Little vid, does it add anything?

[gambatte]

Got an email linking to this:
http://www.confused.com/car-insurance/motorists-v-cyclists/cycling-issues-video

Is it just me that thinks generally its not a bad vid, but there are some sections that 'grate' and make you think its filmed by someone who doesn't cycle?

My 2 comments:
Why repeatedly mention helmets as though not wearing one makes you an irresponsible cyclist (BTW my choice is to always wear one)
Couple of shots in there show the cyclist well inside the door zone

Overall I reckon the intentions are good.... just doesn't hit the spot?

 

[benb]

The road to hell, and all that.

 

[Matthew_T]

It doesnt really add anything to everyones views on cycling. It doesnt seem strong enough to change drivers views plus they didnt really have as many incidents as they should. As the guy cycling had a dim view on cyclists in the first place, he probably didnt notice when someone passed him closely because he was used to doing it to cyclists anyway.
I do like the concept of getting drivers to see exactly how dangerous cycling is though.

 

[Hip Priest]

It doesnt really add anything to everyones views on cycling. It doesnt seem strong enough to change drivers views plus they didnt really have as many incidents as they should. As the guy cycling had a dim view on cyclists in the first place, he probably didnt notice when someone passed him closely because he was used to doing it to cyclists anyway.
I do like the concept of getting drivers to see exactly how dangerous cycling is though.

 

[mr_hippo]

It doesnt really add anything to everyones views on cycling. It doesnt seem strong enough to change drivers views plus they didnt really have as many incidents as they should. As the guy cycling had a dim view on cyclists in the first place, he probably didnt notice when someone passed him closely because he was used to doing it to cyclists anyway.
I do like the concept of getting drivers to see exactly how dangerous cycling is though.

Just how many 'incidents' should a cyclist have?
Cycling is dangerous if you make it so - to paraphrase a WWII RAF saying, 'There are old cyclists, there are bold cyclists but there are no old, bold cyclists!'
Just looked at the video on your blog entitled 'Agreesive driver' which on photobucket becomes 'Very agreeive behaviour'. The only person I heard being agressive was you.

 

[Matthew_T]

Just how many 'incidents' should a cyclist have?
Cycling is dangerous if you make it so - to paraphrase a WWII RAF saying, 'There are old cyclists, there are bold cyclists but there are no old, bold cyclists!'
Just looked at the video on your blog entitled 'Agreesive driver' which on photobucket becomes 'Very agreeive behaviour'. The only person I heard being agressive was you.

I have had comments from people saying I gave it the wrong title.

 

[punkedmonkey]

I thought the conclusion was a bit odd... he said he thought the experience was 'good' and that it got him to work quicker (and clearly would benefit his fitness!) - but yet he seemed to be heading back into his car . Banging on about helmets was also a bit weird... but remember this video was made by a company that sells/brokers insurance - got to be seen to be pushing the 'safety' agenda - and they make simple conclusions, but lets not debate that.

My favourite thing about the whole video was that it was filmed in Bristol, where I commute everyday - 99% of the time with very little trouble.

The part where he nearly rammed into the back of the van was at the bottom of a very very steep hill (Park Street - can easily hit 30+mph at the bottom), there is a pedestrian crossing there - you need to be prepared for anything at that point. Interacting with pedestrian crossings is always a hazard as he demonstrated on two occasions.

Overall, the video is marketed at car drivers - confused.com is a car insurance website. Maybe it might make them think a bit more about cyclists and how they interact with them... we can but hope.

 

[thnurg]

Just how many 'incidents' should a cyclist have?
Cycling is dangerous if you make it so - to paraphrase a WWII RAF saying, 'There are old cyclists, there are bold cyclists but there are no old, bold cyclists!'
Just looked at the video on your blog entitled 'Agreesive driver' which on photobucket becomes 'Very agreeive behaviour'. The only person I heard being agressive was you.

Were you a little confused as to who was who in the video? Matthew_T sounded a little pissed off but it was the van driver who ran across the road all shouty and swearing.

 

[Bicycle]

I thought it was interesting.

We're not going to get an Evangelical. Pro-Cycling view from a keen driver (looked like an RX8 he was in at the beginning - so he is keen).

He did make some beginner's errors, but he is a beginner. The doorzone is a thing learned slowly.

I guess the target audience (is there one?) is car commuters who might be half-thinking about riding to work.

I imagine the overall effect on that group would be broadly positive.

I don't need to be persuaded to try it, but I can imagine a few people who don't cycle might try doing so after viewing that.

Harmless at worst and quite encouraging at best.

 

[Matthew_T]

I thought it was interesting.
The doorzone is a thing learned slowly.

:O No it isnt! You need to learn it quickly in order to not be doored.

 

[Bicycle]

Oh yes it is.... (This is like pantomime!)

I learned to ride many years ago and have since taught my children and others.
It's one thing to be told about parked cars; it's another to get the message into your head.
I dare say you picked up all the life-saving skills very quickly, but in my experience most people need a while.
The chap in the video was in his first week of cycle commuting.