I’m curious why you mention no gestures is “a good road user”. I’m not saying start swearing at them and getting angry, but if someone pulls out in front of you or passes far too close, they might not even know they did something wrong. If you just put a hand up, it could get their attention and make them realise what they did and be more careful in the future.
Do you really think that if they didn't take enough care and pulled out in front of you in the first place, that an arm gesture is going to make them change in the future? It's totally pointless and is exactly the same as when motorist blair their horn after someone pulls out.
It won't do any good: There's no upside for you but considerable potential downside if the motorist takes offence. A car driver who pulls out too close, who's normally a consciencious driver, will have at some point observed they made a mistake and will think about it, without needing a hand gesture. If you hand gesture at an ignorant bad driver, they will simply double down and not admit they did anything wrong, and their attitude that they were driving perfectly will just be hardened. There really is nothing to gain from gesturing at a driver. You won't make them think "I made a mistake", at best you'll make them think "You made the mistake why are you complaining my driving is perfect". At worst they will take offence and try to run you off the road.
@@ashley_neal Holding a hand up isn't "exactly the same as when motorist blare horn". Perhaps on a similar vein, but certainly not exactly the same. When a motorist pulls out without seeing me I make allowances for them exactly as we see in this video. The last time this happened it was a large gravel lorry from the local quarry. He pulled up to the main road so close to me that I was blocked from his view by his mirror. After he'd pulled out turning left I gave him a nice big HELLO wave from behind. That he may well have seen if he knew how to use his mirrors. It's not an aggressive way of letting someone know they've done something wrong unlike blaring a horn. The other one I like doing is when I'm overtaking stationary traffic on my bike and a car pulls out from the left turning towards me. The turner gives 100% of their attention to the left and none to his right. I see what's happening and stop well back from the front of the car letting them out, and as he passes I say "morning" to them through their open window and they finally realise I'm there and hopefully become aware of their lack of observation. Saying "Morning" to someone isn't exactly the same as blaring a horn as well is it?
@@74HC138 "will have at some point realised they made all mistake" I disagree. As per my quarry lorry example above. If the driver looks in his mirrors and sees a cyclist riding behind after they've pulled out he may simply think that the cyclist had pulled off a driveway after he'd pulled out. If the cyclist is however giving a big HELLO wave he can surely only think "Did I miss them? Oops" My goal is to ensure that the driver making the mistake definitely thinks "Oops" if they're capable of thinking in that vein.
I'm conflicted by this one a little bit too. The clips show great road awareness by the cyclists and fantastic accommodation of other's mistakes, but I do think drivers need to be made in some way aware that they have just pulled out on a cyclist otherwise they are just going to repeat the behaviour. I don't mean swearing and gesturing at them, but perhaps a "careful mate " if they can hear, or as somebody else said a wave.
This channel literally changed my life. After months of watching and learning from on here, a couple of weeks ago, my teenage son observed how I held back from a cyclist for several tens of seconds until it was safe to pass them. He commented about what I would have done in the "good old days" (as he put it) of my aggressive driving. We reminisce about several events for a few minutes and I told him that my calmer, more considerate driving is due to being wiser with age. I know, Ashley; I owe you one.
Whats wrong with admitting you have learnt new ways of driving from a UA-cam channel? Not trying to have a go or anything, it just seemed a weird statement to me.
@@andrewnorris5415 If you set off with an ETA that is exactly when you need to be there, you're onto a hiding to nothing. A bad run of red lights, an accident, heavy traffic etc, all mean you could be late. People are rarely behind a bike for more than a handful of seconds, yet act like they were detained for hours when they complain to their mates later, yet think nothing of sitting in traffic for 5, 10, 20 minutes other than "oh traffic is slow this week". If you allow for late arrival on your journey and set off earlier when you know you need to be somewhere for a fixed time, it is all a lot easier and much less stressful if you do get a delay.
As a cyclist this seems a good result, and it's great to hear. Pre-pandemic I didn't even need a camera to go out. Since, just going to and from work nets me about 8 or 9 serious or dangerous close passes a week. I report all close passes to West Midlands Police.
