Near misses - mod warning 22/04 - see OP/post 822

Chuchote

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

I share the sentiment, but from a practical point of view, I'm not so sure. I haven't bothered to report these because I'm not sure what specific offence I am reporting.

I have reported other clear offences, 1-way streets, red light jumping, using the phone - with mixed results from those. Maybe folks should prioritise these specific offences, especially with helmetcam footage.

Reporting dangerous driving likely to endanger life, surely? And the more (factual) reports go in, the more likely proper cycling infrastructure will be built.

mp31

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

I share the sentiment, but from a practical point of view, I'm not so sure. I haven't bothered to report these because I'm not sure what specific offence I am reporting.

I have reported other clear offences, 1-way streets, red light jumping, using the phone - with mixed results from those. Maybe folks should prioritise these specific offences, especially with helmetcam footage.

Please don't let that prevent you from reporting this sort of behaviour from other road users. Use the TrafficWatch phone number, make an official statement to the Gardai and include the video footage and they will decide on the type of offence whether it is dangerous driving, driving with due care and attention etc.

HivemindXX wrote: »

Unfortunately I agree that there is little point in reporting most near misses. I do think it is worthwhile reporting deliberately dangerous driving like people swerving in suddenly then braking or screaming out the passenger window laying on the horn, etc.

It sickens me that if any of the dangerous drivers featured in videos here had hit a cyclists there would be people explaining that it was a simple mistake, an accident that could't have been avoided, that people aren't robots and that the motorist has a spotless record as if he drove like an angel every time he has been on the road and didn't actually hit anyone.

It's important to report all near misses especially if you have camera footage. That footage is invaluable to the Gardai as they have the evidence to pursue the driver.

As more drivers realise that video footage of their bad driving may be used against them in such situations, the more likely they are to not drive like that in the first place.

dermabrasion

When its not a near miss..
http://www.bicycling.com/enough-kalamazoo?utm_source=t.co&utm_medium=Social&utm_term=891488241&utm_campaign=Bicycling

Gerry

Not sure if this belongs in here - felt it was less spammy than making a new thread.

On my commute this morning, going through kilmainham just by the chinese takeaway, I encountered a cyclist cycling towards me in the bike lane.. its not a 2 way bike lane!
Along the canal was entertaining also, there was a fair bit of bike traffic, and near the front a cyclist decided to haul anchor, in the bike lane, to adjust their backpack..
Further on, several people crossing the road and choosing to jump out from behind lorries stopped in traffic. I think I need to leave about an hour earlier and avoid some of this madness..

dermabrasion

Gerry, call them out on their madness. I think we need to call-out BS as it happens.... but don't get the crap kicked out of you.
I agree that early morning is waaayyyy better than after 8am for nut bar moves and shoaling.

Kaisr Sose

Gerry wrote: »

Not sure if this belongs in here - felt it was less spammy than making a new thread.

On my commute this morning, going through kilmainham just by the chinese takeaway, I encountered a cyclist cycling towards me in the bike lane.. its not a 2 way bike lane!
Along the canal was entertaining also, there was a fair bit of bike traffic, and near the front a cyclist decided to haul anchor, in the bike lane, to adjust their backpack..
Further on, several people crossing the road and choosing to jump out from behind lorries stopped in traffic. I think I need to leave about an hour earlier and avoid some of this madness..

There will always be people out practicing for the Darwin awards...

brocbrocach

mp31 wrote: »

Please don't let that prevent you from reporting this sort of behaviour from other road users. Use the TrafficWatch phone number, make an official statement to the Gardai and include the video footage and they will decide on the type of offence whether it is dangerous driving, driving with due care and attention etc.



It's important to report all near misses especially if you have camera footage. That footage is invaluable to the Gardai as they have the evidence to pursue the driver.

As more drivers realise that video footage of their bad driving may be used against them in such situations, the more likely they are to not drive like that in the first place.

What with the Gardaí somehow failing to get high-profile stats accurate in the last while I really have no confidence in them acting on anything they're given concerning "minor crimes".
Of the 4 times I needed to go to a Garda station 3 of them involved stolen bikes. Each time there was zero follow-up and I was met with total confusion and fobbing off if I called to the station to check on progress. I'm pretty sure I was lied to about CCTV on two of those occasions just to get me off their backs. My impression was nobody had recorded/registered the incidents. To be fair they're all a few years back now.
Incidentally the other time I needed them I was told to register the incident on their rubbish website. I did and never heard a single thing again about it.
Things might be different with road traffic but I wouldn't hold my breath.

I love Sean nos

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

The Houston Police Department in Texas are on Facebook using an electronic device to measure the passing space given to an undercover cyclist and ticketing drivers when too close. If it can be done in beer-swilling gun-swinging redneck country, it can be done here.

The Gardai can take someone to court for speeding without even using a radar gun, just the word of the guard in question. I don't see why a device to measure the distance during the overtake would be necessary.

