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Married to Night Train
- Location
- Salford, UK
The cycle lane one is tricky. If they are stationary or going slower than you, then I think thy ought (I mean in legal terms, not just moral) to look out for you coming up on their left and give way, as they are in effect changing lanes. (If they are going faster than you, then the problem doesn't really apply). But best to assume they won't look, or give way. Some people would say never filter down the left, but overtake on the right, or wait in line. This is also because of the risk of a passenger suddenly deciding to get out and opening their door in your face.
Personally, I do filter down the inside - but only a) at a speed where I can stop very quickly, there is a decent width to get through without resrting to scoooting with one foot on the kerb, c) while constantly checking cars for passengers and d) never down the inside of a longer vehicle if there is a risk of it moving off before I've got past it. If in doubt, I wait in line.
Actually, I'm not sure anyone has said it, so it's perhaps worth stressing that last one; you shouldn't ever go down the inside of a long vehicle at a junction (and I'd say that covers a long wheelbase transit or longer) unless you can be very sure you can clear it before the lights change or whatever. You probably know, but long vehicles have all sorts of blind spots, and far too many cyclists get crushed by them turning left. I don't even want to be alongside one going straight on if I can help it.
With going round parked cars - yes you have the right of way, but as you say, that doesn't help if you get squished (or even just cut up). Thinking and planning ahead are the key, and taking a good road position in order to claim your space in time. Cyclecraft will tell you about it.
As LC says, paranoia is good. The more you cycle the more you'll develop a sort of sixth sense about potential hazards - its the sort of thing any good driver ought to have as well. The nest thing (as with driving) is to make sure you are going to have time to react - so keep your speed sensible, and your brakes covered and be looking out for escape routes all the time...
But I wouldn't want to put you off! This will all become second nature, and you'll find yourself avoiding trouble before it becomes trouble.
Personally, I do filter down the inside - but only a) at a speed where I can stop very quickly, there is a decent width to get through without resrting to scoooting with one foot on the kerb, c) while constantly checking cars for passengers and d) never down the inside of a longer vehicle if there is a risk of it moving off before I've got past it. If in doubt, I wait in line.
Actually, I'm not sure anyone has said it, so it's perhaps worth stressing that last one; you shouldn't ever go down the inside of a long vehicle at a junction (and I'd say that covers a long wheelbase transit or longer) unless you can be very sure you can clear it before the lights change or whatever. You probably know, but long vehicles have all sorts of blind spots, and far too many cyclists get crushed by them turning left. I don't even want to be alongside one going straight on if I can help it.
With going round parked cars - yes you have the right of way, but as you say, that doesn't help if you get squished (or even just cut up). Thinking and planning ahead are the key, and taking a good road position in order to claim your space in time. Cyclecraft will tell you about it.
As LC says, paranoia is good. The more you cycle the more you'll develop a sort of sixth sense about potential hazards - its the sort of thing any good driver ought to have as well. The nest thing (as with driving) is to make sure you are going to have time to react - so keep your speed sensible, and your brakes covered and be looking out for escape routes all the time...
But I wouldn't want to put you off! This will all become second nature, and you'll find yourself avoiding trouble before it becomes trouble.