. Riders who have to be in front on a downhill or flat, then come to a grinding halt at the most inappropriate point on the next incline.
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Permalink Reply by Stavros on -
Snot rockets! Enough said - disgusting, unnecessary and a biological hazzard to fellow road users.
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Permalink Reply by Treadly and Me on
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+1 for snot rockets. I very nearly wore one last week. Ewwwwwww!
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Permalink Reply by Treadly and Me on
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That's kind of the reverse, isn't it? Shouldn't that go under the heading "Top ten hazards of bike path trundlers"?
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