Low cycles

[Goodfellers]

What are other road users views on low cycles?

Did a run over to Tongue yesterday and nearly got taken out twice by tourists (that is a guess) drifting across the road looking at scenery rather than concentrating on driving. I bet a few tourists would not have seen this vehicle in time. Hope he made it safely home

Skinny tyres, dark clothing and not bothering to raise flag, doesn't help himself though.

[mi16]

What are other road users views on low cycles?Did a run over to Tongue yesterday and nearly got taken out twice by tourists (that is a guess) drifting across the road looking at scenery rather than concentrating on driving. I bet a few tourists would not have seen this vehicle in time. Hope he made it safely homeSkinny tyres, dark clothing and not bothering to raise flag, doesn't help himself though.

looks like a recumbent bike to me, slightly unusual but not that uncommon, if you cant see that then you shouldn't be on the road

[Goodfellers]

Saw it from miles away as I pay attention. One missed pothole equals new wheel or worse, me coming off. Problem is holiday makers spent too long enjoying the view whilst still driving. People on holiday seem to have a different mindset, like nothing bad will ever happen. Went to northern Thailand/Burma a couple of years ago with a group of friends and their riding was shocking compared to riding in the UK because they were on holiday. Weird what happens to peoples perception of danger.

Ps I always wear fluro because I want to stand as much chance as possible of being seen. Some drivers around here need all the help going to see motorcycles.

[mi16]

indeed, I usually adorn a hi vis jacket whilst out cycling.Cant bee too visible

[Fulmar]

Yes, I'm the same- high viz every time and even that is not always enough, so it seems.
I have an issue with European drivers of camper vans who regularly pass far too close- and I'm inside the white line, when I can manage it and practically on the verge!
The vast majority of drivers are good though, I think.

[mi16]

Yes, I'm the same- high viz every time and even that is not always enough, so it seems.I have an issue with European drivers of camper vans who regularly pass far too close- and I'm inside the white line, when I can manage it and practically on the verge!The vast majority of drivers are good though, I think.

Dont ride on the gutter line, I find it much safer sitting out a couple of feet from the verge, I keeps you out of the dirty stuff and forces the approaching vehicle to slow down on most occasions.You will still get the idiot drivers but it protects you a little more.The amount of cars that squeeze by is scary, they should be in the opposite lane when overtaking not 6" from your shoulder.

[Goodfellers]

As this is my first encounter with a recumbent cycle (thanks for the correct name mi16) I thought I would do a quick bit of research. all the user group members forums are full of questions on how to make the cycle as visible as possible due to near death experiences. It seems that no matter how many lights or flags you have someone is always going to claim they didn't see you. The advice is have the flags and lights or the insurance payout from the car drivers insurance is lowered considerably. My concern yesterday was for the guys safety.