“How I improved from my near accident. Learn from my mistakes. Stay safe.”
How I improved from my near accident
byu/ipflibbydibbydoo inlondoncycling
The first thing to note is that in the Highway Code priority is given to pedestrians or cyclists travelling straight on in situations like this, where a motorist is turning into a side road, so the motorist should give the rider priority and of course take care to ensure that cycle lane is clear before turning. As this motorist was turning right across traffic anyway, it would be the case regardless that any road users travelling straight on here have priority just, in this case, the stationary traffic (and presumably a flash or wave from the van driver) has made the motorist forget all about that cycle lane.
Rule 180 would tell the driver: “Wait until there is a safe gap between you and any oncoming vehicle. Watch out for cyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians and other road users.”
In the real world, the reality of all the research suggests the Highway Code remains not particularly well-known. Various studies have repeatedly shown that plenty of drivers still don’t know the correct rule on cyclist/pedestrian priority when turning into side roads.
On the relevant advice for cyclists here, Rule 76 of the Highway Code addresses cycling straight on at junctions and states:
If you are going straight ahead at a junction, you have priority over traffic waiting to turn into or out of the side road, unless road signs or markings indicate otherwise (see Rule H3). Check that you can proceed safely, particularly when approaching junctions on the left alongside stationary or slow-moving traffic. Watch out for drivers intending to turn across your path. Remember the driver ahead may not be able to see you, so bear in mind your speed and position in the road.
Take great care when deciding whether it is safe to pass stationary or slow-moving lorries and other long vehicles, especially at the approach to junctions, as their drivers may not be able to see you. Remember that they may have to move over to the right before turning left, and that their rear wheels may then come very close to the kerb while turning
The rider involved in the footage did not need to look up the Highway Code’s advice to come to similar conclusions about what they could have done differently, explaining how they have changed their riding, learnt from any mistakes, and hope the footage can help others too.
“I posted the first clip on this a while back where I reflected on how I could’ve avoided the near miss,” they said. “I’ve since encountered similar situations where I’ve managed to put my reflections into practice. I’ve compiled these encounters into this video showing how I’ve improved. Hopefully my learning experience can help other people too.”
Their checklist of things they believe have improved their riding in similar situations included slowing down and making more effort to see around stationary traffic for anything turning.
The post got plenty of attention, one of the top comments agreeing: “My driving and cycling improved immeasurably when I started reviewing my own dash cam footage of stressful events; over time I realised that most things can be seen happening a mile off (and most idiots can be identified well before they involve you in their trouble).”
What’s your reaction to the footage and how would you have ridden these situations? Have you used camera footage to change the way your ride?Â