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Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - Georgie (30th Apr 2015 - 19:54:59) Hi There is a man that cycles through Bramshott, occasionally passing through Church Road, at 8.30am,....does anyone know who this man is? On 2 separate occasions, he has been verbally abusive towards me, as a driver. sadly, i have been unable to manage to stop him, in his cycling tracks, to confront him. He uses rude, and obscene hand gestures, and shouts!.....i personally would like to meet him. Does anyone know, who this man is??...I pity his wife and children, (if he has any)...arrogant, aggressive, ignorant man!

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - Lizzy (30th Apr 2015 - 23:23:43) Oh NO! Has Jeremy Clarkson moved into Bramshott?

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - David (1st May 2015 - 00:18:06) I haven't met a 'MAMIL' (middle aged man in Lycra) who isn't arrogant. Get off our roads, get a mountain bike & maybe the camera on your helmet would be there for your enjoyment, not for your "protection".

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - Finchie (1st May 2015 - 07:23:50) David, Lovely. Luckily 99% of the population are bright and intelligent and will read your response for what it is. I'd also love to judge whether you are 1% er. When can we meet.? Can I wear my Lycra ? Happy Friday all, Cheers, Finchie

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - Road user (1st May 2015 - 07:42:16) Have you wondered why this cyclist is getting frustrated with these arrogant car drivers? Bramshott has narrow lanes and many car drivers think it is ok to speed through these with complete disregard to other road users. Maybe 8.30 in the morning is a key to the fact that the car driver is purely intent on getting to work! Then we get a post about getting off 'our roads'! OUR roads!! So just car drivers roads? Get a life you arrogant drivers. Lots of different people have a right to use the roads. Horse riders, cyclists, disabled riders, even pedestrians who can't use the one main footpath because arrogant car drivers have parked their cars completely blocking them. Get out of your metal boxes where you adopt an utterly selfish attitude and think about how it feels to be a cyclist getting cut up and potentially killed by thoughtless car drivers.

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - Donna (1st May 2015 - 08:16:12) I would love to meet him!!! Having driven in London, every day, for 3 months last summer, I saw countless floral tributes to cyclists and watched many more go toe to toe with buses lorries and cars. I was constantly driving with the fear that a cyclist will just appear at speed and expect me to avoid them. Jumping red lights was my pet hate!! Time and time again, I was given plenty of hand gesture and gobby language, Brave talking from someone who tried to cut in front of a Land Rover!! Can I also point out that a crash hat will only lessen your injuries, it doesn't make you invincible!!

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - Georgie (1st May 2015 - 08:31:48) personally, I don't think it's a laughing matter, especially with having 3 young children with me............ Road rage on a push bike, aimed at me, (and others) ........ Not nice I am unable to identify him as he is all in Lycra, helmet goggles, and white gloves, so my intentions of this post , was to see if anyone knows this man I'll await more cynical replies

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - Georgie (1st May 2015 - 09:02:39) for your information, I am a courteous driver, and in fact I had pulled to one side to allow him and the car behind him, to pass. But he beckoned me to continue, which I did, but then realised that the car that was parked on the opposite side, and we would both have to pass this parked car, at the same time, I wasn't prepared to risk either of us to, risk that. So I pulled to the side again, allowing him to pass, where as he passed me was abusive, and made hand gestures. Next time I'll make sure I'm not courteous, block his path, and confront him.

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - liz (1st May 2015 - 09:06:54) Does this cyclist wear mostly black with white reflectors and sometimes cycles on the wrong side of the road? If so I have seen him a couple of times although much earlier than 8.30 a.m. Cycles very, very fast obviously assuming there will be no other traffic on the lanes at that time of the morning. Dangerous for him (could be a 'her' but I suspect a MAMIL) and other traffic.

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - Georgie (1st May 2015 - 10:04:13) Yes Liz That will be him,.......

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - tony (1st May 2015 - 11:32:58) Advice to this particular MAMIL as some people sneeringly like to call him (dangerous because it dehumanises the cyclist). I've ridden that stretch by Bramshott church a few times and I think some drivers just close their eyes and floor it. It seems to be there, everywhere else around Liphook they generally can't do enough to give you space. I don't know about the bloke giving finger signs, there are usually two sides to every story, but the lady driver seems to be suffering road rage, talking about next time she\'s going to 'block him'. The roads are dangerous enough for cyclists without that attitude. And as for Donna in her Land Rover saying "I was constantly driving with the fear that a cyclist will just appear at speed and expect me to avoid them." Yes please Donna, it would be nice if you do. Cyclists aren't always innocent, but they are human, not some clever acronym. Generally if you give them a bit of room and show that you realise how vulnerable they will appreciate it.

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - stacey (1st May 2015 - 13:24:07) Cyclists can be fined for "wanton and furious" cycling, but they are not prosecuted for speeding per se, as they are considered not to be mechanically propelled. Towpaths are another danger point, cyclists do not even slow down for walkers and are furious if you do not get out of their way. Hardly any of them have a bell! There was a bad accident in Hewshott some years ago when a cyclist, going about 40 miles per hour downhill around a blind bend was badly injured. Perhaps it is stress release! I agree not all cyclists are the same, but another pet hate is when they ride two abreast for miles and cause a huge tailback.

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - liz (1st May 2015 - 13:47:15) Tony Interesting that you didn't respond to my comments on the speed this cyclist travels at on very narrow lanes putting everyone in danger, including himself, and certainly no thought to pedestrians. This is the problem, not the fact that he's a cyclist. If you don't like acronyms I will say I think the cyclist is a middle aged man in lycra.

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - tony (1st May 2015 - 15:48:09) OK Liz, you had your say about him speeding, I did say that cyclists are not always innocent. If it was just to defend his riding I wouldn't have said anything, but as a cyclist (and a driver) I was concerned about the tone of language, I've been on the receiving end of a few arrogant bad drivers (usually Range Rover drivers funnily enough) when a car hits a cyclist you know who comes off worse. When you finally realise that cyclists are not some inhuman enemy, that they do whizz around a lot because they are putting a lot more effort into stopping and starting, you begin to think differently about them, give them a bit more space and time, without getting angry about it, it actually makes you a better, less stressed or angry driver. And an angry driver is a lot more dangerous than an angry cyclist, pound for pound.

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - liz (1st May 2015 - 16:10:27) As someone who has been literally flattened by a cyclist going through a red light (him not me!) perhaps my view of a certain type of cyclist - not all - is not very flattering. His only excuse was that it was the second time that had happened to him in that place! I cycle myself and don't find it that difficult to avoid pedestrians. If you can't stop you're going too fast - the same as in a car. That said, this particular chap going through Bramshott cycles particularly dangerously.

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - Jonny Generator (1st May 2015 - 16:49:39) Georgie I know how you feel. Maybe get a car camera from Halfords. It will record all that goes on in front. You can use it as evidence to report this cycling [person] or better still upload to Youtube and post the link on here. Also useful in evident of an accident and helps protect your car while parked. This site allows free speech so you usually get some negative comments whatever you say. Watch this space as someone will pipe up about my camera comment. So in advance Whatever! .... :)

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - David (1st May 2015 - 17:15:30) Finchie, Thank you for your kind offer of a date :). I really don't want to lead you on, so will have to decline your proposal. I will keep a copy of your letter in my wallet and If my marital status should change, who knows? I will always treasure the picture you have painted - You dressed head to toe in Lycra, head down against the oncoming wind and that cheeky little look back at me from under your arm. ps You really don't have to make figures up to make me feel special but seeing as you have I feel obliged to let you know that you will always be in the 1% to me also.

