Dangerous Driving

[scott_e]

Interesting thread. I stick to cycle paths for 90% of my commute. Always wary of traffic but so far no complaints. Good to know what to do if a such an act occurred. Hope you get this issue sorted , let us know how it goes.

[111Robin]

I decided in the end to change my route. I'm now on proper back roads for 16 miles to Potterton then the last three or four on the B999 to BOD. Rarely see any cars at all until I join the B999 so all in all it is a safer route. Still covering the same distance just a few more climbs involved so not too bad. Downside is the perp' is still at large and could be putting others lifes at risk. The one incident I have had when I was T-boned by a car pulling out from a junction into my path ended in me throwing a few punches and having to be restrained by some folk who stopped. Adrenalin can really take over in these situations.
Robin

[jen]

How do you find the B999 Robin? I'm trying to find a route to town without going on the dualler, and thought the B977 then the B999 might be better....

Jen

[111Robin]

How do you find the B999 Robin? I'm trying to find a route to town without going on the dualler, and thought the B977 then the B999 might be better....

Jen

Jen,

Don't go on the dualler unless you have a death wish. I see folk cycling on it and just don't understand why anyone would. From Balmedie take the back road into Belhelvie then down to Potterton and onto the B999. Once at the BOD you can either use the pavement along side the dualler (past the petrol station) or just go through the Murcar (I think) industrial estate (ie. past B&Q) then you can head into town whichever way you want. The B999 is busy though so be warned. There is a way of avoiding it once you get to Potterton but it will add on about 3 miles and there's a rough farm road involved. I can show you this route if you really want but if you're confident on busy roads you're only on the B999 for a couple of miles so may not be so bad.
Robin

[jen]

I would never cycle on the dualler, it's just plain dangerous (hint, hint Alan!) Yeah, thought that might be the best way. I wouldn't cycle to cults from home but it's just a route I can go without have to put the bike in the car to go for a cycle! I think it's ridiculous there isn't a cycle route alongside the dualler tbh.

[campbell]

This reminded me. Speaking of trails away from roads (sort of). Was talking to someone from Stonehaven recently, whilst at Glentress, and she was lamenting the absence of any bike trail setups like 7stanes up in the North East.

Surely there is scope for a Forestry Commission linkup like 7stanes, up there? So many great forests and even judging by the accurate demographic cross-section on here (!), there is plenty demand?

Apologies for slight drift but am very interested in this...

[111Robin]

I would never cycle on the dualler, it's just plain dangerous (hint, hint Alan!) Yeah, thought that might be the best way. I wouldn't cycle to cults from home but it's just a route I can go without have to put the bike in the car to go for a cycle! I think it's ridiculous there isn't a cycle route alongside the dualler tbh.

Jen if it's a recreational route as opposed to getting to work quickly then you can avoid the B999. Cross the 999 at Potterton, head up the road then 1st left is an unsurfaced track past a couple of houses, this leads onto the road down past Corby Loch then down into BOD. You have to join the 999 at this point but only for about 1/4 mile.

[jen]

Cool, thanks Robin! I'm still really weary of cycling on B roads. I don't mind in town, but I'm always worried someone drives round a corner at 60, doesnt realise I'm there and skelps into me. I have a hi vis jacket to help, but it still bothers me....

[Dominic]

The Bike Hike website course creater is quite useful for finding cycle routes and paths; http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php

Also, if you have a smug phone, the "Bike Hub" app is similarly useful, and can be used as a cycle sat nav, recognizing cycle paths and other paths. It can also tell you useful stuff, like your nearest cycle shop when you have a break down when out cycling.

[campbell]

Bike Hike looks neat but I have *no* clue how to make it do anything? Do you need to upload a GPS map first or something? Lots of commands are just greyed out for me...

[jen]

Same for me..... :

There are a few places to go in Abz, but Iv not done any downhill stuff yet. There is Kirkhill in Dyce, but from what I see it's quite small? Theres Pitfichie as well?

Jen

[Dominic]

If you zoom into the left hand map, moving it and zooming to your desired area / start point, then click on the map to locate your start; then click the map at the points you wish to go to; you can move the route with the "drag edit" tool.

The OS map is useful for plotting on paths. You can also plot "off piste" if you know paths the map does not.

[Dominic]

Oh, and click on the OSMcycle tab on the top of the map to see the cycle routes.

[campbell]

OK making (some) progress - is it a route-plotter, rather than a route-finder tool? I put in a start and end point and it drew a crow-flies straight line between 'em - if only!!!

[sorry for thread hijack btw...maybe we need a new one for my tutorial!]

[Dominic]

BBC1 9PM tonight.... program about cars Vs cyclists.