I think a mutual code of conduct would be very effective. But it would need to apply to different sorts of road users, and it would need to be mutually worked out. That way, all users would get to explain why certain behaviours bother them, and why they do certain things. I like to think that careful negotiation of such a code would allow these issues to be discussed in a forum more conducive to productive problem-solving than Your Views, stuff.co.nz blogs or various online discussion boards.

I think that a big part of the problem is lack of understanding/awareness among different types of user. Understanding why people do things, and why some things annoy some people is a huge step towards changing behaviour. For example, I would explain that I don't ride to the front of a queue to be annoying, I do it because it's safer, and actually better for the flow of traffic. And that I don't try to "weave in and out", but changing lanes on a bike presents challenges that other users don't recognise. That I'm not riding slightly away from the very leftest side of the road to get in people's way- just to avoid falling off the edge, or riding into a man hole.

I've got an easy code of conduct for both sides:

DON'T BE A DOUCHEBAG!

That solves most things, but then again what is considered douche-baggery by one is actually trying to be safe for another.

Although a good guideline comes from Taupo on Saturday - if someone is polite enough to sit around the Bulli Point area (about 5km of narrow, windy road) behind a big arse group of riders without even looking to overtake before its really safe (I was sitting behind the car riding at the time) and the road widers significantly, enough for the entire bunch to move to the shoulder to let the guy passed, THEN F**KING DO SO. I had a good ole yell of "car back" then "MOVE, *expletives*" from the back, they didn't, then I smashed them after moving forward anyway when they started wheelsucking the blokes I'd been with.

BTW, if the bloke with family in the early-mid 90's Commodore is reading, congratulations, I was really impressed with your patience - from the guy who was rolling beside you for a bit who ended up yelling at the muppets in the bunch.

Damn big events like that, brings out the numpties.

Another one from Taupo. Do not attempt to pull into a driveway in front of cyclists! One such idiot nearly killed three Maxi-enduro riders by doing this, sent one to hospital whilst the other two were a little worse for wear but managed to continue on. Luckily he is being charged with careless driving - his excuse.. I didnt think they were going that fast! Muppet.

@ Kate:

I really wish it weren't so, but sadly I don't think any code of conduct is going to be effective. The morons on both sides of the cyclist/motorist divide are going to keep on being morons because they feel entitled to do as they damn well please. It's the same mindset that sees, for example, some owners of unregistered dogs or unsafe vehicles keep right on doing what they do. I wish I could see a solution.

@ Trickster:

"Don't be a douchebag" = words to live by:-)

Similar to your experience at Taupo, I found myself going up Hatepe hill and seeing the morons in front of me not only occupying the entire left-hand lane but ALSO spilling over into the passing lane. A sterling example of muppetry and yes, I too shouted at them.

Good call to have an updated code. I have ridden bikes for over 45 years now. Cycle traffic has changed lots in that time, but the road code has remained the same. My current bike is capapble of going much faster than any bike I owned in the 1960's. It is about 1/2 the weight and is considerably more aerodynamic. Unfortunately, I am not. Bunch rides did not occur regularly than - even for the few who raced. Today, bunches are on the road every day. Many bunch riders are recreational and have little idea about safety, speed, traffic awareness or the volume of their voices in the early morning.

Cars have also changed, and so has tolerance levels. Most drivers in the 1960's were also cyclists. today only a small percentage are. Their understanding of cyclist needs is negligible at best. Sometimes they are intentionally aggressive.

Time to review the code for all road users.

I've always used a walkman / MP3 player when riding, never caused me any problems with missing potential threats or general situational awareness (maybe thats because I am aware it can? Dunno). I have always primarily relied on a visual check rather than listening out though, plus I keep the volume at a sensible level so its not the only thing I can hear.

Agreed with the trickster. Be nice to each other.

Tricky's got it right. I was driving around Taupo last weekend (friday anyway) and saw the aftereffects of that careless driving as well. Motorists do need to be aware of cyclists, and give them room. A widening of perspective perhaps, being aware of slipstreams, extra space etc. A lot of drivers dont seem to have that taught to them.

However, it does go both ways. I was singularly unimpressed at the lone cyclist riding towards taupo, with a support car right behind him, hazard lights flashing, going along at 20 kph through windy roads. Not in itself, but the fact that he had about 2kms of traffic backed up behind him and wasnt pulling to the side to let them past, was asking for trouble.

Like tricky said, its about consideration.

@trickster, Yes taupo seemed to bring out the worst of cyclists/cycling behavior, groups blocking exceptionally patient drivers. Cyclists in the 4.30 - 4.50 bunch continually on the wrong side of the road, even with oncoming traffic. A bunch of 200+ riders not stopping for a fallen cyclist (in particular those who saw her crash), some things are more important than a personal best.

@john #5, I have often wondered what it would be like to live at an intersection on a popular cycle route, from 6.00am the chorus of "CLEAR", "CLEAR", "STOPPING", "CLEAR" as cyclist roll on past.

Dave #7

So was the problem with the cyclist, or the car following?

Again, it is easier to pass a cyclist than a car.

David #4

I found that going up hatepe hill there were car drivers who were so lazy they couldn't be bothered to even swerve to miss me. I was doing the enduro, so at 8am there weren't too many other cyclists out there. And I was riding pretty close to the left hand side of the road.

A big thankyou to all the truckers out there who were on the roads at 5 - 8 am on the back roads of Taupo. Many slowed to get a visual and then moved over to pass, and also so as not to suck me under. Felt safer with them, than some cars.

What I dont get is why anyone would drive through Taupo on a day where there is about 11,000 riders on the road and then complain about the delays! Why not go a different way, stay home or accept the fact that for two days a year you are going to have to be patient on the road!

The truck drivers were awesome when I was going around shame about a few drivers that thought it was a good idea to overtake on blind corners then swing back into the cyclists when a car came the other way.