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - Georgie (1st May 2015 - 17:39:00) David & Finchie,...you obviously find this very amusing!...maybe you know this man, or maybe this man, is one of you, is actually this man! This was the second incident, that this cyclist, has thrown abusive at me!....with young children around!...very funny matter, indeed! Might just pop into the cycle shop, in the village,.....i expect he may know, whom it is, or might just be him, himself ;-) I am not prepared to be the laughing stock of the latest talkback topic,.....i want to know who this man is!, hence why i posted! Infact Johnny, i do have a dashboard camera, but sadly it wasnt on, those 2 particular mornings, but it will be from now on. I want to meet this ignorant, arrogant man. imagine if i had continued my journey with his beckoning, and he had to squeeze through a very slim gap, between me, and a parked car,...........who would have been at fault then!?......i was verbally abused, because i was being courteous! If this man is indeed, involved in this thread, then he will know where i live......Knock my door!! I honestly do not think they were poking any fun at you, just lightening the topic a bit.

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - David (2nd May 2015 - 22:05:30) Georgie, Certainly not making fun of your post. I do have 1 amendment to my original post however and that is the word "our". "Our roads" should have read "the roads". I would also like to thank you for your attempt at becoming a Cilla Black to Finchie and myself but pleae do not go out and buy that hat just yet :)

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - Lips (3rd May 2015 - 13:32:36) First priority on the roads should be safety. Courtesy is one important contributor of road safety. Abusive language / gestures are unpleasant, but not dangerous - unless you allow them to be. Being overly-shaken by others' rudeness is a choice grown-ups should be able to avoid. Feeble-minded rude / abusive people are of little value and are best ignored. You can lower yourself down to their level of road-rage - or you can rise above and keep up your courtesy. Your choice.

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - Terry (4th May 2015 - 13:36:49) It would seem, after reading Georgies description of the incident, that because there was a vehicle parked on the cyclist's side of the road he had slowed up and courteously beckoned to her to proceed because she had the right of way. Because Georgie had halted and not moved forward immediately in response to his beckoning, the cyclist continued on, Georgie, at the same time in reaction to his beckoning also decided to move forward with the result that she had to stop again because the cyclist was by then passing the parked car. Sporting cyclist's reactions are generally much faster than those of the average vehicle driver so a time lag of no more than a few seconds between the cyclist beckoning Georgie on and she momentarily hesitating to drive forward was more than enough to cause the confusion.

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - liz (5th May 2015 - 08:39:06) So Terry, how would you defend this cyclist riding fast and furiously on the wrong side of the road - no need to as no obstructions on his side. Also seen turning right out of Church Road passing on the right had side of the bollards despite the presence of other traffic. Also no rear light. Probably thinks that as he has some white reflective patches on his clothing so he doesn't need one!

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - Terry (5th May 2015 - 11:36:23) Liz. In my post I was not defending the cyclist per se, merely describing the situation as I perceived it to have been, based entirely upon Georgie's own description. It is a typical scenario I have experienced myself and witnessed on many occasions. I assume that you are also writing about the same individual, “riding fast and furiously on the wrong side of the road.”I very much doubt he was exceeding the speed limit for that road, or travelling anywhere near it, would you for example, say that a motor vehicle being driven at between 20 and 30mph on that road was “driving fast and furiously”? I note that except for the approach to the junction at the Liphook end of Church Road there are no centre line road markings along it's full length, so was he on the wrong side? Clearly passing on the wrong side of the bollards is not only wrong and dangerous but also indicates that he is inclined to make bad decisions. You do not state the time of day he was observed riding with no rear light, however lights are only required to be attached and working on bicycles during the period of night. Cyclists in general are portrayed with a bad image based entirely upon the irresponsible actions of the few, as illustrated by the cyclist in question, so why is it that all motor vehicle drivers do not suffer the same stigma?

