Reckless driver in Stormont Road / Clapham Northside Post Reply

[virginiafal]

Hi,

My husband was hit today by a black porsche SUV driven by an extremely rude (and apparently in a hurry) Asian woman. He was cycling our two small kids in a cargo bike to school this Monday at 8.40 am and while waiting to cross to Northside coming from Stormont Road started getting very aggressive honks from this lady. Once he managed to cross, she (lightly) hit his bike while waiting on the traffic light in Clapham Northside. There was no apology or checking if him, the kids or the bike were OK. Just more aggressive honks from her end. Another cyclist stopped to check but unfortunately they didnt catch the license plate otherwise I would be reporting this to the police.

If you know anyone who meets this description please share this message to at least shame them. Everyone is fortunately OK but I find this extremely upsetting as two small children were involved and we cycle them to school every day.

Thanks and be safe!

[Goldhawk]

Time to consider getting him a go pro camera maybe?

[Dicky D]

I’m surprised you have the gall to come on here complaining about what happened. CARGO BIKES SHOULD BE BANNED! And parents that subject their ‘little darlings’ to be driven around in these death traps should be looked into by social services! I don’t blame the woman for being somewhat incensed at the basic stupidity of a grown man putting his children at risk like this.

[virginiafal]

I guess that's a valid point of view.

If you feel that way tho, start a change.org petition? Don't terrorise children and potentially harm them because you are annoyed at their parents thinking cycling should be allowed....

I don't own a car but don't go around vandalising those who drive one. Nor am I trying to make this about all car drivers in London or whether they should be allowed... Just expect people to have a minimum human decency towards others.

[SW18_Dad]

I’m conflicted

I’m a cyclist and I race I race occasionally.

I drive a large vehicle to tow for work.

However, I’m not an enthusiast in cargo bike for kids.

The SUV drivers actions were: on the facts described illegal

- didn’t give 1.5m space
- used horn aggressively rather than to warn
- caused contact
- didn’t stop post contact

It is a shame that wasn’t caught in camera. I don’t agree with the aggressive dob all motorists in but there is a threshold where it goes beyond ‘getting a bit too close’ and, on the face of it, this crosses that boundary.

[gemima]

I'm surprised at how rude you are Dicky D.

[handbagsatdawn]

Agree with @gemima. Contribute constructively Dicky D or maybe not at all? They aren't illegal and have every right to be on the road. 

[RubyTwoShoes]

There’s a woman who drops her kids off at Hornsby House who fits this description. She also leaves the Porsche parked across nearby roads (I’ve seen her blocking the junction of Tantallon and Mayford) when she’s in a hurry.

[Ramaboo]

A camera has recently been installed at the intersection of Stormont and Northside (i know this because I got a ticket foolishly turning right when I didn't notice they had just made it no right turn) 

I don't know how easy it is to access the footage but you may be allowed with a call to the council with a specific time and date? 

[Dickyd]

Agree with @gemima. Contribute constructively Dicky D or maybe not at all? They aren't illegal and have every right to be on the road. 

You and Gemima I would suggest need to wake up ! Transporting kids around in Cargo Bikes is A) potentially very Dangerous and B) EXTREMELY STUPID!. The last thing anyone who cycles around with their kids rattling around in a 'box' attached to the front (or rear for that matte)r, should not have the nerve to come on here and complain about other road users! As for upsetting your sense and sensibilties about my original post on this subject, I really do not care. May be you and gemima need to get out a bit more!
 

[dimelda]

Dickyd:  Despite what you say, in more enlightened countries - like Denmark for example - where motorists obey traffic rules, unlike in the UK where motorists think the roads are for them & them only - cargobikes with children in them are to be seen everywhere.  The authorities encourage their use.  If they're dangerous in the UK, it's not because of the cargobike, it's because of selfish reckless drivers like the one referred to in this post - & possibly like you too.  

[virginiafal]

A quick look at your profile @DickyD suggest ours are very different worldviews so I don't expect we would ever agree on environmental policy, politics, common sense... let alone parenting.

However I don't really understand why you are so openly abusing anyone who disagrees with you while implicitly defending some who did something ILLEGAL. I can (and have, thanks to the otherwise helpful tips in this post) request proof and report to the police what this woman did. There's nothing illegal about me using a cargo bike other than you thinking is stupid (which again, is not illegal just your opinion).

I also don't understand why you would challenge my right to come here and denounce someone that affects me and many members of this community. Many of us choose not to drive but also drivers too are affected, reckless driving is not a joke. There was a fatal collision in Clapham High Street just this weekend.

While I wholeheartedly disagree with your opinions, you have a right to have them and post them. Please extend everyone else the same courtesy.

[dimelda]

Well said, Virginiafal.   Disregard DickyD altogether – she’s ranting on a subject about which she undoubtedly knows little, nor has any facts or evidence to back up her belligerent posts.    Good luck in your dealings with the police on this matter .. it’s to be hoped the dangerous driver involved is tracked down, & at the very least given a dressing down.

[guesttonappy]

In support of the neighboors up the road from ours.

In other more civilised countries in Europe cargo bikes are the more standardised vehicle of choice. I guess here in the UK where so many can't drive safely and in respect of others they look at cyclists as the wrong doers. I can't believe how many people our immediate area live in their entitled bubble with no regards to environment or respect of others.
Who in their right mind even need a SUV in our neighbourhood? What century do you live in and do you even keep up with the climate crisis?

I'm disgusted at how many car drop-offs and pick ups to Bellevilles meteor site. Some drive absolutely insane around the blocks. How far could they possibly live from school.

How hard is it to keep a safe distance to cyclists? I hope this doesn't happen to you again. These roads need to be made safer to cyclists and the city needs to study other European cities more closely for emission reduction and safer roads.

[astro]

We have a cargo bike and have used it daily for the last 2 years with no issue around the neighbourhood. My kids and I wear a helmet and we’re careful using it, using bike paths when we can. I think it is a wonderful form of transport which is positive for the environment and alleviates pressure on parking and traffic in the local area - so you think car users would be grateful. There are lots of people using them now (>20 at our local school). Of course, if DickyD is so worried about the safety of my children, perhaps we should ban cars and have everyone get around by bike and then they’d be much safer

Good luck original poster with finding the irresponsible driver who clearly engaged in unnecessary and illegal behaviour.