The Problem’s Not Cars, It’s A**holes! | GCN Show Ep. 525

[@gcn]

What’s your take on this week’s main talking point? 👀

[@paulm9079]

There's something to be said for taking the high road and de-escalating a situation. I'm certainly not perfect - as a driver or cyclist. I think a little bit of empathy both ways helps. Honestly there are aggressive drivers that are difficult to share a road with when you're in a car too, for which my young daughter had the idea to set off their airbags remotely and give them a good slap. Proud dad moment hahaha.

[@markrskinner]

"Hit by a car" is cobblers. It's "Hit by a driver using a car"

[@karlInSanDiego]

Great topic. We're all struggling, and one interesting facet you've spoken about before but didn't mention here is the distinction between cycling for sport/rec and for transportation. Whilst this shouldn't make people react differently, it does. Respecting the vulnerability of all other road users is a motorist's responsibility in all situations. Adopting Dutch mentality of understanding that in cars vs. bike/ped the motorist is responsible for injury will make the greatest difference. We've coddled drivers for too long here in the USA by expressing vehicular violence as accidents. As Jessie Singer writes in her book, "There are No Accidents". In addition to safe separated infrastructure that won't come soon enough, we need to shift the culture of car dominance and motorists' sense of privilege. As Carlton Reid says in his book, "Roads weren't built for cars". BTW, these are books are both good topics for future GCN content.

[@oioioioioioioioi-k3w]

Driving in traffic turns people into assholes. Car based infra alienates people from other people, creating a hostile populace.

[@EndUser-yu7gg]

Stay the heck out of the main road as much as possible... you're a mobile target for these inattentive drivers more interested at yacking on their cell or vloging about OMG the person at the coffee place like umm ... totally messed up my order... gosh I spent many 'thousands' of dollars there and this is the last straw ... and they have the gull to ask for a tip... ...when I bike into work I am on the road as little as possible and booking as quickly as possible to the bike paths its better and I know a few fellow cyclists who also honestly ride like A*Oz ... and just love to gripe about how they were almost hit *facepalm*

[@jameswitte5676]

On the flip side of cyclists versus motorists I always give a big thank you wave to anyone who waves me ahead or waits behind until it’s safe to pass. 👋

[@rob-c.]

Same. I figure it’s like giving them a reward, in the idea that they’ll do the same again next time - in the same way that people train pigeons…

[@gcn]

Great to hear you're out on the road spreading some cheer! 🙌

[@johnmoore2342]

@@rob-c. Pavlov's motorists.

[@MichaelSnasdell]

Same, doesn't hurt to be courteous. I also let cyclists who act like arseholes know what I think too.

[@junkandcrapamen]

@@rob-c. lol they are such precious little snowflakes

[@Nick-un1em]

Canadian here. It's really an issue because drivers DO NOT realize they are operating a vehicle that can kill others (cyclist, pedestrians etc.). I find most drivers operate somewhere between total unawareness and minimal attention. Driving penalties should be much higher (a whole other issue in North America where drivers aren't really reprimanded).

[@hbp2m]

Can kill others? No, does kill others. Approx 1.3 million every year. And destroys the planet. And ruins pretty much everything by being noisy, smelly and taking up vast amounts of space.

[@johnandrews3568]

I'm in Toronto and I agree. Completely lacking situational awareness, too busy with their satnav, talking or texting (which is very illegal here but I see at least a dozen ppl doing this EVERY ride)... and have a sense of road entitlement that is unreal.

[@vittocrazi]

@@johnandrews3568 in my country i can see people Who forget to turn their lights almost daily.

[@rob-c.]

@@johnandrews3568 except it’s not just when they are distracted - they drive too fast, too close etc when completely focussed on driving.

[@ohne_speed]

I'm telling for years, cars are way too quiet inside and drivers have no realisation how deadly that 1.5+ tons at that speed. If you do the calculation, a 1.5ton vehichle at 90km/h has the same energy as a cannonball (5kg @ 1600km/h)!

[@LouieBaLLz]

Even MvP is upset at the Strava price hike that he's not posting on it anymore. 😝🤪

[@joelterwilliger9901]

I was going to say the same thing.

[@jonthorne16]

£45 to £55.. naughty

[@terryballard8551]

Caption competition: It’s a smart phone, unlike its owner.

[@andymoss]

“Passing on your left {or right as appropriate}” is the go to for me when attempting to alert a pedestrian (or slower moving cyclist). It doesn’t help however when 90+% of them are wearing headphones and are paying zero attention…

[@feralearthworm3044]

So slow down and pass carefully. We expect cars to do so, I don't think it's crazy to do the same thing those going slower.

[@dougedwards9772]

I know! I would call out " on your left" it sems like it frightened them by the time they got their wits together they had gone in a complete circle and ending up standing directly in front of me. no bike paths for me anymore all bike lane on blvds for me.

[@timosirkka5597]

A bell on a bike in urban environment is a must. Pedestrians always give way and sometimes a smile too when they hear a friendly 'ding ding' that lets them know a bicycle is coming. I'd be pissed if I was strolling along a combined bike/pedestrian lane and a 40 km/h missile whizzed past me without warning.

[@gcn]

Bells can be so usefull! Saves the polite cough too 😂 Should more road bikes have bells on them? 👀

[@marick791]

Shared paths are a nightmare, walkers dont seem to have any idea of what is behind them, walking and texting or they have the dog on an extendable lead. Be careful how you ring that bell, as one walker said it was aggressive and they shouldnt have to move out of the way.

[@progrockUSA]

I always use my bell, I can't stand yelling "on your left" and I honestly think it drives everyone else nuts. But when people here my pretty "ding, ding", from my bell. They generally do as you say, smile and politely move over.

