You were right Phil, it's started already.
Have to say though, that sort of behaviour pisses me right off. They've certainly got the right to use the roads, same as other forms of transport, but we all have a duty to be courteous and considerate to others - and blocking a carriageway simply because you're in a group, isn't it. The Highway Code says that you must allow following, faster vehicles to pass, and even I do that (amazement from the club members). Last time I happened across such a group I followed (initially) patiently, but when it became obvious they weren't going to allow me to pass (they must think that's my problem and nothing to worry themselves about), I ended up passing half of them and pretty much forcing a gap in the middle until I could pass the rest of them. You can imagine the shouts of rage... I wouldn't mind so much if these were kids who'd never been taught roadcraft, but they're grown men and women who also have cars, so they DO understand the principles of how it's supposed to work. I think perhaps groups of 5 or 6 riders is a reasonable number, making it far easier and safer to pass them one bunch at a time.
Having said all that, not all cyclists are so discourteous and/or oblivious, and I always try to give them plenty of space and pass somewhere there's no danger of anyone getting hurt. But I do wish there was some sort of compulsory riding test to teach all on self-powered 2-wheelers how to behave....after all, if you want to ride a motorbike, you have to jump through hoops to be able to do so, so I don't see why it should be any different just because you have to provide the motive power yourself!
Rant over....for now
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