www.CycleMacc.org      

Why are cyclists so annoying?

If people who ride bikes also drive cars, why do they behave so differently on a bike?

Why don't they keep to the side of the road?		Cyclist are taught to ride about 75cm (two and a half feet ) from the kerb.
		To avoid the worst sunken grates and manhole covers.
		To avoid broken glass and thorns in the gutter.
		To leave some escape room on their left if a car passes too closely.
		They ride well away from parked cars in case a door is thrown open into their path.
		They ride near the middle of their lane when approaching a  traffic island to discourage overtaking cars from squeezing through the gap.
Why do they weave about all over the road?		Usually to avoid potholes, sunken grates, man holes, puddles or ice patches. A strong cross wind can blow a bike sideways - particularly by gaps in walls or hedges.
Why don't they use cycle lanes when they are provided?		The benefit of a cycle lane separated from normal traffic, is often negated if it crosses lots of side roads, where cycles are obliged to give way. Then they often prefer to stay on the main carriage-way, where they retain right of way, and don't have to keep stopping.
		Shared spaces, like this, are sometimes bypassed out of courtesy to any pedestrians seen using the path at the time.
Why do they ride two abreast instead of single file?		If they are riding for pleasure it is more sociable; in the same way as a car passenger usually sits in the front to talk to the driver.	The highway code allows for this, and it can be easier to overtake a large group riding two abreast, than single file, (you go wider, but you need a shorter gap in the oncoming traffic.)
Why don't they pull over when they hear a car behind.		Most cyclists do. But sometimes the wind noise means they don't hear you. Sometimes they can see it isn't safe to be overtaken.	If you must use your horn, do it briefly and at a distance, not when you’re very close. Its louder than you think!
Why do they ride on the pavement?		Fear of being hit from behind by a car - child riders especially.	This is technically illegal, but if cyclists are courteous and give way to pedestrians it can work. Sadly, some cyclists are not courteous, and some pedestrians are hostile to any cycling on pavements.
Why do they get cross if you pass close to them?		It is very scary for a cyclist and causes many injuries. Drivers often under-estimate the speed of a bike, think they have time to overtake before meeting an oncoming vehicle or reaching a narrowing of the road ahead, and then have to pull in too soon when it all goes wrong.	You should leave 1.5 metres (5 feet) between your vehicle and a bike when you overtake. Don't overtake as you approach a traffic island or pedestrian refuge in the middle of the road.
Why do so many cyclists dress in black, instead of making themselves more visible?		It's a good question. Cyclists are not indifferent to fashion. Some riders don't like to look 'Hi-viz' when they are walking around after cycling, so they prefer darker colours. Some fit bright lights to compensate, some believe that motorist wouldn't see them whatever they wore, and some simply haven't thought about it.
Why do some ride without lights at night - or very dim lights?		It's wrong. Some don't realise their back light isn't working properly. Some think that because they can see where they are going, cars can see them too.	Cyclists  are not saints, and nor are drivers.
Shouldn't they be made to wear helmets?		Most cyclists recognise that they are at the bottom of the food chain as far as road traffic is concerned, and wear a helmet. Some find it messes with their hair, some point to other countries like Holland where almost no-one wears a helmet. They think they shouldn't HAVE to wear a helmet, and roads should be made safer for cyclists instead (not as well).	In Australia and Seattle they found that compulsory helmet wearing reduced the number of cyclists. Of course, helmets offer no protection to other parts of the body.  It would be better to avoid collisions altogether.
Shouldn't they pay road tax?		Since 80% of adult riders also drive cars, they probably do so.	By cycling instead of driving, they are saving energy and improving air quality for everyone's benefit.

Cyclists and motorists are not different sorts of people.

Based on the 2017 National Traffic Survey, 84% of cyclists aged 18+ also drive.

 A person can be a cyclist one day and a driver the next.  

The AA offers similar advice here

...and training is available for HGV drivers too:-

Watch the Video