Are you too scared to cycle in London?

Detritus

I just turn invisible 2ft from people, every day people walk into me then look surprised they did. What baffles me more is I am normally in a high visibility jacket and helmet with lights on that tops me out at around 6ft 8 yet people still don't see me. Tis odd.

[Deleted User]

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Stella

Great weather today, better make the most of it. :-)<br>

djmattyoung

<font face="Arial, Verdana" size="2">2 horrible accidents yesterday involving Cyclists. These seem to happen a lot at Holborn and Mile End/Bow. </font><div><font face="Arial, Verdana" size="2"><a href="http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/cyclist-hit-by-lorry-dies-and-hours-later-another-left-fighting-for-life-after-coach-crash-8923706.html">http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/cyclist-hit-by-lorry-dies-and-hours-later-another-left-fighting-for-life-after-coach-crash-8923706.html</a></font></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: small;">The accident at Mile End involving the lorry sounds like the cyclist was in front of the stationary lorry but not far enough in front of the lorry to be seen so when the lorry went to go the driver couldn't see the cyclist. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: small;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: small;">Whenever I'm in front of stationary Lorry I always make sure I'm far enough in front so when I look behind I get eye contact with driver. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: small;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: small;">It always sends shivers down my spine when I see people crossing the road in front of a stationary lorry in traffic right where the driver can't see, if the traffic starts moving you're likely to just get run over. </span></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>

miss annie

There was a lorry at the cycling festival in FP over the summer. The police encouraged everyone to climb into the cab to get the lorry driver's point of view. You need to be about 10ft in front for them to see you clearly, they'll just about see the top of your head at 8ft if you're lucky and/or have lights on your helmet. It's horrifying to see pedestrians or cyclists weaving about in between lorries.

Idoru

I think most cyclists - and pedestrians for that matter - just don't realise how invisible they are to lorry, bus and coach drivers. I guess most of us also drive, or at least have been passengers in cars, and we're basing our understanding of what can and can't be seen on being in a car. <br><br>Yesterday I saw a young chap - late teens at the most - riding in dark, no lights, no reflective or hi-vis clothing and no helmet, while talking on his mobile. Silly, silly boy.<br><br>

djmattyoung

<font face="Arial, Verdana" size="2">for those who don't like to wear helmets as you get 'helmet hair', what do you think of this invisible helmet? </font><div><font face="Arial, Verdana" size="2"><a href="http://www.travelinggreener.com/cycling/invisible-bike-helmet-from-sweden/">http://www.travelinggreener.com/cycling/invisible-bike-helmet-from-sweden/</a></font></div>;

Stella

Tragic that those serious or fatal accidents happen, and I feel for the families of both, cyclists and drivers. I wonder how the lorry driver could hit the cyclist when pulling away from the traffic light, apparently he wasn't going fast. Where was the cyclist and what did he do?<br>Re the coach accident: this seems to be a case of not using common sense. Never, EVER, turn left with a car next to you, going the same way, and particularly not if it's a large vehicle. They cut you off, especially in very tight corners like that. <br>Don't get me wrong, I think it's horrible that another person lost his life and the other is fighting for his, but I'm seriously fed up with articles like that that makes cycling look dangerous. It's not. <br><br><br>

Stella

@djmattyoung is the helmet as invisible as the link? (It doesn't open.)<br>

yagamuffin

It always amazes me when I see cyclists undertaking moving vehicles. I only ever go down the inside of vehicles when they are stationary and I am confident of getting in front of them before they start to move.

djmattyoung

Stella here is another link the manufactures website - <a href="http://www.hovding.com/en/how_it_works/">http://www.hovding.com/en/how_it_works/</a> it's like an airbag for your head. <div><br></div><div>The Lorry probably started moving before the cyclist and literally ran over him without noticing he was there.  </div><div><br></div><div>The cyclist who had an accident with the coach seems like he wasn't wearing a helmet therefore he suffered serious head injuries. </div>

Stella

Yaga, yep, same here.<br><br>Matt: oh, my gosh, that helmet looks like one of those hair-helmets from the 50s, blowing hot air to dry your hair. It doesn't get any uglier.<br><br>My friend is constantly on my case re a helmet, and I said, I'd only wear a military helmet, if I had to. <br>To be honest, I don't know if a helmet would have made any difference, but we won't know as we (thankfully) weren't there. <br>

djmattyoung

Stella you should get a Turkish helmet <div><img src="http://www.ageofarmour.com/images/turkish_helmet2.jpg"></div>

Stella

LOL. Mind you, I'd probably look good in this. At least, my head would be safe in case I get into a spear fight.<br>

