Truck too close for comfort

Fingers Mcginty

On my cycle this morning with the brother on the new Julianstown Duleek road. We were on a straight stretch and in single file (not that we needed to be)
This idiot in a truck came up behind us and nearly hit me. There was no oncoming traffic so he had plenty of room. I didn't get his reg number but even if i had would the boys in blue be able to do anything?

Dawn Rider

Fingers Mcginty wrote: »

On my cycle this morning with the brother on the new Julianstown Duleek road. We were on a straight stretch and in single file (not that we needed to be)
This idiot in a truck came up behind us and nearly hit me. There was no oncoming traffic so he had plenty of room. I didn't get his reg number but even if i had would the boys in blue be able to do anything?

Not without a reg plate, and even then they can be very reluctant to do anything with a close shave. Sorry.

galwaycyclist

Fingers Mcginty wrote: »

On my cycle this morning with the brother on the new Julianstown Duleek road. We were on a straight stretch and in single file (not that we needed to be)
This idiot in a truck came up behind us and nearly hit me. There was no oncoming traffic so he had plenty of room. I didn't get his reg number but even if i had would the boys in blue be able to do anything?

It would likely be pot luck unfortunately.

It would all depend on you getting the right guard when you went in. Best bet would be to look for a community guard, since a lot of them have been given cycle training.

Then based on your account a good outcome would be that the guy would get a warning. However if he already has a rep on the system it might encourage the Guards to keep after him. This is all speculation.

Unfortunately I have the impression, and I don't think I am the only one, that in this country for dangerous driving to be treated as an offence somebody has to have been actually hurt.

Worst case, the guard on the desk would refuse to listen to you or write a few notes on a scrap of paper that would go into the bin as soon as you left the station.

Fingers Mcginty

Really shook me up and ruined the cycle. Ah well suck it up then.

Zyzz

Well this thread was an anti climax

Darkglasses

I had a close pass on my way home this evening by a van with one of these Staying Alive at 1.5 stickers on it. Sometimes, you just have to laugh

http://www.eventslogicuk.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/12452_875802325817118_7717841416031529505_n.jpg

07Lapierre

Get one of these : https://cycliq.com/product/fly6

It won't prevent a close pass but it will record the registration number.

fat bloke

A most cowardly act.

gctest50

you need a camera these days

gctest50

slightly more relavant stuff

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/bike-blog/2015/jan/16/van-driver-filmed-punching-cyclist-man-voluntarily-goes-to-police

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/aug/25/man-pushes-cyclist-into-london-traffic-metropolitan-police

oconnpad

Fingers Mcginty wrote: »

On my cycle this morning with the brother on the new Julianstown Duleek road. We were on a straight stretch and in single file (not that we needed to be)
This idiot in a truck came up behind us and nearly hit me. There was no oncoming traffic so he had plenty of room. I didn't get his reg number but even if i had would the boys in blue be able to do anything?

I've had that happen to me on that road, I've had 2 very close shaves by trucks on that road without anything coming the other way.

neris

gctest50 wrote: »

slightly more relavant stuff

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/bike-blog/2015/jan/16/van-driver-filmed-punching-cyclist-man-voluntarily-goes-to-police

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/aug/25/man-pushes-cyclist-into-london-traffic-metropolitan-police

Apparently hes handed himself into the police

http://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/uk/man-who-pushed-cyclist-into-traffic-hands-himself-into-police-1.2329109

average_runner

neris wrote: »

Apparently hes handed himself into the police

http://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/uk/man-who-pushed-cyclist-into-traffic-hands-himself-into-police-1.2329109

While he was a total idiot and a low life, she cycled thru a pedestrian crossing, hopefully she get a fine also.

Why did she say earlier please don't knock me over? Is it common in London to push people off their bike?

hardCopy

average_runner wrote: »

While he was a total idiot and a low life, she cycled thru a pedestrian crossing, hopefully she get a fine also.

Why did she say earlier please don't knock me over? Is it common in London to push people off their bike?

It's a pretty short clip but there is other traffic moving through the junction so I'm guessing she had a green light/right of way.

average_runner

hardCopy wrote: »

It's a pretty short clip but there is other traffic moving through the junction so I'm guessing she had a green light/right of way.

The daily mail shows it better. But anyhow she didn't deserve that. Lucky no traffic behind her when she got pushed.

Bloggsie

sorry to read of your experience this morning Fingers, as already posted unless you are actually hit and injured or bike damaged its not very high on the police radar to go after the driver especially as you didnt cop the reg no of the truck. That being said, in my opinion I would still report it, imagine how you would feel to read/hear about another cyclist that was hurt by a driver around the same area.

my tuppence worth.

Trent Houseboat

I know you didn't get the reg, but if there was any company livery on the truck you could contact them, especially if they have a twitter account.
I'm sure they could place a driver given a place and time, and they might issue a slap on the wrist.

ozzy jr

Not a truck, but this happened to me on Saturday,

I stopped beside the driver at the red light we were approaching and told him he came to close. His reply was "Did I hit you, did I hit you, did I hit you?".

I rang Garda Traffic Watch on Monday and reported the driver. I haven't heard back from them yet. I would suggest doing the same.

ozzy jr

OSI wrote: »

The Taxi Regulator has the power to fine and prosecute taxi drivers for dangerous driving and more and are much more proactive than the Garda about doing so, if that's a route you wanted to take.

Wasn't sure if poor driving was something the Taxi Regulator would deal with,

Section 64 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 sets out the categories of complaint that can be dealt with by the Authority. These include complaints relating to:

The condition, roadworthiness and cleanliness of the vehicle

The conduct, behaviour and identification of an SPSV driver

Overcharging and other matters relating to fares

The hiring and booking of the SPSV

Identification and general appearance of the SPSV.

I suppose it could be considered as bad conduct. Sure I'll send them an email anyway. Have reported to them before when this idiot swerved at me and proceeded to verbally abuse me for going down the wrong way on a one way street. I wasn't, it was a contra flow cycle lane,

tomasrojo

ozzy jr wrote: »

Have reported to them before when this idiot swerved at me and proceeded to verbally abuse me for going down the wrong way on a one way street. I wasn't, it was a contra flow cycle lane,

I had the same problem on the two-way facility in Kilmainham outside the Hilton. When you're being called an idiot by a "professional" driver who can't even read the road, it's time to leave the argument. I like the way in your case he kept pointing to the bit of the road that conclusively showed he was in the wrong.

traprunner

ozzy jr wrote: »

Have reported to them before when this idiot swerved at me and proceeded to verbally abuse me for going down the wrong way on a one way street. I wasn't, it was a contra flow cycle lane,

As a minimum that should have a solid white line. There is no need for a broken line as no motor vehicle should ever have to enter it. At most it is a stretch that should have kerbing.

tomasrojo

traprunner wrote: »

There is no need for a broken line as no motor vehicle should ever have to enter it.

To allow deliveries to the shops there?

traprunner

tomasrojo wrote: »

To allow deliveries to the shops there?

Are two traffic lanes and one row of parking not enough?

tomasrojo

traprunner wrote: »

Are two traffic lanes and one row of parking not enough?

I'm just wondering whether the shops put pressure on DCC to allow immediate kerbside deliveries, as they'd always had before.

Mind you, the two-way in Kilmainham has continuous white lines, which doesn't stop it being used a 24-hour taxi rank and a bus parking space, so if they did apply pressure, they needn't have bothered.

traprunner

tomasrojo wrote: »

I'm just wondering whether the shops put pressure on DCC to allow immediate kerbside deliveries, as they'd always had before.

It makes me wonder why there are loads of loading bays around if councils and corporations would give in for that.

tomasrojo

I have no insight to offer on the inner workings of Dublin City Council, alas.

blackbird 49

I have cycled that road many times with my husband same thing has happened to us, not just that road but others, it would put you off cycling, another thing that frightens me is when vehicles come close to pass you because they wont wait for oncoming traffic to pass

Alanstrainor

There's a road I cycle (in between terenure and templeogue) where the cycle lane disappears and throws you into a housing estate for some unknown reason. So I stick to the main road. This results in impatient cars attempting to overtake poor old me. The only solution to prevent a close pass is to take a primary position in the lane and if needs be I will actually stick out an arm to ensure they give me space. The arm thing is a bit controversial perhaps, but I've been passed far too close too many times on that stretch.

johnk123

I know where you mean. The road is quite narrow, with a bus lane the other side. Definitely not enough room for an outbound cycle lane I'd imagine. I head out to the hills that way sometimes, usually early on weekends so stick to main road. Anytime I've cycled it in the evenings I would just stick to the track. It puts you back out on the road anyway... to me, it's not much of an inconvenience for the sake of avoiding any delay to the traffic, or indeed, the risk of any 'close calls'.

buffalo

OSI wrote: »

The Taxi Regulator has the power to fine and prosecute taxi drivers for dangerous driving and more and are much more proactive than the Garda about doing so, if that's a route you wanted to take.

