How big does a collision have to be?

[Dan_h]

I think that the point that is coming across here is that although it would be nice if everyone followed the rules, checked their mirrors and indicated as they should it would be great, however in real life this does not happen. So the best we can do is to try not to put ourselves in positions where we are at more risk than we need to be. In both cases the OP mentioned the drivers SHOULD have seen him, but did not. In these cases you just need to make sure that the van won't hit you if it goes backwards or the car won't hit you if it turns left. Chalk both up to experience and watch out for similar situations and put yourself in a different position and you will be fine.

Getting a copy of "cyclecraft" is good advice, also watching things like the Silly Cyclist videos will give you an idea of things to avoid. Also accept the fact that you will have to compensate for other people's driving in order to stay safe and never, ever put saving a few minutes (or seconds) ahead of getting there safely.

Oh, and HLaB I have a BMW... how do I get the optional indicators fitted to it????

 

[HLaB]

Oh, and HLaB I have a BMW... how do I get the optional indicators fitted to it????

LOL

 

[Muddyfox]

In video 1 with the van .. the van brakes and you can barely stop without hitting him and in Video 2 you cycle up the inside of the car and pull off together and get swiped.. you need to get street wise on a bicycle my friend especially on the undertaking scenario or you will end up Dead

Simon

 

[Norm]

I wasnt tailgating him.

You said that you couldn't stop in time to not run into him, so you were too close.

On the second, what were you trying to "gain" from going up her inside, and why didn't you use the ASZ?

 

[vickster]

When I learnt to drive, about the first thing I remember being told was never to place faith in what people say they are going to do, or not going to do - this is especially true with people indicating or not at roundabouts or junctions.

Does the OP have plans to learn to drive - it would give you a totally different perspective on the roads

 

[DiddlyDodds]

Seems to me you almost go out looking for an incident.

In 5 years of cycling i have no more than two incidents , i put it down to seeing a potential problem before it happens and back off.




Also being in my 40's, 25 years driving on the road gives that experience , you seem to cycle like i drove when i was 17, no experience and always everyone else's fault.

 

[apollo179]

Also being in my 40's, 25 years driving on the road gives that experience , you seem to cycle like i drove when i was 17, no experience and always everyone else's fault.

Mat probabl;y cycles like most teenagers drive. Better they were all forced to cycle as they can do less harm on a push bike than in a car.
Maybe 2 years compulsory cycling before you get your provisional driving license - it would raise their awareness of cyclists.

 

[cjb]

Seems to me you almost go out looking for an incident.

That's also the impression I get.

 

[Matthew_T]

I understand everyones comments and the advice I am getting from them is that I need to ride a bit more assertively (I mean stopping overtakes and not going up the inside of people).

But with regards to the second video, what about the situation with the police officer? I felt although he was just fobbing me off just because there didnt seem to be any damage to anything.

 

[lpretro1]

I have a panel van for my bicycle business and and people do not always realise how much poorer visibility to side and rear compared to a car - even with side mirrors very well adjusted. Of course, it is beholden on the driver to take extra care because of this. But please be aware that there are blindspots in a van - don't get too close or we just can't see you. If you pass either side there will be microseconds where you 'disappear' in the mirror before re-appearing - but by then it may be too late. Likewise, reversing a van is far harder from a visibility point of view thna a car - we have to be able to see whatever is behind in the mirrors. We all need to be a bit more patient with each other in the busy world we live in!

 

[vickster]

Not assertively, defensively..i.e. not making choices that could potentially put you in harm's way - i.e. not undertaking or overtaking unless you are sure all other road users are aware of you (not just thinking that they should be aware of you).

And order one of these http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/...ils?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1319374026&sr=8-1&seller=

Given the light is much less good at this time of year at all times of day often, suggest you get a high viz vest or jacket if you don't have one already - more change oblivious motorists will see you

 

[david k]

I may be wrong Matt but I guess that you don't drive a car. Please always assume that the driver is on a mobile phone or putting their lipstick on rather that checking their left hand mirrors before turning left. People signal maybe 80% of the time (and usually mistimed) if that so it's up to you to assume the worst and protect yourself.

i agree, no point being dead but it not being your fault

 

[david k]

http://s1132.photobu...ediscussion.mp4

arrhhh, if you keep riding like that you will have numerous collisions if not get dead!!!!! i cannot believe anyone in their right mind would try to overtake on the inside by a junction! the lady may well have checked her mirrors before you sneaked up inside, i bet 90+ out of 100 would then just turn left with a casual glance.

you need to realise that car drivers will miss you, it is you who must amend your riding, your not going to get every driver to be aware of a cyclist sneaking up on the inside.

 

[Dan_h]

But with regards to the second video, what about the situation with the police officer? I felt although he was just fobbing me off just because there didnt seem to be any damage to anything.

To be fair I am not sure there is much he can do about it as there was no damage or injuries. If you were in a car the police would still not be interested, even if there is damage then it is normally sorted out between the drivers and insurance companies. It is only a police matter if someone is hurt or one party does not stop or similar.

 

[Matthew_T]

To be fair I am not sure there is much he can do about it as there was no damage or injuries. If you were in a car the police would still not be interested, even if there is damage then it is normally sorted out between the drivers and insurance companies. It is only a police matter if someone is hurt or one party does not stop or similar.

I am really getting frustrated with the responses the police have towards incidents like this. First they say there needs to be a collision for them to investigate, then they say that as there wasnt any damage or injury, they dont care. I f*cking hate the police.

So do the police think this is acceptable?:http://s1132.photobucket.com/albums/m562/monkeysnutscom/Videos/?action=view¤t=CX57ZDL-2Veryclosepasses.mp4