In the Netherlands cycling is popular because of your excellent infrastructure - in the UK cycling is [somewhat] popular despite our almost utter lack of infrastructure LOL. I enjoy cycling here in the UK, but I love cycling in the Netherlands...when possible...and I hope next year it will be again - Utrecht, here I come!
Yup, cycling you are always the bad guy. Too many drivers have the attitude that because some cyclist don't obey red lights etc that they can then harass and bully all cyclists.
I agree, I live in Norway and try to do most of my cycling on cycle lanes, of which there are many. I have cycled a bit when visiting family in the UK but it is dangerous due to lack of cycle lanes.
No abuse, no anger, just accommodating events! Absolute class act from this cyclist! Definitely makes me aware of my own shortcomings that I should still learn from.
I think that is a very important point to make. Bicycles should be viewed as a vehicle, and a mode of transportation. Not just as something people use just for the fun of it. The goal here in Norway is that as our cities grow, we want a zero increase in motorised traffic. People are encouraged to bike to and from work, to and from the grocery store, etc. The only times I use my car for personal transport here in Trondheim is to and from the forest to go skiing during winter. Other than that, whenever I need to go some place, I either bike or walk. And that means you want to get from A to B in an efficient manner. Though not by barging into dangerous situations, of course. Which is really no different than what your mindset should be when driving a car, only most of the time here in Trondheim, biking is by far the most efficient way of getting around.
I'd go as far to say that the majority of regular cyclists will be cycling for a purpose other than leisure/exercise. I do cycle for leisure but also commute and shop using my bike.
You can usually hear a bad overtake coming: when you hear a car approaching. For example, the blue car at the end: you would have heard no change in power from the car approaching, despite the oncoming vehicle. A careful overtake, you'll always hear the motorist back off the throttle a bit when they approach, and back off a lot if there's an oncoming car. A constant engine note from the car is a massive warning that the driver is about to make a dangerous overtake. You can also hear if the car is giving you room. Red alert if not only you can't hear any power change from the car, but also you can't hear the sound of the car moving rightwards.
These electric cars are a problem though. They creep up like a silent assassin. You do you check before moving out and one is sat there nibbling at your heel. I nearly got run over walking to my car in Tescos car park.
@@seankearney6915 They are a problem at car park speeds where they are often silent, but on the road they make a lot of tyre roar due to their immense weight, and you can often hear the inductors in them singing if they are making any appreciable power.
That's one of the most important indicators for me too, when I can hear a car approaching from behind. Do I hear a change in the engine note? Often, I don't even need to look behind me to know that this one doesn't want to wait a single second. It at least gives me some opportunity to try to alleviate the danger, but unfortunately, some of the driving is so poor, that no amount of slowing down or giving way on my part is going to turn this into a safe pass. I do try, though.
5:23 This clip was so much more than just awareness. Look at the cyclists position on the road, plenty of escape space to the left and after the overtake too. This shows why taking primary or just leaving extra space on the nearside is such a potent tool when cycling on the road, it doesn't mean you don't give it up if you need to but gives you options and puts you right in the vision of other road users. Great job👍
5:05 that doesn't make any sense. The drivers took priority when they had none and without waiting for it to be given. If the cyclist felt like there wasn't room for two of course they should've been riding in primary position. They allowed themselves to be put in a dangerous position by the driver's lack of consideration and primary would have fixed it.
3:13 the pedestrian did have priority there; once he's in the road and to be fair the cyclist was still on the roundabout when he began to cross he automatically has to give way to the pedestrian; rule 170 :) as he wasn't actually in the turning at that point. It's still a junction so pretty sure the same rule applies regardless of the pedestrian thinking he had more time.
Great vid although as a Gloucestershire lad I was going Gloucester, Cheltenham, Cheltenham for every clip 🤣🤣 Also amazed that traffic wasn’t nose to tail in Clip 1 because of the shared space section behind the cyclist
Given that only one brake light comes on at 04:24, I think that it wasn't the case that the van driver did not signal to park. I suspect that two or more lights on that van are simply non-functional. That said, is the van driver really trying to park in a bus stop on double yellow lines? Or is xe waiting to follow that car into the road on the left, with a broken left-turn signal on?
your cyclist viewer is most excellent and will live long on the road. well done by him! though my bicycle has a bell, on shared paths, i often prefer to call out "on your left" or "on your right" as appropriate, since it provides clearer communication. Cheers from Canada.
That white van KS58 BPE @4:30 HAS NO TAX.....always check the number plates of numpties you encounter because a lot of them don't have tax. The one thing the government is bothered about is collecting tax so its worth reporting.
There may be trouble ahead… 03:18 : “With the changes to the Highway Code we are all going to have to be more pedestrian observant.” 05:09 “Priority is given and not taken.” Both correct statements, but with the new HC measures pedestrians ARE given priority and it’s incumbent upon other road users to yield to them. Which is fine until pedestrians get the idea they can walk where they want when they want without taking care and a driver doesn’t do the correct thing. The result will be an injury or death simply because the pedestrian took priority rather than being given it, and a driver didn’t follow the rules. The HC changes rely on all drivers being perfect all the time, which we know won’t happen, and put no responsibility at all on pedestrians to ensure their own safety. Is that a good way to improve safety in the real world?
My thoughts exactly. I think it would be prudent to bring back Jay Walking as an enforceable law, this would, I hope, prosecute those who just want to walk down the middle of the road.
@@wonkysfishingtales bringing back Jay Walking goes too far the other way though, making the road a totally inaccessible place for pedestrians who may want to cross safely.
It's fine - if you hit a pedestrian, unless they ran into the road on you are on a motorway, that's your fault. This change will mean insurance companies have to pay out based on that
2:34 where views are restricted, such as under canal bridges or as we see here, I normally give a little warning Tring on my bell or I shout it depending upon what bike I'm riding.
The comment at 03:17 about getting used to changes in the Highway Code amuses me. It seems odd, from my personal perspective. With bicycle, car, or anything else, I've never wanted to run over pedestrians; even before the recent changes to the Code. (-:
I believe what ashley meant is that with the recent rule change that vehicles must give way to a pedestrian waiting to enter a crosswalk, more pedestrians are going to be barging out without looking or waiting. I do hope the rule also includes a clause that pedestrians may not step out until it is safe to do so. because the laws of physics haven't changed.
I often let drivers pass me, especially buses as I don't want that bloody great thing right behind me. Also, I'm aware that they need to keep to a timetable so it's best to let them go. As for everyone else, expect the worst and you can't go wrong. Always be ready for the unexpected idiot.
I started cycling again during the summer and normally have my 8 year old daughter with me. We live in the country so we normally cycle down single track roads, but I always say if we see a car coming just stop and let the car past which we do, some drivers appreciate it by a little wave but some ( and even though I have a child with me) still blast past. Nice video though Ashley.
My advice if you are a cyclist: Even if you have the utmost distaste for cars and drivers, learn how to drive anyway. Because even if you choose to never sit a test or own a car, it will make you 200x a better cyclist and road user.
Damn, I recognise 5 video locations featured in this video (all in West Yorkshire). Clip 4 = Bolster Moor. Clip 9 = Longwood (West of Quarmby). Clip 10 = Huddersfield. Clip 11 = Mount (on the road to Huddersfield). Clip 14 = Quarmby.
When a vehicle emerges dangerously in front of me when I’m cycling I let them know I’m not happy. I know many will say that is being too confrontational but I think these bullies need to be confronted. They know full well what they are doing and they only do it because a cyclist will come off second best. When I approach a junction like that mini roundabout I will look the motorist straight in the eye, almost nobody pulls out on me when I do this. And they all get a smile and a thank you for being nice.
"They know full well what they're doing doing" I think you're over estimating the observation skills and thought processes of the average motorist. Plenty don't have a clue you're there. Plenty underestimate your speed. Plenty don't think through the risks.
@@roaduser6438 I’m not buying that mate, they definitely see me. I can understand that sometimes people miss things but it happens far too often to be a basic error. I’m big and bright orange on the bicycle. They don’t do it when I’m in a big work van, they do it sometimes when I’m in my wife’s little Aygo and do it loads when I’m on a bicycle. Just a bunch of spineless bullies.