I don't believe they do - they'll refer you to the Gardaí in my experience.

stryker mcqueen

Alanstrainor wrote:

There's a road I cycle (in between terenure and templeogue) where the cycle lane disappears and throws you into a housing estate for some unknown reason. So I stick to the main road. This results in impatient cars attempting to overtake poor old me. The only solution to prevent a close pass is to take a primary position in the lane and if needs be I will actually stick out an arm to ensure they give me space. The arm thing is a bit controversial perhaps, but I've been passed far too close too many times on that stretch.

I cycle it every day, I used to go into the estate but it just ruins any momentum gathered !! Stick to the road now , usually a red light at bushy park school so I'm hardly delaying anyone and cars seem to get past me OK , but it is narrow!!

RainyDay

ozzy jr wrote: »

Wasn't sure if poor driving was something the Taxi Regulator would deal with,



I suppose it could be considered as bad conduct. Sure I'll send them an email anyway. Have reported to them before when this idiot swerved at me and proceeded to verbally abuse me for going down the wrong way on a one way street. I wasn't, it was a contra flow cycle lane,

From past experience, I don't think the regulator will touch a legal issue, but if you want to treat it as a simple complaint, they might take it.

Or you can look up his name and address on the driver database and send him a little letter to explain.

galwaycyclist

RainyDay wrote: »

From past experience, I don't think the regulator will touch a legal issue, but if you want to treat it as a simple complaint, they might take it.

Or you can look up his name and address on the driver database and send him a little letter to explain.

Off the top of my head I think the psv regulations were updated this year.

It might be worthwhile looking them up to see if anything stands out. On phone now so a pain to dig out.

Danbo!

Camera can be useful in these situations. I've been using a helmet camera for about 9 months now, thankfully incident free.

Just don't become this guy!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYgF9E2-Fqs

So glad someone made this video

Alanstrainor wrote: »

There's a road I cycle (in between terenure and templeogue) where the cycle lane disappears and throws you into a housing estate for some unknown reason. So I stick to the main road. This results in impatient cars attempting to overtake poor old me. The only solution to prevent a close pass is to take a primary position in the lane and if needs be I will actually stick out an arm to ensure they give me space. The arm thing is a bit controversial perhaps, but I've been passed far too close too many times on that stretch.

I cycle same route and stick to the main road. Generally drivers are fine as they're going to meet traffic up around bushy park anyway, tho the odd time I get squeezed even when away from the kerb.

roverrules

OSI wrote: »

The Taxi Regulator has the power to fine and prosecute taxi drivers for dangerous driving and more and are much more proactive than the Garda about doing so, if that's a route you wanted to take.

No they don't, they can only deal with matters relating to the use of taxis, careless driving and such are still the Garda responsibility

galwaycyclist

roverrules wrote: »

No they don't, they can only deal with matters relating to the use of taxis, careless driving and such are still the Garda responsibility

And at the risk of being controversial, there is a perception that a large proportion of taxi drivers are ex-guards or ex-pdf, which acts to create a doubt about the willingness of "serving" gardai to intervene in cases of unlawful behaviour by their former colleagues.

As I say these are matters of perception.

Alanstrainor

johnk123 wrote: »

I know where you mean. The road is quite narrow, with a bus lane the other side. Definitely not enough room for an outbound cycle lane I'd imagine. I head out to the hills that way sometimes, usually early on weekends so stick to main road. Anytime I've cycled it in the evenings I would just stick to the track. It puts you back out on the road anyway... to me, it's not much of an inconvenience for the sake of avoiding any delay to the traffic, or indeed, the risk of any 'close calls'.

It does put you out on the road, after a cycle/path through bushy park. That's all fair and well for slow cyclists but I push 35km/h+ on the main road, there's no way I'm hopping into a housing estate when there is a road to use. Most drivers are fine however, and close passes are quite rare, but they are still a danger.

ozzy jr

OSI wrote: »

The Taxi Regulator has the power to fine and prosecute taxi drivers for dangerous driving and more and are much more proactive than the Garda about doing so, if that's a route you wanted to take.

Taxi Regulator not interested,

Thank you for submitting your complaint.
As your complaint is a possible breach of road traffic law it should be reported to An Garda Síochána. All appropriate assistance will be provided to the Gardaí by the Authority, as requested.
A record of your complaint will be kept on file with the Authority.
Kind regards,
National Transport Authority

monument

traprunner wrote: »

As a minimum that should have a solid white line. There is no need for a broken line as no motor vehicle should ever have to enter it. At most it is a stretch that should have kerbing.

