After 5 weeks I am still commuting

[Graham1]

Well I am still doing my 21 mls to work every other day, I have noticed one thing at a certain time in the afternoon on my way to work I am passed by a van, Now this imbecile passes me so close & fast the wind nearly takes me off, this happens even if there is nothing coming the other way. what I would like to know is what would anybody do, as I pass the van drivers depot on my way to my own place of work, I think should I call in or should I take it on the chin and just think that's life, as riding along main A roads it happens all the time, I am getting used to people in cars cutting me but this van is getting really annoying, by the way i am wearing a high vis vest so no excuses for not seeing me.

 

[Nigeyy]

If you can talk with the driver (calmly, rationally, try not to be too accusatory) I'd think that would give you the best possibility of success. Is there any way you can do that? Have you got his number plate? By the way it may be he's not doing that on purpose, just that he doesn't realize he's driving dangerously close to you.

Next step: if he doesn't change, then you could call his place of work, but personally I'm not keen on that -it's a real escalation and you've got to be prepared for the consequences -both good and bad.

If you feel it's unsafe, you should do something about it. If you don't, you might not be taking it on the chin but taking something much more serious.

 

[Absinthe Minded]

Well I am still doing my 21 mls to work every other day, I have noticed one thing at a certain time in the afternoon on my way to work I am passed by a van, Now this imbecile passes me so close & fast the wind nearly takes me off, this happens even if there is nothing coming the other way. what I would like to know is what would anybody do, as I pass the van drivers depot on my way to my own place of work, I think should I call in or should I take it on the chin and just think that's life, as riding along main A roads it happens all the time, I am getting used to people in cars cutting me but this van is getting really annoying, by the way i am wearing a high vis vest so no excuses for not seeing me.

I'd call in and ask to speak to the driver. Then you could just mention that he / she is passing you too closely and try to keep things friendly.

See what the driver says, if you get a negative response then you can think about another approach, but best to try and sort things amicably first.

 

[Maz]

by the way i am wearing a high vis vest so no excuses for not seeing me.

Try a P-O-L-I-T-E hi-viz like mine!

 

[Perry]

Nigey has the best theory, it's so easy to get angry and stressed out about things.

Putting myself in the van drivers postition I may even feel embarressed about it.

Keep us updated - It'd be interesting to see how it works out.

 

[Keith Oates]

Agree with starting off with the softly, softly approach and see if that brings satisfactory results!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[hackbike 6]

Originally Posted by Graham1
by the way i am wearing a high vis vest so no excuses for not seeing me.


Depends on how good his eyesight is and whether he is concentrating/looking out.

 

[Graham1]

I was talking to someone in my traffic office about said driver and it turns out his brother works in the traffic office where van comes from so he is going to have an unofficial word on the QT. I usually only see the van Monday's and Wednesday's so will see what happens tomorrow night.

 

[BentMikey]

I would suggest taking the approach that you think perhaps the driver doesn't realise quite how close and fast he's coming and that he doesn't realise how much space cyclists need. Quiet and friendly, basically, and bring a printout of rule 163 of the highway code to show the manager/ask him to pass it to the driver.

Other things you can do is when you see him approaching from behind, and still a long way back, do a big swerve out into the middle of the lane and back in again. Only if safe to do so, of course. That will put some FUD into him, and hopefully make him give you more room when passing. Another one is putting your right arm out, either in a signal right or a warding motion, but be prepared to pull it back in before he gets to you.