Both occasions I was knocked off I was wearing hi viz, full lights (one was in the daytime but I still had them on) and a helmet:
1) Car overtook and the immediately turned left, no indication, cue a short flight over the top of said car in to the road. Apparently I wasn't visible (with 2 red lights facing rear, one flashing and one flashing front light) and I should have given way. I didn't even have time to brake.
2) Turning right at a roundabout, road position good, no other vehicles around me to obscure my visibility and had eye contact. Wheels weren't turning (good tip for cyclists that, watch the wheels at junctions) all of a sudden car speeds forward, cue a low speed collision with me splayed on the bonnet. Apparently he didn't see me!
+about 300 near misses over the past 10 years (by near miss I mean that I had to brake heavily or swerve to avoid an accident). Hydraulic disc brakes are now a must for me (ruddy awesome for stopping when some whoopsit decides to pull out in front of you.
I always follow the rules. I never go through a red light, always have at least 1 light, normally 2 in case one fails, helmet, hi-viz. I use my road position sensibly to make things safer for all of us (just trying to preserve my life and your license peeps) I let cars and trams past when it is narrow and an opportunity strikes. I will use a safe cycle path when one is available (the unsafe ones get ignored, I cycle too fast for their design). I follow all the police and cycling safety advice on roadcraft, cycling techniques and position yet I do not get the same back from many motorists.
However, I did notice late last year when the West Midlands Police campaign 'Space for cyclists' started that things got a bit better. Many more were giving lots of room when passing, but you would always get the lazy or deliberate types who either cant be bothered or want to make some sort of statement for being held up for 0.2 seconds. I often catch up with these guys at the next light too so there was no reason to put my life at risk in the first place.
Yes some cyclists are idiots and one day Darwinism will win, but why should I pay for their transgressions? It is very rare for a cyclist to put a motorist in harms way, but it is very easy to Kill or Seriously Injury a cyclist either through accidental or intentionally poor driving. All I am asking is that I can ride on the roads, share it with you, you share it with me and we all get home safely.
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Topic: Cycling in Britain (Read 12357 times)