Back in September, we featured a compilation from road.cc reader Adrian of near misses filmed on his commute from Epsom to Blackfriars.
Now, he’s sent through another one, and told us: “The last compilation attracted a diverse range of comments, so let’s see what everyone makes of this lot.
”I took some those comments to heart and, knowing that a similar compilation was on the cards, I generally proceeded with more caution to see if it made any difference.”
Most of the footage was shot on the route of CS7 from Ewell/Epsom to central London, other than one piece filmed on Pebble Hill (the back side of Box Hill).
Up to and including yesterday, Adrian had covered 773 miles during the month, almost three-quarters of that – 572 miles – for commuting.
”The weekends were bliss in comparison,” he added.
> What to do next if you’ve been involved in a road traffic collision
> Near Miss of the Day turns 100 – Why do we do the feature and what have we learnt from it?
Over the years road.cc has reported on literally hundreds of close passes and near misses involving badly driven vehicles from every corner of the country – so many, in fact, that we’ve decided to turn the phenomenon into a regular feature on the site. One day hopefully we will run out of close passes and near misses to report on, but until that happy day arrives, Near Miss of the Day will keep rolling on.
If you’ve caught on camera a close encounter of the uncomfortable kind with another road user that you’d like to share with the wider cycling community please send it to us at info@road.cc">info@road.cc or send us a message via the road.cc Facebook page.
If the video is on YouTube, please send us a link, if not we can add any footage you supply to our YouTube channel as an unlisted video (so it won’t show up on searches).
Please also let us know whether you contacted the police and if so what their reaction was, as well as the reaction of the vehicle operator if it was a bus, lorry or van with company markings etc.
49 thoughts on “Near Miss of the Day 323: Another London commute compilation”
Good grief. I’ll take my
Good grief. I’ll take my hills, dark country roads and sheep dodging over this any day. Nightmare.
I think all those “offenders”
I think all those “offenders” were just blinded by that OTT front flashing light!
The ############Cambridge
The Cambridge guided Busway can get a bit boring but I’d take boring compared to that 😮
HLaB wrote:
Apart from stealth walkers/joggers and dogs not on leads, as well as the crap because it’s not swept!
Depressingly familiar commute
Depressingly familiar commute, at least my hazard perception is working well as none of those close encounters came as a surprise 🙁
Getting my caveats in first:
Getting my caveats in first: I have a similar London commute, thouogh not the same roads; I know that the camera has a habit of making things look worse than / not as bad as they were (usually whichever is least helpful to you at the time); and that it’s very easy to judge in retrospect from behind a PC. My honest appraisal though is that in some of those (e.g. the stretch through Tooting with multiple incidents while filtering) I’d be slowing down a few ticks because of the high likelihood of pedestrians crossing / traffic turning across a slow moving carriageway. Also the Fiat 500 driver Adrian berated had been indicating left for 23 seconds by my count before Adrian queried not so politely what they were doing. I thought the answer was pretty self-evident, but I appreciate his view may have been obscured by the scooter. Nonetheless, also some nasty near misses too.
The Fiat driver is an
The Fiat driver is an interesting one. She had a good half mile to get into the left hand lane and a clear road, but didn’t. Then, when she first had a go, she nearly sided-swiped the rider in front of me. Then she braked and blocked both lanes (because I can’t go down her inside) and started to collect the skip lorry, which blasted its horn.
Then she moved across and hit the brakes again, and then finally a third time to stop dead, blocking both the left hand lane and CS7. On the other hand, if she’d accelerated a bit to be in front of the rider she nearly sided-swiped (and she had masses of room to do that), then we would all have been fine and able to pass down her right, which happens every day at that location (which is why I was in the middle of the lane in the first place, as was the guy in front of me, well away from that lethal bit of CS7).
What the camera doesn’t really show is who is braking and who is not – the sudden surges are her braking hard. It doesn’t reveal me braking in the interim as she slows.
