Biggest Threats to Cyclists?

aleph_0

Johno100 wrote: »

Yes really visible,
Can you see the bikes?

I agree with PintAndAPie, I don't see how that links to the topic under discussion Clearly cyclists need to be aware of HGV's potential blind spots, and the driver really needs to be aware also.

We also need to stop making HGVs that have such poor visibility, and switch to glass-doored, low-cab high-vision models:

aleph_0

Johno100 wrote: »

Why take the chance? As the sign, objected to by the militants, says.

Please, you're clearly smart enough to know that's not the case. Like many aspects of road safety, it's complicated. The objections were mainly the inappropriate use of the sign, stuck on small vehicles with very good visibility. A better sign would be a warning and reason on dangerous vehicles only - e..g "Caution: Blind Spots" (and, in the longer term, the solution is building safer hgvs). The sign had become a tool to allow drivers of vehicles with excellent visibility to excuse bad driving.

Also note, we're a long way from the original context of the quote, which is that a cyclist is more visible in the centre of the lane than the left, because they're in the exact place a driver is looking for other vehicles. That is in general true.

Johno100

custardy wrote: »

So in stationary traffic. Just sit there?
Be better taking the car and giving you another car to sit in a queue with.

Sounds like MGIF if I've ever heard it.

aleph_0 wrote: »

I agree with PintAndAPie, I don't see how that links to the topic under discussion Clearly cyclists need to be aware of HGV's potential blind spots, and the driver really needs to be aware also.

We also need to stop making HGVs that have such poor visibility, and switch to glass-doored, low-cab high-vision models:

Well new designs are evolving over time and the EU are proposing even more radical designs, but those won't hit the road until 2020. And existing lorry designs will still be on the road for the next 15 to 20 years, so cyclists will have to live (or die) with it.

custardy

Good to see John still committed to educating cyclists.very busy on most cycling threads

Johno100

aleph_0 wrote: »

Also note, we're a long way from the original context of the quote, which is that a cyclist is more visible in the centre of the lane than the left, because they're in the exact place a driver is looking for other vehicles. That is in general true.

But not that much safer if the centre of the lane position is in the lorry blind spot shaped ASZ. And certainly not safer than waiting behind in the queue of traffic, why put yourself in a dangerous position if you can avoid it?

HAMISH_MCTAVISH

I cycle, I ride motorbikes, and I drive a car.

Putting aside all the vested interest BS that we see from various groups of road users, and the truly awful 'advice' coming from some of the more militant cycling advocacy groups, the most relevant road signage on this topic is that which says....



Why?

Because, as the other signage notes....



The safest and most considerate thing for cyclists to do is to stay well out of the way of other road users trying to pass.

That means well over to the left hand side of the lane, not obstructing traffic, not causing a long line of delayed and frustrated commuters who will get increasingly likely to take risks with overtaking someone they view as an obstructive and selfish lane hog.

You do have a right to cycle safely, you do not have a right to obstruct other traffic for extended periods of time , or otherwise be a selfish and inconsiderate plonker....

andydiysaver

hahaha a few pictures illustrate the whole thing much better than my many words can whether we call it hyperbole or whether we call it statement of fact!

andydiysaver

custardy wrote: »

Good to see John still committed to educating cyclists.very busy on most cycling threads

what on earth has that got to do with the fact in what he's saying and demonstrating?

HAMISH_MCTAVISH

aleph_0 wrote: »

In fact, you defined 'militant' ones as those that made overtaking difficult. Only swapping to secondary position when it is safe to do so seems like a rider well aware of the risks.

Only militant cyclists would think the "secondary position" is the one to the far left of the lane.

The primary lane position for all road users should be the one that shows consideration to other users, assists in the free and safe flow of traffic, and minimises risks caused by frustration.

For cyclists, that is the left, not blocking the centre.

being aware of the risks from drivers making mistakes. I try to mitigate them as much as possible - that will include riding in the centre of narrow lanes or in situations when I feel (and if your judgement is different, you should just go along with my judgement, even if you disagree, or it holds up progress).

Wow...

So in your mind it's appropriate to impede the progress of other traffic through lane blocking because you think a driver might not give you enough room one day?

Holy arrogance on a stick, Batman.....

andydiysaver wrote: »

that my friend epitomises the jumped up militant cyclist, I could not have put it better myself had I done a market research exercise and consulted 2000 of the lycra clad zealots in the middle of France!

Nailed it in one....

boliston

HAMISH_MCTAVISH wrote: »

...
The safest and most considerate thing for cyclists to do is to stay well out of the way of other road users trying to pass.

That means well over to the left hand side of the lane, not obstructing traffic, not causing a long line of delayed and frustrated commuters who will get increasingly likely to take risks with overtaking someone they view as an obstructive and selfish lane hog.......

It is dangerous to cycle less than about 3 feet from the kerb as if someone starts to overtake and then misjudges the amount of room they have and you are too close to the kerb you are basically "toast" as you have nowhere left to go. The only situation where you can really help is on a single track road with no passing places where it makes sense to pull over and wave a car past that has been patient - ie NOT revving, tooting etc!