Roundabouts and other driving pet peeves

[Weldit]

But people driving vehicles, whilst using their phones are driving 1.5 plus tonnes of metal. That's the biggest difference.

Meanwhile, some people on bikes are not paying attention and causing said 1.5+ ton vehicles to move quickly out the way or slam on the brakes etc which can cause huge horrible accidents. People can be stupid regardless of what they're driving.

 

[Bada-Bing!]

Meanwhile, some people on bikes are not paying attention and causing said 1.5+ ton vehicles to move quickly out the way or slam on the brakes etc which can cause huge horrible accidents. People can be stupid regardless of what they're driving.

It's all relative when it comes to weight and speed. That is the point. And blaming a cyclist for vehicles to brake? Causing them to brake quickly? It all depends on the situation, road conditions. Driver awareness and keeping their speed down depending on the situation is all part of driving. The duty of care is on driver to take care of the more vulnerable road users regardless.

On an another note. I Got close passed by a learner moped delivery rider on Sunday. F'ing clueless, with absolutely no oncoming traffic the other way and me in the secondary position only for him to be held up at the next set of lights. Told him he was too close when the overtaking and he denied it, so impaired by checking his phone and didn't give a ****. Told him to ride more carefully especially as all he has is a CBT to ride that. You know what he did he next? He drove off and ignored the ahead only sign at the next set of lights and drove right up the High street.

So that is another report to police to deal with and sanction if they deem appropriate based on what I send them.

 

[Weldit]

It's all relative when it comes to weight and speed. That is the point. And blaming a cyclist for vehicles to brake? Causing them to brake quickly? It all depends on the situation, road conditions. Driver awareness and keeping their speed down depending on the situation is all part of driving. The duty of care is on driver to take care of the more vulnerable road users regardless.

Yes, but some road users regardless of what they're using (even pedestrians) lack any self awareness, think the rules don't apply to them or are just thick. If a cyclist was to jump a light for example, that could easily cause a crash as cars have to stop quickly. I've seen this myself plenty of times as cyclists ignore the red lights or jump back on the pavement to avoid them.

Cyclists are not exempted from the rules nor do they hold any special privilege on moral grounds.

 

[Bada-Bing!]

Yes, but some road users regardless of what they're using (even pedestrians) lack any self awareness, think the rules don't apply to them or are just thick. If a cyclist was to jump a light for example, that could easily cause a crash as cars have to stop quickly. I've seen this myself plenty of times as cyclists ignore the red lights or jump back on the pavement to avoid them.

Cyclists are not exempted from the rules nor do they hold any special privilege on moral grounds.

I am not saying that. I don't defend any cyclists who break the rules or jump red lights. That is on them and they risk their own lives. But I am saying a driver is held to a higher standard because they are surrounded by 1.5 plus tonnes of metal. They are effectively in killing machines and cause more damage and accidents relative to a cyclist or pedestrian distracted on their phones.

I see it all the time as a pedestrian and cyclist. 41 million plus vehicles and it's not going to get any better. And I have been a driver for 29 years.

 

[Weldit]

I am not saying that. I don't defend any cyclists who break the rules or jump red lights. That is on them and they risk their own lives. But I am saying a driver is held to a higher standard because they are surrounded by 1.5 plus tonnes of metal. They are effectively in killing machines and cause more damage and accidents relative to a cyclist or pedestrian distracted on their phones.

I see it all the time as a pedestrian and cyclist. 41 million plus vehicles and it's not going to get any better. And I have been a driver for 29 years.

They're equally responsible as a road user. Drivers need to maintain good awareness and follow the rules the same way a pedestrian or cyclist should. If anyone decides to be stupid and bend or break these, then you're making it difficult for someone in that 1.5+ vehicle to react appropriately. This is pretty standard stuff tbh. Bad road users are not always hurt etc, but their actions can cause problems behind them.

For example

 

[Bada-Bing!]

They're equally responsible as a road user. Drivers need to maintain good awareness and follow the rules the same way a pedestrian or cyclist should. If anyone decides to be stupid and bend or break these, then you're making it difficult for someone in that 1.5+ vehicle to react appropriately. This is pretty standard stuff tbh. Bad road users are not always hurt etc, but their actions can cause problems behind them.

For example

Yes, but pedestrians and cyclists don't carry number plates do they like legal vehicles. Hence they face higher consequences for being careless and inconsiderate to other road users. Of course we should all be responsible as road users, but that is not the reality. And I would add - pedestrians really are responsible for themselves, their dogs and children first and foremost, not equally with other road users.

Caught many a cyclist on the phone and shouted at them to get off their phones (how much does it cost to get a mount on the handlebars?) and concentrate; get ignored or told to F off. Many of them riding on the pavement at the time and not paying attention, but often they are cycling at low speeds - again that means if they do collide into someone the damage will be minimal v a driver. A numbers game at the end of the day and which can do the most damage.

And all that video shows is the more cars on the roads, the more likely resulting collisions and number of bad drivers to affect other road users. We're getting away from the original point that drivers using their phones cause way more damage and increase risk of accidents that is Fact!

 

[Weldit]

Yes, but pedestrians and cyclists don't carry number plates do they like legal vehicles. Hence they face higher consequences for being careless and inconsiderate to other road users. Of course we should all be responsible as road users, but that is not the reality. And I would add - pedestrians really are responsible for themselves, their dogs and children first and foremost, not equally with other road users.

Caught many a cyclist on the phone and shouted at them to get off their phones (how much does it cost to get a mount on the handlebars?) and concentrate; get ignored or told to F off. Many of them riding on the pavement at the time and not paying attention, but often they are cycling at low speeds - again that means if they do collide into someone the damage will be minimal v a driver. A numbers game at the end of the day and which can do the most damage.

And all that video shows is the more cars on the roads, the more likely resulting collisions and number of bad drivers to affect other road users. We're getting away from the original point that drivers using their phones cause way more damage and increase risk of accidents that is Fact!

You were talking about people on their phones. It's a valid point, but mine was quite different. Car or bike, people are people and some regardless of how they're using the roads are clowns.

The video shows a known issue with car users. If someone slows down for some reason, it creates a shockwave where everyone has to slow or stop etc creating a traffic jam. This happening suddenly due to a clown on the road can cause an accident. Bikes are no exception.

 

[Bada-Bing!]

You were talking about people on their phones. It's a valid point,

Yes, and we were getting away from the original point.

but mine was quite different. Car or bike, people are people and some regardless of how they're using the roads are clowns.

But as we've established- cars are more of the issue. There are more of them and they are much heavier and go at faster speeds. Those who are clowns driving them are more likely to injure/kill. It's not just phone use but - drunk, Drug driving which is becoming more prevalent with fewer police and testing.

The video shows a known issue with car users. If someone slows down for some reason, it creates a shockwave where everyone has to slow or stop etc creating a traffic jam. This happening suddenly due to a clown on the road can cause an accident. Bikes are no exception.

Hence we need to reduce such traffic on our roads. Bikes can filter through such traffic. That's why you're getting increasing numbers cycling as part of their commute.

I've looked into it as well but there is just not the work within commutable distance with the low traffic infrastructure and then there's employers providing a safe place to store and lock up my bike.

 

[Weldit]

Yes, and we were getting away from the original point.


But as we've established- cars are more of the issue. There are more of them and they are much heavier and go at faster speeds. Those who are clowns driving them are more likely to injure/kill.

We should just ban BMW and Audi drivers. Problem solved

I do think they're trying to get more off the road, but the state of public transport won't help. Particularly with trains.