[@Eldermonkey25]

I have problems every day on multi use paths. On the Milton Keynes redways there's a rule of walk on the right and cycle on the left. It's not respected in anyway. People are totally unaware they're on a multi use path used by pedestrians, electric scooters and bicycles and will literally take up the entire path and then act so surprised when they hear a ding and I have to come to a complete stop to get past. There's been a time when I was behind another cyclist. We both dinged our bell and the people literally refused to make space! The issue isn't the car or the walker, it's the person. Guns don't kill people but the person does! People forget they are sharing a space with others whether they are walking or in a metal box on a road going 50 miles an hr...

[@ZOB4]

I think a lot of the movement to off road riding is because other road users have become more aggressive and less considerate of the more-vulnerable road users like cyclists. I know for my part, I don't ride on the road often (I do gravel and mtb most of the time) specifically because I don't feel like it is safe to do so. Which really is a shame.

[@colinswan786]

I agree - I think that this is large part in the drive to more exploring cycling. Still getting your fix away for the main bodies of traffic. I certainly spend less time on road either training on Zwift or messing about off road.

[@gcn]

This is something mentioned by some of the staff here at GCN MegaBase too

[@progrockUSA]

I tend to do the same. I do ride on the road near my house, but I do it at very specific times when traffic is at its lowest. Otherwise I only ride on greenways. It really sucks because this area is really beautiful and I'd love to ride my bike all over the surrounding area, but I don't want to die because some dick hole has to check their text while speeding down the road at 50 mph.

[@guih3438]

I do the same, I tend to cycle more off road for the fun part but also from a safety perspective.

[@mshelthomas]

I would like to see continuing education each time there is a drivers license renewal.

[@gcn]

Nice idea! Do you think there is not enough education about these issues? 🤔

[@Pionirish]

I think there's not enough competence (in the UK at least) and passing a test once doesn't mean you'll keep driving to that standard. Regular retesting every 5 years would be a good start. The track safety test needed to work on the railways involves some rather harrowing examples of people being killed through basic errors of judgement, and really wake you up to the dangers. Something similar for drivers would probably help.

[@Alvio64]

100% agree. I can't think of anything else where you can operate a big heavy machine without having to complete ongoing training and/or assessment. Pilots, train drivers, crane operators, working with a chainsaw, but not car drivers. It blows my mind.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

Education is rarely the issue. Not paying attention is. The most informed person isn't necessarily going to be equally alert. Outside of terrible people purposefully screwing with cyclists, most incidents are actual accidents where education wouldn't prototected the cyclist. The driver is either knowingly driving tired, using their phone, in a rush, or they just have bad reaction time. Education won't keep them from doing those things. They know they should be focused but they just aren't.

[@brannmacfinnchad9056]

@@gcn Definitely not. The DMV test guide for my state essentially says nothing about cyclists and how the right-away works (i.e., cycle lane/multi-use path is considered another lane of traffic. If you are turning across it, cyclist/pedestrian has the right-away). It also doesn't even touch on hand signals.

[@Patrik6606]

Regarding the bike button in the car, they should install a "Ride on"-button as well 😁

[@christill]

I agree that staying as calm as possible is the best idea. There are some people you really don’t want to get into a confrontation with. And it definitely gives you a better chance of educating that person and making the whole situation better for the future. But I think there is an us vs them scenario in countries like the UK because so many drivers don’t cycle, and don’t understand at all how their driving makes you feel. In the Netherlands for example, it’s totally different. Almost every driver also cycles and even if they don’t, there’s a built up strong respect for people on bikes.

[@jonathanvera1699]

#captioncontest Fabio Jakobsen takes Face Timing to a whole nother level.

[@roybroomfield]

As a Brit who has lived in Canada for 25 years, damp weather can seem very cold. I remember visiting the UK one Christmas and I couldn’t believe how cold it felt after leaving -10 degrees in Canada. However when it gets really cold, here it’s a totally different experience as it hurts to be outside, exposed skin hurts, your nose freezes up and your lungs burn. Not things you experience in the UK. Love the channel guys!

[@gcn]

Sounds nasty! Should we send Si out for a winter in Canada? ❄

[@roybroomfield]

@@gcn yes please send Si out to experience a Canadian winter and not on the coast like his last trip to Vancouver, let him experience the Canadian interior and we can at least teach him to pronounce the Canadian Provinces correctly!

[@julianallen515]

@@roybroomfield Their pronounciation of ON-TAR-EO means me cringe every time!

[@tychoMX]

Yup. It's not like the people from Ontario/Quebec don't get to "enjoy" the wet weather hovering around zero. That's called spring, and that for sure can be a very challenging period to dress appropriately when it's around 0 and wet. But it won't make make you lose a digit or an ear. It's amazing how much different it is to manage riding at -15 C and below (we have some fat bike events that go from 20 to 200 km in February). It's almost not like riding anymore, it's more related to winter expedition management because messing up in those conditions can seriously hurt you very quickly, even kill you.

[@ereky2991]

Depending on the situation. Sometimes yelling is called for. Other times it's a simple mistake no harm no foul. (If a life gets endangered then yelling is acceptable in my opinion) Stupidity is not an excuse.

