BJ Mann- Who and why?

[Dilbert]

Correct, average at best. That's the point as a cyclist you should expect most folks passing a speed camera to be not looking out for you.

Are you sure 'good' drivers don't do the same (or if not, they actually exist?). An issue with motorists is that even a 'good' driver is more of a danger to other road users than a 'bad' cyclist or pedestrian. And I'm less skilled cyclist than driver ... perhaps I should just stay in bed?

As I said above a good driver is always scanning and planning so there should never be a situation where they have to choose between seeing their speedo or a cyclist. All drivers are humans so even good ones will make mistakes, however cars are not going to disaapear from our roads tomorrow so drivers recognising they are not very good and trying to do something about it helps. Advanced driver training is available (£139 for a course) all over the UK http://www.iam.org.uk/which will dramatically reduce your risk of being involved in an accident (either your fault or someone elses). Probably a better long term option than staying in bed, although it may mean a few early rises on a Sunday if its like they do them round here

Problem with most drivers is they only look at the 4 SqM directly in front of the car, which is why so many drive round with their front fog lights on when its not foggy.

 

[StuartG]

I'm not sure we are on the same planet.

I've been driving for 43 years. I know what I should be doing and I know what I do. Not the same thing. I would venture my survival on 2 wheels as well as for 4 is understanding what other people will probably do rather than what they should do.

And what we do is logical. The chances of hitting someone near a camera is small, smaller than getting points on your licence if you exceed the limit. No licence, no job and all the consequences from that ... the lesser perceived risk is to check the speed. I watch other people drive and they do the same.

I am not a good driver but I try to be a safe driver. The introduction of some road safety provisions has made me a less safe driver. That's no good for anyone. I had a professional interest in road design and I can say we are making it more difficult for all drivers. That is very bad for poor or inexperienced motorists. It is lethal for cyclists.

 

[Dilbert]

I think we are on the same planet, although I am 'down south' this week which feels like a different one sometimes.

I agree it is essential to assume that drivers/ pedestrians / other cyclists are not looking out for you, and they will do strange things (speed camera or not), its the basis of defensive driving and riding.

However the point I was trying to make (rather clumsily it would appear ) was that it wrong for drivers (in this case our friend Mr Mann I believe) blaming speed cameras for cars hitting cyclists. I'm not saying it doesn't happen - I'm just saying its not a valid excuse.

I'm now off back to my own planet where my C2W voucher is waiting for me