Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris_SVS
Speeds are limits not targets, irrespective of that - two cyclists singling out generally only encourages close overtakes in the same lane. Decent riders will ride defensively, much like Adam has said previously.
Here's me yesterday, totally holding up traffic doing just over 20mph in an NSL. Notice how the van and the bikes were totally in the other lane? It's that simple, and it wouldn't be any different if I had someone beside me or if there was 16 in the group.
ps: the holding up traffic bit was sarcasm, the car never really gained any road on me... Strange that
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I think you're going to continually miss the point out of blind defensiveness for cyclists.
My point is about a group of 2 or 3 cyclists needlessly riding 2 or 3 abreast well under the speed limit is presenting an unneccessary hazard to other road users. I don't care if you're on a bicycle, two neds on mopeds comparing memes or the almost as common scenario distracted drivers in cars talking to to a passenger. I'm just as damning of all of those.
The point is, no one's gossip or wish to hold hands with their buddy is more important than others' safety.
Quick aside on the other classic line 'it's not a target' ...obviously. But you should travel in a safe and predictable manner. Just because 'it's not a target'; I should't drive my car at 2mph on the motorway to conserve fuel - I will cause an accident as no one would reasonably expect someone to do that - if that's not blindingly obvious to you do some advanced driver/rider training - acceleration and speed limit is covered there. On mine it was repeatedly drummed into us particularly when joining a NSL road to get up to speed.
I too give cyclists the whole lane when passing, even idiots riding two abreast under speed. Yes ,more often that not people will make their way round riders riding next to eachother but when someone rounds a corner at speed and meets effectively a road block accidents happen. Someone has been killed on a road near me doing exactly that. I'd say it's your life run the risk but there's quite a chance of hurting others.