BBC helmet cam film to explore cyclist-motorist conflict

[RhythMick]

After thinking about this for a week, the biggest disappointment I'm left with is is the missed opportunity.

It wouldn't have taken much time out of the program to clarify the Highway Code relating to cycling. I think drivers generally don't understand, for example, that when passing a cyclist the code requires them to leave "as much room as if passing a car". They see cyclists who "take the lane" as being confrontational and arrogant. A clear statement of why cyclists do this and what their obligations as a driver would have helped stop at least some drivers from getting wound up.

Missed opportunity.

 

[RhythMick]

How on earth are you not embarrased?

Wow

 

[Boris Bajic]

After thinking about this for a week, the biggest disappointment I'm left with is is the missed opportunity.

It wouldn't have taken much time out of the program to clarify the Highway Code relating to cycling. I think drivers generally don't understand, for example, that when passing a cyclist the code requires them to leave "as much room as if passing a car". They see cyclists who "take the lane" as being confrontational and arrogant. A clear statement of why cyclists do this and what their obligations as a driver would have helped stop at least some drivers from getting wound up.

Missed opportunity.

Indeed. But who (outside the cycling community) would have watched a RoSPA training film?

You're quite right, but there is a need to attract viewers.

And (more around London than the Sticks) I do still see cyclists who take the centre of a lane when to do so serves no purpose, irritates other road users and just looks pointlessly selfish and antagonistic.

I'm sure many of us have seen this. Not a great deal of it, but enough to be commentworthy.

There is a case to be made for advising motorists on how to pass safely and when to hold back - I quite agree. But I do not relish the thought of ten thousand new cyclists with little experience of traffic thinjking they can swan along in the middle of a lane because the man on the telly said so.

This is not an anti-cyclist rant...

 

[RhythMick]

If it is a spoof, it might be excellent. If it is serious, it might be unexcellent. I really hope it's a spoof.

I cannot watch it without thinking of the West Staines Massif. Sacha Baron Cohen got there first, but you are not without ability.

Excellent.

 

[RhythMick]

Indeed. But who (outside the cycling community) would have watched a RoSPA training film?

There is a case to be made for advising motorists on how to pass safely and when to hold back - I quite agree. But I do not relish the thought of ten thousand new cyclists with little experience of traffic thinjking they can swan along in the middle of a lane because the man on the telly said so.

This is not an anti-cyclist rant...

Fair point, but since this program attracted lots of viewers a 2-minute slot in there would have been highly productive. I can also imagine ways it could be made more interesting. Show a clip, get views from drivers and cyclists, then tell them the right answer.

And your final point hits the nub of the problem I think. I also don't fancy all those shiny new cyclists (I'm one) trying to own the lane, but equally if they hug the kerb they are inviting dangerous passes.

Just saying a little education on both sides would go a long way. It has to attract viewers agreed, but surely there are ways of doing that.

Perhaps the only answer is total separation.

 

[theclaud]

. I also don't fancy all those shiny new cyclists (I'm one) trying to own the lane.

I do!

 

[400bhp]

Just had a chat in the shared kitchen at work with someone who watched the programme.

Nothing particularly negative or positive, although he did say gaz came across as a d1ck. At the very least said that it has probably meant that those motorists that watched it would pay a little more attention to cyclists.

 

[mr_cellophane]

So Gaz, how many people have asked for your autograph ?

 

[gaz]

So Gaz, how many people have asked for your autograph ?

A handful. Had several people approaching me in a pub the other evening. I'm used to getting it when on the bike but not so much when in a pub with my friends.

 

[400bhp]

AWESOME!!

UNREAL

People talking to strangers in London.

 

[davefb]

thats gunna mess up the commuting times though..............


( have to say, nice to see, isn't it ? hopefully these aren't the same people who get onto youtube and post the nasty stuff )

 

[Scruffmonster]

Ahhhhh....

Traffic Droid seems to be a thoroughly good bloke. I think I've said above somewhere that he was one of the good things to come out of the show. I know he's a little self righteous but if you've got the personality to go with it, it feels natural and doesn't grate on you.

Great song choice as well. I can't stand it in isolation but it goes with that clip rather well.

 

[Linford]

My first thoughts of traffic droid were that he was a fairly sanctimonious so and so, but then a bitfurther in, he grabbed the RLJing rider, and demonstrated an even hand for all traffic in his viewfinder ...which made his efforts seem a bit more worthy

 

[TheLondonCyclist]

My first thoughts of traffic droid were that he was a fairly sanctimonious so and so, but then a bitfurther in, he grabbed the RLJing rider, and demonstrated an even hand for all traffic in his viewfinder ...which made his efforts seem a bit more worthy

He has to be careful, though. He can't just go around grabbing random people as he might grab the wrong person and I wouldn't want to see another cyclist hurt because he was trying to help the person out. A good shout is all that is needed.

 

[ianrauk]

He has to be careful, though. He can't just go around grabbing random people as he might grab the wrong person and I wouldn't want to see another cyclist hurt because he was trying to help the person out. A good shout is all that is needed.

Indeed.
One day he's going to grab someone who won't appreciate it and that someone may flip.