Oh.... Erm, no I didn't see you

[LCpl Boiled Egg]

The one thing that I ALWAYS take into account-Never, never, never assume that anyone, motorist, cyclist, pedestrian or whoever, will think that you have priority. If you always think that that person thinks they have the right of way, until proved otherwise, I think you will then stand a better chance of getting to your destination in one piece.
To me, If I assume something and that assumption proves to be wrong, that makes an ASS of U and ME!!

Absolutely, I quite agree. Although it does sound like you're blaming me for something there, or am I getting the wrong idea from your reply?

 

[Frood42]

No one has right of way or priority on the roads, however there are road markings and signs there to help you know when you should give way to other traffic.

 

[glasgowcyclist]

I am no different when I am behind the wheel of a car. I try to be extra vigilant, looking for cyclists, but I have been caught out. And have then berated myself, for being a stupid, impatient car driver. Then try to remember what happened, why it happened and maybe, how I can stop it happening again.

Now, I understand, that by admitting I make mistakes, I am opening myself to ridicule on this forum, but, we as cyclists who also drive motor vehicles, have to accept, that at times, we can make the type of mistakes that we read about.

You're not alone, I've done it too.

A few months back I nearly exited a side road just as a roadie was turning right into it from the main road. I believe it was the thickness of my car's A-pillar that blocked my view of him. Thankfully my passenger shouted "BIKE!" and I stopped. He acknowledged my apology but I was mortified, to the point of putting my window down and shouting after him, "No, I really am sorry!"

I now make a point of moving my head so that I see around all the blind spots possible, asking myself "Where's the cyclist?"

GC

 

[clockman]

Absolutely, I quite agree. Although it does sound like you're blaming me for something there, or am I getting the wrong idea from your reply?

I'm sorry if it seems that I was placing blame on you personally.
It is supposed to be general, for everyone.
Unfortunately, we have to ride defensively. Priority, is something that someone else allows you have. If they don't want to give it, you have to accept it. Take a deep breath, count to ten or a hundred, smile and thank your lucky stars that that you did (accept it!). Trust me, I speak from experience. As long as you are still breathing and walking without help, you have won.

 

[clockman]

You're not alone, I've done it too.

A few months back I nearly exited a side road just as a roadie was turning right into it from the main road. I believe it was the thickness of my car's A-pillar that blocked my view of him. Thankfully my passenger shouted "BIKE!" and I stopped. He acknowledged my apology but I was mortified, to the point of putting my window down and shouting after him, "No, I really am sorry!"

I now make a point of moving my head so that I see around all the blind spots possible, asking myself "Where's the cyclist?"

GC

Car construction is in my opinion a factor in some of these SMIDSY type accidents. A and B pillars are very thick. They have to be for the ENCAP requirements that manufacturers have to comply with. It is very possible for a cyclist to get lost in the blinds pots they cause.

 

[mustang1]

This morning an idiot didn't want me to get in front of her car at the lights so pulled up quite deliberately right next to the kerb. Men no big deal I'll just hang back here.

Later another car driver over took me and then immediately decided to turn left. No problem. I anticipated and a dash of the brakes prevented an accident.

A short while later a car pulled out of the side road right in front of me. Another silly driver in a hurry. Again I saw him in time and slowed down.

Various things like this happen most days. Today I had a higher number then normal pedestrians scooting into the road and not seeing me or dating out from behind a lorry. My motto is if you can't see clearly then slow down.

Sometimes however I'm thankful other drivers also drive defensively as it's saved me a few times. Occasionally I do silly things too.

 

[LCpl Boiled Egg]

I'm sorry if it seems that I was placing blame on you personally.
It is supposed to be general, for everyone.
Unfortunately, we have to ride defensively. Priority, is something that someone else allows you have. If they don't want to give it, you have to accept it. Take a deep breath, count to ten or a hundred, smile and thank your lucky stars that that you did (accept it!). Trust me, I speak from experience. As long as you are still breathing and walking without help, you have won.

Fair enough. Had I not been riding defensively in the first place (i.e. in the gutter) the driver would have just come straight out anyway. I would never put myself in a situation that I could not get out of, so although I said I braked hard, I was anticipating that I may have to. Maybe he will think differently the next time he is in the same place.... well, I can hope anyway.

Safe riding Clockman!