should cyclists be treated as road-users, or pedestrians?

skivenov

Naf wrote: »

Take, for example, a junction where two roads meet at opposite sides of a dual carriageway (like this one https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Carlisle,+UK&hl=en&ll=54.89492,-2.945146&spn=0.000802,0.002642&sll=53.977138,-1.083041&sspn=0.013023,0.042272&oq=carlisle&t=k&hnear=Carlisle,+Cumbria,+United+Kingdom&z=19). I was on my bike coming from the south and needing to turn right onto the dual carriageway - so where am I supposed to position my bike before I turn?

I have a rule I apply if I don't know how to proceed on a pushbike. I ask myself what my mum would do.:D She's in her 60's and has ridden a bike, quite sedately, all her life.

Quite often the answer's get off and cross as a pedestrian. Ain't the fastest way of getting about but she's still here so it must work

Naf

skivenov wrote: »

I have a rule I apply if I don't know how to proceed on a pushbike. I ask myself what my mum would do.:D She's in her 60's and has ridden a bike, quite sedately, all her life.

Quite often the answer's get off and cross as a pedestrian. Ain't the fastest way of getting about but she's still here so it must work

Its a fair point to get 100% safety. But the principle is that motorists should be more aware of how a cyclist needs to operate. I'd rather be right and get someone annoyed, then corrected that it was them in the wrong. I do my best to make it very clear to cars exactly what I intend. At the same type of junction these days I stop my bike at an angle right in the middle of the lane, preventing cars from setting off and passing me until I'm well underway and my intentions are obvious.

Buellguy

I think the one thing that winds me up with some cyclists (no, not all) is their lack of observation when changing road position, i.e. the 'lifesaver' look over the shoulder (it's called a lifesaver for a reason) and the assumtion that someone else will alter their course to accommodate them. Cyclists are vulnerable road users (like anything on 2 wheels) some of them need to take a bit more responsibility for their own safety (not much good being in the right if you are dead)

ventureuk

I think the one thing that winds me up with some motorcyclists (no, not all) is their lack of observation when changing road position, i.e. the 'lifesaver' look over the shoulder (it's called a lifesaver for a reason) and the assumtion that someone else will alter their course to accommodate them. Motorcyclists are vulnerable road users (like anything on 2 wheels) some of them need to take a bit more responsibility for their own safety (not much good being in the right if you are dead)

Buellguy

ventureuk wrote: »

I think the one thing that winds me up with some motorcyclists (no, not all) is their lack of observation when changing road position, i.e. the 'lifesaver' look over the shoulder (it's called a lifesaver for a reason) and the assumtion that someone else will alter their course to accommodate them. Motorcyclists are vulnerable road users (like anything on 2 wheels) some of them need to take a bit more responsibility for their own safety (not much good being in the right if you are dead)

OK you've confused me now - it's part of the test (and is an INSTANT fail if you miss one) and out of all the bikers I know none of them don't use it (now car drivers are another matter unfortunately).

custardy

Buellguy wrote: »

OK you've confused me now - it's part of the test (and is an INSTANT fail if you miss one) and out of all the bikers I know none of them don't use it (now car drivers are another matter unfortunately).

I've seen plenty of motorists who seem to struggle looking out the windscreen

Buellguy

custardy wrote: »

I've seen plenty of motorists who seem to struggle looking out the windscreen

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Like this one

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/road-and-rail-transport/6984693/Woman-who-drove-with-snow-covered-windscreen-prompts-police-warning.html

!!!!!!

custardy

Buellguy wrote: »

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Like this one

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/road-and-rail-transport/6984693/Woman-who-drove-with-snow-covered-windscreen-prompts-police-warning.html

!!!!!!

Yes they should bring in tests and the requirement to have insurance against these road users............

oh hold on.............

ventureuk

Buellguy wrote: »

OK you've confused me now - it's part of the test (and is an INSTANT fail if you miss one) and out of all the bikers I know none of them don't use it (now car drivers are another matter unfortunately).

I know it's part of the test, but being part of a test does not mean it translates to everyday action.

The point I make is simple, there are good cyclists and bad cyclists, experienced cyclists and inexperienced cyclists.

The same goes for pedestrians, motorcyclists, car, PSV, L/M/H goods vehicle drivers, threads like this become an utter waste of time other than to watch internet chest beating.

Buellguy

ventureuk wrote: »

I know it's part of the test, but being part of a test does not mean it translates to everyday action.

The point I make is simple, there are good cyclists and bad cyclists, experienced cyclists and inexperienced cyclists.

The same goes for pedestrians, motorcyclists, car, PSV, L/M/H goods vehicle drivers, threads like this become an utter waste of time other than to watch internet chest beating.

So very true - love the picture by the way :rotfl: