White van man claims another cyclist.
Discussion
wow that is sad... but the article doesnt state where the bike was in position to the van i.e if the bike was sat in a blind spot and the driver turned left, the kid would not have had a chance. It could have been the kid's fault rather then the driver.
Ride defensively, and if you ever feel in danger, simply stop the bike and get off. You have nothing to prove to other drivers and cyclists on the road.
Ride defensively, and if you ever feel in danger, simply stop the bike and get off. You have nothing to prove to other drivers and cyclists on the road.
All too often we read about tragedy befalling some "promising young footballer." This time it sounds like calling him a promising young cyclist is actually the truth.
I never heard of him, I don't know anyone in his family, but I still feel a little hollow inside reading that. I hope his friends and family get through the difficult time as best they can.
I never heard of him, I don't know anyone in his family, but I still feel a little hollow inside reading that. I hope his friends and family get through the difficult time as best they can.
Tragic. And I expect someone that experienced would know how to ride defensively.
Cycling is a minority form of transport across the vast majority of this country because there is no provision for it - I used to cycle around London years back but had so many near misses I gave it up for my own safety.
As for liability there's no clear information about the circumstances so pointless speculating.
Cycling is a minority form of transport across the vast majority of this country because there is no provision for it - I used to cycle around London years back but had so many near misses I gave it up for my own safety.
As for liability there's no clear information about the circumstances so pointless speculating.
DarrenL said:
...the article doesnt state where the bike was in position to the van i.e if the bike was sat in a blind spot and the driver turned left, the kid would not have had a chance. It could have been the kid's fault rather then the driver.
Daz, that's a little harsh.Even if that is how it happened, and even if (with 20/20 hindsight) defensive riding might have saved him, it doesn't make it the kids fault. It's still the van drivers fault for not being aware of what is in his blind-spots and driving into someone else.
Thats a sad story and I feel for the family.
I am putting my flame suit on and stating that I am alsoa cyclist before I say the next bit.
Many cyclists put themselves at risk undertaking cars, busses etc at junctions, a blind spot is so called for an obvious reason.
We do not have the info to know what actually happenned so why should the thread title etc automatically point the blame at the van driver?
Riding defensively is a sensible course of action, the human body is more delicate than a Transit or a 40 tonne artic. But I see many cyclists that don't ride like this.
flame suit off
I am putting my flame suit on and stating that I am alsoa cyclist before I say the next bit.
Many cyclists put themselves at risk undertaking cars, busses etc at junctions, a blind spot is so called for an obvious reason.
We do not have the info to know what actually happenned so why should the thread title etc automatically point the blame at the van driver?
Riding defensively is a sensible course of action, the human body is more delicate than a Transit or a 40 tonne artic. But I see many cyclists that don't ride like this.
flame suit off
Mr Will said:
DarrenL said:
...the article doesnt state where the bike was in position to the van i.e if the bike was sat in a blind spot and the driver turned left, the kid would not have had a chance. It could have been the kid's fault rather then the driver.
Daz, that's a little harsh.Even if that is how it happened, and even if (with 20/20 hindsight) defensive riding might have saved him, it doesn't make it the kids fault. It's still the van drivers fault for not being aware of what is in his blind-spots and driving into someone else.
This is very tragic and also for me very disturbing. This happened within 5 miles of another fatal accident involving a cyclist( along the road I use my bike on to commute to work). Both accidents involved vans. I will be interested to read the circumstances that led to the accidents and who was at fault.
I don't know the speeds involved but the road I use is derestricted and fairly narrow. My biggest fear is being wiped out by an errant vehicle.
My condolences to both sets of families.
I don't know the speeds involved but the road I use is derestricted and fairly narrow. My biggest fear is being wiped out by an errant vehicle.
My condolences to both sets of families.
DarrenL said:
Mr Will said:
DarrenL said:
...the article doesnt state where the bike was in position to the van i.e if the bike was sat in a blind spot and the driver turned left, the kid would not have had a chance. It could have been the kid's fault rather then the driver.
Daz, that's a little harsh.Even if that is how it happened, and even if (with 20/20 hindsight) defensive riding might have saved him, it doesn't make it the kids fault. It's still the van drivers fault for not being aware of what is in his blind-spots and driving into someone else.
We have to be much more careful and ride defensively because we are so vulnerable on the roads, and because it's no use being right but dead. That doesn't make it the cyclists fault when due to inexperience, a moment of inattention or even ignorance the worst does happen.
DarrenL said:
Mr Will said:
DarrenL said:
...the article doesnt state where the bike was in position to the van i.e if the bike was sat in a blind spot and the driver turned left, the kid would not have had a chance. It could have been the kid's fault rather then the driver.
Daz, that's a little harsh.Even if that is how it happened, and even if (with 20/20 hindsight) defensive riding might have saved him, it doesn't make it the kids fault. It's still the van drivers fault for not being aware of what is in his blind-spots and driving into someone else.
king hell man. Take a look at yourself.Furberger said:
Does someone on here know more than has been reported in the article as there's a lot of speculation in this thread......
RIP Lewis
Yes - DarrenL was clearly an eye witness, and holds the cyclist responsible for his own death.RIP Lewis
Maybe he's encountered many such cyclists - I know I have - but that's no reason to speculate on this case with no information.
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