Part of my commute includes cycling along a narrowish single carriageway in a town. The street usually has a queue of traffic for most of its length leading up to the traffic lights at the end. I usually cautiously cycle up the inside. This morning I decided to cycle up the outside because there was a large lorry half way along and I thought it would not be safe to pass it on the inside.
After a few vehicles I decided that the road was too narrow to continue with the manoeuvre, especially with oncoming traffic appearing. I pulled in, in front of a smaller truck. I then moved towards the inside of the lane to check out moving up the queue a little on the inside but decided it was unwise and maintained my position in the queue.
The driver of the truck started revving aggressively, including when the traffic was stationary. The driver then got out of his cab and shouted that I had pulled in dangerously given that he was pulling a trailer. I realise that in hindsight it was not a great idea to pull so far over from the outside to the inside of the lane but the traffic was crawling forward and at no time did I hear the driver behind brake let alone brake hard. I don't think I put him or anyone else in danger but I do accept in hindsight I might have caught him unawares.
I didn't think there was any point having a discussion with such a heated driver so I calmly informed him that he should stay calm or he would cause an accident later on. The traffic started to move and he got back in his truck. I did make a point of noting his registration number and taking a good look at him. I considered getting out my mobile phone and taking a photo of him and his number plate but I think that would only have inflamed the situation.
After a few more yards we both turned left and I had the opportunity to note the company name on his truck. He continued driving aggressively. I turned off right soon after and left him to his devices.
I have decided to revert to undertaking cautiously on the inside since on the few occasions I have overtaken I have risked getting stuck on the outside when the traffic starts moving. What would you have done in the circumstances? Most other cyclists seem to ride on the pavement or duck onto the pavement when it suits them.
I don't think my cycling was anything to boast about so I am not planning to report him but would welcome suggestions and constructive criticism.
Thanks
After a few vehicles I decided that the road was too narrow to continue with the manoeuvre, especially with oncoming traffic appearing. I pulled in, in front of a smaller truck. I then moved towards the inside of the lane to check out moving up the queue a little on the inside but decided it was unwise and maintained my position in the queue.
The driver of the truck started revving aggressively, including when the traffic was stationary. The driver then got out of his cab and shouted that I had pulled in dangerously given that he was pulling a trailer. I realise that in hindsight it was not a great idea to pull so far over from the outside to the inside of the lane but the traffic was crawling forward and at no time did I hear the driver behind brake let alone brake hard. I don't think I put him or anyone else in danger but I do accept in hindsight I might have caught him unawares.
I didn't think there was any point having a discussion with such a heated driver so I calmly informed him that he should stay calm or he would cause an accident later on. The traffic started to move and he got back in his truck. I did make a point of noting his registration number and taking a good look at him. I considered getting out my mobile phone and taking a photo of him and his number plate but I think that would only have inflamed the situation.
After a few more yards we both turned left and I had the opportunity to note the company name on his truck. He continued driving aggressively. I turned off right soon after and left him to his devices.
I have decided to revert to undertaking cautiously on the inside since on the few occasions I have overtaken I have risked getting stuck on the outside when the traffic starts moving. What would you have done in the circumstances? Most other cyclists seem to ride on the pavement or duck onto the pavement when it suits them.
I don't think my cycling was anything to boast about so I am not planning to report him but would welcome suggestions and constructive criticism.
Thanks