Suicidal Cyclist

Tilt

A lot would depend on the width of the road. AFAIK without checking, the HC says not to ride more than 2 abreast anyway and to ride single file on busy or narrow roads. I think the same applies to horses which says they should ride single file when approaching a bend.

Norman_Castle

http://ukcyclelaws.blogspot.co.uk/p/the-laws-according-to-highway-code.html

Strider590

Norman_Castle wrote: »

http://ukcyclelaws.blogspot.co.uk/p/the-laws-according-to-highway-code.html

Illustrates the point perfectly!

brat

Tilt wrote: »

A lot would depend on the width of the road. AFAIK without checking, the HC says not to ride more than 2 abreast anyway and to ride single file on busy or narrow roads. I think the same applies to horses which says they should ride single file when approaching a bend.

A lot does depend on road width, but not just as prescriptively as one might think. I'll often ride two abreast on a narrow quietish single carriageway with centre lines, to make the car driver understand that I want him to overtake on the other side of the road when it is clear, rather than try to squeeze past. If I'm on my own, I often sit out in the primary position so that the driver gets an earlier view of me, and has more time to react.



If the road is wider and traffic is faster, I tend to prefer to remain single file, especially when I'm happy that cars can safely pass me while still in their lane.

peter_the_piper

As both pics only show cycles stationery its a lot different when they are moving. The single file one could mean the driver takes twice the length to overtake than the double file, if you see what I mean. (Assuming both lots travelling at same speed)

Spicy_McHaggis

peter_the_piper wrote: »

As both pics only show cycles stationery its a lot different when they are moving. The single file one could mean the driver takes twice the length to overtake than the double file, if you see what I mean. (Assuming both lots travelling at same speed)

I interpreted the pictures as illustrating that.

brat

peter_the_piper wrote: »

As both pics only show cycles stationery its a lot different when they are moving. The single file one could mean the driver takes twice the length to overtake than the double file, if you see what I mean. (Assuming both lots travelling at same speed)

If it's my pictures you're talking about, I'm trying to illustrate that if you remain single file, or in a secondary position, a car driver might see an opportunity that isn't there, and overtake you while a car is approaching from the other direction, leaving the cyclist insufficient wiggle space. Such manoeuvres are often carried out with no reduction in speed, making them even more dangerous.

If you adopt a primary position or ride two abreast, it prevents the motorist from considering the lazy overtake, and therefore it's safer.

But there are also times when this is not the best, safest option, which is why it's wrong to be too prescriptive.

Norman_Castle

I'm trying to illustrate that if you remain single file, or in a secondary position, a car driver might see an opportunity that isn't there, and overtake you while a car is approaching from the other direction, leaving the cyclist insufficient wiggle space. Such manoeuvres are often carried out with no reduction in speed, making them even more dangerous.

A few weeks ago I had a 30 mph moped travelling towards me on a 30 mph road. The moped was staying close to the kerb. The following car chose to overtake closely while passing through a crossroad and then a pelican crossing while also crossing the centre line forcing me to drive very close to the kerb.

Some drivers are completely clueless of the danger they pose to others.

Clunk, click. I'm safe?.

Retrogamer

I remember seeing a device that would fit on bicycles and extended around 2 feet sideways onto the road. It was made from a reflective material and had a reflector on the end.

Was a good idea because it forced motorists to either give more space when passing and have them pass safely or they could make a dangerous pass and get a big scrape down their side.

brat

A partnership with the Sky Team will have helped Jaguar think of a few innovations such as this Bike Sense technology.

Video here

It's this sort of clever technology that will hopefully make the vulnerable road user much safer.