A1 Southbound (Grantham) Cyclist Near Miss.

[Peter Armstrong]

I’m confused, why you only had 3 seconds to react? If the visibility is poor why is traffic flowing at 70mph? Should they adjust the speed to suit the conditions i.e. it’s too dark to see other road users slow down. Am I missing something?

 

[Markymark]

At 70mph, 3 seconds is about 90 meters.

 

[mattobrien]

I can understand that it may be very difficult to differentiate / identify a rear bike light amid all the rear car lights that could be present. I have seen rear bike lights in the exact same position / trajectory as a rear light of a car in the distance, making it car to say that's definitely a cyclist.

Also, sometimes I think people's brains will see what they expect to see, rather than necessarily what is actually there. What we see is only our brains interpretation of what is actually there and if there are gaps the brain could help fill things in. If it is dark then it's doesn't help.

As for only having three seconds to react; there are 5,280 feet in a mile. If you are travelling at 70mph then you cover 6,159 feet a minute or 102 feet a second. If you saw the cyclist 3 seconds ahead they would be 306 feet away and in the dark, then I think that is pretty good going.

 

[Peter Armstrong]

At 70mph, 3 seconds is about 90 meters.

How long does it take a 44 tonne HGV to stop?

 

[SquareDaff]

Farm Traffic? On the A1? Surely not! It's almost a motorway!

http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3502103

The farmers are entitled to use it, and no doubt do so!

I can't comment on the section being talked about here..but they do in the Yorkshire sections. And they get off it as soon as possible too. The ones I've seen also turn on the high level amber police light whether it's day or night.

 

[Markymark]

According to this about 90 meters

 

[SquareDaff]

How long does it take a 44 tonne HGV to stop?

I'd be interested in that from a car perspective too as I've often had HGV's come to within 10m (or less) of my rear bumper!

 

[Peter Armstrong]

I'd be interested in that from a car perspective too as I've often had HGV's come to within 10m (or less) of my rear bumper!

They love doing that, mainly because it took them so long to get upto speed they do not want to lose their momentum.

 

[uphillstruggler]

I think the point that the OP is making is quite valid.

there are roads that just because you have the right to be on, doesn't mean that it is a good idea to be there on two wheels. its a case of self preservation in my mind.

iirc, isn't there a path alongside the A1 in most parts (someone may shoot me down on this) that can be used for cycling?

I would love to ride the A704 between the M74 and Edinburgh at night but there is no way on this or any other earth that I would put myself on there at night, and I am lit up like a xmas tree. it may be my right to be there if I choose to but I wouldn't want to take the chance.

 

[mattobrien]

How long does it take a 44 tonne HGV to stop?

According to the authoritative source which is the internet, a lorry takes 220 feet to stop when travelling at 50mph: http://www.ukspeedtraps.co.uk/stopping.htm

I appreciate that there are many factors beyond this, such as tyres, road surface etc. but I am not sure lorries travelling slower than 50mph on dual carriageways is going to aid to anyone's safety.

 

[mcshroom]

iirc, isn't there a path alongside the A1 in most parts (someone may shoot me down on this) that can be used for cycling?

I can't think of one between Scotch Corner and the new A1(M) section at Leeming. Nor can I think of one on the Grantham section.

 

[MarkF]

I've stopped cycling to my unit in BD3, it's just too dangerous, lawless. But, I'd ride there again rather than ride down the A1.

 

[sidevalve]

I can't think of one between Scotch Corner and the new A1(M) section at Leeming. Nor can I think of one on the Grantham section.

Actually most of the old roads are still there including [a little further south] the old A1 beside the new upgraded section.
As for riding on the A1 itself large parts of it ARE motorway and here I think is the problem. It changes often with no more warning than the colour of the signs.
Farm traffic is also large, has the capability to carry two large rear lamps [plus a beacon if needed] and seldom travels at night.
Finally as above just because you can do something doesn't mean it's a good idea. You may wish to kill yourself just to prove a point and if so good luck to you but I fail to see why you have the right to drag others into your game. You may be in the right but being smug in your grave isn't much comfort.

 

[uphillstruggler]

I can't think of one between Scotch Corner and the new A1(M) section at Leeming. Nor can I think of one on the Grantham section.

As I said, someone may correct me. I thought there was a path down the south side, maybe its cos there is a shop selling 'special interest equipment ' on that carriageway somewhere near there that it rings a bell.

the fact still remains that I would rather chance my arm on a mtb through the fields than ride along any stretch of that road.

 

[fossyant]

Rant all you like but you are preaching to the wrong congregation ?