Nearly hit a cyclist this morning!

Shades wrote:

You can ‘lump’ cycling without lights/reflectors in with ignoring red lights, cycling up one-way streets etc. It’s not really ‘helping the cause’ when (some) motorists are anti-cycling and looking for any reason to point the finger.

Was he in Kensington/Chelsea, as that might be allowed (and I definitely wouldn’t know him if he’s from around there): https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/parking-transport-and-streets/getting-around/cycling-and-walking/two-way-cycling-one-way-streets

Possibly also Cambridgeshire: https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/travel-roads-and-parking/transport-projects/cycling-&-pedestrian-improvements/two-way-cycling-in-one-way-streets/

Freetime101 wrote:

I think perhaps my point has been missed… nevermind…

I had no difficulty in dealing with this mornings scenario, but it’s a situation that as a cyclist I would try and avoid where possbile. I’m not the only driver on the road and there are many stories out there of cyclists coming off worse on the road and I’d rather not add to it, from either side.

Another road user caused you to use your car’s brakes. I can’t work out what you want us to say or do. There is surely no-one here who ambles across a 60mph road without looking or does not use lights when they feel appropriate, even well beyond the times indicated by the HC (mine were in use until 8:30 this morning and I’m no fan of daytime lights).

Do you post this kind of thing on car forums every time someone pulls out on you, overtakes on double white lines, tailgates you, goes through a light as it changes to red etc etc etc?

Thought not.

If you’re just venting then you’d be better off writing to the letters pages of your local newspaper, they love that kind of thing, or Twitter.

 

 

Highway Code Rule 113:

Night (the hours of darkness) is defined as the period between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise).

Rule 126:

Drive at a speed that will allow you to stop well within the distance you can see to be clear.

Rule 146:

Adapt your driving to the appropriate type and condition of road you are on. In particular

– do not treat speed limits as a target. It is often not appropriate or safe to drive at the maximum speed limit
– take the road and traffic conditions into account. Be prepared for unexpected or difficult situations, for example, the road being blocked beyond a blind bend. Be prepared to adjust your speed as a precaution
– where there are junctions, be prepared for road users emerging
in side roads and country lanes look out for unmarked junctions where nobody has priority
– be prepared to stop at traffic control systems, road works, pedestrian crossings or traffic lights as necessary

Rule 147:

Be considerate.

– try to be understanding if other road users cause problems; they may be inexperienced or not know the area well
– be patient; remember that anyone can make a mistake

Rule 163:

take extra care at night and in poor visibility when it is harder to judge speed and distance

(although this is the rule for overtaking it should be applied in all conditions)

Rule 170:

Take extra care at junctions. You should watch out for cyclists, motorcyclists, powered wheelchairs/mobility scooters and pedestrians as they are not always easy to see. Be aware that they may not have seen or heard you if you are approaching from behind

Rule 204:

The most vulnerable road users are pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders. It is particularly important to be aware of children, older and disabled people, and learner and inexperienced drivers and riders.

Rule 205:

There is a risk of pedestrians, especially children, stepping unexpectedly into the road. You should drive with the safety of children in mind at a speed suitable for the conditions.

(N.B. this is not an exhaustive list)

Freetime101 wrote:

regardless of who has legal right of way – remember Newtons third law

Very clever </sarcasm> but remember – you don’t own the road! There are silly people on the road (the majority of them inside motorised vehicles) but if YOU bear in mind the above rules then it should not be difficult for you to deal with the scenario you described.

I had a pedestrian walk out

I had a pedestrian walk out in front of me as I rode in today.  It was lashing with rain and he couldn’t hear any cars so he assumed it was safe to cross.

Luckily I assumed he’d do that so there was no risk to either of us.

Idiots in cars, bikes, on foot  – they are everywhere !