Fair points re: the Fiat, and
Fair points re: the Fiat, and I appreciate the video loses some of the nuance. It looks like the driver was hesitant of cutting in on the two cyclists in front of you and indecisive about how to make their turn. Another driver might have overtaken, braked hard (once!) and turned left, and we’d be complaining about a MGIF / left hook instead. Anyway, I don’t envy you that commute. Safe riding, particularly in this first week of clocks gone back!
I’m so glad I don’t have to
I’m so glad I don’t have to commute in a city any more. All of those were depressingly familiar and likely to be experienced by most cycle commuters frequently. I for one, am amazed that London didn’t make the top ten of cycling cities.
It’s definitely time that vehicles unsuitable for cities were banned and drivers better trained and held to account. Ooooh look, a unicorn.
The opening seconds certainly
The opening seconds certainly grabbed the viewers attention.
Still think you travel a little quickly for the volume and mix of traffic.
Some poor driving shown here,
Some poor driving shown here, but in my opinion some of the cycling doesn’t look too clever too. I would always be more hesitant when riding in heavy traffic. Better to be a few minutes late than not at all.
I don’t live or ride in your
I don’t live or ride in your country or ride on your roads so take this for what it might be worth. I see fault with some of the driving but also see above average faults with some of the riding. The speed and apparent lack of willingness to slow down in what I see as perceivable high risk situations. Riding at higher than safe speeds approaching blind overtakes in regard to pedestrians is not safe riding. The number of time it sounded like hard breaking suggests to me the need to slow down for a less stressed and enjoyable ride. Not sure commuting should be a bike race.
NIP at the very least. For
What a brilliant video for illustrating the gulf of understanding between cyclists (well, this one at least) and motorists. I’m guessing by the fact that he submitted the video that he believes it shows him in the right. I’m pretty sure most of the motorists and pedestrians think he is everything that is worst about entitled cyclists who think they own the road.
Slow down a bit, be
Generally, to all involved, slow down a bit, be considerate, don’t feel so entitled.
Anybody cycling like that in
Anybody cycling like that in those conditions is asking for trouble. At 25 seconds it looked like somebody was letting the car out of the side road so why didn’t the cyclist? At 4min. that car was signalling left well in advance of the cyclist so why didn’t he slow down and let him move left? Being a cyclist doesn’t entitle you to less considerate than motorists.
Zipping past pedestrians crossing the road when vehicles have stopped is just ignorant.
Dingaling wrote:
Why would the cyclist want to lose their forward momentum and then have to accelerate again just to allow a motorist to join a queue of traffic? The car was already stopped, so it’s just a case of them waiting about 2 seconds for the cyclist to continue past.
Personally, I hate it when motorists “let” other motorists into queues of traffic without considering the moving traffic in the cycle lanes.
1. Buses. Lets face it public
1. Buses. Lets face it public transport should always get a break and have right of way. If a bus comes past you indicating left for a bus stop then brake a bit , go right a bit and go round it. Its not rocket science.
2. don’t cycle full on into problems . If someone is indicating way in advance let them go. If someone is obviously (the fiat) confused slow let them go.
3 Urban cycling is a joint enterprise with everyone else on the road. Its not a set of obstacles for you to whizz through as fast as you can expecting everyone to respect your space.
4 I wonder if its worth marketng lycra with a big ME ME ME ME ME ME logo. I could see it selling well.
nicmason wrote:
If a bus overtakes whilst indicating left, maybe report the driver to the police – that is a classic left-hook and people die from that stupidity all the time.
I wonder if it’s worth marketing driving gloves with “KILL KILL KILL” on them. I could see it selling well to some of the mouth-breathers driving around (not the considerate drivers though).
hawkinspeter wrote:
so in traffic with quite possibly a long stream of cyclists the bus can never pull in ?
nicmason wrote:
The safe way to do it is for the bus to indicate and slow so cyclists to the left of the bus will go in front of it and cyclists behind the bus will see the indicators and attempt to stay behind the bus or overtake on the right if there’s room.
