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
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 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.
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.
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.
I'd say it was a nailed on certainty for Dangerous driving due to "overtaking dangerously", in that his overtake almost took me off.
Could also add "driving aggressively", which gives two in the Dangerous Driving definition.
This wasn't a fun encounter - I was genuinely in fear of my life as he turned in to me.
I could barely speak when I caught up to him, such was the shock and adrenalin.
I got the name of the park wrong when reporting it to the Police operator, and I've lived here for years.
Could also add "driving aggressively", which gives two in the Dangerous Driving definition.
This wasn't a fun encounter - I was genuinely in fear of my life as he turned in to me.
I could barely speak when I caught up to him, such was the shock and adrenalin.
I got the name of the park wrong when reporting it to the Police operator, and I've lived here for years.
It doesn't really matter at this stage as, as pointed out by MK3Spitfire, and as I originally thought, the Police will take this nowhere due to lack of witnesses.
Again, as pointed out, a camera is basically becoming inevitable in order to have some chance at redress in these situations.
Hey ho, it's a real pity that we've got to here, but c'est la vie I guess.
Again, as pointed out, a camera is basically becoming inevitable in order to have some chance at redress in these situations.
Hey ho, it's a real pity that we've got to here, but c'est la vie I guess.
Gassing Station | Speed, Plod & the Law | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff