I agree about how much worse it would've been if I was in the car. For a start I wouldn't have caught the collision on camera, and I/or the car that hit him would probably now be under investigation if injury occurred.
The fact is that the kid wasn't 100% to blame. Mechanical failures aside, when 2 vehicles collide, even if one jumps a red light, you should be ready for such occurrences. Indeed, I've avoided such scenarios before and 'saved' someone from causing an accident. I drive/cycle/motorcycle in excess of 40,000 miles a year (I'm an HGV driver) and without blowing my own trumpet, there have been quite a few times over the years when I've taken avoiding action to prevent a collision. Even in a 28 ton lorry, you still get the 'SMIDSY' drivers.
Maybe if I'd been more focused on the cyclist on the pavement, I could've avoided him? But tbh, I was holding primary, watching for any cars behind to do a dodgy overtake, plus there's a junction coming up on my right where cars regularly pull out on me (and other cyclists). Other than get off and push the bike every time there's a ped/cyclist in my vicinity I'm at a bit of a loss. Someone suggested ringing the bell, which tbh wouldn't have made the blindest bit of difference.....the kid changed his mind at the last second, and a 'ping ping' wouldn't have stopped him. Maybe I could've used the airzound, but then you risk winding up car drivers. I'd like to leave y'all with this thought.
No-one's ever too old or experienced to learn. I've learned something from this experience, but when you've got so much going on in front, behind and at the side of you, it's difficult (20/20 hindsight aside) to always notice everything which is happening around you, all of the time. If this vid makes just one cyclist/car driver that bit more aware or the unpredictability of kids, then it's served its purpose. AMEN.
however a car driver would have insurance and this would of been dealt with via that surely.
