.....why drivers give more space to pedestrians than cyclists?

[David F]

During the recent icy weather, I've been out walking rather than riding my bike. Some of these walks have involved short stretches on minor roads lacking a pavement. Walking on the right-hand side of the carriageway and facing oncoming traffic, I've been surprised at the generous clearance offered by almost every passing vehicle. On my bike, I can only dream of being shown such consideration. Do others experience something similar? And, if so, what could be the explanation?
David F

[Tigerbiten]

No.

I get more room on my recumbent trike versus when I'm on foot.
There's the WTH factor.
The extra width means the driver has to more more to the right to overtake.
Plus I have nice hard edges on the trike and the driver doesn't want to damage his/her car by coming into contact with them.
All means I get better overtakes ........

[PDQ Mobile]

During the recent icy weather, I've been out walking rather than riding my bike. Some of these walks have involved short stretches on minor roads lacking a pavement. Walking on the right-hand side of the carriageway and facing oncoming traffic, I've been surprised at the generous clearance offered by almost every passing vehicle. On my bike, I can only dream of being shown such consideration. Do others experience something similar? And, if so, what could be the explanation?
David F

I think the answer is probably...
Eye contact.

And edit..
One could try the control experiment.
Wear a reasonably lifelike face mask on the back of one's head when cycling?
Or maybe a halloween one!

[gaz]

Do others experience something similar?

No.

[flat tyre]

No, if I walk into our town on the pavement, there are several places where the pavement is quite narrow and when cars pass, often exceeding the speed limit and I am almost hit by their side mirrors, I probably would be if were walking along with another, 2 abreast. I don't generally experience this degree of close passing when riding my bike (not on the pavement!).

[NATURAL ANKLING]

Hi,
I was shocked when I last had to walk with my bike on a road with no pavement how incredible close and fast they do pass.

[Tigerbiten]

One could try the control experiment.
Wear a reasonably lifelike face mask on the back of one's head when cycling?
Or maybe a halloween one!

That only works for Tigers in India.

If you want to keep cars away in the UK, it's been proven a long blond wig works best .....

[PDQ Mobile]

Every day I learn something new and interesting!

[foxyrider]

One could try the control experiment.
Wear a reasonably lifelike face mask on the back of one's head when cycling?
Or maybe a halloween one!

That only works for Tigers in India.

If you want to keep cars away in the UK, it's been proven a long blond wig works best .....

Only in summer, I have long blonde hair but this time of year it's hidden under my hat!

[brooksby]

No, if I walk into our town on the pavement, there are several places where the pavement is quite narrow and when cars pass, often exceeding the speed limit and I am almost hit by their side mirrors, I probably would be if were walking along with another, 2 abreast. I don't generally experience this degree of close passing when riding my bike (not on the pavement!).

Isn't that related to the regular complaint that motorists think that so long as they are not in the cycle lane then it doesn't matter how close they are to the cyclist (even if said cycle lane is, like, 60 cm wide)...?

So: as long as they don't drive on the footpath then they think it doesn't matter how close they drive to the kerb.

(Clearly, many motorists think there's a Star Trek style force field generated by the painted cycle lane boundary line and by the kerb... )

(OT but, on passing distances, why do so many motorists pass horses/equestrians by slowing right down and leaving an eight foot gap, but not bicycles/cyclists???)

[mjr]

Because hitting a horse will probably write off the car and clipping a cyclist probably won't.

[NATURAL ANKLING]

Hi,

Because hitting a horse will probably write off the car and clipping a cyclist probably won't.

Wonder if SMIDSY has ever been used when a driver has hit a horse
Just remember that if at any time you find yourself in the dock, "I did not / never saw them at all" and a fine will be the worst you will get.

[Bmblbzzz]

Most people know that horses are nervous and you don't have to hit one to cause some bad results. Also, they are much scarcer than cyclists and almost entirely limited to rural lanes, so treating them properly doesn't cause you so much delay.

[NATURAL ANKLING]

Hi,
Horses are not so scarce if you live yards from leafy lanes and its in-between rush hour.
But as a cyclist you are always wary of hoofed animals and waiting / wide berth is mandatory.
Car drivers probably never stroked horse in their life

[brooksby]

Car drivers probably never stroked horse in their life

Is that a euphemism? It sounds like a euphemism...