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

tomasrojo · 29-04-2017 01:51PM

stevek93 wrote: »

I am constantly getting clipped by cars on my way to work I am now sick of it to the point where I don't want to cycle anymore. Yesterday I was approaching lights that were red, I was maybe 10 foot away from car stopped at the lights and this idiot overtakes me clips the side of the bike and nearly knocks me flying. Why she thought of the need to overtake me I don't understand.

It's a bit hard to comment without knowing what the road was like, but the usual tactic if there isn't room for a car to pass is to take "primary position": basically, move out so that they physically can't pass you. If you reckon they have room to overtake, go back into secondary position (arm's length from side of road) and give a wave or something to thank them for their courtesy in not passing when it was unsafe to do so (not that it was their courtesy, but it usually stops people getting irate about you being "in the middle of the road").

I have a scan of an old roadcraft leaflet from the Galway Cycling Campaign which covers some of this stuff. PM me if you want a link.

CramCycle · 29-04-2017 09:38PM

stevek93 wrote: »

I am constantly getting clipped by cars on my way to work I am now sick of it to the point where I don't want to cycle anymore. Yesterday I was approaching lights that were red, I was maybe 10 foot away from car stopped at the lights and this idiot overtakes me clips the side of the bike and nearly knocks me flying. Why she thought of the need to overtake me I don't understand.

So sorry to hear that, it seems to be the world is split between those with those with common sense and foresight and those without. I agree with Thomas, I have gotten into the habit of taking the lane at several junctions and, it has to be said, it works. My example is Foxrock church. Cars are terrifying here with their lack of observation. I take the lane from the lights before, problems have since disappeared.
What you experienced was assault, its a sorry state of affairs when we take a step backwards when that makes the victim step backwards rather than have the guilty step dragged forward.

brocbrocach · 29-04-2017 10:22PM

How people cycle has a lot to do with their ultimate safety.
I've cycled to work in Dublin city centre 5 days a week for 10 years and I've only had one proper scary incident, which was my own fault really.
I'm not saying how great I am with this (in fact I've put myself at risk by breaking the law of "don't say it out loud"!) but if you choose to examine how you interact with the other traffic around you sometimes you can find things that will keep you safer or less stressed - 'cyclecraft', as mentioned above.
Of course you can be unlucky and there's no avoiding some things but if you start seeing patterns in the bad things that happen to you on a bike you can take steps to avoid them as much as possible. That may be as simple as choosing different routes, wearing certain clothing or it may be choosing to be more cautious or bold in how you cycle.
Personally I take my journey handier than I could do. I hang back at certain junctions and around certain types of drivers. That suits me, may not suit all.

Thinkingaboutit · 30-04-2017 12:09AM

FizzleSticks wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

Sometimes it gets really annoying, yet responding in any way is a waste, and an enormous risk. Never trust the competence and sanity of other road users, or at least not put too much trust in it. The Alcoholic Anonymous Serenity Prayer could get a cyclist variation.

De Bhál · 30-04-2017 07:38AM

stevek93 wrote: »

I am constantly getting clipped by cars on my way to work

Clipped, as in they actually hit you...constantly? That is strange.

Beasty · 30-04-2017 05:26PM

Other than someone hanging out of the passenger side window to slap my backside a few years ago, I've never come into contact with a vehicle/its inhabitants while on a bike.

A few close passes, but probably only one where I really thought I was in particular danger

Having said that there are certain times when it's clear some drivers are simply more impatient and as a consequence more inclined to take risks. Now we are moving towards the holiday season it's hopefully going to calm down a bit

micar · 30-04-2017 11:08PM

CramCycle wrote: »

My example is Foxrock church. Cars are terrifying here with their lack of observation. I take the lane from the lights before, problems have since disappeared..

I've had some scary moments coming off the cycle from the footpath onto the road with cars driving past and cutting across me to turn left.

I seriously hate that junction.

Someone someday is going to get killed there

I love Sean nos · 01-05-2017 02:32PM

Roadhawk wrote: »

I thought that law changed again and now the lanes have to be used when provided?

Yeah, sure you did. :rolleyes:

scaryfairy · 01-05-2017 08:03PM

brocbrocach wrote: »

How people cycle has a lot to do with their ultimate safety.
I've cycled to work in Dublin city centre 5 days a week for 10 years and I've only had one proper scary incident, which was my own fault really.
I'm not saying how great I am with this (in fact I've put myself at risk by breaking the law of "don't say it out loud"!) but if you choose to examine how you interact with the other traffic around you sometimes you can find things that will keep you safer or less stressed - 'cyclecraft', as mentioned above.
Of course you can be unlucky and there's no avoiding some things but if you start seeing patterns in the bad things that happen to you on a bike you can take steps to avoid them as much as possible. That may be as simple as choosing different routes, wearing certain clothing or it may be choosing to be more cautious or bold in how you cycle.
Personally I take my journey handier than I could do. I hang back at certain junctions and around certain types of drivers. That suits me, may not suit all.

