Idiot Cyclists.

Hi there CostaCruiser, seems like somebody has rattled your cage, whatever it is I'm sure "their" side of the story differs from yours....

As a keen cyclist and driver (I passed my test in 1977) and as such have seen a vast change in sheer number of vehicles on the roads, and in the behavioural attitudes of both motorists and cyclists alike. I agree that there are some carefree, careless and dangerous (to themselves and others) cyclists on the roads, but the same can be said of erratic, impatient snd inconsiderate drivers too, and I'm guessing you fall into this category...

When passing a cyclist, do you give them plenty of room in case they hit a pothole or get pushed across by a gust of wind or are in a position where they may drift across in front of you, or are you one of those idiots who tries their best to hit the cyclist with their wing mirror? I know which element I'd categorise you in...! The law of the land in Spain and the U.K is that cyclists are allowed the same road width space as a normal sized vehicle, so bear that in mind as you try to make life uncomfortable for the cyclist.

Instead of being a bigoted anti-cyclist loonie yourself, you should bear in mind that cycling a) does not pollute the atmosphere and b) helps people to maintain a healthier lifestyle, even reducing the need for pills and medication to keep them healthy. I bet your CO2 emissions cause more harm to the environment than any cyclist would do ?!

May I suggest that instead of ranting and raving about cyclists making your life hell (?), you get up off your sofa and out of your fuel guzzling, air-conditioned vehicle and try it for yourself - you never know, you might actually enjoy it!

Incidentally, I passed my Cycling Proficiency Test back in 1975, gaining a mark of 100% :-)

Well Steve I'm so glad you actually passed your Cycling Proficiency Test and may I suggest that you and I are in the minority.

I always give cyclists as much room as possible as if you pass too close you get a load of verbal abuse, similar to that which

you give to me, also knowing they have no insurance I've no wish to have them scrape my car.

Some weeks ago at the traffic lights in San Miguel I was turning right on a green light when a cyclist shot the red light and hit

my drivers door. Fortunately there was a witness, a Spanish lady who explained the situation to the Guardia otherwise, I've

no doubt, it would have been my fault (!) As it was I had to pay for the damage.

I'm not against cyclists, I do ride myself, it's the unthinking selfish idiots who seem to think that every road is a racetrack and

spread themselves, quite often, across both carriageways with no thought of the danger they're creating.

So sorry if I rattled your cage..................!!!

Yes but there are some inconsiderate I own this bit of road twits on bicycles that don't realize that a motor vehicle can't alter direction on a 5 cent coin.

Point in question, I am driving an HGV in London with my offside wheel almost on the center line due to parked cars, a bus coming the other way is similarly positioned, suicidal cyclist riding down center line tries to get through the space between us and shouts and swears because we get in HIS way. One of many incidents that occur between motorists and cyclists in London daily. These people don't do cyclists any favors.   

P.S. Like you I ride a bike as well and a motorized bike.

I love old Spain, walk home down the middle of the road after having a few too many late in the evenings:...

Who is to say it's a fuel 'guzzling' car, could very well be electric as many are. Your response alone seems to highlight the entitlements that many cyclists seem to have. On the road a cyclist must obey the traffic laws, not just the ones that they find suit them. 

Bruce, back in 2016 when the message you were answering was posted there were not that many electric cars about, in fact very few in Spain, so Steve was probably correct.

 Interesting though that in 7 years the arguments between cyclists and drivers have not changed that much, though the law is very much on the side of the cyclist now. In my view a bigger hazard today are those riding electric scooters, dodging about all over the place, usually without helmets or lights!

 Aitch.

I agree that it was old and unfortunately not much has improved. Having been a number of times the last year i find that Spain and France seem to have cyclists where they believe they are training for the Olympics and don't care what the rules are. They are clear, and were revised last year in Spain. The packs of bikes are NOT allowed on public roads ,so the Saturday and Sunday packs of 20-40 bikes going significantly under the speed limit on highways is illegal according to the references i could find. 

1. Cyclists may ride 2 abreast as long as they stay as far to the right of the road as possible, except on stretches with poor visibility or when traffic is dense. Cars, for their part, must observe a side distance of 1.5m when overtaking cyclists.

2. Bicycles are vehicles and cyclists are expected to respect the traffic rules just like drivers do.

3. Stopping at traffic lights: (see above)
If you jump the lights or fail to stop you could be subject to the same fine as other vehicles on the road.

4. Lights: All bikes must have front and rear lights when going through a tunnel or when cycling through poorly lit areas. The same applies in poor light i.e early morning or late evening

5. Helmets: On the majority of roads you are required to wear a helmet. Only on non-urban roads you are not required to do so. If you are under the age of 16 you are required by law always to wear a helmet.

6. Cyclists should always carry photo ID

trying to share the road is always best for all users, but cyclists seem to have this sense of entitlement more now than ever. And yes i do ride often both on and off road so i'm a 'user' as described.