AndrewJRenko

Chuchote wrote: »

Reporting dangerous driving likely to endanger life, surely? And the more (factual) reports go in, the more likely proper cycling infrastructure will be built.

Honestly, try it out, make a few reports and let us know how you get on.

Hungrycol

I've had a few near misses recently, more than normal. Scariest one was last week when a taxi overtaking me on a left hand turn when I was going straight on. We were both stopped at a roundabout junction, I was in front of him to the left at the top of the junction. When it was clear to proceed he overtook me turning left forcing me to take some of the turn with him or cycle into his car. No yellow flashy things and a car full of punters. I had to stop mid left hand turn and cause an obstruction to other traffic to correct my road position to proceed straight on. Fortunately the approaching taxi stopped and let me do so.

mp31

brocbrocach wrote: »

What with the Garda? somehow failing to get high-profile stats accurate in the last while I really have no confidence in them acting on anything they're given concerning "minor crimes".
Of the 4 times I needed to go to a Garda station 3 of them involved stolen bikes. Each time there was zero follow-up and I was met with total confusion and fobbing off if I called to the station to check on progress. I'm pretty sure I was lied to about CCTV on two of those occasions just to get me off their backs. My impression was nobody had recorded/registered the incidents. To be fair they're all a few years back now.
Incidentally the other time I needed them I was told to register the incident on their rubbish website. I did and never heard a single thing again about it.
Things might be different with road traffic but I wouldn't hold my breath.

Regardless of what happened a few years ago, anyone who has experienced a close pass whilst on a bike, please use the TrafficWatch phone number and make an official statement to the Gardai with the video footage from your helmet camera. It can only help improve road safety for all of us in the long run.

Skrynesaver

It could happen to anyone... take it handy out there

https://twitter.com/chrisfroome/status/861860980430696448

godtabh

Skrynesaver wrote: »

It could happen to anyone... take it handy out there

Was just about the post that. He looks like he was very very lucky.

godtabh

godtabh wrote: »

Was just about the post that. He looks like he was very very lucky.

Indeed, given what happened to michele scarponi a few weeks ago.

Chuchote

godtabh wrote: »

Was just about the post that. He looks like he was very very lucky.

Or very, very unlucky to meet such a driver, depending on your point of view.

wtlltw

Saw a strange one while driving. Stopped at the lights on grand canal, watched another cyclist cycle into the lighting column on the footpath, avoiding both cycle lanes?? The sad part was I watched the whole thing in slow motion and she was looking straight ahead and no earphones etc in sight.

Parchment

Yesterday a guy passed me with about an inch to spare between my elbow and his wing mirror (i cycle the same route to work each day). He did it on a road where there was abundant space to pass me . It was a really distinctive car, i got the Reg and i could remember the car dealers sticker on the rear window of the car. I was shook after it.

Anyway - today cycling the same route to work and i see the car ahead of me, it turns into a petrol station so i cycled in after it and when the guy got out of the car to put the petrol in - i asked him did he remember nearly knocking me off my bike yesterday, he said no. He said he didnt even see me - i said that was the problem. I told him i had it all recorded (i dont - i just have a fancy headlight that i pointed at). I asked him to remember that everyone on a bike is a person, that we have friends and family who care about us and that we are not just obstacles on the road. He then gave a genuine apology to me and i went on my way.

CrowdedHouse

Not a near miss as such but something to be aware of if you cycle country roads now that silage cutting season seems to be starting. On Monday evening on one of my usual routes I met a large John Deere with a wide mowing machine, it took up at least 4/5 of the road. Now it was on a straight stretch and he moved in as far as he could and almost stopped but it was still quite a tight pass on my side (maybe 2 'bike widths'), so keep an eye and ear out for large tractors

Rogue-Trooper

Rogue-Trooper wrote: »

Blue Fiesta actually 'nudged' me out of the way at speed this morning on North Strand (just at the top of the hill over the canal). Frightened the sh1te out of me. Was almost in the middle of the bus lane so had room to swerve left. I wouldn't mind but there was a bus in front of us so 5 seconds later he was stuck behind it when it pulled in.

Nice footage from both front and rear facing cameras which includes him driving the length of the bus lane on North Strand at 07.30. This is deffo one for Traffic Watch.

I'll include popcorn with the footage when I pass it to AGS................

Rogue-Trooper wrote: »

I had posted this elsewhere but probably more relevant to update in this thread.

Gardai dropped in to me last night and, having reviewed the footage, are looking for a prosecution in this case. They are opening a file on it and will be back to me shortly to get a statement. Will update again with progress.

The Garda looking after it is actually on the Garda bikes a bit so was very understanding.

Update.

Ok, so I have to decide by this afternoon what I want to do in this case. I have 2 options and it's up to me how we proceed. I can opt for a stern word from the Gardai with, I'm sure, an apology from the driver or push for a prosecution. This will mean it will go to court.

