Hit by a motorbike last night

[very-near]

As if by magic, I've just been sitting, in my car, behind an ASL and watched two bikes filter outside the line of traffic and into the ASL. The lights changed and he spent several seconds dithering. He had gained no safety nor distance advantage, and seemed quiet put out as I passed him.

Ahead of them on the other side of the junction another biker sat safely in place in the line of traffic.

Filtering is filtering. I do it myself on my bike all the time. But if I should find myself out in the path of opposing traffic I've got no-one to blame but myself. Filtering is a choice, and along with it comes acceptance of the self-imposed increased risk.

Bikers do not need to be given access to ASLs to increase their safety.

Claiming that and ASL is an essential safety refuge for a biker is complete nonsense.

So what benefit do ASLs give to cyclists by this reasoning. The only benefit motorcycles have over cycles in traffic is acceleration off the line and the fact that they can always hold their position in a moving line of traffic.
If half a dozen cars overtake you on the approach to a set of lights, then you filter through the ASL to the front of the queue, then they overtake you all over again. Every time they overtake you, it introduces the risk that they are going to take you out, so it could easily be argued that ASLs introduce an increased risk in to a cyclists journey, and they do nothing to increase the safety of a cyclist in town traffic, and far from offering a safe refuge, further and antagonise already irritable drivers by getting in front of them when they see a green light (especially the Nissan drivers )

You have just as great a risk of the lights turning green when using the filter lane on a cycle as on a motorcycle, and as most drivers aren't using their mirrors when they are going straight ahead on a set of lights won't actually see a cyclist filtering up their inside until they appear right in front of them in the ASL.

The risks to cyclists and motorcyclists are just the same when filtering through stationary traffic. It is obviously a long time since you did both MrP!

 

[XmisterIS]

He slowed down after the junction and when I held by finger and thumb up as i rode past to show him how much he missed me by he hit me on the arm. I asked him what he was doing and he hit me on the back, I think trying to push me over.

The rest of your post shows that he is a complete two-hat, but his behaviour there is entirely unacceptable. A real disgrace.

 

[very-near]

You know what the benefits are. And that doesn't support your claim that most bikers use them for safety.

I'm sorry, Perhaps you could reiterate them for me ?


I know.

On the stretch I'm talking about, cars don't re-overtake me when I'm on my bike.

You need to look at the bigger picture - not everyone does your commute

I've just been out and done 15 miles. The roads were pretty clear. At the ASLs where there would be no advantage for me I didn't bother using them. There's nothing in the HC that says that ASLs are mandatory for bikes is there?

Again, your circumstances are only relevant to you

Yup. So? I rarely use the near-side filter lanes. They can be dangerous.

Can I take it you think ASLs increase danger to cyclists and don't actually help to reduce journey times ?


Yup again. That's why it's essential to anticipate. Look at what the lights are doing. Look at what the other traffic is doing. If you're not sure that you've got time then you shouldn't try to make it.

You mean look at the lights on the pedestrian crossing, or try to use the lights for the other approaches to the junction - is that your idea of 'anticipation' ? - you sound like an 'amber gambler' MrP

Why do you keep stating the obvious?

I've never said otherwise you plum. Read my third paragraph again.

Do you want me to draw you some pictures with crayons?

Nope, good old common sense will suffice

 

[very-near]

On my bike, on occasion, it makes my journey time a far bit shorter.

If you can only filter the length of the access lane (or about 3 car lengths for the ones around this way) to remain 'safe' it begs the question - do you actually save that much time ?

We're talking about a particular stretch of road. If you had the ability to understand what I'm writing you'll see that using ASLs is not mandatory, and cyclists don't always bother.

You are right, you have already said you have no problem with pavement cycling

Nope. Read my posts properly.

Are you stupid? That's not what I said.

Both. Nothing to do with 'amber gambling'. It's proper and useful observation.

If it is proper observation, why do the road traffic engineers go to such lengths to shroud them from the cars on other access points to the junctions ?

Of which you clearly have none. If you could read and understand simple sentence, you wouldn't look such a fool. Read it again.

Sticks and stones MrP

 

[very-near]

You're really being unhelpful here linf. Rather than engage in a discussion about the merits and risks of ASL use, you're just trying to trip me up.

Maximising your observation on the road, and reading whatever you can to aid your assessment and observation is a very healthy part of safe road use.

Sorry, I'm not trying to tip you up, merely educating you as to safe practice when on the road, Given that it was the most successful PIF of all time, the message of the Amber Gambler film seems to have completely passed you bye.

Filtering to ASLs carries risks. If your observations can miminise the risks then that's helpful. Being able to anticipate when cars may start moving is part of this.

Traffic lights are shrouded to minimise amber gambling, not to stop cyclists knowing when cars are likely to start moving.

Cyclists only need to be aware of cars amber gambling if at the front of the queue (or in an ASL). The cars can't move off if there is a car i front of them can they

Use of ASLs is optional. There are times when it's beneficial, and times when it isn't. This has nothing to do with pavement riding. Grow up.

ASLs can make a journey significantly quicker for cyclists.

Only if they have the confidence to filter

I've already said all of this. You really should have been able to take it in the first time.

As regard to Amber gambling, it doesn't appear obvious that I need educating on the dangers of it - but it looks like you could do with a few tips though.

Have a look again to refresh you memory


View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4TDEPP1R9Q

 

[4F]

MrP, LLB Please don't consign another thread in the wheelie bin due to your constant bickering.

 

[very-near]

MrP, LLB Please don't consign another thread in the wheelie bin due to your constant bickering.

Sorry chap, he's got my handbag and won't give it back