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As we wake, sleep-deprived and sweaty, to another day of scorching temperatures, those of us forced or choosing to cycle in this week’s stifling conditions have probably noticed a drop in speed (at least I did, when I went out for ‘relaxing’ rest day spin in the – slightly – more benign clime of Northern Ireland. Probably shouldn’t have gone near any hills, mind you).
Guardian journalist Peter Walker was one of the many cyclists easing off in the heat on their commute to and from work yesterday.
However, the political correspondent noted on Twitter that his slower speed appeared to attract a greater number of aggressive, Must Get in Front drivers:
Cycling home in the open-oven-door heat was fine, temperature wise – I just rode a couple of gears lower than usual. But notable how a speed reduction brings out so many more of the MGIF* driving brigade. There’s a reason so many London bike commuters are speedy lycra types.
— Peter Walker (@peterwalker99) July 18, 2022
Walker’s argument was supported by most of Cycling Twitter, with some noting the correlation between segregated infrastructure and cyclists riding their bikes at a comfortable pace:
As a “lycra for commuting” type, going as fast as I bloody can while not breaking traffic laws (not very often anyway) I got to agree. I see so many more MGIF incidents on cyclists that choose to travel at a slower pace (as is entirely the cyclists choice and right) than I suffer
— lord nick allison (@NickEngineer) July 18, 2022
It should not be this way, for slower riders. They should feel safe and free to ride at any damn speed they like.
Note, it’s significantly better in London than I’ve experienced in other cities. Yes, Birmingham and Manchester, I’m looking at you specifically.— lord nick allison (@NickEngineer) July 18, 2022
I can confirm that this isn’t London specific. Am 7 months pregnant and lost between 4 and 5 mph off my typical ride pace, drivers are noticeably more aggressive. Thing is I’m still averaging 13 or 14mph so I fear things must be really bad for leisure riding.
— Emma Pulsford (@EmmaPulsford) July 18, 2022
This is one of the issues of not separating transport modes: many people riding bikes are pushed to ride faster than they’d ideally like, just to stay ‘out of harms way’ ☹️
This becomes abundantly clear in cities with segregated bike infra where they can ride at a chosen pace.
— Andrew 🏳️🌈 🇪🇺 🚲🏂 💙 (@monsieurballard) July 18, 2022
Another Lycra for commuting type here ✋ I wasn’t aware I was doing this, but yeah, I guess I give it some beans to get overtaken less. It’s telling home much I willingly slow down on the nice new bike paths because it’s nice to do so
— Scoober (@Scoober84) July 19, 2022
Agree strongly. When I first started commuting in London, it was, frankly, terrifying. As I got stronger and fitter, I found the increased speed made me feel a lot safer. That needs to change if we want as many people out of their cars and cycling as possible.
— Bang Average 3rd Cat (@BangAverageCat3) July 18, 2022
The more capable you look of catching them up further down the road, the less likely MGIFs etc are to cut you up
— Richard Hallett (@hallettrichard) July 18, 2022
Yes, really noticed it last night when riding at 20 km/h rather than my standard 30+. I was riding my only bike without a camera mount otherwise I could have sent in half a dozen. Also noticeable, as during lockdown, how lower traffic levels encourage some to use excessive speed.
— Rendel Harris (@Rendel_Harris) July 19, 2022
Absolutely. Cycling feels a lot safer when you’re matching traffic speed – and a lot more enjoyable when you’re on protected infrastructure and don’t have to.
— Sam Wilkin (@MrSamWilkin) July 19, 2022
Though others were less appreciative of the need for speed when it comes to dealing with close passing motorists:
Really disappointed at the cyclists on this thread. I’m in my 60s and have cycled commuted most of my life. I want to go at a steady easy going pace and not have to bust a gut to do over 10mph
— Huw Jones (@HuwLabourLeftie) July 18, 2022
I find slowing down, taking it easy, breathing and being calm is extremely helpful out there (took me years to figure it out 😂). Getting caught up in the rat race means you just end up racing to reds with all the drivers 🤮. Big, high bars beat drop bars for me nowadays too
— Brazel (@Brazelephantman) July 19, 2022
What do you think? Do slower speeds lead to more close passes and aggressive overtakes, potentially limiting the kind of cyclists who can safely commute in busy areas?
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