Discussion
I thought that this would be interesting test, given the current noise in the newspapers (again) about putting registration plates on cyclists.
A chap in a Southern Gas Networks van tried to knock me off on my way home - then when I caught up to him he told me I was in the wrong as I was holding him up. The "he made me do it" argument.
I called the police and reported him for trying to knock me off, with his number plate.
My prediction is that absolutely nothing will come from the Police side of things - just as nothing would happen if a member of the public reported a cyclist for jumping a red if they had a plate on.
A chap in a Southern Gas Networks van tried to knock me off on my way home - then when I caught up to him he told me I was in the wrong as I was holding him up. The "he made me do it" argument.
I called the police and reported him for trying to knock me off, with his number plate.
My prediction is that absolutely nothing will come from the Police side of things - just as nothing would happen if a member of the public reported a cyclist for jumping a red if they had a plate on.
Edited by Dammit on Tuesday 14th October 22:01
Interesting. Who does the employer believe? I had one story from a work colleague,of an accusation that he'd shot past a car at 100+ . And in a Transit connect. On this hearsay evidence he had a warning. Colleague offered van keys and suggested that if they believed this ,then perhaps( on Union advice) they might give him a driver. Several other blokes did likewise and management backed down.
But then , how many near misses do we need to have before something is done to curb the feral cycling brigade.
But then , how many near misses do we need to have before something is done to curb the feral cycling brigade.
Edited by Who me ? on Tuesday 14th October 23:29
There were two of them in the van, I would imagine that they'll back each other up.
I recorded the journey on my Garmin 810, but all that shows is emergency braking at the apex of the corner (as he turnsed in on me from the other lane), which is inconclusive as all it shows is that I slowed down for some reason.
There was another guy there I've been trying to track down - he saw the whole thing and was amazed at the attempted side-swipe, but I've had no joy so far.
I recorded the journey on my Garmin 810, but all that shows is emergency braking at the apex of the corner (as he turnsed in on me from the other lane), which is inconclusive as all it shows is that I slowed down for some reason.
There was another guy there I've been trying to track down - he saw the whole thing and was amazed at the attempted side-swipe, but I've had no joy so far.
He pulled into the right hand lane (one way road, widens to two lanes, each turning in their respective direction), then just before the road split he pulled back across into the left hand lane.
Which is where I was - if I'd continued at the same speed I'd have gone under the van.
GPS trace shows me go from 21mph to 7mph in a few metres as I struggled to avoid him.
Which is where I was - if I'd continued at the same speed I'd have gone under the van.
GPS trace shows me go from 21mph to 7mph in a few metres as I struggled to avoid him.
There appears to be no evidence of any kind or witnesses & it would be a yes he did/no I didn't thing which as you say I expect will go nowhere.
Was the van ahead of you when it was in the right hand lane & were you passing/about to pass/gaining on him in the left hand lane?
Regardless of lane markings, being on the inside is always going to be risky & I - and I'm sure many others - have had vehicles suddenly change lanes causing us to take action to avoid a collision.
Not just in cars, I've had it happen when I've been in my van - Mercedes Sprinter - & if you can't see one of those then a bicycle has no chance. Last bump I was involved in was a car, which having blocked a junction, decided to reverse to clear it & allow a car turning off the main road to proceed. He reversed about 20 feet. Straight into the front of me. No damage either side & I've got it recorded on dashcam.
I'm also a motorcyclist & always found that regarding everybody else as out to kill you means you aren't surprised when the odd one does!
ETA. You said "My prediction is that absolutely nothing will come from the Police side of things - just as nothing would happen if a member of the public reported a cyclist for jumping a red if they had a plate on"
Again, what evidence would there be? Another 'Yes he did/No I didn't'.
Was the van ahead of you when it was in the right hand lane & were you passing/about to pass/gaining on him in the left hand lane?
Regardless of lane markings, being on the inside is always going to be risky & I - and I'm sure many others - have had vehicles suddenly change lanes causing us to take action to avoid a collision.
Not just in cars, I've had it happen when I've been in my van - Mercedes Sprinter - & if you can't see one of those then a bicycle has no chance. Last bump I was involved in was a car, which having blocked a junction, decided to reverse to clear it & allow a car turning off the main road to proceed. He reversed about 20 feet. Straight into the front of me. No damage either side & I've got it recorded on dashcam.
