Single file for cyclists ?
Published 1 year, 8 months ago in My life.Should cyclists be compelled by law to ride in single file unless there is a bike lane? I’ve seen it somewhere on the Mornington Peninsula and it seemed to work well.
I know all the cyclists will arc up and say “We’ve got as much right to use the road as you have.” But that’s just my point, as much right - no more, no less. Riding two abreast on a winding, hilly road such as the Mountain Highway from The Basin to Olinda is stupid and dangerous. I have even seen two cyclists hold up the local bus on the Sassafras to Olinda road and then wave it by when approaching a bus stop. An example of where cyclists do not share the same roadcraft as drivers because they perceive hazards differently.
Another example? Ever had to avoid a cyclist swerving out of a bike lane without looking in order to pass another cyclist?
I’m not bashing cyclists (yet). I just want them to show the same consideration for other road users as they claim drivers should show for themselves.
Any cyclists (or drivers) care to respond ?
6 Responses to “Single file for cyclists ?”
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I agree I hate driving past a whole group of cyclists who ride two abreast. I believe the law should be changed so that if there is only one lane in the one direction that cyclists must ride in single file. However if there is two lanes then in non-peak hour traffic should be able to ride two abreast, as there is another lane for other road users to safely overtake.
I am a beginning cyclist, but don’t ride on the roads unless absolutely necessary or if it is only a local street. As a cyclist I hate inconsiderate car drivers but as a car driver I hate inconsiderate cyclists. Basically it’s all those people who only see where they are going and not what is going on around them whatever type of vehicle they are using.
Just clarifying from above - I don’t ride on the roads much but ride my bike on bike trails and footpaths that are for use of both walkers and cyclists. I won’t ride on a normal footpath
We don’t make people walk single-file on a crowded footpath (or cleave immovable couples at a rock gig, much as we’d like to), why should we split up friends who are cycling.
I suspect cyclists would ride two abreast less often if they felt a little safer in single file. The fact that you are annoyed having to swerve around them means at least you recognise they exist as road users. Cyclists say their biggest problem is drivers who don’t know they exist.
Plus, how much time does it take out of your day? A second?
bike riders should think about the psychology of the road , and how by holding up the drivers behind them , they increase the anger and tension…. thereby making it more likely that one of those already angry drivers will do something stupid…
that doesnt mean everything should go their way , just that , the life they save could be their own…
it could be argued that riding two abreast slowly up a hill and holding up traffic would be to cause a hazard to other vehicles on the road. which is clearly in violation of the road rules for cyclists also.
in the same way a that a person driving too slowly on a stretch of road is a hazard.
Lots of people walk single file on crowded footpaths because its safer and it works.
I also think all bikes should be registered and fitted with number plates, I saw a bike ride into a parked car recently, which he scratched, and as he rode of into the sunset I thought there’s nothing I can do.
If we had proper, usable bike lanes the question wouldn’t even arise.