Cyclists on a Backroad

Icyseanfitz · 08-04-2013 03:47PM

Swanner wrote: »

Nonsense how ?

Icyseanfitz claims cyclists don't need licenses because bikes can't cause any damage and yet a couple posts later he's talking about swerving into traffic at 50kmh causing an accident. Which is it ?

And I also used the word potential. If you don't see yourself as having the potential for causing or being involved in a collision you probably shouldn't be on the road. The worst drivers of them all are the ones that think they're invincible.

hmmmm yeah i said that did i

Ms. Pingui · 08-04-2013 04:17PM

I think all cyclists should be registered and bikes have registration plates.

One of my good friends was knocked down by a cyclist in all the gear on a footpath and she broke her wrist. The cyclist took off.
My cousin had her newborn babys pram clipped by a cyclist as she crossed a pedestrian crossing. She was lucky the pram wasn't knocked over. The cyclist took off.
I was stopped at a T- junction waiting for a break in the traffic to turn left. a gap appeared and I started to move when a cyclist tore down the inside of the traffic behind me and veered accross in front of me to turn left. I slammed on the brakes and narrowly avoided hitting him. He stopped for a minute to roar abuse at me and then took off.

I think if cyclists were more easily indentified by way of a reg plate they would not be as quick to do such stupid and dangerous things

Mycroft H · 08-04-2013 04:21PM

Ms. Pingui wrote: »

I was stopped at a T- junction waiting for a break in the traffic to turn left. a gap appeared and I started to move when a cyclist tore down the inside of the traffic behind me and veered accross in front of me to turn left. I slammed on the brakes and narrowly avoided hitting him. He stopped for a minute to roar abuse at me and then took off.

You should check your mirrors for these things before you move off.

Ms. Pingui · 08-04-2013 04:23PM

BX 19 wrote: »

You should check your mirrors for these things before you move off.

I checked my rear view mirror and left wing mirror as you are supposed to do before turning left but he flew round a bend in the road so it wouldn't have been possible to see him doing what he did.

gramar · 08-04-2013 04:27PM

Ray Palmer wrote: »

Is there a link to this study?
As it doesn't apply to this country its relevance is limited for a number of reasons. First you have bigger roads and cars in the US. Different rules of the road and markings.

Link below.

http://www.minneapolispersonalinjurylawblog.com/2013/01/drivers-and-cyclists-at-fault-for-crashes-in-minneapolis.shtml

TonyStark · 08-04-2013 04:28PM

Ms. Pingui wrote: »

I checked my rear view mirror and left wing mirror as you are supposed to do before turning left but he flew round a bend in the road so it wouldn't have been possible to see him doing what he did.

Aren't you supposed to look over your shoulder to check your blindspot as well before you move off?

Ms. Pingui · 08-04-2013 04:29PM

TonyStark wrote: »

Aren't you supposed to look over your shoulder to check your blindspot as well before you move off?

No, not at a junction. You do if you are pulling out a parking space on to the road.

mackeminexile · 08-04-2013 04:30PM

El Spearo wrote: »

the roads were developed for motorists...and there is no such thing as a bike tax..so cyclists are free loaders in the roads in my view.

also cyclists who dont use the cycle lanes grind my gears too...

its all fun and games lads, but at the end of the day no matter what happens, you clip a stupid cyclist and no matter whose fault it is its the driver. its nonsense.

That's because there's no such thing as a road tax. Probably got well beaten to that one though.

RobbieTheRobber · 08-04-2013 04:31PM

Ms. Pingui wrote: »

I checked my rear view mirror and left wing mirror as you are supposed to do before turning left but he flew round a bend in the road so it wouldn't have been possible to see him doing what he did.

Eh how do you know what the cyclist did if you didnt see them?

Icyseanfitz · 08-04-2013 04:32PM

Ms. Pingui wrote: »

I think all cyclists should be registered and bikes have registration plates.

One of my good friends was knocked down by a cyclist in all the gear on a footpath and she broke her wrist. The cyclist took off.
My cousin had her newborn babys pram clipped by a cyclist as she crossed a pedestrian crossing. She was lucky the pram wasn't knocked over. The cyclist took off.
I was stopped at a T- junction waiting for a break in the traffic to turn left. a gap appeared and I started to move when a cyclist tore down the inside of the traffic behind me and veered accross in front of me to turn left. I slammed on the brakes and narrowly avoided hitting him. He stopped for a minute to roar abuse at me and then took off.

I think if cyclists were more easily indentified by way of a reg plate they would not be as quick to do such stupid and dangerous things

no denying that there are idiot cyclists out there, just dont tar us all with the same brush

Ms. Pingui · 08-04-2013 04:32PM

mackeminexile wrote: »

That's because there's no such thing as a road tax. Probably got well beaten to that one though.

Could cyclists not be registered and get reg plates without paying tax? In a separate system to cars?

