Sunday drivers - myth or reality?

[Ayesha]

The term 'Sunday driver' comes from where blokes would ride a bicycle tyo work Monday to Friday and only get the car out at the weekend to take the family to Margate or Southend.

[AndyBSG]

Sunday drivers definitely exist IMO.

I commute to work during the week and cycle for leisure at the weekend and there I definitely notice a difference in weekend and weekday drivers.

For me, during the week I have to deal with a lot more 'aggressive' driving. The type where people jump red lights, deliberately move over to stop you under/overtaking, etc.

At the weekend there's generally a lot less of that but there is a lot more inexperience around cyclists such as people seeming scared to pass you unless there's a 3 mile stretch of empty road or people maneuvering suddenly without indication(i.e, not knowing where they're going and suddenly realising the next turning is the one they need to take).

Generally though I feel a lot safer cycling at weekends than I do during the week.

[CliveyT]

What about Christmas drivers?
I've only had someone sounding their horn to 'suggest' I should be on the cycle path once in the past few months and it was on Christmas day. Nice wide road, perfect visibility no traffic around, including coming towards me and someone is upset because I have the audacity to make him have to think before he gets his Christmas dinner

[Mark1978]

Drivers during the week are usually commuting or at least in a familiar area and know exactly where they are going, are familiar with the roads. Whereas at the weekend you have people going to unfamiliar places, or just plain lost.

That being said Sunday morning is still by far the best time to go cycling. In contrast Saturday morning is almost the worst with people seemingly rushing off to supermarkets and DIY sheds.

[MikeF]

I find approx 9.30am-3.00pm weekdays is best for cycling, but then you have to be not at work to do that . Outside of those hours on a weekday people are too stressed about commuting, picking up children etc. Weekends are full of people, who don't seem to know what they doing, or who would be quicker walking and some who haven't driven all week. I avoid cycling on roads if possible at weekends. Early Sunday maybe OK, but then you need to be back before the crowds wake up.

[NUKe]

The term 'Sunday driver' comes from where blokes would ride a bicycle tyo work Monday to Friday and only get the car out at the weekend to take the family to Margate or Southend.

blimey
You are almost describing me my car doesn't usually move Monday to friday and sometimes not at the weekend either. ButI 've never been to Margate and only once Southend

[Mark1978]

Early Sunday maybe OK, but then you need to be back before the crowds wake up.

Now that the mornings are lightening up, I'll be setting out about 7am to get back by noon.