Indicators should be banned, to improve road safety.

[machew]

Thought that indicators were optional extras on some BMWs

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Not using indicators causes traffic congestion, think about it.

Yeah, the roads leading to cemeteries/crematoria will be packet!

 

[Mushroomgodmat]

I suppose it's an intresting way to look at it, but I also think its flawed.

Couple of points (personal opinion ofcourse)

1: I never indicate (cycling) going around a corner. I indicate before the corner so when I make the turn both hands are on the bars.

2: as a pedestrian I totally rely on cars indicating for me to negotiate crossing the road/path (see point4)

3: it's (unfortunatly) natural for drivers to fill any available gap... So I honestly think that removing indicators would not in any way stop car drivers driving too close.

4: as for not using them when there is no one about....this drives me mad. I was nearly hit by a car last year because the car did not indicate when turning into a corner while I was crossing the road. For whatever reason he didn't see me, but I saw him, and had he indicated I would have waited to cross. I personally indicate at all times, I don't see it as not a distraction, it's practically muscle memory reaction now.

 

[lukesdad]

What's a DD course?

I was taught the same as part of the IaM advanced driving course. FWIW I think it would benefit many cyclists to do an advanced driving course.

I m quite advanced, does that count ?

 

[classic33]

What way the front wheels are pointing(when you can see them) can give a better indication of any intended course alteration than the indicators in many cases.

 

[snorri]

it's practically muscle memory reaction now.

In other words driving on auto-pilot? IIRC, driving on auto is considered a no no by experts in that field.

 

[Hawk]

In other words driving on auto-pilot? IIRC, driving on auto is considered a no no by experts in that field.

I don't need to think about balancing my bike when I'm busy reading the traffic situation around me; is that also a bad thing?

 

[Ian Cooper]

...Taking this to its logical conclusion, if indicators were banned road users would just have to wait for a safe gap for their manooover, and accidents would be reduced.

Good points. Recently, I've been mulling over the issue of left turn indicating on a bike (or rather right turn indicating, but I'm in the US, so that translates to left for most of you folks). I'm leaning towards the conclusion that it's best never to indicate such a turn, as it can only encourage drivers to try to share the turn with you, which is never a good idea (at least not for the cyclist). Making them think I'm going straight is always a better policy, I reckon.

 

[snorri]

[QUOTE 1843663, member: 9609"]Jeez.... sometimes I wonder if i am the only person who can drive properly![/quote]
A nice big mug of Ovaltine in the late evening can help
It won't tell you if you are the best driver in the world, but it will make the question seem completely irrelevant

 

[BentMikey]

AFAIK BikeAbility/National Standards cycle training teaches not to indicate unless there's someone to whom that indication would be beneficial.

 

[Mushroomgodmat]

In other words driving on auto-pilot? IIRC, driving on auto is considered a no no by experts in that field.

Nope, the exact opposite infact. The fact that I do it on "auto pilot" means Im able to dedicate more time to actualy paying attention to the roads. Turning the strearing wheel, or using the brake are also elements of car driving I don't need to think about

 

[Mushroomgodmat]

[QUOTE 1843663, member: 9609"]I always view it as a sign of incompetence when a car overtakes me on an otherwise deserted road then indicates to come back onto the left[/quote]

Then I'm an incompetent driver then. I indicate at every turn, and at every lane change. , be I on busy or a non busy roads. I think it's a good attatude to have, and airs on the side of caution as its possible I may have not seen something or someone (blinds pots, minor obstructions etc). I would not assume that just because I think no ones around that it's really the case.

 

[Manonabike]

I've had medical treatment for that, and I no longer have any thoughts about the matter. And I feel much better for it.

I liked the reply to the question:

What are your thoughts on lane positioning on motorways?

 

[The Eco Worrier]

I'm with Mushroomgodmat ( you're going to have to explain that one!) Quick look, indicate in advance, both hands back on the bars.

I did however have an interesting crash a few months ago coming down a hill to a roandabout, probably (definately) going a bit too quick. I indicated left, my subconcious suggested I slowed down so squeezed the right brake handle and popped over the handlebars. When the car behind asked me if I'd injured anything I could only mutter "just my pride" and hobble off. Lesson is probably - slow down a bit.

 

[Linford]

. On the bike I hardly ever indicate when I turn left (I'd rather have both hands on the bars) and I cringe when I see other cyclists who think being polite is better than being in control.

quote]

In the absence of indicators, you should use your arms and indicate your intention before you make your manouver, and then that gives you time to make it with both hands on the bars. I'd call it good planning, and that goes along the same line as road positioning on a junction, ot turning right across a carriageway.