Hi I'm curious what other tips would you have? I haven't had that bad near misses and i have been commuting into town for last 3 years but I'm thinking it might be just my route (not as bad as others')

RacoonQueen · 01-05-2017 09:56PM

Clipped the wheel of the girl in front of me yesterday, I wobbled towards the centre of the road - I somehow managed to unclip and get my right foot down which stopped me falling. Car behind me swung out to other side of the road - despite that if I hadn't managed to unclip, I would have still ended up underneath him.
Reminded me why I take the opposite side of the road to overtake cyclists and sit behind them until I have that space. You don't know what's going to happen - even experienced cyclists can make those mistakes / hit sticks or stones etc and end up wobbling.
Just as well they weren't making a close overtake at the time or I wouldn't be sitting here typing this story.

Then this morning, some numbnuts decided to overtake me into oncoming traffic...by oncoming traffic I mean there was one car coming in the other direction. On a quiet road at 10am on a bank holiday Monday...he simply couldn't wait...he was cm's from clipping the other car.

Tabnabs · 02-05-2017 10:14AM

Yesterday morning, lots of low cloud and was heading up over the Featherbeds, so had lights on and a high vis top. Very little traffic about, but despite being highly visable to other road users, idiot in a 5 series BMW blasted straight through the roundabout at Ballyboden Rd/Taylors Lane like I wasn't even on it. Luckily I reacted in time and breaked to avoid. Just got a slack jawed response...

brocbrocach · 02-05-2017 12:03PM

scaryfairy wrote: »

Hi I'm curious what other tips would you have? I haven't had that bad near misses and i have been commuting into town for last 3 years but I'm thinking it might be just my route (not as bad as others')

I'm lucky with my choice of routes too to be honest, some routes just throw trouble your way. I'd say the biggest thing for me is being predictable to other traffic.

shootermacg · 02-05-2017 02:03PM

You always have to allow for numpties. I had some spanner trying to just get his nose ahead of me without indicating left so that he could turn across me at the last instance. I knew he was thinking that, I also knew he wasn't indicating.

With about 5 or 10 meters to go, he just gets his nose in front and flicks on the indicator. I roar at him, just to let him know I would be very displeased with the maneuver. Problem solved, you really have to preempt this type of behavior.

ED E · 02-05-2017 03:13PM

shootermacg wrote: »

You always have to allow for numpties. I had some spanner trying to just get his nose ahead of me without indicating left so that he could turn across me at the last instance. I knew he was thinking that, I also knew he wasn't indicating.

With about 5 or 10 meters to go, he just gets his nose in front and flicks on the indicator. I roar at him, just to let him know I would be very displeased with the maneuver. Problem solved, you really have to preempt this type of behavior.

People indicating AS they turn is my biggest annoyance. Boils the blood.

Roadhawk · 02-05-2017 04:27PM

I had a near miss myself over the weekend...I was on the Porterstown road behind 2 cyclists, one male and one female. As I approached a small incline the male who was already ahead peddled on up the road without bother but the female slowed considerably. I waited patiently behind her until it was safe to overtake at the top of the hill...I over took the first cyclist without bother (giving her the 1.5) and approached the male cyclist...There was no oncoming traffic so i indicated, gave him the 1.5 and when i was roughly 10 meters from him, he suddenly decided to turn across the road to enter the gateway of Luttrellstown Golf Club without indication or a look over his shoulder (aboviously waiting for the female)...he wasn't phased in the slightest that I was about a foot away from him after giving the ABS a full practical test.

To be absolutely honest it was my closest close call and I nearly crapped myself...heart was racing for at least 20mins!

Chuchote · 02-05-2017 04:36PM

ED E wrote: »

People indicating AS they turn is my biggest annoyance. Boils the blood.

It's the absolute definition of bone selfishness.

Roadhawk wrote: »

I had a near miss myself over the weekend...I was on the Porterstown road behind 2 cyclists, one male and one female. As I approached a small incline the male who was already ahead peddled on up the road without bother but the female slowed considerably. I waited patiently behind her until it was safe to overtake at the top of the hill...I over took the first cyclist without bother (giving her the 1.5) and approached the male cyclist...There was no oncoming traffic so i indicated, gave him the 1.5 and when i was roughly 10 meters from him, he suddenly decided to turn across the road to enter the gateway of Luttrellstown Golf Club without indication or a look over his shoulder (aboviously waiting for the female)...he wasn't phased in the slightest that I was about a foot away from him after giving the ABS a full practical test.

To be absolutely honest it was my closest close call and I nearly crapped myself...heart was racing for at least 20mins!

Fair play to you on the 1.5!

shootermacg · 02-05-2017 04:53PM

Roadhawk wrote: »

I was about a foot away from him after giving the ABS a full practical test.

How fast were you going? Sounds like you were accelerating pretty hard there?..

CramCycle · 02-05-2017 04:54PM

Roadhawk wrote: »

To be absolutely honest it was my closest close call and I nearly crapped myself...heart was racing for at least 20mins!

I see similar all the time from cyclists, motorists and even pedestrians who sprint out without warning. It is a terrifying thing to witness as I found time almost slows as you mind prepares you for something you should not see. They have been lucky so far.

