Sure the answer to all of this is simply to create proper bike racing circuits?
I use the Garmin specified software to record my routes and runs on my own computer for my private use - both the MTB and racing bike.
I really sympathise with the appalling behaviour shown toward others (as in all road users not just residents), by certain people. But they are all people and I think it is not just a certain group but from many cyclists. I saw one in front of me the other day and he swore at a car totally un-necessary. He had failed to allow for the pinch point in the road off a roundabout and a car who had little option (although could have been s little further out - but then would have been close to the car beside them) but the 'cut the overly (very un-necessary) sharp corner' off the roundabout. The cyclist ought to have allowed for it, and he didn't.
The other day I didn't cycle down the inside a car as all my observations told me they were going to turn left, and with no indication s/he then turned left. Had I not been observant I would have been hit, but who's fault - well to me I would have been partly to blame. However I think this is where things are going seriously wrong.
Some if not many cyclists, seem less capable of showing tolerance, good observation, anticipation awareness, courtesy etc.,
You only need a driver also to show equal ineptitude, and you have an accident waiting to happen.
I have seen cyclists on road races all over the Country, from major A roads to small winding country routes as described in the article. However the organised routes are littered with signs and 'points' with supporting course personnel. These help to inform road users.
However when cyclists ride 2-4 abreast 'for fun', then I think the Police ought to be called as it is a moving chicane that needs to be dealt with.
It is an offense to race on the road in a car, so surely a bike also isn't allowed, unless it is a proper organised event, I can't find a rule that says they can.
The issue comes not from a cyclist simply going quickly along the road, who could just legitimately be travelling quickly but when a group start to travel quickly and insist on being in a 'prime position' on the public road and refusing to go into a single file, this then becomes a whole different ball game. They show discourtesy, create a road block and a hazard and are putting themselves and others at risk. Two abreast on many roads is potentially dangerous and usually only safe when there is considerate traffic allowing for the unexpected or when there is next to no traffic or on straight deserted roads.
I an concerned that reasons of 'someone may be killed' given as a 'reason for apparent care' is becoming the latest 'fad phrase'. We need many good road safety procedures and systems in place to prevent accidents altogether, not just a 'fear of death'. We all must be responsible and whilst we all might take managed risks which will depend on our experience, knowledge, ability and skills to be safe and appropriate. Any reductions to these skills become crucial in how well, we react to other road users.
Having great police presence on these roads would soon remind those who hog their road space to the detriment of other travellers, would help to resolve this problem.
The local residents who will be effected, MUST be consulted by their local Councils for these events. Allowances may need to be made to help local residents travel when they must.
http://www.strava.com/stand-with-us wrote:
1 "We Know The Rules
Laws and rules are created for our protection. Cycling, running and swimming are inherently dangerous and following the law, and common sense, when it comes to traffic, weather, or conditions, reduces our odds of getting hurt or hurting others. It's as simple as that. "
4 "We Think Ahead
We showcase a lot of awesome data about where we go, who we work out with and how we push ourselves. If we don't want everyone to know what we're up to, we take the necessary privacy precautions before we upload, like setting privacy zones and choosing who can follow us and what they can see."
I guess they recognise the potential enthusiasts going overboard and this is what we are seeing and experiencing, although not necessarily related to Strava.
Cyclists are forgetting the roads are not race tracks (unless during an event), they are public highways.