I'm also a motorcyclist & always found that regarding everybody else as out to kill you means you aren't surprised when the odd one does!
ETA. You said "My prediction is that absolutely nothing will come from the Police side of things - just as nothing would happen if a member of the public reported a cyclist for jumping a red if they had a plate on"
Again, what evidence would there be? Another 'Yes he did/No I didn't'.
Edited by paintman on Wednesday 15th October 08:38
There were witnesses, but I didn't have the presence of mind to get the name of the guy who was at the scene - something I regret. He may crop up on Strava, but that's sheer chance.
The guy in the van was behind me whilst it was single lane (one way), then as it widened to two lanes (before both lanes bifurcate and turn left and right respectively) he pulled into the right hand turn lane, came alongside (with his nose ahead of me) then pulled in across me - it would have been a solid side-swipe if I'd maintained my speed.
Re your ETA - yes, that's basically my point. This was a case of dangerous driving, reported to the Police at the scene, and it'll go nowhere as I have no witnesses.
All the idiots braying about "plates for the cycle menace!!!11!!1" are ignoring the reality, which is that the Police do nothing without a) blood on the tarmac and b) multiple witnesses.
The guy in the van was behind me whilst it was single lane (one way), then as it widened to two lanes (before both lanes bifurcate and turn left and right respectively) he pulled into the right hand turn lane, came alongside (with his nose ahead of me) then pulled in across me - it would have been a solid side-swipe if I'd maintained my speed.
Re your ETA - yes, that's basically my point. This was a case of dangerous driving, reported to the Police at the scene, and it'll go nowhere as I have no witnesses.
All the idiots braying about "plates for the cycle menace!!!11!!1" are ignoring the reality, which is that the Police do nothing without a) blood on the tarmac and b) multiple witnesses.
Dammit said:
All the idiots braying about "plates for the cycle menace!!!11!!1" are ignoring the reality, which is that the Police do nothing without a) blood on the tarmac and b) multiple witnesses.
No, but when there's accidents that the cyclist is responsible for causing the driver has to foot the bill, and I for one think it's a tad one-sided.JakeThePeg said:
No, but when there's accidents that the cyclist is responsible for causing the driver has to foot the bill, and I for one think it's a tad one-sided.
If the cyclist caused the accident then you can claim from them...I've got third party insurance on any bicycles i use on the road. If i hit someone, and it's my fault they can claim from my insurance.
If i didn't have insurance and it was my fault they could still claim off me via small claims court.
License plates for push bikes is a step too far, however, mandatory 3rd party insurance and helmet wearing are IMO necessary.
Also, making the wearing of headphones (and while probably obvious, use of mobile phones!) whilst ccycling illegal would probably be beneficial to road safety for riders and other vehicles.
Also, making the wearing of headphones (and while probably obvious, use of mobile phones!) whilst ccycling illegal would probably be beneficial to road safety for riders and other vehicles.
This study from Germany shows that the biggest reduction in casualty rates would be from car drivers, so logically they should have mandatory helmets before either cyclists or pedestrians: http://www.clevere-staedte.de/helmpflicht-fuer-fu%...
If we are doing things based on fact, rather than gut feeling of course.
SGN got back to me, so far they've been very good (when not trying to drive me off the road).
If we are doing things based on fact, rather than gut feeling of course.
SGN got back to me, so far they've been very good (when not trying to drive me off the road).
ging84 said:
you got cut up by a van
this is happening hundreds of times an hour up and down the country, to cars, motorbikes and cyclists, just because 1 road user has to act to avoid another does not automatically make it dangerous driving.
Quite. this is happening hundreds of times an hour up and down the country, to cars, motorbikes and cyclists, just because 1 road user has to act to avoid another does not automatically make it dangerous driving.
It happened twice to me on the way to work this morning on the M4.
ging84 said:
you got cut up by a van
this is happening hundreds of times an hour up and down the country, to cars, motorbikes and cyclists, just because 1 road user has to act to avoid another does not automatically make it dangerous driving.
It was without any shadow of a doubt dangerous driving, that it is happening 100 of times per hour does not in any way excuse it, it just points out that we should be doing more to stop it.this is happening hundreds of times an hour up and down the country, to cars, motorbikes and cyclists, just because 1 road user has to act to avoid another does not automatically make it dangerous driving.
Your statement is, frankly, incredible.
Gassing Station | Speed, Plod & the Law | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff