I've just cycled through Birmingham, out to West Bromwich - thats a 7 mile stretch of conurbation. It is quite interesting to note the difference in tone and reaction to bicycles of drivers in different areas.
In Birmingham and West Bromwich they seem quite surprised to see you and unsure of how to deal with you. Buses here go WAY around you, giving acres of room. Cars don't give so much room, but get confused in traffic jams and traffic lights. They don't give you any room to slip by on the left and are surprised at the speed a cycle can go.
In South London, where I try not to cycle too often, cycling is a very dangerous activity. I've had conversations about this with friends and they recognise the same things as me - south London drivers get dangerously close, give no room in traffic, zoom past and steer towards you, and alsorts. Even the bus drivers down there take their huge double deckers slow close to you that the wind nearly knocks you off. I think that south London drivers see cyclists as a play thing to be fooled with. Dangerous, and that is even when compared to the Turkish lorry drivers.
In North London, where I cycle most, traffic is generally ok, but then I'm used to it. What I do notice however, is that Black Cabs are simply the Most Considerate Road User, especially to bikes. Never has a cab cut me up, they are always patient, and give plenty of room. Bless the black cab drivers - they may charge a fortune, but they are safe, courteous road users.
Posted by tom at July 21, 2003 04:20 PM