Mycroft H · 08-04-2013 04:34PM

Ms. Pingui wrote: »

No, not at a junction. You do if you are pulling out a parking space on to the road.

Dunno who thought you but the RSA and I would like to disagree with that. You should check your blind spot anytime when moving off from stationary, changing lanes or at a junction.

You'd have failed your driving test for an error like that.

Ms. Pingui · 08-04-2013 04:34PM

RobbieTheRobber wrote: »

Eh how do you know what the cyclist did if you didnt see them?

Obviously I saw him once he tore out in front of me on the road! I didn't see him coming from behind though. He came up on the right hand side of me, and swung in front of me to turn left.

Ms. Pingui · 08-04-2013 04:35PM

BX 19 wrote: »

Dunno who thought you but the RSA and I would like to disagree with that. You should check your blind spot anytime when moving off from stationary, changing lanes or at a junction.

You'd have failed your driving test for an error like that.

Just passed my test on the first go two months ago. The tester was pretty pleased with my technique.

kylith · 08-04-2013 04:35PM

Ms. Pingui wrote: »

Could cyclists not be registered and get reg plates without paying tax? In a separate system to cars?

How do you intend to register and test the thousands of children who cycle to school and their friends' houses every day?

Even if you could register every cyclist in the country, how do you know it'd help? It hasn't done anything to stop the droves of asshole motorists on the road.

Mycroft H · 08-04-2013 04:38PM

Ms. Pingui wrote: »

Just passed my test on the first go two months ago. The tester was pretty pleased with my technique.

You've obviously a lot to learn then still. You really should check your blind spot when moving off from stationary, junctions etc. Cyclists are permitted to pass up the inside and if you had hit him you would have been at fault then.

Always look in your mirror but remember that there are blind spots, so always check over your shoulders as well. Traffic and pedestrians may be coming up beside your vehicle. When moving off from a stationary position check your blind spots by looking around you.

http://www.rotr.ie/rules-for-driving/good-driving-practice/moving-off.html

Ms. Pingui · 08-04-2013 04:38PM

kylith wrote: »

How do you intend to register and test the thousands of children who cycle to school and their friends' houses every day?

Even if you could register every cyclist in the country, how do you know it'd help? It hasn't done anything to stop the droves of asshole motorists on the road.

Well adults should be registered at least. If you are caught cycling without a reg plate you are fined.
Do you not agree that if a cyclist was identifiable by way of a reg plate that they wouldn't take as many risks.
If motorists weren't identifiable we would probably see idiots take more risks.

Ms. Pingui · 08-04-2013 04:42PM

BX 19 wrote: »

You've obviously a lot to learn then still. You really should check your blind spot when moving off from stationary, junctions etc. Cyclists are permitted to pass up the inside and if you had hit him you would have been at fault then.

http://www.rotr.ie/rules-for-driving/good-driving-practice/moving-off.html

I went to two driving instructors and I was never thought this. I would have failed my test if this was the case but like I said, I passed. Rear lview mirror, indicate, right/left wing mirror (depending on which way you are turning), go if the way is clear.
Do you honestly think the cyclist was in the right in this instance??? He didn't even check if the road was clear before he looped around me.

Edit: That link was about moving off from the kerb. In that situation you do look all around, blind spots etc.

seamus · 08-04-2013 04:42PM

BX 19 wrote: »

You've obviously a lot to learn then still. You really should check your blind spot when moving off from stationary, junctions etc. Cyclists are permitted to pass up the inside and if you had hit him you would have been at fault then.

Actually in her defence, the law changed back in October. While it did give absolute legality to cyclists overtaking on the left, it also included the below proviso;

Where a cyclist is overtaking a vehicle on the left and the vehicle is indicating to turn left, the cyclist must not overtake unless they know they can complete the manouver well in advance of the car's left turn.

While yes, Ms. Pingui should have checked over her left shoulder before moving off, the cyclist was equally in the wrong for overtaking a left-turning vehicle when it was not clear that the overtake could be completed in time.

rambutman · 08-04-2013 04:43PM

El Spearo wrote: »

you clip a stupid cyclist and no matter whose fault it is its the driver. its nonsense.

and the cyclist is more than likely injured and you in a car are more than likely fine............regardless of who's fault it is

Ray Palmer · 08-04-2013 04:44PM

gramar wrote: »

Link below.

http://www.minneapolispersonalinjurylawblog.com/2013/01/drivers-and-cyclists-at-fault-for-crashes-in-minneapolis.shtml

That isn't a report it is a comment on a report. The links to further comments on the report also point out things like
"One of five crashes were classified as hit-and-run, with the driver the fleeing party 93 percent of the time."

Which if you cycle is not a surprise, cars often hit off me and keep driving. Usual when they are going into the cycle lane or attempting to overtake me.

Many motorists are unaware

It is illegal to park in a cycle lane
A dotted line on a cycle lane allows you to cross into a cycle lane (if it is clear) and then out but not drive in it
Boxes with the image of a bicycle on it are for bicycles not cars to stop in.

