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My commute includes long stretches of parked cars along either side of the road, meaning if you take primary either cars behind have to wait for you to move back over to the left to get past.
Most drivers wait, but some get antsy, I’ve taken to rolling up to them when you get to the lights and explaining that I’m leaving a doors width between me and the parked cars like they were taught when learning to drive.
Sometimes it makes them think, others it’s just an excuse for them to vent.
Also find when driving giving as much space as possible when overtaking cyclists and being super patient when following a cyclist on narrow roads, whether they are in primary or not, so you show a good example to the drivers behind means they give them plenty of space and time in the overtake as well..
cornelius_blackfoot-
I have a short stretch of one way, about 300 yards, with parked cars lining both sides for the entirety of it. Single lane left, I always take primary and regularly get beeps and then angry shouts at the end when they are alongside.
Strange they have time for an argument but not for a cyclist to ride a 300 yard road for about twenty seconds.
The other irony is that I’m not the one blocking them. Without parked cars that road would be three lanes wide. Imagine a world without parked cars on the road. They are a fucking pox on humanity
Jimmy_Fingers
Another classic bit of aggro on the commute. Otherwise sunny, endorphin release, reducing risk of heart disease/10.
Descending a hill in primary. Round here there are cars parked in the cycle lane for long bits of it. Further down it's just a mess of junctions, zebra crossings and other road narrowing features. Easily doing 20-25mph in a 30mph zone. Three car lengths between me and bus in front.
Geezer with two young kids in the car beeps at me about half-way down. My default reaction is always to gently stop and give them an expectant look. Mainly to avoid going off if it's a safety/dropped your wallet type thing!
Obviously it's like every other time I've pulled up. He doesn't like me being in primary. Gets out of the car, starts jabbering about the cycle lane and how I should use it.
I try to get a word in but he's obviously seeing red mist and just carries on shouting. Ends with: "Get out of my way or I'll run you over".
Against better advice from the forum, I invite him to do so with open arms. He gets in and revs.
End of confrontation, point made. So I move into the cycle lane, which makes sense now I've lost all that momentum. Little princess in front seat pats daddy as if to say well done or, please calm down.
Would anyone else play that differently? I always keep it civil and try to explain that being in primary is a defensive move. Just refuse to cower in the gutter anymore. But still, no D-Locks for me.