Loony cyclists on the road & accidents

Nine_Lives

It's a never ending argument between cyclists & car users. Hopefully it doesn't progress here.

I don't have an issue with cyclists that don't obstruct the road.

If i have a bump with another car, we exchange details & all is well. However, what happens if a cyclist has caused damage?

There was a time a short while ago where i was in a traffic queue under a bridge. The road is tight enough. There was about 5 cyclists that were cycling in the middle of the lane (before the road got tight) so they were holding everyone up. We had to wait on oncoming traffic stopping before we got past.

We get under the bridge where it's tight. I positioned a bit from the wall but the car in front was up close to the kerb.

The cyclists came past & got past me & tried squeezing in between the kerb & the car in front. There's no way you'd dare attempt it but this idiot did ............. and cycled right into the stationary car.

Said cyclist then slapped the car (why do cyclists do that?!!!GRRR) & started moaning about the cars position. Well, based on where he was, yes he could've moved over i suppose ........... and been and risk of getting clipped by oncoming traffic. I guess the cyclist being patient & waiting for the traffic to move just wasn't an option.

I wouldn't mind but there's a thorn bush overgrowing from the side, so if the cyclist had squeezed past, they'd have been biking through this.


So what happens in such a scenario? The cyclist wont have insurance, so do you have to claim & lose your no claims even though it's not your fault & you know who did it as they're right there at your side? All seems wrong to me.

bagpuss38

We had our car mirror smashed by a cyclist, he flew off to jump some more red lights and weave in out and of of lorries:mad:

geri1965_2

Some cyclists do have insurance (I am one). Of course, you have to persuade said cyclist to give you his details before you can claim.

*Scarlett

I agree - most cyclists are careful, considerate road users but you do get the odd nutter! Same with car drivers!

I watched a TV programme recently where there was a cyclist who deliberately drives into vehicles that he does not think are considerate enough to him!

Equally there were drivers shown who clearly had no regard for cyclists on the road.

If a cyclist causes an accident they may have insurance through their home policy - many will include a personal liability insurance which would cover this.

kalaika

Nine_Lives wrote: »

So what happens in such a scenario? The cyclist wont have insurance...

A group of 5 riding together could have been a group from a local cycling club, in which case they might have insurance through that club. Or if they are 'serious' cyclists, they might be members of a cycling organisation like British Cycling or CTC which would give them insurance. Or they might have third party insurance away from home as part of their home insurance. Even without insurance then if the cyclist is at fault, then he is at fault, and is personally liable to cover the costs of repair.

Ultimately, the biggest issue is identifying who he is if he doesn't stop or give his details, and showing that the damage caused was as a result of his actions. The same as if someone hits your car in a car park and doesn't leave their details. They are responsible for the damage and they should cover the costs to rectify it, but if you can't prove who did it there's not a lot you can do other than pay to repair it yourself or use you own insurance.

cathpalmer

Anyone with either buildings or contents policies will have cover for Third Party Liability for damage they cause to another person or their property, but it cannot be deliberate.

The crux is that they are unlikely to want to tell you their details!

rs65

I thought the liability cover under a buildings policy only generally related to risks arising from owning/occupying the property.

Happy to be corrected though....

_Andy_

The majority of cyclists will just pedal off, probably shouting at you then blaming you afterwards, before cycling on to the pavement, running into a pedestrian and then blaming them.

cathpalmer

I think this is a common misconception but no, you would be covered for liability for any damage you or your property do to another person or their property if done accidently.

A good example is hitting someone with a golf ball when at the golf club, or running over someone's foot with your motability scooter.

The only time this would not apply is when you have a specific insurance for a product like car insurance for a car accident.

Most policies cover for approx £1 -2 million.

But as said earlier - unlikely that a cyclist would offer up this information!

Andy is right - they can be very inconsiderate!

Nine_Lives

*Scarlett wrote: »

I watched a TV programme recently where there was a cyclist who deliberately drives into vehicles that he does not think are considerate enough to him!

Was that the one where that "road droid" chap was on it?

I had to walk off as i was getting mad at the telly. He was cycling between vehicles & then complaining when they nearly hit him - he then started slapping their vehicle & handed them his 'card' & told them he'd be in touch with their boss and/or the police.

I especially liked the part where he said he went to the police over one incident (it was shown) & they did nothing.

I almost wet myself laughing when he discussed the time he got knocked off his bike (ok, this could've been quite scary & that part is not funny, though having watched him i question who was at fault for said incident) ....... he said it was at the moment he got knocked off that he realised he was human :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

I was thinking ......... well what did you think you were beforehand then?


It's not all about cyclists being wrong though. That chap who got out of his car to wallop that cyclist was out of order too.

CLAPTON

Nine_Lives wrote: »

It's a never ending argument between cyclists & car users. Hopefully it doesn't progress here.

I don't have an issue with cyclists that don't obstruct the road.

If i have a bump with another car, we exchange details & all is well. However, what happens if a cyclist has caused damage?

There was a time a short while ago where i was in a traffic queue under a bridge. The road is tight enough. There was about 5 cyclists that were cycling in the middle of the lane (before the road got tight) so they were holding everyone up. We had to wait on oncoming traffic stopping before we got past.

We get under the bridge where it's tight. I positioned a bit from the wall but the car in front was up close to the kerb.

The cyclists came past & got past me & tried squeezing in between the kerb & the car in front. There's no way you'd dare attempt it but this idiot did ............. and cycled right into the stationary car.

Said cyclist then slapped the car (why do cyclists do that?!!!GRRR) & started moaning about the cars position. Well, based on where he was, yes he could've moved over i suppose ........... and been and risk of getting clipped by oncoming traffic. I guess the cyclist being patient & waiting for the traffic to move just wasn't an option.

I wouldn't mind but there's a thorn bush overgrowing from the side, so if the cyclist had squeezed past, they'd have been biking through this.


So what happens in such a scenario? The cyclist wont have insurance, so do you have to claim & lose your no claims even though it's not your fault & you know who did it as they're right there at your side? All seems wrong to me.

what speed did you want to travel at in this tight spot?
how fast were the cyclists going?
how long do you estimate they held you up?