Why would anyone endanger others just to save a couple of seconds?
hawkinspeter wrote:
I see a huge amount of cyling on these videos and on the road where cyclists don’t pay any attention at all to indicators. So great theory. Not so hot in practise. Obviously a problem if a bus lterally runs you off the road but that wassn’t the case
nicmason wrote:
No you don’t.
hawkinspeter wrote:
Oh yes I do. Is it pantomime season already ?
nicmason wrote:
Well, some may say that you’re a horses’ arse, so possibly.
Put up or shut up.
hawkinspeter wrote:
Your not a very nice person are you . But never mind. Maybe you where the numpty on the bike.
nicmason wrote:
You’re welcome to your opinion, but I’m not the one judging groups of people based on the actions of a minority. You claim to have seen a “huge” amount of videos where cyclists don’t pay any attention to indicators, but you’re not providing a specific example that we can discuss.
Put up or shut up.
hawkinspeter wrote:
Stop being obtuse. I see loads of cyclists not paying attention to indicators as well. Most of those are nodders, but there are still plenty of numpties on decent bikes who should know better. Maybe you just don’t ride much so don’t see it that often?
I’ll be honest, as someone who has done that commute many times in the past, some of the riding through Tooting was pretty shit. You know it’s muppet central there – why ride straight into problems. Regarding the bus, Where’s he meant to pull in if you’re basically keeping pace with him but a tiny bit behind? He’s indicated that he’s going to pull in to stop – just slow down and go right of him. In general, filtering up the inside in CS7 in the built up areas is asking for trouble – even if it is a bike lane. Where it narrows, and traffic interacts with pedestrians, it’s generally safer to do it on the outside.
Tbh, maybe I’m just numb to it – but I didn’t see much to make me wince here. The odd bit of shit driving, the odd bit of shit riding.
Zebulebu wrote:
Well, some may say that you’re a horses’ arse, so possibly.
Put up or shut up.
— hawkinspeter Stop being obtuse. I see loads of cyclists not paying attention to indicators as well. Most of those are nodders, but there are still plenty of numpties on decent bikes who should know better. Maybe you just don’t ride much so don’t see it that often? I’ll be honest, as someone who has done that commute many times in the past, some of the riding through Tooting was pretty shit. You know it’s muppet central there – why ride straight into problems. Regarding the bus, Where’s he meant to pull in if you’re basically keeping pace with him but a tiny bit behind? He’s indicated that he’s going to pull in to stop – just slow down and go right of him. In general, filtering up the inside in CS7 in the built up areas is asking for trouble – even if it is a bike lane. Where it narrows, and traffic interacts with pedestrians, it’s generally safer to do it on the outside. Tbh, maybe I’m just numb to it – but I didn’t see much to make me wince here. The odd bit of shit driving, the odd bit of shit riding.— nicmason
I see lots of cyclists in Bristol doing all manner of crazy maneouvres, but I rarely see them ignoring indicators. Can you point me towards a selection of these videos? I’m sure there must be some around, but I doubt that there’s a huge number as otherwise I’d surely have seen one or two.
If a cyclist is going the same speed as a bus and the bus starts indicating to pull in to the left, the sensible answer is for the bus to slow down to allow the cyclist to go in front. The bus is going to have to come to a complete stop anyway, so why overtake instead of slowing down?
Personally, I filter on the left or right depending on the conditions. If there’s a lot of fast moving traffic coming the other direction, then I’ll often go for the inside and be wary of all the usual risks. But yes, you have to be careful when filtering and be prepared to give way.
Zebulebu wrote:
If that’s the case, then shouldn’t someone have thought about that before they built/painted CS7? Because, based on what you’ve just said, it’s a complete waste of paint/money.
(Disclaimer: I am not a London cyclist).
There were many examples of
There were many examples of lucky escapes from collisions. Slow down.
