Drivers in Sydney

[Tomas]

Just an observation: i've been pleasantly surprised with how good motorists have been in Sydney recently. Drivers have given me nice gaps, long indications, conservative merges for weeks now. I think that the weekday commuters are well used to having motorbikes do reckless shit so give me a wide birth?

People always seem to bitch about drivers (and fuck, it only takes one to kill you), so credit where credit is due. Keep it up Sydney north commuter-drivers.

What do people think? Standard of drivers in Australia improving?

(massive edit: i still cry with how bad drivers are every time i go through the city, but I think awareness of cyclists and motorcyclists is improving.)

[Uncle Grumpy]

Sydney, Australia?

Seriously, I have had few problems and the problems I have had were from the sort of knuckle dragging mouth breathers who think UFC is one of the creative arts and endangering someone's safety is a sport. They don't really count as bad drivers so much as plain phuckwits.

A lot of it comes down to riding properly, leaving no doubt as to your intentions and all that. A lot of credit probably goes to you for your own actions as a cyclist.

You get judged by your actions and respect is a 2 way thing. Having said that, it's pleasing to see you haven't had any negatives and I hope that doesn't change. Stay safe!

Grumps

[Lorday]

I'd say it is due to the growing number of cyclist I'm seeing cycling in the city. Fair call all in all.

Edit: saying that I've been turned across 3 times today and have an attempted on t-boning me but that's the worse it's been in a while.

[TOU93]

Seriously, I have had few problems and the problems I have had were from the sort of knuckle dragging mouth breathers who think UFC is one of the creative arts and endangering someone's safety is a sport. They don't really count as bad drivers so much as plain phuckwits.


Grumps

Bahahahaha, It's soo funny because it's true. Riding in the CBD of brisbane is scary! Vancouver and Montreal were fine but 1000000 of people in canada ride on the road.

[Ride True]

Cycling, especially commuters, are getting alot more exposure now through the different media avenues and I think we (as cyclist) are beginning to see/experience the benefits.

Heading into winter there may not be as many bikes on the road but come this summer, the sport of cycling will take off

Motorists are so much more aware of cyclist then ever before IMO and with the ongoing support of councils and other parties, it will only get better.

[Drummerboy]

Glad to hear things have been going well for you on the lower north shore, Norwest Business Park is generally a disaster... be it on a bike, in a car or sometimes even walking!

I have been off the bike for a couple of weeks because I have been sick, but when I ride I always have assume that people just can't see me, I have been nearly cleaned up so many times I've lost count. At least it isn't far to the nearest bike path, where I can take a big breath and relax!

An aside - two nights ago I was in my car turning off Norwest Blvd on to Old Windsor Rd and a bloke on a motorbike totally carved me up, when I gave him a toot to let him know I was actually there, and I wasn't happy with being carved up he flipped me the bird! This man is a temporary Australian... end rant.

[donny70]

I mostly ride the pavement now after a few narrow scrapes in the past. I'm willing to wear the fine. I do make way for any walkers and ride slow past them, all a matter of respect really.

That being said I got pulled up for it recently and all I did was point at the road (ride on that?) Nuf said! Got let off...

[Uncle Grumpy]

That being said I got pulled up for it recently and all I did was point at the road (ride on that?) Nuf said! Got let off...

Step 1: As soon as you realise you're being pulled over, hock up a ripper and spit on your sleeve. Be discreet.

Step 2: With an agitated yet polite tone, ask the Police Officer "where were you when the passenger in that blue Falcon told me to "get off the fucking road" and then spat on me!? I'm sorry officer, I'm just a bit rattled. The wing mirror nearly clipped my elbow... and... and..." look away and take a few deep breaths to compose yourself.

Step 3: Thank the officer for his empathy as he lets you off.

I don't condone breaking the law but self preservation is a smart move.

Grumps

[chamois]

Norwest Business Park

where do you work? i'm on norwest blvd opp hillsong.

i come in from the m7 and today i drove past a commuter @ quakers parkway and he beat me to the top of the hill at bunnings...

[Ride True]

Anyone know how much the fine is if booked?