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - liz (5th May 2015 - 12:49:47) "No road markings" is the daftest excuse I've heard for a while for cycling or driving on the wrong side of the road - particularly on bends! One particular morning we were turning right, out of the lane - my other half only just managed to spot this cyclist as he was cycling so near the hedge on the right hand side as he approached. Luckily he had a front light (just about). Reflective clothing is not much use in the dark. That's how we noticed the lack of rear light (funnily enough) - it was dark!! This guy is a danger to himself and others however you may try to excuse the behaviour. If he was a car driver we could have got his number......

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - Val (5th May 2015 - 15:20:27) I think that the rudeness, obscene hand gestures and shouting is almost as bad if not worse than his fast and reckless cycling. I quote below the original poster's first post. "On 2 separate occasions, he has been verbally abusive towards me, as a driver. sadly, i have been unable to manage to stop him, in his cycling tracks, to confront him. He uses rude, and obscene hand gestures, and shouts!....." Both sorts of behaviour are unnecessary of course and potentially dangerous. The speed and the fact that the cyclist is often on the wrong side of the road is obviously dangerous, but so is the making of rude gestures etc etc as if he is doing this, he is not concentrating. Playing Devil's Advocate I have to agree with some of the posts that there are some terrible drivers who seem to use these narrow lanes as a racetrack to say nothing of the arrogant drivers of the 4/4 monstrosities - I know I am generalising on this point, but I don't think it is an unreasonable generalisation – drivers of 4/4's are more often than not selfish, arrogant, don't know the width of their vehicle and think they own the roads. I would suggest that the next person who sees this cyclist, if it is possible and there are two people in the car, takes a photo and let him see that you are doing so. I know this would not be easy but worth a try if it can be done safely. This could then be taken into the nearest police station so that his face and machine are on their record books. He appears to be a very angry, unhappy man, not at one with himself or the world, but having said this he must be called to account for his irresponsible behaviour, hopefully before someone gets hurt or worse still killed.

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - Andy (5th May 2015 - 16:22:34) Val - your 4x4 generalisation is laughable and moronic. Do you apply your logic to Ford Focus drivers for instance as the actual footprint of that vehicle is very similar to a CR-V or Rav-4 for instance? they may look bigger but the reality is they're only taller. To make such a generalisation is as bad and simplistic as assuming a driver is bad because she happens to be female. Ed - any chance of an English spell checker rather than the American one you appear to have switched on? Last time I looked, Liphook was in the UK. We have no spell checker - it must your PC that is in the wrong I'm afraid - which country are you in ?

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - Donna (5th May 2015 - 16:47:20) I drive a 4x4 and a real one at that, a Land Rover that has been through its fair share of puddles and not a Chelsea Tractor!! Can I just say before I get all uppity about the last post about 4x4 drivers. When the snow was here, who went out and was able to drive in it? Who took a carer around to all her planned calls for that day? Who took her to sainsbury to get bread and milk for the old ladies and gentlemen that she saw that day? I'm a great advocate for "if you can't drive it, don't own it" but there is no driver of any type of car, that is worse than the next!

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - Andy (5th May 2015 - 16:51:42) I'm in the UK - must be something on my PC then, I shall hunt it down and switch it off!

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - Val (5th May 2015 - 17:12:09) Andy I don't understand your post re: spellcheck and Liphook being in the UK last time you looked. Please clarify. I still stand by my generalisation which is borne out by long experience of driving along narrow country lanes. Some of the worst drivers of 4 x 4's actually were women taking their children to Amesbury. I know because years ago I did that run in a very small car and was nearly run off the road several times. However I am not generalising against women here just these arrogant drivers and the bad drivers of great big cars - perhaps they are Ford Focuses or similar – it doesn't matter, because the bigger the car, the more aggressive the driver seems to be - and this is from personal experience. Sorry if you don't like it and incidentally I am not a moron nor do I think my observations are moronic. When posters sink to labelling other posters in a detrimental and unpleasant way it is usually because they know their arguments are weak. Donna I accept your post completely but would just say that in the snow two years ago I was driving very, very slowly along a country lane in the snow and a 4 x 4 came charging along round a blind bend, slammed on the brakes when they saw me, went into a skid – it was terrifying - and if they had not swerved into a ditch, would have hit me head on. The driver didn't seem to realise that just because their car was apparently easier to drive in snow and felt safer, it still could not be stopped in time if the driver was driving too fast for the conditions. I don't know if they were on a "mercy mission" or not, but it nearly killed me and my passenger who happened to be my young daughter. Luckily I was going very slowly and was able to apply light pressure to my brakes without skidding.

