4 ms·

I drive a big old 1997 Range Rover. I pass cyclists way wider than I pass cars - I'm not averse to getting the driver's side tyres on the grass on really narrow

I drive a big old 1997 Range Rover. I pass cyclists way wider than I pass cars - I'm not averse to getting the driver's side tyres on the grass on really narrow roads. One reason for this is it has the aerodynamics of a garden shed and I'm terrified that I'll pass the cyclist safely only to knock them off with the wake turbulence once I'm well in front :-D What I've noticed is that if I pass really wide, everyone behind me - actually everyone - passes just about as wide as I do. One thing that does my nut in is cyclists not taking the lane when there's nowhere to pass. Just stay in the middle, stay consistent, don't try to let me past if you're not happy to move over. I can wait because I need a lot more room than you think, I can see much further up the road can you, and I'll decide when it's safe. Literally yesterday I was behind a cyclist who was waving me to pass on a quiet country road, but he couldn't see the other cyclist coming towards me just about 150m further up the road. If I'd gone because the guy in front of me was waving me past, I'd have splatted the other guy who he couldn't see. I ride my bike the same way I drive - as slow as possible and as fast as necessary, right up the middle of my lane, and with really stupid fuel consumption.

danw1979 4y ago
You sir, are a good driver.
cycomanic 4y ago
I appreciate you're driving considerate for cyclist (being a cyclist myself). I also concur with your observation, that the first driver behind a cyclist will often "set the scene" of how other cars will pass (or yell/honk at the cyclist). I also agree that taking the lane is often the safer option for cyclist, however I also understand the motivation of cyclist trying to move to the right and getting the following car to move through. I also have one too many times being essentially tailgated (not really the right term for a bike), by a completely nutcase motorist who then overtakes very aggressively and purposefully close. Better to get them in front of you as fast as possible.

danw1979 4y ago

You sir, are a good driver.

cycomanic 4y ago

I appreciate you're driving considerate for cyclist (being a cyclist myself). I also concur with your observation, that the first driver behind a cyclist will often "set the scene" of how other cars will pass (or yell/honk at the cyclist). I also agree that taking the lane is often the safer option for cyclist, however I also understand the motivation of cyclist trying to move to the right and getting the following car to move through. I also have one too many times being essentially tailgated (not really the right term for a bike), by a completely nutcase motorist who then overtakes very aggressively and purposefully close. Better to get them in front of you as fast as possible.