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I'm so quick to shout at drivers who ignore, at best, and bully, at worst, cyclists, that I wanted to share this event today. On my third ascent of Crystal Palace hill around lunchtime (very smug, first time managed three goes since (partially) recovering from a life-threatening illness years ago), as I approached the top I started to weave a little (as the road was completely empty) to keep momentum: hearing a car coming up behind I naturally moved back in to the kerb, only to hear a shout from the car: "Keep going mate, there's nobody behind and I'm not in a hurry!" When I got to the top this young chap in a green Fiesta gave me a thumbs up and a friendly toot on the horn as he overtook.


If you happen to read this, feller, I tip my hat to a sportsman and a gentleman!

I helped/advised a young lady on the way home yesterday from south side of Westminster Bridge to just by Horniman Park. It took me a few minutes longer, but was such a lovely change from my normal hammer it home ride.


Most of my interaction with other road users is good, including powered four wheelers. I drive one myself. The grief I got from a taxi driver from the Elephant going onto the War Museum last week was just unecessary, and I was trying to say to him that the new layout isn't in anyone's interest and could have been designed by a five year old. He got out of bed the wrong side and I wish I could have handled it better.

Not sure you'll ever get taxi drivers happy with any cycle provision, however well designed - I was having a conversation with one when riding in his cab along the Embankment recently, he said how much he hated the new lane as it caused so much congestion. When I pointed out that we were whistling along in the middle of the day he conceded the point, but said cyclists still shouldn't have the lane. When I asked why not he replied, "'Cos I can't stand the ponces."


A good slow ride is always a nice change - when I go out with Mrs.H on weekends I notice loads of architectural and other details that I miss when out alone and riding fast.

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