Cyclist injured by Wandsworth Southside Post Reply

[supergirl]

I d like the answer to that question too!

[juliantenniscoach]

It's tricky because it depends on timing. For example if the motorcycle has indicated and is in the process of the turn then you should not step out. If however you've stepped out before, then the motorcycle indicates, then it is your right of way. Tricky.

A couple of people have made the key point that we all need to be aware and considerate to each other whatever your mode of transport. Adhere to the law and you won't go too far wrong. It's pointless trying to keep score and judge what "cyclists" or "4x4" do wrong because we are all individuals and often qualify for all modes of transport.

My original request was for everyone, from pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers to get off the mobile when on the road. It's against the law now for good reason for drivers. For pedestrians and cyclists it's got to be in your/our interests to be more aware of what's going on around you. Your morning coffee meeting isn't that important in the context of an accident.

[NYE31]

It's not just cyclists & 4x4s either, others drivers don't adhere, pedestrians step out without looking, motor bikes weave in & out where there is barely space.

I agree with juliantenniscoach that nobody should be on mobiles or use headphones etc as it's just so dangerous. Lots of white van drivers have mobiles clamped to their ears as well.

Perhaps the "Driving Awareness Training" should be mandatory for everyone?

[juliantenniscoach]

I'd also like to add that the number of cyclists will only increase both naturally through the increase in population and also through the limitations of public transport.

I think slowly but surely, driving a private car in and around London will become more difficult, expensive and slower. Most of the road redesigns involve narrowing the space for cars. I think it's an inevitable process of getting non-essential motor vehicles off the road.

Another observation is "the weaving in and out of traffic" points about cyclists and motorbikes. It's because their 'traffic flow' if you like is different than that of a car or other motor vehicle which takes up more space. Pretty much over any given distance in central London I will be just as fast as a car. Mainly because when I car has stopped or slowed for lights etc I gain distance in the available space. I'm also faster away from the lights. I can do this without breaking the law, running lights etc just following and anticipating the 'flow' of the traffic.

Clearly as a driver too I get annoyed when other cyclists run red lights because I know it winds other road users up. As a human being I too get annoyed when the VW Passat estate pulled out without warning on Webb's Road this morning, in front of 3 cyclists, a mum and two children, who were correctly position in luminous jackets.

There's no winners in the "them v us" argument. Awareness and improving standards of behaviour by all is the only solution.

[Lucullus]

"At a junction. When crossing the road, look out for traffic turning into the road, especially from behind you. If you have started crossing and traffic wants to turn into the road, you have priority and they should give way (see Rule 170)."

No 8, here: https://www.gov.uk/rules-pedestrians-1- ... ad-7-to-17

Not that I see it observed very well. I think far too many people don't learn this rule.

[coffeemonster]

I think all of the above demonstrate a clear point: many people who use London's streets (in whatever way) are completely self-absorbed when they are making their everyday journeys.

A few years ago I was knocked off my bike by a driver who jumped a red. I was very lucky not to have been seriously injured or even died. The driver was eventually prosecuted for driving without due care and attention.

What did I learn? Do I hate all drivers? No. I learnt that life is simply too precious to risk a phone-call/text for, or for jumping a red or breaking the law on the road just to get somewhere that few minutes quicker (incidentally I NEVER jump reds).

No-one is invincible and it could happen to anyone so easily (as demonstrated in the initial post). Please at least do not create opportunities for accidents; it's simply not worth it.

[juliantenniscoach]

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