[@gcn]

Great point! When it's a life threatening situation it is understandable to get more angry Do you make a conscious effort to review the situation and adjust your response? This can be very hard to do in the heat of the moment. 🤔

[@matthewlewis2072]

15:45 I came up behind two coppers on a towpath, said "excuse me, please" and one said "where's your bell?". So I said "ding, ding " Her colleague absolutely cracked up

[@pnoimarker]

Sagan is a legend. He inspired not only myself but I'm sure, countless people to go out and ride a bike and to not take things too seriously. Peak Peter was undeniably a maestro on a bike and I commend Conor for noting that covid really hindered his performance. I'm not sure if we'll ever see a character like him in the pro peloton ever again. I'm forever grateful for all the years he motivated me and he will go down as a gem of the sport. Cheers to a legendary career and I'm excited to see what he does in the future!

[@gcn]

He's had a pretty epic career! What current pro do you think is most like Sagan? 👀

[@charlesmansplaining]

@@gcn None of them. Most of them seem like Karens to me. Sagan was my last favorite cyclist.

[@23centrifuge]

When I added a camera to my light system, it actually really brought my temperature down because not only is the camera watching for things others might do but me as well. That extra awareness really helped me not act like a jerk in response.

[@gcn]

Interesting point! Super cool to hear that you think having accountability has helped to improve your own riding! Do you think more people should invest in riding cameras? 👀

[@23centrifuge]

@@gcn For commuters… 100%

[@tybekg]

May I ask what camera did you buy? I planning to buy one and still haven't decided yet.

[@gemshiddenhistories6575]

"On your left, please" is how we overtake someone riding or walking here in the States. Seems to work well and not piss people off.

[@DEAR7340]

People just have to accept mixed use trails for what they are; live and let live. It's not unusual for a pair of pedestrians, upon hearing "On your left, please," will split in opposite sides of the trail.

[@johnandrews3568]

and most ppl move left.

[@gemshiddenhistories6575]

@@johnandrews3568 Not my experience. Sorry it work that way for you.

[@ericrichardson7575]

I use "on your left" and expect them to go either way, or not respond. I've been surprised from behind myself and brain cramped, so I'm not critical. At least they know I'm coming.

[@marick791]

@@DEAR7340 I have had the same so now I just say morning, or afternoon, or hello and then let them go which way they are going to go and cycle around them!

[@88pooney]

It's massively coming to a head in the UK - the friction between drivers and cyclists is ever increasing. Whilst not perfect, I've been lucky enough to ride a lot and live in North America, Europe, Asia and Australasia and there isn't the fire burning hatred of cyclists from, albeit a minority of drivers. 1. Government must step in. Why can't they run a hard hitting advert campaign regarding cyclist safety? They did it in the early 90s in the UK for drink driving with Mungo Jerry's "In The Summertime". Cyclists should be humanised. I've read that over half of UK drivers view cyclists as less than human! 2. Enforce the 1.5m passing rule. If this is broken, drivers should lose points on their licence. It must be communicated by the government just how serious this is. It can result in cyclists (especially inexperienced ones) panicking and swerving violently. 3. Cyclists must also respect road rules/laws - it infuriates drivers to see cyclists disobey rules, yet insist on being treated with respect!

[@CommaCam]

My motto around cars is to stay calm and not let anything bother me. It's hard sometimes, but especially in cities it's better to stay focused on what you're doing than dwell on something that already happened.

[@gcn]

Great to hear you are finding your inner zen! Do you think that dwelling in every issue makes you a less focused cyclist?

[@martinraucher2147]

mandated cycle to work 1 day a month would expose more drivers to what its actually like to be a cyclist on a public road. or perhaps a cycling class to correct aggresive driving behavour.

[@BreakawayB]

😅Let’s just all be a little nicer to each other. If you’re driving a car, give us some room. If you’re riding a bike, be predictable and don’t ride in the center of the road.

[@gcn]

Well said! We can all play our part 🙌

[@markrskinner]

ALWAYS ride primary. Never in the gutter

[@BixbyConsequence]

There are circumstances when the safest course of action is to take the entire lane, and the law where I live supports the right of cyclists to do so when appropriate. This can upset motorists who don't understand the situation and so I agree with GCN that govt has a role to play by incorporating bike/car interactions in driver education.

[@rangersmith4652]

It's situational; sometimes "taking the lane" is the safest tactic. A debris-filled, sewer grate perforated gutter IS NOT safe.

[@SuperFunSuperLiz1]

I agree with you except that we "claim the lane" around here frequently. The Ohio Revised Code says that bikes only have to ride to the right "as far as is practicable." That way we aren't forced to ride in debris, and worse, when we're to the right and cars try to pass us while there's oncoming traffic, it's too tight and not safe for anyone. Cars simply need to pass us like we're the fellow traffic we are, and cyclist simply need to follow the rules of the road. 😊

[@gmarjerrison]

Caption: : You have to love Fabio's sprint effort; he never phones it in.

[@pacificbeachbumb]

It’s not the answer but having the varia does help with the anxiety of sharing the road. It just gives me a heads up. Doesn’t solve for arseholes though

[@gcn]

Thats great to hear! How do you find it on quiet roads?

[@pacificbeachbumb]

@@gcn I think it works best, actually, on quiet rural roads, especially if going downhill and the wind covers any noise of cars. Also, many cars are relatively quiet now, such as Teslas and hybrids.

[@johnandrews3568]

Caption: Fabian, Si's on the line and wants to know how to pronounce 'Baloise'.

[@amo1850]

Frustrating part where I live is the police & courts never hold drivers accountable when a cyclist gets hurt or even dies. All the driver has to say is "I never saw them" & no charges are filled. In my town 3 cyclist I know have died & that's the excuse. No charges...nothing other than another white bicycle memorial that the city DOT later removes to mow the grass.

[@mouldensjify]

I love watching the GCN channel, and particularly the show, but can someone please, please, straighten that photo of Simon in the yellow jersey up on that blue wall. Drives me crazy everytime there's an episode from this studio 🙈🤣.

[@SuperFunSuperLiz1]

Si, regarding bike bells...we run a bike shop and hear about problems people have with shouting the right thing at the right volume to not startle pedestrians. It's a constant issue. Most people don't know what On Your Left means, or even what to do when someone shouts Excuse Me from behind. With a bell, even the dogs know someone is coming up behind them, and the goal is to pass them safely. So even if they jump, as long as they move over, mission accomplished. Besides, they know they're on a path with bikes, no need to get startled. 😊

[@williamcovey9703]

OK. But try to get the attention of the types that are wearing earphones/headphones! A bell just won't do!

[@SuperFunSuperLiz1]

@@williamcovey9703 Well in that case neither will saying Excuse Me, etc. So we either set our front lights to flashing mode (if it won't blind oncoming people) or we just stay to the left and hope that person remembers that they are on a public path and will be overtaken frequently. 🤷‍♀

[@EricCycles]

Instead of bells and shouting at pedestrians, I just rely on my loud free hubs. Cool sound + no extra grams + safety feature = happy cyclist

[@dougnorth]

So I've been hit by a car and my initial reaction was to get super pissed and want to yell, but when I saw the faces of the people in the car and how worried they were for me, all I could do was ask if they were ok! Fortunately everyone (and the bike) was fine. Also had many people heckle me. I've reacted by flipping the bird and also by just waving and smiling. All of this has led me to believe that it's usually best to just try and be nice to the drivers regardless of what they're doing. Always remind myself that they're in a car and I'm on a little bike with just a helmet to protect me.

[@mathewjames4137]

I like the wave idea. I take it a bit further blowing kisses to these idiots. I like to think its much more annoying than shouting and swearing at them.

[@gcn]

That shows some amazing control to stay so level headed! Do you also drive? 🤔

[@dougnorth]

@@gcn yep I drive too

[@alinapopescu872]

Cars ARE the problem. Normally mild, polite individuals turn into raging beasts once they get behind the wheel and on four wheels. Somebody once told me that she had felt much better since giving up driving. A problem only compounded by the sky-high level of aggression and thoughtlessness in all city dwellers these days. The world begins and ends with each of them, the rest may burn in hell if they don't like it.

[@FuchsHorst]

This!

[@apriljohnson6191]

In a separate note, is GCN going to cover Bike Across Iowa event called RAGBRAI? It’s the 50th year of the even and it’s supposed to be really, really big. Is GCN up to riding across the entire state? I would love to hear about it if you are in a future show. ❤

[@gcn]

That would be really cool!

[@Jackrabbit49er]

Love this idea #sionragbrai

[@apriljohnson6191]

Simon, come to America! We’ll protect you from the cows! ;-)

[@jakecollins6097]

My grandmother once said to me that the secret to a happy life was not to get into arguments in with idiots, they're not worth it. So, I tend not to react although I did once put a big dent in the driver's side front wing of a BMW when the driver deliberately tried to run me off the road whilst laughing at me... Shame he got stuck at the lights 500 yards down the road!! I'm normally super chilled so it was really scary to think about what could of happened if he had got out of the car as requested.

[@MB-il4ii]

As a cyclist, I believe you have to drive a car to understand the driver‘s perspective (distances, speed, breaking, view), and vice versa!

[@klarkolofsson]

Fully agree. Driving makes you a better urban cyclist and as you say - vice versa.

[@morosis82]

Not sure about this one, some people ride a bike specifically because they know they're not good drivers and want to avoid it as much as possible. Personally I agree more with Si. Gov awareness programs similar to road safety programs for drivers around things like DUI and speeding. Add run on social media to illustrate how to be a good bike or scooter rider in a world where we need to deal with all forms of transportation would be good.

[@hbp2m]

No, distances, speed, braking, view is irrelevant. Car drivers should just not kill and harm so many people, car drivers should just stop polluting so much, car drivers should just stop ruining the cities and the countryside with their smelly noisy cars.

[@joerenner8334]

Agreed. And you also have to use multipaths by walking as well. This alerts you to how many assholes fly by way too close and way too fast on their bikes

[@Schradermusic]

@Mathew Bishop Do you know what "vice versa" means?

[@mindaugasdovydaitis3501]

Caption competition: Drop the phone, get dropped in a sprint

[@edwardsihler]

I suspect somewhere at GCN mega-base there is a box with the following label, " If you take Hank out of the box you are responsible for: care and feeding tell returned. Please be sure to launder and fold before returning Hank, Hank is to be returned in the same condition he was collected" with a scribbled note on the side, "Ensure Hank is dry prior to folding to avoid creases and mold"

[@gcn]

Hahahaha! We hope Ashleigh hasn't lost the note as we're sending him on to Christian Meier next!! 🤣

[@boronsniify]

You know, there probably is!

[@homerunhomeshow7201]

YES! Peter Sagan tilts the "one of the greats" scale Simon. My opinion is how got shorted on TDP stage opportunities when he got DQ'd vs Cavendish, and the crash with Ewan. Both were early stages and cut his Tour stage potentials.

[@mq3868]

+2 and rainy versus -30C (before windchill). Yeah, +2 and wet anytime please. A dry cold is fine for activity until the temp drops below -20C. Anything below that is cold AF and it chills you to the bone while risking frost bite on your feet. Such conditions are best described by most sane people as hellish, or as we call it in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, late January.

[@nelsonguerrero2099]

Hey guys thanks for bringing attention to this all important matter of road rage. My riding buddy and I use the three Ahole rule each time we ride. Each time we go riding we allow for three Aholes before allowing ourselves to get angry. I find this approach very effective as in most instances we only come across 1 or 2 Aholes.

[@ojtibi9906]

I disagree with Si's 'secret police network' description, especially in places where local law enforcement does not, for a lack of a better word, actively enforce. These cycle cams keep drivers in check; what good is a license if you're only a good driver when somebody's looking? On top of that, on-bike video footage works pretty much like a dashcam and can be used as evidence against intentionally malicious driving. In my part of the world, intentionally bad and even categorically aggressive driving is such a pain and footage captured during these incidents are quite essential and are tactically useful; if the authorities - like police, for example - won't hear you out, you can still post to social media. From what I also understand, even in the UK these things happen (thanks, RoadCC 'Near Miss Of The Day'), and only with public clamor will the police re-evaluate the submissions. Also, it would be fun to see Connor and Marcel on a ride (date?) on my island before Valentines!

[@edgarfernandez8737]

I also get that uncomfortable 'get out of my way' feeling if using a cycle bell when overtaking pedestrians. Best and most friendly way I have found to overtake other path users is to whistle a song from the distance as you approach or even sing something. You get noticed but in a very friendly way and you show that you are happy, respectful and approachable on your ride.

[@gcn]

That sounds very friendly! What's your go to whistling tune? 🎶

[@alexanderscott2567]

I haven't been run down since 1976, and since stringently avoid contact with heavy metal. Older now (and not as swift on my wheels), my DS urban assault cycle has a wheelbase of exactly 1M. Very maneuverable and 76 degrees of rake keeps it on the rails at speed. Even the most dilligent redneck in a diesel Dodge pickup truck can't tag me. My beef is with Saturday morning park karens, who gather on the cycle path with their freshly gromed dogs, to argue about whom has hired the most expensive dog trainer. A cycle bell will not phase any karen of such standing. On the other hand, it's Saturday morning and I'm just riding, not really going anywhere. So I stop, smile, ring again and they slowly trundle their angry asses out of the way. Ride and smile!

[@you_down_with_pjc]

If everyone left five minutes earlier, road rage would disappear

[@gcn]

Everyone does always seem to be in a rush!

[@nickhumphrey4833]

I think the way forward is to change the culture, educate inform and implement legislative changes. Im writing this from Newcastle's RVI hospital having a bike accident caused by a motorist travelling at 60 mph. Two weeks ago while cycling to work (Teaching in Schools) the motorist hit me from behind causing a broken neck, c5, and c6 vertabrae, a partial de-gloving of my right calf, breaking, my scapula, clavicle and rotator cuff. It was dark but I had lights that kicked out 1300 lumens, so equivalent to standard halogen car headlights. Im having my final op tomorrow wish me luck. Im starting to question whether cycling to work is safe. I love doing it- it sets me up for the day. Im think at the moment im in favour of greater scrutiny on motorists, eg cameras. But I don't have a definitive answer about what the solution is.

[@AndrewOliverHome]

To change behaviour you have to change how people think, changing the law comes second (if at all). People calling for more regulation or tougher sentencing have the wrong take, authoritarianism never works. The bad behaviour is stirred up by low quality media, Clarkson et al. Anger and division sell papers and drives clicks.

[@ltrtg13]

Si could always use a air horn. The Air Zound is a good horn. It's also better for the environment as you can connect an pump and re-inflate when you used it to let others know your somewhere near by.

[@michaeljoseph6515]

I love the AirZound. It often made an inattentive driver stop and pay attention when about to pull in front of you. They were looking for a huge truck not a bike with a loud horn.

[@birdergirlrs]

Hi, Simon. The reason a bell is better than one's voice is that it can be heard from farther away. Waiting until you're on top of that pedestrian (who most likely has earbuds in any way) to announce your presence could result in them jumping, possibly right into your path. I also pass many early morning dog-walkers and want to make sure their pet stays securely out of the way as I pass. While we're at it, I can't count how many times I've been snuck up on and surprised by other cyclists on paths and trails who didn't make any noise at all and startled the crap out of me as they went by without a word. Unfortunately, bikes don't bestow courtesy. It takes a little effort but makes us all safer.

[@MeFreeBee]

Bells are brilliant when used correctly in the right context. I often use the Thames towpath, both as a cyclist and pedestrian. Ding your bell early just to help people be aware you are approaching and give them time to be able to decide how they want to let you pass. If you wait until you're right up behind them it can be interpreted as "Get out my way!!!" when on a shared use path pedestrians should have priority.

[@cumpootuhruser9355]

I try to use my bell as sparingly as possible. If possible, I safely pass without using my bell at all, and only use it when I'm unable to find a way through (such as when there's a group walking side-by-side). I'm not sure whether this seems more like I just want pedestrians out of my way, but in my mind it's out of respect for pedestrians and not wanting to require them to move if it's not strictly necessary.

[@markclevedon81]

An interesting discussion re. road rage and safety. My attitude has indeed changed over the years and despite a potentially catastrophic crash into a car exiting a junction in my mid 20s, I am more inclined to be considerate and to give way. The problem is attitude, entitlement and ignorance but let's face it I rarely encounter problems during my 80-100 miles a week cycling. I suspect that social media and the proliferation of KZbin videos (GCN not included!) send out the wrong message of careless and selfish cyclists in city centres who don't follow rules and inflict injuries. This leads to the assumption that we are all the same and of course justifies dangerous "punishment" driving and rage but with a refusal to acknowledge our vulnerability. The message has been firmly and justifiably hammered home in respect of horse riders or risks outside of schools but now it is the turn of cycling. Let's get that message out there.

[@robt8042]

Sagan definitely one of the greatest!

[@wojciechk607]

The answer is easy but hard to recreate in the real world. So almost all cyclists are drivers but other way round is different. Drivers should, from time to time, do some road cycling and "feel" how it looks like on the other side. They should also be pedestrians for some time. Then they'll understand. That's the only way I believe. That's how I changed from being an selfish car driver asshole (because I used to drive anywhere - only drive) into a person which thinks about the others (because now I use all sorts of transportation, mainly foot/bike).

[@DaveCM]

The "toot" button on a car, I don't think is a horrible idea. Often times I don't hear cars coming up behind me and I like it when they give a short, friendly "toot" on their horn before they pass. I know what they are doing. My wife did buy me a Garmin Varia last Christmas and that thing is a game changer for me.

[@wrightwoodwork]

I personally think its better to get a toot than being hit. People need to stop getting upset with a toot

[@jonburnell532]

I don't mind a toot either. There is a massive difference between a quick toot and leaning on the horn as they pass.

[@vittocrazi]

@@wrightwoodwork a spook while riding can lead to an accident.

[@wrightwoodwork]

@@vittocrazi we are talking a toot from a distance just to let a rider know you're coming past. I guess you've never cycled in Spain where it is far more common for drivers to toot to let you know of there presence. We are not talking a blast of the horn. Stop being so touchy

[@ericrichardson7575]

I really appreciate a small toot and give a thumbs up to them. When driving though I almost never toot... there's seldom a need as I have room or wait.

[@princeandrew5430]

100%! Bike paths are the devil! They are designed stupidly. All of my accidents have happened on badly designed bike paths

[@nigellee2350]

Regarding the use of a bell. I prefer to verbally say 'ding ding' to alert pedestrians and follow that with 'I am hoping to get a bell for my birthday'. Always gets a smile 😁

[@BixbyConsequence]

I like a bell because it carries further than a soft voice, and a loud voice seems rude (and is sometimes not even manageable if your throat is dry, for example). And for most people around here a bell is instantly recognizable as coming from an approaching cyclist.

[@nigellee2350]

@@BixbyConsequence I guess that at my low speed I don't need to shout. If I were going quicker then I would need a bell to give more warning.

[@thomascdurham9130]

Si, what world are you living in? Most people walking on shared bike paths are buried in their music or on their phone. I ring my bell a good distance before I even reach them... And here in NYC, although rarely enforced but having a bell in the big apple is the law!

[@JeffRElliott]

I try to control my reactions because I don't want to get upset every time I ride the bike. It's what I do for fun and stress relief and if I got upset every time someone put me at risk I would never be able to relax. Basically every time I ride someone passes me dangerously so it's imperative that I let it go.

[@gcn]

It's frustrating isn't it! It's great to hear that you have found ways of dealing with it, do yo also plot routes that avoid busy areas? 👀

[@cumpootuhruser9355]

@@gcn I've gotten so used to flipping off motorists that sometimes I barely realize I'm doing it. Honestly it's a lot less stressful when it's happened so many times you lose track of all the bad drivers. But it's still worth riding a bike, because as a former motorist I know even with the stressors of riding a bike, the fact that I am riding a bike can be a method of reducing stress. Motorists don't have that benefit. So for me riding a bike is in itself one of the ways I cope with the stress of riding a bike. That, and watching urbanist KZbin videos, which helps because it gives me a clearer idea of the problem and a concrete solution. Even if we don't have the infrastructure today, advocating for bike-friendly infrastructure is a good way for me to feel less powerless in regards to bike safety. We all know the angry cyclist stereotype... Where's the angry motorist stereotype? Or does that just get bundled with the "everyone else sucks" mindset because motorists see themselves as the default and cyclists as the exception... Related: I am not a "Cyclist" (and most Dutch people aren't either) kzbin.info/www/bejne/rH7IlWSnmMp9lbM

[@leanneearle3652]

Being a cyclist has definitely made me a safer and more conscientious driver. I also make sure to wave or say thank you to any driver actually following the rules of the road. At the end of the day, I can do as much as I can to keep myself safe, but it comes down to that one person not paying attention to their driving (I don't want to die, so please don't kill me)

[@paulallan1032]

For me, the bike bell has always meant "heads up" not "get out of my way"... I often call, "passing on the left", or "on your left" (we usually pass on the left here) I hate traffic, (I trust that all motor vehicle drivers want me dead) and avoid busier roads when I can. I always assume that I am the only one watching out for my safety, so I ride super defensively.

[@brannmacfinnchad9056]

I make the same assumption.

[@bartmullin8018]

Worst thing on bike paths is pedestrian groups not walking single-file or at least on one side of the lane if they're chatting and being completely oblivious to their surroundings. Groups of joggers are the worst offenders for clogging up bike-paths; obliviously chatting, focused too much on their running, and/or earbudded. Found hikers and trail-runners sometimes who are oblivious to their surroundings (earbuds usually the culprit) on single-track sections sometimes and i have a bell; hugely good p.r. device and i can ride without having to stop as much. Also, other non-mtb trail users will thank me at times for the consideration shown or be out of the way by the time I actually pass them. Most of the Enduro/trail f.s. or aggressive hard-tail bike crew do not have bells; clashes with their bike decor... Oddly enough, I've had Far less road-rage incidents on mountain two-laners (only once, motorist was lucky my fighting skills are rubbish or...). In the city/suburbia, every so often I get treated to a driver or passenger road-raging; the latter raging, why?? They usually get informed about the entities their mothers had congress with or the fact they should engage in autoerotic congress frequently & often.

[@mxkstfmk]

I think most of us know: A mild answer turns away rage, But a harsh word stirs up anger.- Proverbs 15:1. Even though it's the tough thing to do the result is always the best.

[@curtvaughan2836]

BTW, I thought Peter Sagan's win of Paris - Roubaix was one of the most exciting one day races I ever witnessed.

[@gcn]

It was a great race! Paris - Roubaix never disappoints though 🙌

[@fop6033]

Ill admit, I get really angry when I'm out there running and cycling and have to deal with shitty drivers. But as someone who has been hit multiple times now I don't really care anymore. You almost nail me? Enjoy your spit wad on your windshield. Sorry not sorry.

[@robert_mn]

I use a loud bell simply because most of the people walking down the same path I'm riding are wearing headphones and won't hear you otherwise

[@cumpootuhruser9355]

I find that with a loud bell people often still don't notice it. Even people who aren't wearing headphones sometimes won't notice my bell until I ring it a second time. And I have a pretty loud bell. It's amazing what people can fail to notice due to inattentional blindness.

[@matthewkalb7269]

Since Lizzy Deignan is back in the peloton why don't yall put her back on "And now it's time for cycling shorts"

[@bcschafer]

I don’t know if this is done all over the USA or just where I live but in my town on the mixed use trail when cycling up behind a walker we say “on your left” to let them know you are there and passing them on the left. It usually generates a quick wave or nod of acknowledgment but occasionally does cause a leap off the trail and a frustrated look.

[@cumpootuhruser9355]

I've had occasions where I say "on your left" and the person thinks I'm asking them to move to the left so I can pass them on their right. Bells make the situation much less awkward.

[@gcn]

This does get used in the UK and can be a great way to let please know where you are. Do you ever find that people end up jumping to the left when you shout left? 😂

[@bcschafer]

@@gcn That does happen sometimes. I try to say it far enough back so I have time to react if they get it wrong. That whole right/left thing can be tricky.

[@cumpootuhruser9355]

@@gcn People do that pretty frequently around here. In my personal experience, people are almost more likely to move to their left than they are to move to the right. Plus, there are plenty of people who just get confused and don't know how to react, so they just sorta stay where they are. I've pretty much given up on the whole "on your left" thing and just use a bell.

[@coreyreeder3549]

I actually crashed over my Frenemy, Jake, while attempting this. He changed sides three times without looking. Haha. I went over my bars and we both ended up in the woods off the bike path. It’s actually funny now.

[@FurySpyder]

#CaptionCompetition "Hi Fabio, quick question .... would you prefer a wet sausage roll or a cold sausage roll?"

[@richardharris8538]

When I first moved to Ottawa, Ontario, I was driving home from work on a two-lane road with good bike lanes when I noticed something strange. Ahead of me I noticed cars were pulling out into the middle of the road, then back in. It was like watching machinery, 100% compliance. When the car pulling out was just a few ahead of me, I spotted a cyclist in the bike lane. (He was riding in a straight line.) This level of courtesy is common here, nevertheless, I've still had some close passes that've put me off from riding on the road.

[@gcn]

Great to hear that you have some good experiences in your area! Do you think that is down the road user culture or is that due to improved infrastructure? 👀

[@richardharris8538]

Those two options aren't independent of one another. UK roads are narrower and more congested than those over here. There are few traffic jams here, (Don Valley Parking Lot excepted - although it was fine when I last drove on it), so Canadian drivers typically aren't as desperate as British drivers to get ahead of other road users. Cyclists here benefit from this. And, of course, Canadians are famously polite.

[@judosteffer]

We always give people that close pass us a cheery wave. This usually confuses the hell out of them, and I think they often wonder if they knew who the cyclist was or if they know them, hopefully making them think about it for weeks afterwards and worry that they might have close passed a neighbour/friend etc, and hopefully they will take more care next time. Try it out and you'll see what I mean how confused the drivers get.

[@bruuhhhh]

Glad you touched on other cyclists being dodgy road users, I have as many times being frustrated at other cyclists as I do with cars

[@vydkeryx9524]

Car Drivers & Cyclists are NOT comparable. One severly injures, the other only fustrates!

[@bruuhhhh]

@@vydkeryx9524 drivers are definitely more dangerous but I wouldn't underestimate the danger of a cyclist because they can cause cars to swerve or suddenly brake, and a cyclist can also easily force you to swerve into a ditch so I wouldn't say they only frustrate

[@bruuhhhh]

@@vydkeryx9524 agree 100%

[@vydkeryx9524]

@@Bu-22 please provide data for bicycle caused car wrecks w serious injury to car driver. Most riders know the life v death of real roads and absolutely know they must be aggressive and protect themselves instead of passive & dead. Please chime in everyone - (until genuine safety is universal) bike riders are better off aggressive or dead in traffic?

[@CxCPromech]

Try driving your favorite bike ride sometime, and realize there is no room for cyclists safely on it... change your perspective..

[@billcodey1430]

This was the strangest GCN episode I have watched in the last 5 years.

[@blueyhills]

The worst episode.

[@scottf3456]

I always thought everybody said either on your left/right. Still scares the crap out of some people tho.

[@michaelsrealm9365]

Here in Amerika! Where guns are prolific and stupid people have access to them, getting into a confrontation can become deadly. So, getting a license plate number and police if you are injured is the way to go.

[@andrewkingdon9032]

There is a small minority of drivers who are actively dangerous and need to be removed from driving for the sake of all road users (and need licence point bans enforced). There's a bigger proportion of motorists who are careless and need educating. A small minority of very aggressive cyclists who's behaviour gives the rest of as a bad name.

[@SailingWayfinders]

#captioncompetition Team DSM seen here is partnering with Youfone whilst Soudal-Quick-Step is apparently partnering with Facefone.

[@wotexpat9367]

So many drivers say “You don’t pay road tax”. Well, most cyclists also own cars and this DO pay car tax, so it’s a moot point. Also, it strikes me as weird that drivers complain about cyclists - since that means one more car off the road and thus congestion is a little less. If anything drivers would want more cyclists on the road rather than fewer.

[@WhitneyOpfar]

I think a big part of bad driving is them not understanding what it is like to be a cyclists or a pedestrian. So a punishment for road rage or negligence should be forcing them to commute as a cyclist and see what it feels like.

[@johnandrews3568]

More than a few times I've had close calls and been able to catch up, knock on the window and explain rationally what just about happened and eight times out of 10 it ends reasonably. That 20 percent I have had a dick comment which then gets them an earful of expletives and calling out at the intersection... which is best in summer when people have windows down and lots of pedestrians who often flip the bird at them along with me. But usually they'll get rational me unless something seriously assy has been done or I got knocked down.

[@jani724]

Thr new gcn rain cape in silver is 🔥🔥

[@grahamaustin9085]

The most annoying thing about some motorists is their arrogant assumption that we are only on a bike because we can't drive. Fortunately most drivers are reasonable people though.

[@jonasvieth]

#captioncompetition yes darling I know you are trying to adjust your sram front derailleur but I can’t help you I’m in a race.

[@gregvassilakos]

I ride with front and rear blinky lights, front and rear video cameras, and rear facing radar. The blinky lights help alert drivers. The radar helps alert me. The cameras are for evidence when the police find my broken bike and body in a ditch at the side of the road.

[@jimlingmusicchannel]

I live in Markham, Toronto for 5 years now and I cycle everyday even during winter. I find that most drivers are respectful to cyclists, although there're always exceptions, I just try to anticipate any possible accident. It's better to be safe than sorry.:)

[@simonrichardson7808]

Caption: "Hello Opi, Hello Omi, no I can't really talk right now"

[@roberth7558]

Caption Competition: I've heard of face time but this is ridiculous

[@shadowbird]

I see a lot of bicycle riders texting .. I even have a Jersey that says look up !!

[@yf55jxy]

Connor murdering the pronunciation of all the places in the Philippines 🙄

[@JL-ui4zn]

If a driver puts my life at risk they forfeit their side mirror.

[@JL-ui4zn]

@D. W. 300 side mirrors later I am still riding

[@JL-ui4zn]

@D. W. Still riding baby. Sometimes I carry a brick and toss it at their windshield too.

[@wesleygibbs6499]

I've been cycling on my local Southern California roads for the better part of 20 years and cannot tell you how many times I have had close calls, I've been hit 3 times and bumped by moving cars who knows how many times, even had a wing mirror clip me once on a busy stretch of PCH. I've seen drivers get progressively more ill-willed towards cyclists as cities have attempted to make it safer. Drivers truly hate the share roads (where bikes may use the entire lane) and constantly feel the need to berate me or get unnecessarily close when I'm just following the law. There is a definite lack of education and lack of sign reading and I do echo that there needs to be continuing education on new road laws. Cyclists do have their place in creating a toxic atmosphere by running stop signs, red lights, cutting across traffic, using pedestrian crosswalks, etc. but the reality is that in the SUV vs. cyclist world, the SUV always wins and the cyclist dies. In that scenario, it is almost always avoidable and there need to be incredibly harsh sentences (real jail time and loss of license) for vehicle offenders in cyclist and pedestrian accidents.

[@KlemenSuligojTri]

Caption: Loyal fan gives Fabio Jakobsen some well deserved face time.

[@vermilionink]

In my experience drivers don't tend to feel ashamed of their bad behavior when cyclists yell at them, they just get angrier and more opposed to "entitled" bikes being allowed on "their" roads. I could yell all day, but satisfy myself with a frustrated gesture. I don't want to take the chance of an angry driver pursuing me and using their car to run me down deliberately (which is unfortunately far too real a possibility and happened just a few blocks from my office only yesterday).

[@brannmacfinnchad9056]

I've had that happen with my "frustrated gesture". Close pass on ice roads, *gesture*, follows me threatening to kick my @ss.

[@vermilionink]

@@brannmacfinnchad9056 That's for sure. I even try to keep my gestures very...nonspecific? for exactly that reason.

[@mikemacdonald9718]

Caption: Spectators taking the old AT&T phone jingle seriously "Reach out and Touch Someone!"

[@AHURKY]

Coner is 2.04m in height! Who the hell is going to argue with him? 🤔

[@archieatkinson2063]

#Captioncompetition Weve been trying to reach you about your cars extended warranty

[@petersteadman841]

I find a short skid behind a pedestrian works better than saying anything.

[@Hill_Walker]

Nuances callers are causing real headaches in the pro peloton! #captioncompetition

[@Jackrabbit49er]

Sir, we've been trying to reach out to you about your bike's extended warranty. #captioncontest

[@paulbrown5111]

Using a mobile phone whilst driving, should be on a par with drink driving - a 12 months driving ban.

[@budycelyn]

cycle path rage lol. i passed a guy today he was walking and had headphones on, didn't hear my bell or me saying passing on your right, but he decided i was going too fast when i passed him he shouted about it, i was going 6 mph according to my wahoo.

[@kylehagertybanana]

Go faster, then you don’t have to hear stupid complaints

[@JerryHilts]

Caption Competition: "Should fans be kept further from riders during sprint finishes? It's a tough call."

[@karelvanoorschot9323]

I am a simple man, as a Belgian when my country is mentioned I like the video.