I have found people who do this, never seem to be that phased by it either.

Roadhawk · 02-05-2017 04:58PM

Chuchote wrote: »

Fair play to you on the 1.5!

Thanks but in this case it would have been pointless...

CramCycle · 02-05-2017 05:00PM

shootermacg wrote: »

How fast were you going? Sounds like you were accelerating pretty hard there?..

Over 10m, he was probably doing sub 30kmph to stop so quickly. The only other way to stop so quick with no warning where had he reverie some indication or inclination that it would happen and was ready.

CramCycle · 02-05-2017 05:02PM

CramCycle wrote: »

Over 10m, he was probably doing sub 30kmph to stop so quickly. The only other way to stop so quick with no warning where had he reverie some indication or inclination that it would happen and was ready.

Correction, under 45kmph, would be an acceptable guess if giving no time for thinking it through.

Roadhawk · 02-05-2017 05:14PM

CramCycle wrote: »

Correction, under 45kmph, would be an acceptable guess if giving no time for thinking it through.

CramCycle wrote: »

Over 10m, he was probably doing sub 30kmph to stop so quickly. The only other way to stop so quick with no warning where had he reverie some indication or inclination that it would happen and was ready.

shootermacg wrote: »

How fast were you going? Sounds like you were accelerating pretty hard there?..

I had actually just come to 50-55 kmph so i was in the danger zone had i have hit him.

NeedMoreGears · 02-05-2017 05:17PM

According to the interweb - http://www.driveandstayalive.com/stopping-distances/ - .....

At 20mph it takes 20 ft to react and 20ft to stop. In the new money that's 13m to stop from 32kph. So I'd guess around 30kph

Metric version here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/general-rules-techniques-and-advice-for-all-drivers-and-riders-103-to-158#rule126

shootermacg · 02-05-2017 06:06PM

Roadhawk wrote: »

I had actually just come to 50-55 kmph so i was in the danger zone had i have hit him.

NeedMoreGears wrote: »

According to the interweb - http://www.driveandstayalive.com/stopping-distances/ - .....

At 20mph it takes 20 ft to react and 20ft to stop. In the new money that's 13m to stop from 32kph. So I'd guess around 30kph

Metric version here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/general-rules-techniques-and-advice-for-all-drivers-and-riders-103-to-158#rule126

So who's telling the truth?

Chuchote · 02-05-2017 07:49PM

Roadhawk wrote: »

Thanks but in this case it would have been pointless...

Sorry, I thought you said you did pass leaving a 1.5m gap?

Moflojo · 02-05-2017 08:24PM

I was struck by a car in Dublin this evening. I was travelling straight and as I went through a junction a driver coming from the opposite direction turned right and drove into my back wheel. The driver braked just before the car struck me so it wasn't a violent collision. The bike was knocked over sideways and I jumped clear, landing on my feet.

Driver pulled in and we exchanged details. There was a squad car passing just afterwards and the Guards pulled in and took information from both of us. A passing cyclist who witnessed the collision gave a statement to the Guards too. Driver was totally without remorse and repeatedly said "It wasn't my fault". The worrying thing was that the driver genuinely seemed to believe this, even though they had just driven their car into oncoming traffic and struck someone.

Anyway, thankfully I was unhurt but it was a stark reminder of how vulnerable we are when we cycle, and how we just cannot expect that drivers are looking out for us. I was wearing a full high vis jacket and it was still broad daylight! The driver either wasn't paying attention or simply wasn't in control of the vehicle.

LpPepper · 02-05-2017 08:57PM

Moflojo wrote: »

I was struck by a car in Dublin this evening. I was travelling straight and as I went through a junction a driver coming from the opposite direction turned right and drove into my back wheel. The driver braked just before the car struck me so it wasn't a violent collision. The bike was knocked over sideways and I jumped clear, landing on my feet.

Driver pulled in and we exchanged details. There was a squad car passing just afterwards and the Guards pulled in and took information from both of us. A passing cyclist who witnessed the collision gave a statement to the Guards too. Driver was totally without remorse and repeatedly said "It wasn't my fault". The worrying thing was that the driver genuinely seemed to believe this, even though they had just driven their car into oncoming traffic and struck someone.

Anyway, thankfully I was unhurt but it was a stark reminder of how vulnerable we are when we cycle, and how we just cannot expect that drivers are looking out for us. I was wearing a full high vis jacket and it was still broad daylight! The driver either wasn't paying attention or simply wasn't in control of the vehicle.

Scary stuff to think that they believed they weren't in the wrong. Hope you're okay!

07Lapierre · 02-05-2017 09:03PM

Did the driver give any reason as to why he/she felt it "wasn't my fault"?

shootermacg · 02-05-2017 09:10PM

07Lapierre wrote: »

Did the driver give any reason as to why he/she felt it "wasn't my fault"?

Because they don't even pay road tax Joe!

Pinch Flat · 02-05-2017 09:12PM

shootermacg wrote: »

Because they don't even pay road tax Joe!

This is why we need 6' wide registration plates back and front

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

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