At minimum it should have flex-bollards -- the type used on O'Connell Street or the ones used on the contra-flow up to the Windy Arbour Luas stop:

http://irishcycle.com/2014/05/14/contra-flow-cycle-path-opens-to-windy-arbour-luas-stop/

Mec-a-nic

Fingers Mcginty wrote: »

I didn't get his reg number but even if i had would the boys in blue be able to do anything?

I have captured some seriously dangerous driving on camera and given details to the traffic hotline - I have never received a callback so assume the Gardai won't/don't/can't care...

You want close shaves, this heavy truck passed my shoulder at a distance of 1 foot max. (Cycle lane is 120cm, I'm in the middle of it, 50cm wide)
http://gfycat.com/BronzeLeftBrahmancow

Unknown Soldier

Mec-a-nic wrote: »

I have captured some seriously dangerous driving on camera and given details to the traffic hotline - I have never received a callback so assume the Gardai won't/don't/can't care...

You want close shaves, this heavy truck passed my ear at a distance of 1 foot max. (Cycle lane is 120cm, I'm in the middle of it, 50cm wide)
http://gfycat.com/BronzeLeftBrahmancow

I'd be taking that to the Gards

Fupp that sh1t!

You'd be surprised how many of them cycle.

Señor Fancy Pants

Funtrepreneur wrote: »

Bloody cyclists. No doubt there was a cycle lane right next to you and you were out in the middle of the road. Would have hit u with my mirror had it been me

Ssssssuuuuuuuure ya would hard man. Sure ya would.

RainyDay

Mec-a-nic wrote: »

I have captured some seriously dangerous driving on camera and given details to the traffic hotline - I have never received a callback so assume the Gardai won't/don't/can't care...

You want close shaves, this heavy truck passed my shoulder at a distance of 1 foot max. (Cycle lane is 120cm, I'm in the middle of it, 50cm wide)
http://gfycat.com/BronzeLeftBrahmancow

With the irony of the 'Welcome to South Dublin' sign on the left! Definitely worth reporting. It is definitely worth reporting to the Gardai. If you're not getting a response to TrafficWatch issues, write to the local Supt with details. It could be one Sgt who has a grudge, and needs a bit of a kick up the arse to get his finger out.

Funtrepreneur wrote: »

Bloody cyclists. No doubt there was a cycle lane right next to you and you were out in the middle of the road. Would have hit u with my mirror had it been me

Bye now, it's been such fun.

Beasty

Funtrepreneur wrote: »

Bloody cyclists. No doubt there was a cycle lane right next to you and you were out in the middle of the road. Would have hit u with my mirror had it been me

Banned - everyone else please do not react to posts you have a problem with in-thread - report them instead

Thanks

willdill

i was cycling in dublin/wicklow mountains 3 weeks ago a lorry with trailer overtook me gave me no space and pushed me in to the grass i hit a pot hole and fell back on to the road.i was lucky it had just passed me before i fell back out or i was a goner d have be squashed all over the road.Bloody scary.

Jawgap

This came into effect in London today......hopefully the RSA take heed enough to tear themselves away from their hi-viz fetish......

London safer lorry scheme in force after cyclist deaths

A ban on "unsafe lorries" in London, introduced as part of efforts to protect cyclists, has come into force.

Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) must now be fitted with side guards to prevent cyclists being dragged underneath.

HGVs must also be fitted with a certain type of mirror to give drivers a better view of cyclists and pedestrians.

A Jeffers

I bought a camera a while back for kayaking, but started wearing it while cycling to college because of the number of near misses. Reported one guy who left hooked me without indicating. The Gardaí actually went to him and showed him the footage and issued him a warning. So if you get the right Garda they seem to be willing to help you.

Nic68

It's interesting as I usually find truck and lorry drivers considerate. I thought they had the most to lose if prosecuted. By far the worst offenders I encounter on my daily commute are taxi drivers: most common offence is simply not giving enough room while overtaking, but last week's gem was skimming past me at speed and then jamming on the brakes in front of me to pick up a passenger.
Are cameras expensive?

JBokeh

Nic68 wrote: »

Are cameras expensive?

They start at about 50 Euro for decent enough useable quality, and then the sky is your limit. I find the cheap ones it is the mounts can be a bit fragile, and hard to find replacements

A Jeffers

JBokeh wrote: »

They start at about 50 Euro for decent enough useable quality, and then the sky is your limit. I find the cheap ones it is the mounts can be a bit fragile, and hard to find replacements

My own one cost approx €120. Decent mounting kit with it. That seems to be the entry price for a decent camera that will capture what you need and will be reliable. That said I also have one that cost 30 quid, but it is far less that a quarter the camera IMO.