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - Terry (5th May 2015 - 17:23:40) Liz, If you, and posters on other threads were a little more explicit concerning the precise detail of a rant, you would get more considered and sympathetic responses. Again, I am not defending or making excuses for any cyclist's behaviour, only you witnessed what you saw but unless you give all the relevant and accurate details in your first post, in this instance readers of the post will jump to judgement and it then looks like a rant against cyclists, or we can just attempt to fill the gaps, correctly or contribute to the rant, right or wrong. It is not at all clear concerning the rider without a rear light, was it the same cyclist you saw “riding fast and furiously on the wrong side of the road”? Or was it a different rider? If he had a front light on, he almost certainly had a rear light too because it's obviously the most important one, it does occur that batteries fail and if it's the rear light one would not know unless someone else gives a warning or until reaching a destination and attempting to switch it off. If one stands at the junction with Church Road facing the main highway, on the right-hand side of the junction is a pavement, if one proceeds back along Church Road, round the bend and near to the second lamp-post on that same side, the road begins to straighten, further along the straight and near the third lamp-post from the junction, the pavement peters out and the hedge is then immediately adjacent to the road. For the rider to have been approaching “so near the hedge on the right hand side” he was quite some distance from the junction and clearly not on the bend, he was on the straight and would have either heard you approaching or seen your lights, if you had them on, though he was on his “correct” side of the road he was clearly “so near the hedge on the right hand side” to allow you to pass him on the “wrong” side of the road! If you had your main beam on you should have easily seen him approaching along the straight and from a distance regardless of lights or reflective clothing. “Reflective clothing is not much use in the dark” A very astute comment and absolutely correct! It is absolutely no use whatsoever in the dark. It is very odd though, because it is specifically designed and manufactured for use in the dark! It's quite amazing really, though you can't actually see it in the dark it seems to burst into a glitteringly brilliant light when the beam from another light source is directed towards it and is actually ultra efficient at reflecting the light emitted by vehicle headlamps, a fabulous and most effective safety aid, used as such all over the world it has saved many lives! Incidentally, a similar material is used very effectively on many road signs.

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - Andy (5th May 2015 - 17:52:25) Val - my second post in this thread was in response to the Editor's comment about spellchecking. Try reading the thread. I stand by my comments and I'll add to them - your view on 4x4 drivers is based on a lame stereotype as well as being moronic and laughable. Driving a 4x4 does not make you a bad driver by definition - how can it? I drive a number of vehicles and don't drive any worse (or better) when I'm in the 4x4. I bet you're a great driver yourself though.

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - Heather (5th May 2015 - 18:51:41) Dont move to Echo Barn Lane in Farnham then ! you'll encounter lots of cyclists who think they own the road and give you the two finger salute when you safely overtake them !

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - Ann (5th May 2015 - 19:54:42) Terry I have read Liz’s posts and would not describe them as ranting whereas your posts are digressive (ie long winded, garrulous, rambling) and nit-picking (ie a concern with insignificant details, esp with the intention of finding fault.) Even worse your last paragraph is sarcastic and you know the saying "sarcasm is the lowest form of wit. Of course Liz is talking about the same rider that is obvious and I think what is more obvious is that you are trying to deflect, muddy or both, the real reason for this post which is that a cyclist is cycling round the lanes of Bramshott on a regular basis in a dangerous and irresponsible manner and at the same time (even more dangerous) making rude gestures and shouting obscenities at whoever he perceives is in his way.

