Legality of not using cycle lane

[Vantage]

The highway code advises the use of a cycle lane but it is not compulsory. In most cases a cycle lane on a roundabout is usually positioned on the outside edge of the roundabout and it's use is asking for trouble. https://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/community/how-to/roundabouts
You have more right to the roads than motorists.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpyvJutkrTE

 

[mythste]

Huh, Just noticed that the HC suggests cyclists should stay on the outside lane? Makes sense, and I don't think I've ever wandered into central when taking a 3rd exit, but an interesting point none the less.

Either way, sounds like a bit of a knobby thing to ask all things considered. Good luck op!

 

[oldroadman]

All of which demonstrates why membership of BC is so helpful. Their legals would destroy any nonsense from the driver's insurers in about 3 seconds. Hit from behind, a right to be on the road (which motor vehicles don't have, they are only licensed to use) rear vehicles fault. Bang to rights. If you can get a solicitor to take it on (if not BC/CTC member) as a no win no fee case they'll be glad they did, because it's a little earner for not too much work.
Just don't take the first offer from the driver's insurer. It will increase.

 

[Jaykun85]

sorry to hear you got knocked down but as everyone one has said you where not in the wrong you had every right to be on the road and using the roundabout regardless of a cycle lane being present. I recently join the BC added bonus it comes with the third party liability not to bad for hoe little membership is. I think even if you join now you can still use them as it says something about you can claim within i think a year of an accident or something in the small print .. or maybe i read it wrong .. still may be worth taking a look ?? may save on solicitors fees

 

[ufkacbln]

Slightly OT

It is down to education.

Due to knee and hip problems, I am off the bike at the moment

One of my colleagues offered me a lift home

As we were travelling he complained about a cyclist on the road when there was a cycle path

I pointed out the coach, car transporter, and 8 illegally parked cars in the next mile and asked how they got round those

Then started counting the number of "give ways" and there were over 40 in the next mile.

I then asked if he fancied a slalom between the school kids blocking the next part

He conceded that what looks like a good idea is in fact totally useless

 

[fossyant]

BC's solicitors picked up about 6 highway code failures of the driver that turned right into me. They were very clear cut, and despite no admission of liability yet, my two interim payments will be 'significant' already.

The copper thought I should have stopped. How, I wasn't to know he would be a blind driver ?

 

[growingvegetables]

Huh, Just noticed that the HC suggests cyclists should stay on the outside lane? Makes sense, and I don't think I've ever wandered into central when taking a 3rd exit, but an interesting point none the less.

Emphatically NOT. The HC suggests no such thing.

1. It suggests, as best practice, approaching and manoeuvring the roundabout as if you were driving a car - and signalling, choosing lane, etc appropriately.

2. It ACCEPTS that some cyclists do not have the confidence to follow that practice. And advises
a) the cyclist - on the extra observation and care necessary;
b) the motorist - to "allow" the cyclist lacking in confidence to ride as s/he wishes.

3. And further suggests that there's nothing wrong with walking round!

I personally almost always use 1. Safer. Predictable. And it works. Usually.

Except on a roundabout I do not know. Except on a fast, busy, heavily trafficked ring-road rab. Then I will use 3.

NEVER, EVER, EVER the second alternative.

 

[glenn forger]

I think it used to recommend circling the outer lane. I'm sure I saw a diagram..

 

[classic33]

Hi-Vis is also recomended. It's not a legal requirement though.

 

[snorri]

I would be inclined to tell them you do not understand the relevance of the question as their client rear ended you on the road,

 

[the snail]

Thank you for that. I was worried because the defendants insurance company have asked why I wasn't using the cycle lane.

Ask them why their client wasn't using the motorway.

 

[summerdays]

I think it used to recommend circling the outer lane. I'm sure I saw a diagram..

Yes there was one like that.... I must have the image squirrelled away somewhere.... Nowhere in the advice suggesting you did that did they point out that drivers just don't look there at all so you would be left hooked by drivers from behind, and have drivers pull out when you were going around the roundabout.

 

[Banjo]

Don't get involved with any correspondence with the other party or their insurer. Let your solicitor deal with it .
Sounds like a clear cut case of the driver not looking where he is going and is responsible . They are just trying to create doubt in your mind.

 

[mjr]

Yes there was one like that.... I must have the image squirrelled away somewhere.... Nowhere in the advice suggesting you did that did they point out that drivers just don't look there at all so you would be left hooked by drivers from behind, and have drivers pull out when you were going around the roundabout.

I think it wasn't in the 1968/1974 HC http://normandyhistorians.co.uk/hwc/1968hwc/index.html but I remember it too. I think Cycling Proficiency may have been the culprit, as it also infamously recommended cycling too close to the kerb.

 

[SavageHoutkop]

Don't get involved with any correspondence with the other party or there insurer. Let your solicitor deal with it .
Sounds like a clear cut case of the driver not looking where he is going and is responsible . They are just trying to create doubt in your mind.

Have they mentioned helmets or high viz yet? Same issue applies. Not compulsory. And lights only needed after dark.