This overtake (second van) was safe from my perspective, but not safe from the perspective of the oncoming car. Not much in it. Of course, we were approaching a roundabout where I caught them up.... 
New commute, new problems...
- Thread starter magnatom
- Start date
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I'm guessing he couldn't see much anyway because he was tailgating the first van like a b*stard. I'd say I get these more than close passes. I get plenty of room, but the oncoming traffic gets a shock.
Of course, we must wait until Mr Hippo has viewed the video to determine what you've done wrong and how the situation has been 'engineered'.
Of course, we must wait until Mr Hippo has viewed the video to determine what you've done wrong and how the situation has been 'engineered'.
Bollo said:I'm guessing he couldn't see much anyway because he was tailgating the first van like a b*stard. I'd say I get these more than close passes. I get plenty of room, but the oncoming traffic gets a shock.
Of course, we must wait until Mr Hippo has viewed the video to determine what you've done wrong and how the situation has been 'engineered'.
Aye, they were both tailgating. The first van was tailgating me, which is why I look around a few times at the start.
Obviously it is engineered, I could have taken a 2 mile detour on a quieter road to avoid such a situation....
(Actually, when I have time and the detour road isn't a skating rink, I might just do that!
)
I'm afraid that you're correct that this is something that you are going to have to get used to on your new commute. My experience on that road (in the car) is a lot of pushy drivers, particularly in the rush hour. Hopefully the regulars will get used to your presence and there will be even fewer bad overtakes.
Origamist
Legendary Member
Looks like you've got a suburban/rural commute now, Mags. I had one of those many years ago. Generally speaking, I had fewer incidents, but when I did, they tended to be of the brown short variety.
I've had quite a few of those tailgating overtakes in the past and I'd disagree that the second overtake was fine/safe from your perspective. If he misjudged the closing speed of the oncoming vehicle by only a second more, he'd be pulling in and squeezing/swiping you, or if he really ****ed-up (a 2 second or so margin of error), you'd be cycling into the immediate aftermath of a head-on.
When faced with oncoming traffic and overtaking vehicles on 40mph + roads, I would move left as the vehicle came alongside. I'd then check for other overtaking vehicles before moving back out. This tactic has it's benefits and disbenefits, but you might want to consider it on a road like that.
I've had quite a few of those tailgating overtakes in the past and I'd disagree that the second overtake was fine/safe from your perspective. If he misjudged the closing speed of the oncoming vehicle by only a second more, he'd be pulling in and squeezing/swiping you, or if he really ****ed-up (a 2 second or so margin of error), you'd be cycling into the immediate aftermath of a head-on.
When faced with oncoming traffic and overtaking vehicles on 40mph + roads, I would move left as the vehicle came alongside. I'd then check for other overtaking vehicles before moving back out. This tactic has it's benefits and disbenefits, but you might want to consider it on a road like that.
Being serious for a moment, some of my commute is like this and like Origamist said, there can be benefits in pulling left slightly after the first pass. Not into the gutter, but out of the firing line. These incidents are at their scariest when you're overtaken by a string of traffic. The first two drivers may have seen you, but after that the following drivers may not know you're there and/or may not be paying attention. That's when the pants need a wash. That road looks fast and just the right (or wrong) width to produce these types of passes.
thomas
the tank engine
- Location
- Woking/Norwich
Origamist said:
I assumed mags meant the distance away from him was good just the timing wasn't.
BentMikey
Rider of Seolferwulf
- Location
- South London
Another good tactic is keeping your right arm out and hand back as in a stop don't overtake signal. This seems to keep the traffic further away from you, even in the face of oncoming traffic, and helps to dissuade most overtakes. The extra metre of room might make all the difference if the driver decides to cut back in on you.
This is an example of where the Ka driver touches mirrors with oncoming traffic rather than come near my right arm:
View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_nsvXWCnds
This is an example of where the Ka driver touches mirrors with oncoming traffic rather than come near my right arm:
View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_nsvXWCnds
BentMikey said:
Aye, I've actually used that on the new commute already and it worked a treat, stopping a very daft overtake.
I have to say, despite occasional problems like this I am coming across some very patient drivers. There is one hard section of climbing on the way to work, with little chance for me to pull over or for cars to overtake. I am impressed at the patience of the drivers behind. I always make a point of thanking them as they come past (if I have enough energy left to lift my arm!
)I've used 'the arm' as well. I've had occasions when the driver has then passed and hurled abuse for a mere cyclist telling a driver what to do, but sticks, stones and car bonnets will break my bones.....
About the worst sign on this type of road is when a driver coming in the opposite direction sounds their horn for what seems like no reason, but then half a second later you're skimmed by something overtaking very fast and very close. There's usually no time to react either.
About the worst sign on this type of road is when a driver coming in the opposite direction sounds their horn for what seems like no reason, but then half a second later you're skimmed by something overtaking very fast and very close. There's usually no time to react either.
I'll be off soon for a couple of weeks. I'm hoping that during that time I can get out and look at one of my commute options, a quieter road which will add a little bit of distance to the commute (and another hill!). It'll be good to have an option to avoid the busy A road from time to time.
One thing I find, is that having cars behind you give you extra incentive to get up that bl**dy hill, that little bit quicker. A couple of the climbs are above 10% so it is good training!
One thing I find, is that having cars behind you give you extra incentive to get up that bl**dy hill, that little bit quicker. A couple of the climbs are above 10% so it is good training!
BentMikey
Rider of Seolferwulf
- Location
- South London
Bollo said:
Oooh, moar looking back needed!!
BentMikey said:
At the moment I must admit I am looking back less. With the roads being slippery and not knowing these roads too well, I've found I need to focus more on what is ahead. In compensation, it's not to hard to know what is behind and what they are doing from their front light pattern on the road.
i certainly knew what the van behind me was up to, but it can be difficult to know what the vehicle behind is up to until the last minute, even if looking. I'm sure my spidey senses will improve with experience on these roads.
