Who wants to see me being nearly reversed into

[GrumpyGregry]

100% drivers fault.

Sure @benb could have managed it differently but even if he had? Still 100% the drivers fault.

As to his blasphemy, any good Christian will forgive Ben the moment it was uttered. A small human failing in stressful circumstances. And, please, non-believers, don't co-opt the offence, real or imagined, of believers.

 

[HovR]

Listen to Mr Perfect! Oh and one other thing. The driver was 100% in the wrong.

I think all of us here are in agreement that the driver was in the wrong. Unfortunately, you can be as "in the right" as you want, but it isn't going to stop you from getting run over if some idiot driver isn't paying attention. Sometimes it's better to forgo your road position, even if it is your right of way, in order to stay alive.

User30090's first two points were completely valid, the 3rd and 4th nitpicking, 5th was uncalled for.

 

[glenn forger]

'That's funny'

the driver thought

'How come I overtake a cyclist, pull left and start reversing when suddenly out of nowhere a cyclist appears behind me!'

 

[GrumpyGregry]

sometimes one wishes for a CO2 canister powered airzound.

 

[stowie]

The stopping behind is an interesting one - I used to leave a lot of clearance at the back of vans and lorries, only - on more than one occasion - to have the genius in the car behind overtake me and fill it. I tend to sit at either side these days so that I can see the mirrors, and more importantly, what is going on ahead. However, this opens yourself up to a numpty driver creeping up either side of you and closing out the space - if you are able to be seen in the mirrors you are either to the right of the vehicle or in the gutter.

As for the pavement hopping to avoid, this is probably what everyone would do in hindsight, but in the heat of the moment it is easy to forget the easiest avoiding action.

If the blind spot was big enough to conceal the bicycle, it probably wouldn't see a pedestrian crossing, or even a small car directly behind him. The driver was reversing blind, and also hadn't anticipated the space needed for the bus to pass and hence leave enough room in the first place.

 

[HovR]

sometimes one wishes for a CO2 canister powered airzound.

Once again, it's better to take a few steps to the side and get out the way of the reversing object than it is to stand there and hope they figure out that air horn is coming from a cyclist they (still) can't see in their blind spot.

I used to have a car horn on my bike. Caused more danger to me than it saved me from, as I was too busy sounding the horn rather than getting out of the way of the metal box heading right for me.

If you must berate a driver (which rarely helps, let's be honest), then do it after you've removed yourself from the danger, at which point a horn is no longer appropriate.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Once again, it's better to take a few steps to the side and get out the way of the reversing object than it is to stand there and hope they figure out that air horn is coming from a cyclist they (still) can't see in their blind spot.

I used to have a car horn on my bike. Caused more danger to me than it saved me from, as I was too busy sounding the horn rather than getting out of the way of the metal box heading right for me.

If you must berate a driver (which rarely helps, let's be honest), then do it after you've removed yourself from the danger, at which point a horn is no longer appropriate.

The driver of the van would not have seen me in my old Fiat Cinquecento had I stopped it where ben stopped his bike.... would you expect me to drive up onto the pavement in it rather than sound my horn to alert the driver to my presence?

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

The driver of the van would not have seen me in my old Fiat Cinquecento had I stopped it where ben stopped his bike.... would you expect me to drive up onto the pavement in it rather than sound my horn to alert the driver to my presence?

Do you not have a reverse gear in a Fiat?

 

[400bhp]

@benb, just make sure next time you get to the right a bit more so he can see you in his mirror.Not that gives a cast iron guarantee.

Driver is completely at fault of course. Really worrying driving given he'd just passed you too.

I've had this by a driver in a people carrier.

 

[lozcs]

[QUOTE 3188093, member: 30090"]A few things to note:

1) Don't pull up so close to the vehicle in front, especially one with no rear windscreen.
2) Read the road better regarding buses and residential streets, where a van stops, a bike will 99.99% go.
3) You need a NSFW warning because of the swearing.
4) Don't take the Lord's name in vain.
[/QUOTE]

Wow, really?

 

[Cuchilo]

You need to read the road better IMHO . Riding a bike is great fun when you are aware of other road users and your surroundings .

 

[HovR]

The driver of the van would not have seen me in my old Fiat Cinquecento had I stopped it where ben stopped his bike.... would you expect me to drive up onto the pavement in it rather than sound my horn to alert the driver to my presence?

Considering we were talking about bicycles here, this point is entirely irrelevant. Bicycles and cars are two very different vehicles.

 

[Hip Priest]

The driver dropped a clanger and blocked the road. So he ended up needing to reverse to allow the bus through. Now you can either reverse with him for everyone's benefit, or you can stay put to make a point.

 

[neil earley]

Driver was oblivious and looks as if he or she should be more aware of someone behind , good on you for not loosing your cool.

 

[Hip Priest]

Driver was oblivious and looks as if he or she should be more aware of someone behind , good on you for not loosing your cool.

What is he/she supposed to do? Get out of the van and say 'excuse me old boy, I've cocked up here and blocked the road. Would you mind awfully moving back a few feet so I can back up?'