stowie
Legendary Member
Up until now, I have managed, to avoid road rage incidents, but tonight was pretty terrible.
I was cycling towards Stratford (E London) one way system in the bus lane, and where the road-works are, the council has thoughtfully opened up the lane to all traffic. Most traffic doesn't know this, and sits in the slow moving traffic allowing the really impatient drivers to speed up the inside.
As soon as I turned the corner, I heard a horn going behind me and saw a car racing up the bus lane. The traffic was stopped and I stopped behind the car. Cue shouting and beeping from behind. I have had this before and indicated for him to go around me when I set off, but this enraged him and he just barged past me (forcing me nearly off the road) when the lights went green. I hit the car with my elbow or arm as it went past - it was that close. He stopped, reversed towards me and I ducked into the parking bay. After much shouting he drove off.
As is always the way I caught up with him minutes later and calmly (how, I don't know) said that his driving was a real problem, the bus lane was too narrow at the point to pass and I was trying to say I would pull aside after it. He was completely calm and apologised and said that I hit his car - which I said I didn't - his car hit me. Anyway we both apologised said it was a bad day and went our way.
I genuinely don't know what else I could have done. The aggression at the start was astonishing - and he drove his car at me in front of a bus station full of people. Short of not using the bus lane or the gyratory, I couldn't move aside at the point he was wanting to overtake.
It has taught me a few things
1) I will buy a camera. Next time I might actually be knocked off and I want evidence.
2) Stratford one way system is the worst road system I travel upon. Newham haven't got the first clue what they are doing with respect to cyclists (or probably don't care). I will try to find another way around it.
3) Taking primary and vehicular cycling is completely useless in cases like this. Not doing it, however, invites impatient drivers to take risks with your life and health.
I have just come back from Copenhagen. Driving there isn't great, but cyclists are treated with a respect we simply don't have. The taxi drivers wait before turning left for cyclists on their inside - they would be checking all the time for cyclists and sit behind them for ages if necessary.
What to do? I came back wanting to give up cycling around the area.
I was cycling towards Stratford (E London) one way system in the bus lane, and where the road-works are, the council has thoughtfully opened up the lane to all traffic. Most traffic doesn't know this, and sits in the slow moving traffic allowing the really impatient drivers to speed up the inside.
As soon as I turned the corner, I heard a horn going behind me and saw a car racing up the bus lane. The traffic was stopped and I stopped behind the car. Cue shouting and beeping from behind. I have had this before and indicated for him to go around me when I set off, but this enraged him and he just barged past me (forcing me nearly off the road) when the lights went green. I hit the car with my elbow or arm as it went past - it was that close. He stopped, reversed towards me and I ducked into the parking bay. After much shouting he drove off.
As is always the way I caught up with him minutes later and calmly (how, I don't know) said that his driving was a real problem, the bus lane was too narrow at the point to pass and I was trying to say I would pull aside after it. He was completely calm and apologised and said that I hit his car - which I said I didn't - his car hit me. Anyway we both apologised said it was a bad day and went our way.
I genuinely don't know what else I could have done. The aggression at the start was astonishing - and he drove his car at me in front of a bus station full of people. Short of not using the bus lane or the gyratory, I couldn't move aside at the point he was wanting to overtake.
It has taught me a few things
1) I will buy a camera. Next time I might actually be knocked off and I want evidence.
2) Stratford one way system is the worst road system I travel upon. Newham haven't got the first clue what they are doing with respect to cyclists (or probably don't care). I will try to find another way around it.
3) Taking primary and vehicular cycling is completely useless in cases like this. Not doing it, however, invites impatient drivers to take risks with your life and health.
I have just come back from Copenhagen. Driving there isn't great, but cyclists are treated with a respect we simply don't have. The taxi drivers wait before turning left for cyclists on their inside - they would be checking all the time for cyclists and sit behind them for ages if necessary.
What to do? I came back wanting to give up cycling around the area.