Anyway "the study" is not very relevant to Ireland.

Ms. Pingui · 08-04-2013 04:45PM

seamus wrote: »

Actually in her defence, the law changed back in October. While it did give absolute legality to cyclists overtaking on the left, it also included the below proviso;

Where a cyclist is overtaking a vehicle on the left and the vehicle is indicating to turn left, the cyclist must not overtake unless they know they can complete the manouver well in advance of the car's left turn.

While yes, Ms. Pingui should have checked over her left shoulder before moving off, the cyclist was equally in the wrong for overtaking a left-turning vehicle when it was not clear that the overtake could be completed in time.

He over took me on the right side while I was turning left and he also wanted to turn left. Crazy!

Ray Palmer · 08-04-2013 04:48PM

Ms. Pingui wrote: »

He over took me on the right side while I was turning left and he also wanted to turn left. Crazy!

That is what a cyclist is meant to do if you are indicating to turn left.

Malari · 08-04-2013 04:50PM

seamus wrote: »

Actually in her defence, the law changed back in October. While it did give absolute legality to cyclists overtaking on the left, it also included the below proviso;

Where a cyclist is overtaking a vehicle on the left and the vehicle is indicating to turn left, the cyclist must not overtake unless they know they can complete the manouver well in advance of the car's left turn.

While yes, Ms. Pingui should have checked over her left shoulder before moving off, the cyclist was equally in the wrong for overtaking a left-turning vehicle when it was not clear that the overtake could be completed in time.

And if the vehicle is not indicating?

I see a lot of stupidity from cyclists every day but also plenty of really unobservant motorists. I don't think registering every adult cyclist is a good idea, or practical. I do think education on the rules of road usage would be helpful though.

kylith · 08-04-2013 04:50PM

Ms. Pingui wrote: »

Well adults should be registered at least. If you are caught cycling without a reg plate you are fined.
Do you not agree that if a cyclist was identifiable by way of a reg plate that they wouldn't take as many risks.
If motorists weren't identifiable we would probably see idiots take more risks.

OK, so someone is coming to Ireland on holiday and, whilst here, would like to take in the local sights by hiring bicycles. I presume they would have to be licensed too?

I know that you could say that I'm looking for holes, but these would be things that would have to be ironed out. Would children be allowed on bikes unsupervised under the age of 18? What about tourists; could they sit a test here? Would people have to undergo instruction first, like for cars? Why would children be exempt from being licensed? Some of the most dangerous cyclists out there are in their mid teens.

seamus · 08-04-2013 04:50PM

Ms. Pingui wrote: »

He over took me on the right side while I was turning left and he also wanted to turn left. Crazy!

Are you sure? Because then your story doesn't really fit. You said he tore down the inside of the traffic behind you.
Why did you mention checking your left wing mirror if he overtook you on the right?

Ms. Pingui · 08-04-2013 04:51PM

Ray Palmer wrote: »

That is what a cyclist is meant to do if you are indicating to turn left.

So I was moving off and he flew up on my right, looped right in front of my car from the right, and pulled in staight in front of me as I was half way through my turn and then complained that he was almost hit? Doesn't sound safe to me!

Ms. Pingui · 08-04-2013 04:53PM

seamus wrote: »

Are you sure? Because then your story doesn't really fit. You said he tore down the inside of the traffic behind you.
Why did you mention checking your left wing mirror if he overtook you on the right?

Sorry, by inside I meant my right hand side, as in the middle of the road! Sorry for the confusion.

I checked my left mirror as I was turning left and thats what you are meant to do.

onimpulse · 08-04-2013 04:54PM

shedweller wrote: »

Its painful enough in fairness. Lots of them go two abreast as well. That limits overtaking opportunities.

The reason cyclists go two abrest is because it's much much safer. If they single out on a narrow road the cars will have to pass a line of cyclists that is now twice as long. Usually there isn't enough room but the car does this anyway and when they meet an oncoming car the situation is quite literally lethal for the cyclists.

Staying two abrest shortens the line you need to pass and forces motorists to do so only when there is sufficient space.

Ms. Pingui · 08-04-2013 04:55PM

kylith wrote: »

OK, so someone is coming to Ireland on holiday and, whilst here, would like to take in the local sights by hiring bicycles. I presume they would have to be licensed too?

I know that you could say that I'm looking for holes, but these would be things that would have to be ironed out. Would children be allowed on bikes unsupervised under the age of 18? What about tourists; could they sit a test here? Would people have to undergo instruction first, like for cars? Why would children be exempt from being licensed? Some of the most dangerous cyclists out there are in their mid teens.

Haven't thought it all through! I was talking about a registatry list, not a licencing system so a test wouldn't be neccassary. Basically just putting your name and reg plate no. on a list.

Cyclists on a Backroad

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