I am a candidate for Silly Cyclists

[stowie]

Travelling down Forest Road, E17 today I managed to do one of the most stupid things I could do on a cycle.

I was travelling up to a set of lights at Blackhorse Road and there was quite a queue. I filtered on the left and got to an HGV. Knowing the lights well I continued on to the left since I knew there was another phase of lights to go plus the pedestrian crossing time. A cyclist in front did something similar, and got to the ASL.

However, I didn't realise that the HGV was behind a bus which, in turn, was behind two other HGVs. I was an idiot for not stopping and checking.

Sprinted down the inside to try to clear before the green light, got level with the cab on the last HGV as the lights turned green. Being in this position and then hearing the hiss of air-brakes is truly horrible.

Then, as I sprinted forward, I realised the van at the front of the queue was turning left and had to brake sharply to go around.

All my own fault. Should have bailed out onto the pavement as soon as I realised it was a bus in front of the HGV (well actually should haven't been in that situation in the first place).

It all worked out OK, but I have never felt so vulnerable on a cycle. I never filter left with HGVs - I go around them on the right or normally stay behind them, but I lost concentration today and was overconfident.


I am not going to do it again...

 

[fossyant]

Well at least you won't do it again. Mistakes happen, but this sort can be very dangerous.

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

Well at least you realised your mistake and admitted to it.
We've all made mistakes - usually in the madness of rush-hour commuting and I suppose we have to say the same about some drivers who make silly mistakes too. (did I actually just say that?).

Tony

 

[gaz]

Tut Tut Tut....

Next time filter down the right

 

[akb]

I filtered on the left

Here lies your problem IMO

 

[akb]

I am not going to do it again...

Valuable lesson learned!

 

[Arjimlad]

Learned & shared - thank you.

 

[col]

Mistakes happen, we all make them. Experience with a safe outcome.

 

[stowie]

Tut Tut Tut....

Next time filter down the right

Yep - never filter on a cycle lane down the left of HGVs. "A moment of madness" today which reinforced the reason not to do it. Filtering right isn't the best either at this junction as the right lane is mostly for turning right, so you would either filter outside this lane and have to cut in or filter between the two lanes. Most sensible option is to stay put in the queue, I was being a tad impatient as I knew my position in the queue would mean waiting two changes of light instead of one.

 

[Col5632]

Least you learned your lesson Im sure we have all done something like that in the past

 

[GrasB]

At least you're just a cyclist who had a silly second. But you've learned from your experience & are someone who isn't destined to be a moronic cyclist

 

[jonny jeez]

not a silly cyclist...silly cyclist's don't realise their mistakes and learn from them. I've done quite a few things this winter that I am more than a little ashamed of (on the bike!) and have vowed never to repeat, so you are not alone.

Really glad you came out unscathed and have clearly learnt a valuable lesson.

 

[Norm]

It's only a mistake if you do it a second time. The first time you do something, it's a learning opportunity.

 

[fossyant]

Least you learned your lesson Im sure we have all done something like that in the past

Never. Like I never crashed into a taxi last year !

 

[Col5632]

Never. Like I never crashed into a taxi last year !

Haha i get the feeling the taxi didnt think so