Im so glad I dont live in a city, have to commute in a city, either by car or bike. I go out of my way not to travel with vehicles. If I were to live in a city, I would not cycle if that is a true representative example of commuting
So glad I don’t have to
So glad I don’t have to commute anymore (though I do miss it in a wierd way). I think other commenters have it right though, slow down a bit. If you drove a car in the same manner that you ride your bike there would be bodies everywhere. Also poor anticipation and slow reaction to vehicles indicating is a common theme throughout the compilation. More caution please.
cbrndc wrote:
I dont agree there was anything wrong with the speed of the cyclist there at all, even ignoring these action cameras often increase the perception of speed travelling, you are well in control and able to react,brake and even stop as required. As for the indicators, common misconception that chucking those things on gives you free reign to do what you want & manoeuvre across roads when it’s not safe to do so whilst other traffic is in your way and the choice you give them is let’s have an accident or else,same with pulling out of junctions.
My view when commuting by bike especially if I’m maintaining a speed comparative to traffic around me is,if you wouldn’t do that if I was a car,dont do it when I’m a cyclist, and if your response is bicycles should…you’re just wrong ok
Awavey wrote:
So glad I don’t have to commute anymore (though I do miss it in a wierd way). I think other commenters have it right though, slow down a bit. If you drove a car in the same manner that you ride your bike there would be bodies everywhere. Also poor anticipation and slow reaction to vehicles indicating is a common theme throughout the compilation. More caution please.
— Awavey I dont agree there was anything wrong with the speed of the cyclist there at all, even ignoring these action cameras often increase the perception of speed travelling, you are well in control and able to react,brake and even stop as required. As for the indicators, common misconception that chucking those things on gives you free reign to do what you want & manoeuvre across roads when it’s not safe to do so whilst other traffic is in your way and the choice you give them is let’s have an accident or else,same with pulling out of junctions. My view when commuting by bike especially if I’m maintaining a speed comparative to traffic around me is,if you wouldn’t do that if I was a car,dont do it when I’m a cyclist, and if your response is bicycles should…you’re just wrong ok— cbrndc
I agree entirely. But that is not the impression I get of the cyclist in the compilation, he does come across an awful lot of self-entitled drivers but being a self entitled cyclist will not help (note the interactions with pedestrians who are only trying to cross the road). The highway is full of numpties of all persuasions. My rule is “don’t let that person become part of the rest of my life.” Humility goes a long way.
I saw a cyclist this morning
I saw a cyclist this morning of the ME ME ME type. (as I cycled to work)
He came down the outside of a line of line of traffic waiting at a red light.
Went straight through the red light visibly suprising the lady who crossing the road left to right.
I then watched him berating a driver who had pulled out in front of him.
I then watched him jump every red light he came to.
Was he tearaway. No . Expensive bike lots of high vis. Lights etc. But a complete numpty.
nicmason wrote:
Cool story, bro
Lol – CS7 IS a massive waste
Lol – CS7 IS a massive waste of money! The route it travles along has always been an absolute nightmare. Painting the inside lane of the A24 in slippery PFTE blue hasn’t done anything about the side roads, shit driving, bus stops, pedestrians spilling out onto the street and glass all over it.
Sadly, there isn’t much of an alternative to get through South London other than the A3 (arguably worse, especially through Streatham & Brixton) – but at least CS7 gives the nodders a bit of perceived protection because its a ‘dedicated’ cycle lane
Zebulebu wrote:
Poorly thought out cycle infrastructure? In this country?
I’m shocked!
What if the vehicle on the
What if the vehicle on the inside lane of the bus is not one so easily bullied as a cyclist?
Say and empty artic truck. Only one occupant, just going somewhere.
What then would that driver be required to do if the bus driver were to indicate left?
Should they slam on their powerful brakes to allow the “more important” motor vehicle to get into the left-hand lane in front of them?
ktache wrote:
yes they might well do.
When I drive in crowded urban traffic I am continually giving way where I have right of way. Someone indicates and I respond. Someones trying to get out of a side turning I let them out. A pedestrian crossing the road I slow down and let them cross etc That works and it makes the traffic work. I could just self importantly blow my horn and carry on. Basically behaving like an idiot.
nicmason wrote:
I actually find myself in agreement with you. In built up areas, if we didn’t let people join or get out the way, nothing would move and someone would be stuck in side road all day.
