Crash :(

[gaz]

As a cyclist - identify problem junctions; watch for gaps in traffic; vehicles turning into and out of junctions in the distance; wheel angles; if you’re lucky: indicators; cover your brakes; shoulder check; ease off; adjust your line and try to get eye contact on the approach to junctions. All of these tactics mitigate the likelihood of a problem, but as I pass hundreds of side roads on my commute (and even if I’m doing some or all of the above), there is still a chance that I could come a cropper if the traffic conditions are against me, or I have a lapse in concentration.

What happens if you miss a few things -
View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqCwjC2VIXw

 

[Norm]

But I sort of take issue with the idea of "defensive" riding. I tend to think of myself as an "assertive" (not "aggressive") rider.
The ultimate in "defensive" riding would be to get off and walk, or leave the bike at home.
By being an "assertive" cycling, I take my rightful place on the road.

Not sure about this, James, as you seem to consider defensive means submissive and I don't agree with that at all.

I don't see any dichotomy between assertive and defensive. Indeed, when taking primary, for instance, the two are the same as one asserts one's right to space by defending the lane from squeezers.

I don't often take issue with subjective opinions about the meaning of terms, and I fully understand that you may be using defensive to mean something slightly different to the way that I use it. However, in this instance, I see myself as riding (bike or motorbike) both defensively and assertively in as much as I try to create my own space so that I can defend my position and I do so, where possible, without conceding to other road users.

 

[fimm]

Origamist: ptws?
Oh, hang on a minute, Powered Two WheelerS?

 

[Norm]

Yes, PTW means motorbike, scooter etc, in contrast to to HPV for human powered.

 

[Origamist]

Not sure about this, James, as you seem to consider defensive means submissive and I don't agree with that at all.

I don't see any dichotomy between assertive and defensive. Indeed, when taking primary, for instance, the two are the same as one asserts one's right to space by defending the lane from squeezers.

I don't often take issue with subjective opinions about the meaning of terms, and I fully understand that you may be using defensive to mean something slightly different to the way that I use it. However, in this instance, I see myself as riding (bike or motorbike) both defensively and assertively in as much as I try to create my own space so that I can defend my position and I do so, where possible, without conceding to other road users.

Thank you, Norm.

I'd also add that the term "assertive cycling" does not adequately convey the meaning I'm trying to get across in the vids: i.e anticipating dangerous situations, understanding how the behaviour of others can affect us, taking into account the weather and road conditions etc etc etc - "defensive cycling" as an umbrella term does this better, IMO.

"Defensive" could of course be intrerpreted along the lines of: "Infamy! Infamy! They've all got it in for me!", but I can live with that...

 

[laertes]

As some of you predicted, the bike is a write-off. Had it just over four years, just spent £150 on a service and new rear cassette, typical. Plus new computer installed at Christmas. Its a wired one, not sure I'll be able to get the sensors off in a re-usable manner. Dent and split in the top bar, bent front wheel, twisted suspension forks and handlebars.

 

[Headgardener]

GF and I were coming back from a big shop yesterday and driving through Ashby. I was about here though on the other side of the road. We had passed a cyclist a little earlier and as I was stationary waiting for the lights ahead I was watching for him coming up. I saw him passing the rest of the queued traffic. Two cars back was a Boxster. Without indicating he pulled out to turn into Brook Street (which you will see if you turn around) and almost took out the cyclist. He did stop and the cyclist was saved by the fact that as the lights ahead were on red there was no oncoming traffic.

Whatever happened to "Mirror, Signal, Manouvere" .

When I mentioned this story to GF's son and his partner they both said that they would not expect a cyclist to be overtaking them but thought they should be coming up in the gutter. They did not see the danger of traffic in a town with cars dropping people off and passenger doors suddenly opening onto the pavement. "Bikes don't overtake cars" she told me .

Should show her Maggers filtering vid then that sould change her mind.