The Garda mentioned a potential charge of 'careless driving' but that suggests to me that someone just wasn't paying attention to what they are doing - this guy made a very concious decision to endanger me. Is there a charge of 'dangerous driving' or does 'careless' cover all? This is all compounded by the fact that this guy apparently drives a van for a living and thought this reckless behaviour was ok.

Anyway, the zen part of me wants to accept an apology and let it go but I think I should make a stand here. There are so many stories in this thread with similar incidents that go either un-reported or un-punished. I feel I almost have a duty of care to pursue it.

By the way, I deliberately have not posted the footage so as not to jeopardise the case.

fat bloke

Rogue-Trooper wrote: »

Update.

I can opt for a stern word from the Gardai with, I'm sure, an apology from the driver or push for a prosecution.

I've has this option before and always went for the easy warning, but I'm not so sure if I've any faith in it anymore. It smacks of an easy way out for all, including the Garda - a way of avoiding the paperwork and hassle with a prosecution. If you have the tenacity, I think more of these sorts of things should be taken a stage further and a finger wagging.

m5ex9oqjawdg2i

Pinch Flat wrote: »

Anyway, the zen part of me wants to accept an apology and let it go but I think I should make a stand here. There are so many stories in this thread with similar incidents that go either un-reported or un-punished. I feel I almost have a duty of care to pursue it.

By the way, I deliberately have not posted the footage so as not to jeopardise the case.

For the love of god, don't do this. Take this guy to court, it might be his one and only offense, but it may also be a common occurrence. People like this think it's ok to act this way, "sure if I apologise it'll be grand".

Every time I get a piece of footage worth going to the Gardai, I take it in. However, some of the guys in the local station treat me like I am a nuisance and it never goes anywhere. Traffic watch are far more helpful.

amcalester

I would push for the prosecution as well.

It may never reach that point, I think it's up to the DPP whether to take the case to court anyway so it's not like you are the judge and jury here.

schemingbohemia

Push for prosecution, seriously. This could be one of the first cases where AGS use cyclist Video Footage to prosecute, which could prove very important for more serious cases.
It really is important that you do this.

Rogue-Trooper

fat bloke wrote: »

I've has this option before and always went for the easy warning, but I'm not so sure if I've any faith in it anymore. It smacks of an easy way out for all, including the Garda - a way of avoiding the paperwork and hassle with a prosecution. If you have the tenacity, I think more of these sorts of things should be taken a stage further and a finger wagging.

Yeah, that's pretty much where I'm at with this.

Chuchote

It's odd that driving a car at someone isn't treated as assault. A matter of custom and practice, but odd.

AndrewJRenko

schemingbohemia wrote: »

Push for prosecution, seriously. This could be one of the first cases where AGS use cyclist Video Footage to prosecute, which could prove very important for more serious cases.
It really is important that you do this.

Fully agree - though for the record, AGS have used video footage from me to issue FPNs in the past.

shootermacg

Some absolute scumbag starts pushing your bike with his car? That's a no brainer. Ask your self, would you leave an ape drive a car? No? Then get this ape off the road.

StevieGriff

Bit of a head rattler yesterday.
Straight stretch of road, heard something large come up behind me so took a more primary position than usual as I could hear the car building revs to attempt an overtake with a car oncoming on a solid white line with an upcoming junction.
Driver went for it anyway. Turned out to be a large hilux pulling a 14' foot double axled livestock trailer.
Ended up getting squeezed to the point where I had to ride on the grass margin with the very rear of the trailer then brushing my shoulder as it passed.
Would have cost him or her 4 or 5 seconds to wait until it was safe.
Didn't set in how close it was until the tragic news from Killarney came out yesterday evening.

Rogue-Trooper

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

Fully agree - though for the record, AGS have used video footage from me to issue FPNs in the past.

That's interesting. There's definitely enough evidence on the video to hit him with a 'dangerous overtake' which I see comes with a 3-point penalty.

shootermacg wrote: »

Some absolute scumbag starts pushing your bike with his car? That's a no brainer. Ask your self, would you leave an ape drive a car? No? Then get this ape off the road.

The reason he 'nudged' me was he was squeezing between me and a stationary line of traffic to my right. As he passed me, one of the cars was slightly more left than the rest so, rather than risk removing that car's mirror, he went for the soft squishy option on his left...........

CramCycle

StevieGriff wrote: »

Driver went for it anyway. Turned out to be a large hilux pulling a 14' foot double axled livestock trailer.
Ended up getting squeezed to the point where I had to ride on the grass margin with the very rear of the trailer then brushing my shoulder as it passed.

Perceptions are funny, there was a poster on here yesterday claiming that you would be fine. It really shocks me that anyone thinks that this was an OK situation to be in or put in. Hope your not too shock.