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news
Considerate Driver of the Day 1 - Lorry driver gives cyclist loads of room
Our Near Miss of the Day series has highlighted plenty of examples of poor driving that put cyclists at risk of serious injury or death.
But equally, there are many drivers out there who do show ample consideration when driving near vulnerable road users, and here is a striking example filmed by road.cc reader Jonny Marrs.
He told us: "With your recent run of close pass videos I'd like to share a video I took back in June whilst out riding.
"I was so taken back by the amount of consideration by this driver I emailed the company.
"I just thought it would make a refreshing change to the almost being maimed or killed videos."
What's noticeable in the video is that the drivers of the three vehicles following the first - two more lorries, plus a car - all give the same amount of space, perhaps taking their lead from the original lorry with that driver's manoeuvre perhaps alerting them to the cyclist's presence.
In his email to the company, Collins Earthworks, Jonny said: "Whilst riding my bike along the A525 near Llandegla today (Friday 21sJune 12pm), I was overtaken by one of your vehicles registration number NK65 PRY.
"I'd just like to say I wish all drivers where as considerate on the road he really couldn't give me any more room if he tried, as a vulnerable road user it really makes a refreshing change to be passed with such consideration."
Sending them a link to the video on YouTube, he added: "Once again many thanks to your driver it might be a small thing to you but puts my faith in human nature."
He received a repoy from the company's commercial director, Jill Goodwin-Woodcock, who said: "I would like to say a very appreciated thank you for your email.
"Within this business and the amount of vehicles we own it is refreshing to have such a polite email."
More of this sort of thing, please.
Simon joined road.cc as news editor in 2009 and is now the site’s community editor, acting as a link between the team producing the content and our readers. A law and languages graduate, published translator and former retail analyst, he has reported on issues as diverse as cycling-related court cases, anti-doping investigations, the latest developments in the bike industry and the sport’s biggest races. Now back in London full-time after 15 years living in Oxford and Cambridge, he loves cycling along the Thames but misses having his former riding buddy, Elodie the miniature schnauzer, in the basket in front of him.
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35 comments
"Whilst riding my bike along the A525 near Llandegla today"
Ridden here quite a few times, they're not this considerate most of the time unfortunately.
Get up and around there on a Sunday morning and rub shoulders with the motorcyclists. I'm sure they never take notice of the "Think! bike" signs that the council have put up.
It's part of the UK HC to do that.
I love the way that positive behaviour by one road user (the first lorry to pass) seems to generate equally positive behaviour by the vehicles following behind.
On my way home today (driving) on a country lane I slowed down and waited for some time behind 4 rather attractive young lady cyclists. In the end they waved me past, which was a shame.
I wonder how many lorry drivers visit cycling websites to check if their manouver was well received.
The cyclist could have helped by slowing down to below 10 mph (or pulled over) so that overtaking was legal otherwise there could have been a massive tailback building up during the course of his trip. Maybe he should take the lane or cycle two-abreast (with a buddy) in case a motor cycle wants to squeeze past. Yes, its a funny old world we live in.
It is pleasing to see such considerate driving and those motorists deserve recognition for risking a motoring penalty by crossing a solid white line to give a cyclist necessary space.
Had there been a Plod behind them, no doubt they would have recived a TS20 endorsement (3 points and fine) when there was no danger to any one involved. It would be the ultimate irony if the police used this video evidence to convict the drivers - in which case I for one would defend them.
Great idea.
I do appreciate the dilemma you guys at road.cc must feel - campaigning for better treatment of cyclists whilst not wanting to be seen adding fuel to the rising temperatures in sine elements of the tabloid press.
It just goes to show you how bad things have become when we are highlighting and congratulating drivers for doing what they should be doing ALL the time as standard. It should be seen as the ordinary/default approach but because of the shocking standard on the roads we hold it up as an unusual event to be celebrated.
We all tend to note good passes and I've mentioned on another thread about giving positive feedback, because I know that positive re-enforcement is a good thing but it's not likely to sway the tide, it shouldn't ever be that way.
I liken it to saying well done to someone for not raping/sexually assaulting or attacking you with a blunt instrument on the streets that could and does kill you.