There has to be some give and take for traffic to move about in central london.
hirsute wrote:
When I drive in crowded urban traffic I am continually giving way where I have right of way. Someone indicates and I respond. Someones trying to get out of a side turning I let them out. A pedestrian crossing the road I slow down and let them cross etc That works and it makes the traffic work. I could just self importantly blow my horn and carry on. Basically behaving like an idiot.
— hirsuteI actually find myself in agreement with you. In built up areas, if we didn’t let people join or get out the way, nothing would move and someone would be stuck in side road all day. There has to be some give and take for traffic to move about in central london.— nicmason
Problem is, it’s usually the cyclist who’s expected to ‘give’ and the motorist who’s expecting to ‘take’
hirsute wrote:
Problem is, it’s usually the cyclist, pedestrian, and even bus-user, who’s expected to ‘give’ and the motorist who’s expecting to ‘take’.
In built up areas, if we didn’t hand over so much space to oversized inefficient vehicles (not forgetting using it as storage space for them) everyone could get where they were going more quickly and safely.
ktache wrote:
Yes. Rule 223 of the HC. It is adviced that the bus is the “more important” vehicle and should be treated as such where safely possible.
Why has the artic got to “slam” on their brakes? They’ve seen the bus indicate for quite a few seconds and can gently ease off the throttle to allow the bus to pull in and carry on its valuable public service.
Some interesting comments
Some interesting comments here. I’m glad I no longer commute in London. However I used to up to a few years ago both by bike and by car when I needed to carry all my tools. Some observations.
The bus was totally out of order. You can’t overtake someone whilst indicating left. The obvious thing to do is to indicate left and wait behind the cyclist.
The Fiat. I encountered this situation a lot, both cycling and driving. If cycling and I saw a car indicating left where there was a cycle lane on the inside I would slow down and wave the car over. How else is a car going to make a safe left turn with cyclists riding up the inside? If driving the same senario I would indicate and slow down, and if neccessary stop in the lane until the cycle lane was clear or until I was waved through.
I have to say that cycle lanes that go up the inside of slower moving traffic are something of a hazard IMO and therefore when using them speed needs to be moderated and you need to expect the unexpected (that doesn’t make sense, but you know what I mean).
I do think there needs to be more consideration of other road users on the part of all concerned.
All the same I’m so pleased I moved out of London.
Nothing in that compilation
Nothing in that compilation looked _unusually_ heinous. Just everyday less-than-perfect driving (and pedestrianing) and conditions that are no one road-user’s fault. But it does accurately depict how tiring and stressful cycling in current conditions can be.
FluffyKittenofTindalos wrote:
Almost any challenging traffc situation benefits from going a bit slower.
nicmason wrote:
Almost any challenging traffc situation benefits from going a bit slower.
— FluffyKittenofTindalos
That’s logically-flawed, because it would imply you could keep on doing that and getting more-and-more benefits till you were stationary!
The bike is well behind the
The bike is well behind the bus after the bus passes the parked car.He’s been signalling the whole time.The cyclist seems to like riding into developing situations and making them worse in order to have something to bellyache about.
A more mature road user would anticipate problems and defuse them before things get out of hand. This bloke’s just getting off on adrenalin.
Wouldn’t it be easier to
Wouldn’t it be easier to gravel bike a commuters city ride?
I’ve only ridden a city once. Found it easier to maintain movement by hopping gutters and cruising mix sidewalks with roads. On road an articulated lorry seen me but also saw gap infront of I hence without brakes I was sandwich meat. Lorry completed lane with about a one foot gap between lorrys trailer and a 3 foot high barrier (no shoulder).
Video shows a lot of bicycling lanes yet that’s a reason why I like gravel bike width tyres.
(I passed the lorry, hopped gutter after roadworks and continued on bike path. Wanted to yell but wasn’t sure if word I knew meant “thank you” or ” go f yourself ” lol. Besides.. Didn’t know if was normal or not.. Loving wide tyres)