I've very often had exactly the same experience with women drivers Alex, on one occasion coming alongside me close behind a slow moving bus and then squeezing me towards the pavement to force me to go behind her. In fact I managed to jump in front just as the bus pulled forwards towards the traffic lights ahead and I then took the centre position to prevent her doing it again. Her response in the stationary queue was to start repeatedly calling out to me to get into the edge of the road, despite it being too narrow for that!!!. I took no notice of course, and then had the satisfaction of seeing her stall her engine when we set off. I got across the lights ok but she didn't get it started in time!
I can only think from their behaviour that it's an automatic unthinking response, i.e. bikes are slower than cars so they should be behind me. That's a charitable view, I can think of some much less charitable reasons.
I can think of a few less charitable reasons too ! It might be a help if drivers could somehow be made aware that it's perfectly correct and OK for cyclists to take the centre position in many situations and when they do so not to try to overtake them. It does not constitute "weaving", it is a deliberate move for a very good reason !!!!!!
Today's frustrations came from cars (yes - all but one w***n again !) fully occupying the cycle box at over 80% of the traffic lights I crossed which had them. Actually seriously considering removing my Mirrycle bar end mirror too, meant to be helping my safety and road visibility, because cars and vans in particular pull in so close to the kerb I can't get past without risking clipping their wing mirrors even where there is a cycle lane. Would love to put some of them on a bike for a day in traffic and see whether it changes anything about the way they drive !
Ah the joys of sharing the roads ....
In Guernsey they have 3551 cars per square mile, well over ten times our density! The mind boggles at the thought of over 87,000 cars on an island only 9 miles by 4 miles with a total population of under 62,000. They must let the babies drive cars!
A lot of them are likely 3rd or 4th cars stashed in rather salubrious garages ... but it's probably true that getting parked in St Peter Port is worse than London.
The Balearics and South of France in Summer are a real eye-opener too - although their problem is seasonal. Aside from the unbelievably reckless driving making cycling a death wish (mopeds are bad enough) the sheer density of cars in places like Palma, Ibiza Town and anywhere remotely near Nice on the French coast makes for a very interesting holiday - stuck in traffic ! Better at this time of year but in France it seems to rain for months so far batter off hopping over to the islands.
On a slightly divergent but happy note, was interested to see a load of eBikes being rented out in Formentera this year in addition to mopeds. It's a big thing over there. Reached only by ferry from Ibiza, it's a really beautiful place to go any time except mid-July-end August when there are literally hoardes of Italians racing around on the biggest motorbikes they can get their hands on. Pretty flat in most places too.
Ibiza itself is unbelievably beautiful for cycling and well worth a stopover too - loads of new cycle lanes this year and they have a number of rides and events which the local Councils sponsor - a world away from the stereotypical "Brits behaving badly" picture which gets painted on various TV shows. Very varied topography too so loads of interest. Plenty for all ages but obviously most would be happiest out of season when it's peaceful and roads are not full of wasted drivers and speeding taxis (2nd week October right through to middle of May). The valleys full of almond blossom on a sunny day in Spring are a truly beautiful sight. Seriously considering a trip out there early next year if finances permit