Glad to say it reflects my experience on the highway between tower bridge and Canary Wharf. The vast majority of truck drivers don’t take any chances and give loads of space despite the busy conditions. Conversely, at traffic lights, I stay behind rather than complicate their life. Despite my best efforts, they’re faster eventually.
I often notice this, drivers seemingly taking their cue from the vehicle in front so if the first one leaves plenty space the following cars are more likely to do the same.
Doesn't seem as much of a thing in reverse thankfully, never really noticed close passes being copied in the same way.
No.
I don't think it's constructive to give extravagant praise to something that should be completely normal and unremarkable behaviour. That's how you toilet-train children. Managed not to physically endanger someone? Well bully for you.
If driving like this is made out to be so special then the message conveyed is that if you don't do it then actually you'll just be like most other people so why bother?
Nice to be nice sometimes. I'll often give a wave of thanks to patient drivers who wait for more room to pass.
When I do this, I reckon they sometimes think I'm complaining about their driving
When HGV drivers are killing cyclists then this good behaviour does need to be highlighted.
The same way good driving from supermarket delivery vans, taxi and coach drivers should be called out.
These vehicle drivers need it drummed into their heads that while getting from A to B is important to keep their jobs, not killing cyclists on the way is more important.
I have 3 comments:
1. Very good considerate and sensible driving
2. All the passes were illegal crossing double white lines
3. Why on earth were there double white lines on a road like that?
I think you’ve summed it up perfectly.
Good driving, but technically illegal due to rubbish road design by the council.
We can see here how imitation works. So when we drive motor vehicles don't forget to give more than extra space as an example.
The wording of the "Wording of The Highway Code" says "must" and "must not" indicate legal requirements.
But as Douglas Bader apparently said, “Rules are for the obedience of fools and the guidance of wise men"!
he didn't have a leg to stand on!
Didn't Bez pop in the othr day to mention that being against the Highway Code is not that same as being illegal?
I can't really see what the pupose of the white lines are on that particular road. If it's a safe overtake, where's the crime/victim?
Yes, great distance given by all those vehicles but almost certainly illegal due to the double white lines. 10mph is not at all fast, even for a bike! The cyclist was certainly doing more than that!
Good to see praise where it's due...
On which note, kudos to the driver of a rather large tractor who reversed to allow me to pass safely the other day
. And the courteous drivers of (utility company?) Land Rovers on another country lane yesterday...
Good to be reminded that the tw*ts in BMWs who can't stand to lose a second really are the minority.
Big fan of this, road.cc
Whilst I agree that the truck driver gave him plenty of space, lets not forget that it was over a solid white line and therefore against the law!
From the Highway Code
Rule 129
Double white lines where the line nearest you is solid. This means you MUST NOT cross or straddle it unless it is safe and you need to enter adjoining premises or a side road. You may cross the line if necessary, provided the road is clear, to pass a stationary vehicle, or overtake a pedal cycle, horse or road maintenance vehicle, if they are travelling at 10 mph (16 km/h) or less.
Not strictly true - its legal if the cyclist was going 10mph or less - however I've no idea whether or not this is the case (I haven't seen the video yet as YouTube blocked in office, so can't guess speed based on the footage or any telemetry displayed in the video).
Edit: looks like Mike edited his post to add the releveant section whilst I was writing my post.
Excellent idea for a regular feature.
Lets give praise where it's due and have a bit more cheer - constant highlighting of muppets and law breaking just brings everyone down.
More positive articles please.
It certainly looks considerably faster than 10 mph. Having said that, it's a nice straight(ish) road with good visibility, maybe the council had some surplus white paint and an over enthusiastic white line painter.
If it's against the highway code then it's not an offense, though it may be taken into consideration alongside any illegal activity. Assumoing the lorry was passing carefully, and with due care and attention, then there's no issue here, especially since he was complying with the highway code and giving the cyclist as much room as he would any other vehicle while overtaking!
The problem is that it's a MUST NOT, not a shouldn't. Would be 3 points if there was actually anybody out there nowadays on Traffic duty.
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