[Deleted User]

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Stella

:-( <br><br><br>

Stella

And another crash with a lorry: http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/cyclist-crushed-by-lorry-by-oxford-circus-was-just-inches-from-death-8925865.html No idea what happened here, but it looks like the driver didn't see her.<br><br>I'm posting this as I was cycling to Archway today, lights flashing; a lorry stopped far too close behind me at the traffic lights, and as I pedalled to pull away quickly when the lights turned green, a double decker bus just drove in my way. I swiftly cycled to the buses left side and slowed down to give it some space. A less experienced cyclist may have got in trouble here; and that lorry driver needs a slap. Bus drivers are a force of nature anyway. Some are really nice, some purposely drive extra close to the kerb so you can't cycle next to them. I do that on a straight patch and if the traffic keeps the bus from 'speeding'. <br>

kreuzkav

A bus cut into a cycle lane I was cycling up to work today.  I think the driver wasn't too aware as he was very careful and slowly went behind me after this.  We need cycle lanes segregated with thin concrete.  It is possible, even on London's streets.

Stella

I agree. I'm from a cycling city where the cycle lanes are separated by trees or, between pavement and road. If they're on the road, cyclists have always first right. They're clearly marked. That doesn't mean there weren't any accidents, though.<br>That said, I feel very safe on London's roads, but it's probably because I always anticipate someone doing something wrong and therefore don't cycle like a maniac. I could imagine that I'd still cycle on the roads as the cycle lanes will probably (and rightly so) be used by those who feel less confident, yet still want the benefits of cycling. <br>Love the 'green' movement and seeing more cyclists up and about. It always makes me smile. <br>

Peter Crumb

I really think something needs to be done about motorbikes stopping in cycle zones at traffic lights. They're actually overtaking cars to stop in them! It's dangerous and I've seen two near accidents because of it. Why aren't the police fining the culprits?

kreuzkav

Stella, I agree, it's still very safe to cycle in London, but in order to encourage masses of cyclist like in Holland and in many German cities we need proper cycle ways, not a bloody line where taxis park and motorists park or drive into.  We're getting there.  

Stella

Exactly, that's what I mean. We're on the way. Cyclists are becoming more, and good ol' Boris is pushing for it, too. I love this. There's no reason as to why big cities should be dominated by cars when you can actually get around (often) much quicker, cheaper, and healthier on a bike. And the more cycling lanes, the more people may consider switching. So many people are scared of the buses, lorries, and cars, and if they can cycle safely, then everyone is winning. <br><br>Peter: I don't think anything has changed because motorbikes have always been overtaking (dangerously) cars. <br>

yagamuffin

I'm actually of the opinion that cycles lanes as we have them are more dangerous than nothing at all.<div>Advanced stops lines are great but the narrow strip of green along the side of the road just encourages people to ride in the gutter and gives cyclists a false sense of security.</div><div>As others have said, cycle lanes need to be segregated from other traffic, otherwise don't bother.</div>

Stella

I think it's all a start. Not the best, but the thought in the correct direction is there. Drivers need to adjusts, too. I don't know about your driving training over here, but in my hometown, we were drilled to look out for cyclists on cycling lanes. Maybe that's something that needs changing here as well. It'll take time. <br>

Ali

The police where warning cars etc that had stopped in the Cycle  Boxes at Trafalgar square yesterday.  Cycle  boxes are going to be policed using cameras, it is 3 points and a £80 fine.

Idoru

It's the lanes with the dotted lines that really get me. What is the actual flipping point? Drivers just treat them as an extension of the road, or just park in them so you're forced out into the main part of the road. <br><br>I can't recall any specific training for dealing with bikes in my driving lessons. I think it should be a required part of training and the test. <br><br>Is anyone here a member of London Cycling Campaign? I'm thinking of joining up. http://lcc.org.uk/<br>;

vetski

Likewise, no cyclist-related training in my driving lessons/test (both of which were quite some time ago). As with motorways, one just had to figure it out as one went along. Not ideal in either case.

Idoru

I honestly think the best way to deal with these crashes and deaths, and to deal with jumping red lights, driving in cycle lanes etc etc, isn't to impose greater fines, it's to raise awareness. And the only way to do that is to include relevant training in driving lessons and tests. There needs to be better training for cyclists too. <br>

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miss annie

Ban large vans and lorries from zone 1 entirely between 8am - 6pm. The cycle lane from Mt Pleasant to Tottenham Court Rd through Bloomsbury is great and has a raised concrete border most of the way. I use it at least three times a week and never seen anyone do anything stupid on it.