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - Terry (5th May 2015 - 22:38:11) On the contrary Ann, I have adhered scrupulously to the subject of Liz's posts, she implied that the cyclist in question was somehow at fault when on that specific occasion I have shown that he clearly was not, surely the truth is more important than a vendetta against any cyclist! Liz, by her own admission said he was riding with an illuminated front light, the fact his rear light was not showing really is irrelevant to the accusation because they were travelling towards each other, he was also wearing sensible clothing with reflective patches. The cyclist was clearly not on the bend or anywhere near the junction with the B2131 because there is a pavement there, no hedge, he was in the straight, on the correct side of the road though he was apparently riding tighter to the road edge than he could reasonably be expected to on such a road and in the dark, the only possible explanation for that must be that he was aware that a car was approaching from the opposite direction and also implies that cars were parked along the other side of the road. Given the width of cycle handlebars and the need to not get knocked off by any overhanging hedge or to get a puncture from debris in the gutter, logically the rider must have been at least two feet into the road and in any case clearly visible on a straight road in the main beam of a car's headlights. The statement that “my other half only just managed to spot this cyclist as he was cycling so near the hedge on the right hand side as he approached” means that they were driving towards the cyclist on the same side of the road, the driver was surely at fault for not observing in their headlights much sooner than implied that someone was cycling on the road in their path. That particular cyclist may be perceived as a nightmare by one or two people, but please don't allow the truth to be skewed in order to build a worse picture of him, or is that also an insignificant detail?

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - liz (6th May 2015 - 10:18:17) Thank you Ann, I could not have replied better myself. One thing I did not make clear is that as we stopped at the t-junction with the intention of turning right this cyclist was approaching from our left very close to the hedge on his right. So certainly not on the correct side of the road and very nearly completely out of our of our line of sight. Not Church Rd junction by the way but further up the lane where there are no lights. - So the reflective clothes of no use! He then passed us so we could see the lack of rear light as he cycled off to the left. And subsequently seen several times with no rear light. Anyway only one cyclist, in the dark, no adequate illumination, cycling very fast on the wrong side of the road surely this has got to be clear my now. Oh, and according to my other half who has seen him several times at different times of day he is no youngster- mid to late forties - so more OMIL that MAMIL!

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - liz (6th May 2015 - 10:43:31) Apologies - should be "cycled off to the right"

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - Dawn Hoskins (6th May 2015 - 11:07:27) I love how this thread has turned into a car-users versus cyclists argument!! The original poster has told us that the man concerned not only uses obscene gestures at her and her children but also verbal abuse. That is the only important matter as far as I am concerned. Does he think that the children are not affected by his aggressive abuse because they are inside a metal box? I can assure you they ARE NOT. Children are so impressionable and easy to damage and they hold the damage with them for life. These youngsters WILL be affected by it, they WILL be damaged by it and their impressions of how safe 'men' are in general WILL be altered by it. How dare this man act in this way towards a young woman and her children. Would ANYONE sit back and not intervene if they saw this in any other walk of life..........No. He would be arrested for common assault. I don't give a toss if he is on a bike - just that he thinks it OK to display this overtly aggressive and intimidating behaviour in front of a mother and her impressionable young children. That is the point.

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - tony (6th May 2015 - 11:40:06) Dawn, I agree entirely that hand signs are wrong, whoever resorts to rudeness or aggression on the roads is out of line and dangerous. I don't think anyone has ever argued against that. But saying 'These youngsters WILL be affected by it, they WILL be damaged by it and their impressions of how safe 'men' are in general WILL be altered by it.' is maybe a little naive, if not hysterical. Leaving aside that we have only heard one side of the story (not doubting it, but there is nothing like driving incidents to bring on the I did nothing wrong, they did everything wrong in people, ever since the dawn of motoring) Actually, if they're anything like most children they will get over it pretty quickly and will see and hear many more incidents of rudeness along the way, it's only if the parents go to pieces that they will be traumatised about men in general, or whatever it is you were trying to say about that. Normally it's enough to say 'that man/woman was very rude children, his behaviour was unacceptable because..." turn it into a positive lesson, avoid the life's scars that you were worried about! But my most important point was to say, it is just possible that he was trying the 'no brakes challenge'. You have to start at the very top near the MOD land and get all the way down to the church without touching your brakes. (only possible if you don't meet a car coming the other way, which kind of ruins it!). A very worthy achievement I'm sure you would all agree! Liz, sit back down and relax, I haven't done it for years and would advise no one else does either, too many elderly car drivers nowadays (let's make up an acronym for them too, how about biddy- bike, I didn't detect you!

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - liz (6th May 2015 - 13:51:18) Tony Thanks for the 'calm down dear' comment - you have revealed your true colours!! And once again you are missing the point. There was no 'car v bike incident' as fortunately we saw the cyclist. Also in subsequent times he has only been observed for his reckless cycling. Not sure if its 'road sense' or 'common sense' he lacks. As you are obviously a cyclist (as am I) I'm surprised you show no concern for the risks this person takes.

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - kirk (6th May 2015 - 14:04:57) well next time if you clip him he wont do it again!!

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - tony (6th May 2015 - 22:17:13) Liz, I didn't say 'calm down dear', I could never have done it as well as Michael winner. Enjoy your cycling, driving, be nice to each other and goodnight all.

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - Bev (8th May 2015 - 13:50:48) Hi All, whilst we are on this slightly emotive subject - I come across lots of cyclists on Hewshott Lane. Most are quite speedy and well dressed in neons so are easily seen BUT they ignore cars. There are clear spots on the lane where it might make sense to pull in and allow a car to pass but they simply don't. There are some quite steep hills on the lane where cyclists (even fit ones) take it quite slowly. I don't try to pass unless waved past by the cyclist but surely its more annoying for them to have cars lining up behind them on the lane? I am not trying to reignite the cars vs bikes tedium and shan't comment on 4x4 drivers as I am one. I am just asking for advice on how to drive safely and considerately.

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - Vics (9th May 2015 - 17:01:39) I am an experienced driver of over 25 years but still find over taking cyclists a nerve wracking experience. I will always hold back until it is clear and safe to over take with plenty of room to spare. My issue is not with the cyclists, although at times, especially around LIBDA when the number of cyclists increases, riders can be daft and take risks, but my beef is with other drivers who pressurise you to overtake. It is my decision if I deem it safe NOT the person behind me who can't see what I see. If I choose to be cautious tough. I won't take a risk because someone blasts their horn to make me pull out - it only endangers others.

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - Andy (10th May 2015 - 13:29:57) There was an organised race / time trial down the A3 yesterday. I thought this was unbelievably dangerous with cyclists weaving all over the place in the inside lane at a maximum of 30mph or so whilst the motorway speed traffic doing 60 or 70 tried to avoid them. I appreciate the cycle path on the A3 may not be ideal for the speeds they want to do but couldn't they use the 1.5 meter wide strip just off the main carriageway? I also wonder how they got permission to do this on the A3, it really was very dangerous for both the cyclists and other traffic trying to use the road.

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - tony (10th May 2015 - 15:25:32) Vics, great driving attitude, I commend you. Bev, great question, overtaking cyclists causes the most bizarre reactions, from the few idiots that like to give the cyclist a bit of a scare with a fast, close pass, to those who go to pieces, hang back when they should overtake, then finally overtake on completely the wrong side of the road on a blind bend nearly wiping themselves and the oncoming traffic out. I think Vics has it about right. I think there should be a specific part of the driving test reserved for this! Generally speaking, I think a good cyclist should try to let cars past by pulling over when reasonable or keeping to the left if possible. There is another school of thought taught to cyclists, by Bikeability (a government funded cycle training scheme) that cyclists should 'take the lane' and block cars from overtaking on single lane carriageways, because overtaking is inherently dangerous and if there isn't ample room for both car and bike to overtake alongside each other without slowing down, then the cyclist should ride out to the right of the lane and block the car from overtaking (taking the lane). Personally I try not to do that as it is rude and only going to cause upset and road rage. Unless I've just built up speed on a fast downhill section in order to get a good run on the next uphill bit, like by the fishponds on Hewshott Lane, sorry but I'm not about to throw it away to let you pass there, but I would pull over at the top and thank you for your patience! As for the race on the A3, surprisingly the A3 is perfectly legal for cyclists to ride and race on. When I had my accident on the A3 just before the Liphook turnoff in October 2011 (I was knocked off by an articulated lorry doing 60mph or more), I said to the police traffic officer that I thought it was wrong that the cycle path from Hindhead ended just before Liphook and threw you back out onto the A3. He entirely agreed, but said it was perfectly legal and that there are frequent organised races down there. But they are a lot safer because of their numbers and support vehicles. A lone cyclist on that stretch is literally taking their life in their hands. This was the response from the Highways Agency (part): "The combined cycleway/footway adjacent to the A3 southbound carriageway extends from the Spaniards junction to just south of the Canadian Memorial underpass, where it ends. South of the Canadian Memorial underpass, cyclists are obliged to cycle on the main A3, as they had to do, prior to the Improvement Scheme. we do not have land available to continue the combined path to Liphook. However the path does provide access to the Canadian Memorial underpass and Bramshott Common to the west of the A3. It is important to remember that this is a shared facility and cyclists are expected to ride accordingly. We apologise that the cycleway ending warning signs have not yet been erected, which you consider was a contributory factor in this incident. A temporary sign warning of the cycleway ending (near Canadian Memorial underpass) will be erected urgently in the interim before all permanent signing is installed." So there you have, we must risk the A3 or cycle over Bramshott Common!

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - liz (11th May 2015 - 18:17:24) Seen in Northchapel this weekend. A lycra clad cyclist texting while cycling and eating a banana - apparently oblivious to the queue of traffic behind him. Lots of brownie points for multi-tasking but this is the sort of idiot who gives cyclists a bad name!

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - Liz (20th May 2015 - 20:59:09) Arrogant cyclist strikes again in Greatham .... Over took him and gave him lots of space next thing I knew he was at the junction hitting my windows trying to get in to my car and massively abusive , kicking my car . I had two young children in the car who were hysterical with fear . I called the police whilst he was trying to get into my car . Until we find out who this man is there is nothing they can do . I certainly will be driving around with my doors locked and I think my children will be having nightmares tonight . Beware .

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - Jay W (20th May 2015 - 23:01:15) Seems to be a pattern emerging - abusive to women with children in car. Has the same happened to a woman with male in car or male driver? Do you think it was the same man? May be all road users in whatever mode of transport should be required to have some sort of identification plate so they can all be held accountable for their actions. Hope you've managed to reassure the children.

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - Liz (21st May 2015 - 08:17:52) Thank you took all evening to calm them down and the other was up with nightmares . I don't know if it is the same man but to behave like that when he could hear the children screaming is just awful . The police are going to look at this thread to try and help .

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - liz (21st May 2015 - 08:55:08) Liz (From the other 'liz'). Anything identifiable of note, kit/bike/helmet?

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - Liz (21st May 2015 - 09:11:09) Aged late 50s grey beard black Lycra cycling shorts and white short sleeved Lycra top .

Re: Arrogant cyclist in Bramshott!...... - Richard (21st May 2015 - 09:39:27) If you can, use your mobile to take a picture. Idiots like this cyclist give the rest of us a bad name.

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