BBC helmet cam film to explore cyclist-motorist conflict

[jarlrmai]

Poor Gaz, I think youtube vids often understate how scary something felt at the time, wide angle lenses make it look less close and sitting infront of a computer screen without actually being on the bike reduces the apparent speed. People's reactions can often look OTT, but it's what could have happened that is scary (hit a bump and fall into the side of the close passing car)

Thinking of rigging up some sort of the laser ruler thing to find out actually how close a close pass is.

 

[TheLondonCyclist]

The show was a load of crock lol I was looking forward to it, too.

 

[daSmirnov]

Rolling into work today I had someone come up to me and start talking about my helmet cam, and how they're not surprised I have one, asking me If I had see the program on telly the other night - I said no, just to try and get their general opinion of things.

They did mention the "messenger race" ... sigh, but from how she was talking seemed to appricate the fact it was a "race" rather than normal riding. Also brought up Magnatom almost being taken out by a lorry, and how she hoped something had happened to the driver.

Saw her again in the afternoon funnily enough with her kid - without my cycle gear on, still recognised me and brought it up again, must have made some sort of impact, not sure if she is a cyclist or not - but she called me the cycle man to her kid.

 

[AnythingButVanilla]

I've skipped the last twenty pages of this thread so it's probably been posted already but Gaz has made it into the Daily Mail Sidebar of Shame. Fame at last!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...dated-death-threats.html?ICO=most_read_module

 

[PK99]

Went out for a pint or too many with a cycling mate tonight. He is mainly a towpath and easy off road rider who does some limited on road riding on his MTB (his only bike)

He asked if I'd seen the programme. I did not answer but asked what he thought of it. Immediate response: "Well balanced. putting both sides of the argument and showing poor behaviour by cyclists and motorists"

I asked: "What did you think of the young guy at the start who had the run in with the taxi driver"
Response "Unhelpfully arrogant"

 

[redcard]

Went out for a pint or too many with a cycling mate tonight. He is mainly a towpath and easy off road rider who does some limited on road riding on his MTB (his only bike)

He asked if I'd seen the programme. I did not answer but asked what he thought of it. Immediate response: "Well balanced. putting both sides of the argument and showing poor behaviour by cyclists and motorists"

I asked: "What did you think of the young guy at the start who had the run in with the taxi driver"
Response "Unhelpfully arrogant"

It was hardly well balanced when there's no mention at all of the most common type of vehicle / cycle accident, which is the cyclist being hit from behind.

What did your friend think of the taxi driver?

 

[dellzeqq]

I also think there is a growing number of adult drivers who haven't learnt basic road sense and should not be allowed out on their own

my experience is the reverse. Then again my daytime riding is in London where driving standards are higher than in the rest of the country, and getting better still.

The BikeRadar thread really points to the merits or demerits of the programme. The BR 'voice-from-the-burbs' is that London is a sink of iniquity where cyclists and motorists wage war on each other. The truth is that cycling in London is far more popular than in the rest of the country and the vast majority of cycling journeys are pleasurable. The programme achieved it's undoubted purpose by relying on the testimony of cab drivers, who are the standout hooligans on our streets, highly selective reporting (the cutting of Ben's tape was outstanding), and the use of Lucas Brunelle footage which has as much to do with London as (say) the 7/7 bombers.

 

[mcshroom]

my experience is the reverse. Then again my daytime riding is in London where driving standards are higher than in the rest of the country, and getting better still.

If you believe that you really need to try cycling in other places more often. My experience of living and commuting in London was that drivers were more agressive, jumped more red lights and generally of poorer qualilty than in most areas outside of the capital. My insurance premiums for those years showed the insurers agreed with me.

There were some things that London drivers were better at, such as merging in turn (when almost stationary), but in general there seemed to be a 'me first' mindset that caused no end of needless hassle, especially if the driver was driving a taxi/private hire vehicle.

It may be that as the number of cyclists increase, they are getting more aware of driving round cyclists, but IMHO the main benefit I have found cycling round London is the extensive implementation of bus lanes.

 

[defy-one]

Totally disagree with you. I have worked in central london for over 20 years and the driving standards are better than other parts of the country. The higher premiums relate to more bumper bumps due to the quantity of vehicles within a few square miles.
I drive most days, in and out, at all times of the day/night ..... 99% of the time it all works very well.
Cycling into London is a pleasure .... Cars are moving relatively slowly and drivers are very aware of us and motorbikes. The only ones that get into trouble are those that weave in and out of traffic, giving the car drivers little chance to spot them or react to their erratic riding, lane changing etc

 

[Cycling Dan]

My review

 

[Boris Bajic]

Totally disagree with you. I have worked in central london for over 20 years and the driving standards are better than other parts of the country. The higher premiums relate to more bumper bumps due to the quantity of vehicles within a few square miles.
I drive most days, in and out, at all times of the day/night ..... 99% of the time it all works very well.
Cycling into London is a pleasure .... Cars are moving relatively slowly and drivers are very aware of us and motorbikes. The only ones that get into trouble are those that weave in and out of traffic, giving the car drivers little chance to spot them or react to their erratic riding, lane changing etc

This, in spades.

Nowhere is perfect, but London is good. It is as defy-one and dellzegg (or similar) have it.

Both on a motorcycle and on a bicycle, I always felt there was more awareness of my presence in London than elsewhere.

Motorists expect there to be a bicycle or a motorcycle going for the gap. Often, there is one - or more than one.

Many years on a motorcycle and bicycle in and away from London suggest that this was more than just a feeling.

 

[Lpoolck]

My review

What tyres do you have on?

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

Vaguely on the subject of London driving, I've been struck by what seems to be a change in driver behaviour coming back into London from east Kent. Out in Kent the driving seems patient but coming past the Medway towns traffic behaviour deteriorates, hitting an absolute low around Dartford. However, closer into town, driving seems to improve again. Possibly because the drivers are more used to car congestion and cyclists on the road.

Is this something anybody else has noticed?

 

[Cycling Dan]

What tyres do you have on?

the standard tyres that come with the Speiclized allez Specialized Espoir Sport, 60TPI, wire bead, double BlackBelt protection, 700x25c

 

[dellzeqq]

Vaguely on the subject of London driving, I've been struck by what seems to be a change in driver behaviour coming back into London from east Kent. Out in Kent the driving seems patient but coming past the Medway towns traffic behaviour deteriorates, hitting an absolute low around Dartford. However, closer into town, driving seems to improve again. Possibly because the drivers are more used to car congestion and cyclists on the road.

Is this something anybody else has noticed?

exactly that. Absolutely bang on the money. And I think your reasoning is sound.