Another near miss

[Stroppy Bird]

Here is what the Highway Code says about clothing for cyclists

Rule 59
Clothing. You should wear

• a cycle helmet which conforms to current regulations, is the correct size and securely fastened
• appropriate clothes for cycling. Avoid clothes which may get tangled in the chain, or in a wheel or may obscure your lights
• light-coloured or fluorescent clothing which helps other road users to see you in daylight and poor light
• reflective clothing and/or accessories (belt, arm or ankle bands) in the dark.

And here is what it says about lights.

Rule 60
At night your cycle MUST have white front and red rear lights lit. It MUST also be fitted with a red rear reflector (and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 1/10/85). White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you to be seen. Flashing lights are permitted but it is recommended that cyclists who are riding in areas without street lighting use a steady front lamp.

The full lot and other bits can be read here for those interested

The Highway Code - Rules for cyclists (59 to 82) - Guidance - GOV.UK

Rules for cyclists, including an overview, road junctions, roundabouts and crossing the road.

www.gov.uk

 

[gus-lopez]

Who cares if you get there 5 minutes later than you intended.

Me.

If a car driver sees a pedestrian step out on a road the drivers first reaction would be to hit the brakes.

No the air horns get used in advance as most are on the phone, listening to music etc; exèct them to not even look.Should be made illegal crossing except in the aiturised place ,as it is here.

and find myself in fear for my life at least once a week.

That0s good.when I ride my bike with lights, high viz & hemet in bright sunlight here on any day I expect to be hit every second. It is a bonus if not.

 

[Ridgeway]

Like I said in my original post I live in the New Forest, lots of trees, lots of shadows especially on sunny days, ideal conditions for cyclist not to be seen if they are wearing black or dark clothing. Even our wild ponies have the sense to wear reflective collars. So those of you who like to be invisible on our roads I'll ask the question again --Why is that?

Pretty sure it's down to fashion and trend, dark clothes, dark bike and i'm a peloton pro (in my head).

I've ridden in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria, Switzerland and the UK in the last 18 months. The UK is where i found the most intolerance to cyclists by a long, long way. Simply no patience and an attitude to "i must get where i'm going at any cost" is what seems to motivate many UK drivers, where as in the other countries i typically found motorists very understanding of cyclists.

To balance that though i do find most UK drivers extremely observant and road aware vs most other places i ride and drive.

Overall i think UK roads are a very aggressive and hostile place these days, glad i can ride my bike in peace on the billiard smooth local roads here.

 

[Norfolk Red]

My two penneth, I personally think this topic is a no win situation. I'm not cyclist but am a motorist.
Sometime cyclists here in Norfolk drive me nuts with how they "Hog" the road, but as a ex motorcyclist was always taught to ride aggressively so guess that is what they do?

Think the aggro on the road between cyclists an motorists is a classic six of one, and half a dozen of the other.

 

[GWAYGWAY]

Personally, I dont wear black when cycling alone or in 2's and usually have a flashing rear light as well even in daylight. If cycling in a bigger group, its slightly less critical on colours but I totally agree - wearing black seems a very odd choice to me.

Have to say though - wearing bright colours makes (seemingly) very little difference - I still witness aggressive and dangerous passing on almost every ride, irrespective of the colour of shirt worn.

It help if the jacket has Police on it, the same with a motorbike.

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[M-J]

Highway Code for clothing only states ‘should’ wear for helmets and clothing so it isn’t law. Anything listed as ‘must’ falls under law.