Careless cyclist fined in rare prosecution

[snailracer]

I mean the bus lane. A London bus lane, where there are a LOT of cyclists, not one or two, about twenty and it's also shared with motorbikes. I mean, I have been in the middle of over taking, when someone has pulled out, not even in front, but into the space where I am and have physically pushed me into the next lane of traffic by falling onto me.

Not even an attempt to look.

There's no "it's not clear cut" - if you pull out into the side of another vehicle, then you shouldn't have pulled out.

Being a cyclist in London doesn't mean the HC doesn't apply. If you are riding in a "bunch", then any manner of mishap can take place and it's no-ones fault in particular (because the whole bunch is doing it wrong).

HC rule 212:
When passing motorcyclists and cyclists, give them plenty of room (see Rules 162-167). If they look over their shoulder it could mean that they intend to pull out, turn right or change direction. Give them time and space to do so.

HC rule 213:
Motorcyclists and cyclists may suddenly need to avoid uneven road surfaces and obstacles such as drain covers or oily, wet or icy patches on the road. Give them plenty of room and pay particular attention to any sudden change of direction they may have to make.

 

[snailracer]

See I'd never move before looking, is that what your saying you do?

I have been surprised in the past by cyclists I cant hear coming as well (SCR's, drafters etc)

I always look before moving out - that is the only safe way of doing it, AFAIK. Hearing cannot be trusted, it gives false negatives.

 

[mickle]

It isn't illegal to wear headphones whilst riding a pedal cycle so it's not relevant. I certainly hope it didn't feature in the prosecution's case.

 

[Jezston]

Because I like to hear music whilst I cycle just like millions of car users and cyclists do. the fact is you can cycle safely whilst listening to music. I have heard it it trotted out time and again that you need to be able to hear traffic. You don't. It is useful but it's not essential I cycle as safely with or without headphone

The other issue is with the idea that wearing headphones 'blocks out' traffic noise. It could be argued that it reduces your ability to hear it, it could be argued that it takes your attention away from it, but wearing regular headphones (especially awful ipod earbuds) doesn't 'block out' traffic noise, because if they were that effective people wouldn't pay £100+ for fancy noise reduction headphones.

 

[Jezston]

LOL pot for mr kettle, you sticking around for a bit this time or are you going to flounce off like last time ?

I stopped bothering in that old thread because the only people continuing to 'contribute' towards it were those who were just taking the piss and weren't interested in any actual constructive discussion, kind of like we are doing now. I left before then.

 

[wiggydiggy]

I always look before moving out - that is the only safe way of doing it, AFAIK. Hearing cannot be trusted, it gives false negatives.

No worries bud, misunderstood/read your post

 

[snailracer]

The other issue is with the idea that wearing headphones 'blocks out' traffic noise. It could be argued that it reduces your ability to hear it, it could be argued that it takes your attention away from it, but wearing regular headphones (especially awful ipod earbuds) doesn't 'block out' traffic noise, because if they were that effective people wouldn't pay £100+ for fancy noise reduction headphones.

True.
Also, all motor vehicles are all pretty much "deaf" but aren't criticised for it, why should cyclists be?

 

[MissTillyFlop]

Because I like to hear music whilst I cycle just like millions of car users and cyclists do. the fact is you can cycle safely whilst listening to music. I have heard it it trotted out time and again that you need to be able to hear traffic. You don't. It is useful but it's not essential I cycle as safely with or without headphone

What about the music in your head?

Actually, there is an app I used to use when I was dozing on the tube with the ipod on:
My link

It plays music, but also picks up background noise through the mic in the headphones and plays that through the headphones too. I still wouldn't use it, cause I drift off if I listen to music, but for those of you with a concentration span, this might be useful.

Still, this accident wasn't cause by headphones IMO, it was not looking at what was coming.

 

[MissTillyFlop]

Being a cyclist in London doesn't mean the HC doesn't apply. If you are riding in a "bunch", then any manner of mishap can take place and it's no-ones fault in particular (because the whole bunch is doing it wrong).

HC rule 212:
When passing motorcyclists and cyclists, give them plenty of room (see Rules 162-167). If they look over their shoulder it could mean that they intend to pull out, turn right or change direction. Give them time and space to do so.

HC rule 213:
Motorcyclists and cyclists may suddenly need to avoid uneven road surfaces and obstacles such as drain covers or oily, wet or icy patches on the road. Give them plenty of room and pay particular attention to any sudden change of direction they may have to make.

I do give them plenty of room, but this doesn't excuse them from not looking. You wouldn't do it in a car, you wouldn't do it as a pedestrian, so why do it on a bike?

Also, as we do share the bus lane with high-powered motorbikes, it's almost lucky that it's me they've bumped into and not a motorbike.

 

[doog]

No.

That I find hard to believe. Cycle into any moderate wind and you wont hear anything behind you, including HGVS's.

 

[snailracer]

I do give them plenty of room, but this doesn't excuse them from not looking. You wouldn't do it in a car, you wouldn't do it as a pedestrian, so why do it on a bike?

Also, as we do share the bus lane with high-powered motorbikes, it's almost lucky that it's me they've bumped into and not a motorbike.

You could try making loud growling noises when overtaking .

AFAIK, the only creatures that can move safely in close formation have eyes on the sides of their heads.

 

[snailracer]

That I find hard to believe. Cycle into any moderate wind and you wont hear anything behind you, including HGVS's.

PARDON? WHAT DID U SAY???

 

[MissTillyFlop]

You could try making loud growling noises when overtaking .

Hahaha. I might just. Maybe lightsabre noises too.

 

[totallyfixed]

Rural riding is so different to urban, unobstructed hearing has come to my aid on many, many occasions. I'm not forcing my views on anyone and if you want to cut off one of your prime senses that is up to you. I have been lucky enough to have been riding for a long time without health issues and have ridden with some of the best, in all those years I have never seen an experienced club / racing cyclist wearing headphones on a public road. Could be for a good reason.

 

[MissTillyFlop]

Rural riding is so different to urban, unobstructed hearing has come to my aid on many, many occasions. I'm not forcing my views on anyone and if you want to cut off one of your prime senses that is up to you. I have been lucky enough to have been riding for a long time without health issues and have ridden with some of the best, in all those years I have never seen an experienced club / racing cyclist wearing headphones on a public road. Could be for a good reason.

Good point...BTW, where is the only county with no maccie d's? Is it Rutland?