Redland cyclists among the worst in the Bristol?

By Laura_Local | Thursday, June 09, 2011, 16:04

This is more of a rant than tangible evidence but I had a run in with an irresponsible cyclist again this morning and need to vent/put a plea out to cyclists to ride responsibly.

Bristol cycle path

I was turning right out of North Road by the Arches when a cyclist, who wasn't wearing a helmet I hasten to add, whizzed by in the middle of the road heading the direction I wanted to go - towards Gloucester Road. I pulled out behind him, as I would have done had he been a car and he stopped in front of me all of a sudden and started mouthing off before jumping the red light.

Maybe I was a little too close to him when I pulled out but I felt any criticism was rich coming from a guy who was bombing down the centre of the road without a helmet and straight through a red light! Later on in my journey I was met by another cyclist who clearly felt the one way street rule didn't apply to them and they were cycling towards me (I was going the right way) leaving me very little room to pass. Then, as I reached my destination another cyclist ignored the rules of the roundabout and pulled out straight in front of me.

A run of bad luck with cyclists you may say? I only wish this was the case but it happens on a daily basis. Apologies to all law-abiding cyclists (myself included) but more than half of the cyclists I pass on Gloucester Road and Cheltenham Road jump red light. Idiots. Do they not realise they could easily get hit by a car who has right of way?

It's so frustrating. Bristol is meant to be a cycle city. We're the home of Sustrans. We have cycle lane after cycle lane to make cycling easier and safer yet the majority of cyclists in Redland and Bristol continue to ride like they've got a death wish.

Cyclists of Bristol - SORT IT OUT!

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Comments

Sounds like Laura_Local nearly took out a someone on a bicycle, but then didn't like it being pointed out to her. Its not uncommon for a cyclist to move through a red light to get away from a nasty situation, i have done it myself..

By sprintstar at 13:43 on 22/06/11
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Sounds like Laura_Local nearly took out a someone on a bicycle, but then didn't like it being pointed out to her. Its not uncommon for a cyclist to move through a red light to get away from a nasty situation, i have done it myself..

By sprintstar at 13:42 on 22/06/11
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i was nearly knocked off my bike this morning by another bike idiot whizzing past me as i waited at a red light. i shouted at them and they just stuck their finger up. cant help thinkin it would serve them right if they were hit by a car.

By for_real at 15:22 on 21/06/11
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Nearly got knocked off my bicycke last month near Redland Station the mini roundabout on Redland Road, an Audi TT was going far too fast down the road i was half way round the roundabout and had to slam my breaks on. Please if you are driving down that road take some consideration. They must have been late for a class at Bannatyne's gym.
I do understand there are good and bad cyclists/car drivers but if everyone can approach that roundabout at normal speeds. Thanks

By spewymonkfish at 09:03 on 18/06/11
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I drive through Bristol everyday and have to say that the cyclists are among the most inconsiderate i've encountered. I realise Bristol is a cycling city but the roads are still dominated by cars, so where there are no cycle paths etc, don't expect priority. If the road is a squeeze for cars it'll be even tighter for a cyclist so the onus should be on the person on the push bike to take care. We can't always see you weaving in and out!

By Lois_Avery at 11:16 on 17/06/11
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