I'm on my phone... Didn't see that bit. I agree, it depends on the situation but often its considered safer on the outside.
What's the legal situation here?
- Thread starter DBrown67
- Start date
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400bhp
Guru
Often, but not always. It depends on the road layout. The more turnings on your right than the left can mean it's better to go down the inside as you're less likely to get cars turning across you.
clockman
Über Member
- Location
- Mole Valley
We only have DBrown67s' word that cyclist was 'flying' down the inside. But, What idiot, in their right mind, is going to do that, when the view of the road ahead is obscured to them?
To be honest, I am normally very critical of taxi drivers road sense. Was the cyclist going that fast? Was DBrown67 being that careful. Without confirmation by a witness, who can say. Only the van driver could say who they thought was more at fault.
I stand by my first comment, the cyclist should have been exercising more care. In that situation, they should be riding at just over a walking pace, to be able to deal with an unexpected hazard- the taxi. Is it worth a trip to A & E?
From the original posting, my sympathy is with the OP. Who amongst us, can say as a car driver, we would not have done the same as the OP.
To be honest, I am normally very critical of taxi drivers road sense. Was the cyclist going that fast? Was DBrown67 being that careful. Without confirmation by a witness, who can say. Only the van driver could say who they thought was more at fault.
I stand by my first comment, the cyclist should have been exercising more care. In that situation, they should be riding at just over a walking pace, to be able to deal with an unexpected hazard- the taxi. Is it worth a trip to A & E?
From the original posting, my sympathy is with the OP. Who amongst us, can say as a car driver, we would not have done the same as the OP.
classic33
Leg End Member
@DBrown67, Probably not what you'd want to hear.
But crossing a lane of traffic, moving in the opposite direction would put you at fault. You are expected to anticpate the movement of the traffic in the other lane. If the driver who let you through, did so by flashing their lights, it would not be a legal signal. It simply means "I am here" & in law that is all its taken as meaning.
That said the POB would have to shoulder some of the blame.
What road was it?
But crossing a lane of traffic, moving in the opposite direction would put you at fault. You are expected to anticpate the movement of the traffic in the other lane. If the driver who let you through, did so by flashing their lights, it would not be a legal signal. It simply means "I am here" & in law that is all its taken as meaning.
That said the POB would have to shoulder some of the blame.
What road was it?
Smurfy
Naturist Smurf
- Location
- Smurfette's Kitchen
There was a Luton Van blocking line of sight. In that case standard common sense rules apply, which means if you can't see, do not proceed!
400bhp
Guru
Smurfy
Naturist Smurf
- Location
- Smurfette's Kitchen
A good question for the OP to ask him/herself is, 'would I have pulled across in the same manner if the Luton Van had been an HGV, and there was a bus lane on the far side of the HGV?'
It's known that cyclists can and do filter, so you have to assume that there is a cyclist there, until you can see that the way ahead is clear. Similarly, a pedestrian crossing the road you are turning into also has priority, so drivers should be aware of them (although the way many drivers behave when you're crossing a road they're trying to turn into is often absolutely shocking).
It's known that cyclists can and do filter, so you have to assume that there is a cyclist there, until you can see that the way ahead is clear. Similarly, a pedestrian crossing the road you are turning into also has priority, so drivers should be aware of them (although the way many drivers behave when you're crossing a road they're trying to turn into is often absolutely shocking).
classic33
Leg End Member
In order to cross a line of stationary/slow moving traffic, you are going to be relying on the drivers in that lane of traffic helping you. Are they paying more attention to whats happenning behind them than in front of them. The flashing of the headlights has no legal meaning other than letting the other driver know you are there.
Merely leaving a gap doesn't imply that its safe for you to cut across. Some drivers will leave the exit of the junction clear, but not the entrance. You also have to remember that a bike does not require as much room as a car.
Some roads into Leeds City Centre have "cycle lanes" (white line painted on the road type), which is why I asked what road.
Merely leaving a gap doesn't imply that its safe for you to cut across. Some drivers will leave the exit of the junction clear, but not the entrance. You also have to remember that a bike does not require as much room as a car.
Some roads into Leeds City Centre have "cycle lanes" (white line painted on the road type), which is why I asked what road.
clockman
Über Member
- Location
- Mole Valley
The more I think of this, I have to agree with Dan B. 50:50, would seem logical.
However, I still think the cyclist needed to demonstrate a little more awareness when going down the inside of the van.
Can you imagine the outcry, on this forum, if the van driver had turned left into the car park with the cyclist in his blind spot!
However, I still think the cyclist needed to demonstrate a little more awareness when going down the inside of the van.
Can you imagine the outcry, on this forum, if the van driver had turned left into the car park with the cyclist in his blind spot!
classic33
Leg End Member
Also asked here http://www.traffic-answers.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=7798.0
In reply to classic33... the road in question is Dewsbury Road A653. I tried to get the image linked from Google Maps but I can't do it (or I don't know how to). The junction in question is bang opposite Beeston Line taxis. (not my taxi firm by the way). Road going into Leeds has bus lane on that side. I was on the other side turning right. No cycle lane as you can see and rather a narrow lane on that side.
clockman
Über Member
- Location
- Mole Valley
When emerging at a junction or crossing stationary traffic, where your vision is restricted, you are supposed to use caution. Driving instructors should teach a technique called 'peep & creep'. Where you slowly edge forward, gradually increasing your field of vision. So, that in the event of something unexpected occurring you can react: i.e. Stop!
From what I understand from the original OP, this is sort of what he was doing. Was the cyclist so arrogant as to think he was indestructible as he rode down the inside of a van? Maybe he was just lost in his own little world, (head phones on) thinking only about his next meal.
From what I understand from the original OP, this is sort of what he was doing. Was the cyclist so arrogant as to think he was indestructible as he rode down the inside of a van? Maybe he was just lost in his own little world, (head phones on) thinking only about his next meal.
classic33
Leg End Member
Or was he legally riding in a cycle lane?
clockman
Über Member
- Location
- Mole Valley
This we don't know. Maybe the original OP can tell us. A cycle lane would indeed make a difference to the speed a cyclist would feel they safely ride at.
But, as a cyclist, I think I would be using a bit more caution going up the inside of stationary traffic with (from what the original OP says) a restricted field of vision.
classic33
Leg End Member
Agree, which is why I asked what road was he, the OP, on at the time. Given that any answer he can supply are first checked by moderators though, we'll have to wait for his answer.