My mates took the piss when I put a little offside mirror on the handlebars my bike, but it certainly made it more obvious to me when I was being followed (meaning I could pull in to allow cars to pass), or when a vehicle was overtaking poorly and I could adapt my riding to suit. It may look a bit odd, but it was worth it's weight in gold...... until it fell off in the middle of the road and got smashed by a car.......
@@erroneousbee Very true! You can usually hear the cars rev up when they overtake. I hadn't considered that, but it makes sense to have more visibility with quieter cars (even if they have those noise generator things)
As a cyclist, I admit I do go into a swearing frenzy at close passes by cars and other cyclists. But seeing Ash's video's, i will try to calm myself on the road.
Not 100% sure about it being advisable to wait behind a white van. Especially when not in view of the mirror. (A mistake non drivers often make). I was actually expecting to see the van driver reverse into the space. We had seen a car just leaving that space as the van approached it so when he pulled up on the bus stop I would be expecting him to reverse back off it into the space rather than block the flow of traffic. Had he started to do this the cyclist would have been in a dangerous position as he may not have been able to go right with following traffic.
The current perceived 'hierarchy' is the opposite of what it should be, perhaps with many car drivers feeling they are the most important form of transport on the road (often above that of other car drivers). This is borne out in comments made in various forums, the like of which we're all familiar with. It's going to be a battle royal to get some people to accept the changes to the Highway Code.
I agree. A lot of the time I suspect it comes from this widespread misunderstanding about road tax everyone seems to perpetuate. Too many drivers think they pay this imaginary tax that gives them greater claim, and that roads therefore exist for cars specifically, and nothing else.
there are also people with bicycle superiority complexes and trainer superiority complexes. one thing cyclists who filter at traffic lights might want to consider is how they would feel if a pedestrian filtered in front of THEM at every stop, and then proceeded at a moderate amble in the lane, so they had to wait to overtake every time. as they say, never judge a man until you've walked a mile in his shoes, because then you have a mile head start, and he's barefoot.
@@PedroConejo1939 There was a recent article on the BBC about the Highway Code changes. The article included a "have your say" forum. Keeping in mind that one of the goals of the HC changes is to encourage more cycling, it was very disappointing to see many comments along the lines of "cyclists shouldn't be allowed to use roads for leisure" and "cyclists should have insurance like other road users", both of which would discourage cycling. It is clearly the case that there is a notable minority that do see the road as something for cars only and that cyclists are encroaching on their space.
On your point about taking priority, I think it's important to remember there is a difference between riding defensively and not adapting to a situation in order to achieve the most peaceful outcome. Although on that note I do see a lot of the riders in my local area and in your videos seem to be riding way too far into the curb. Not all, but a majority it seems. 1 Metre is always the minimum and if there is not enough space for one metre plus safe space for a car too pass you, ride dead centre of the lane and occupy the space in order to prevent an unsafe pass and poor judgement whilst also keeping yourself safe. Cyclists as far as I am aware have right to use as much of a lane as they want to
An exceptionally patient cyclist . Yes we share roads and paths , we need to remember this ALL the time . Pedestrian, cyclist or motorists of all vehicle types . 👍
Good to see that most of the cammers were using daylight running lights. Even dayglo colours can blend into the background in certain situations so lights gives other road users the best chance of spotting the cyclist.
Even when it doesn't involve you, it's best to stay away from risk. For example, the other day a car in front of me overtook a van and clearly lacked power to get past safely. I could see cars approaching in the distance so I dropped back to stay well away from the impending disaster. The van driver braked to allow the car to complete the overtake. Good work by the van driver in saving the day.
I once had a very impatient driver move to overtake me (I was in a car on a fast NSL road) when there were clearly vehicles coming the other way. As she started her pass, seeing the impending disaster, I braked sharply so she could get through but it was at that exact point that she decided to abort the pass, making it twice as hard to get back in behind me. According to the intense gesturing and subsequent tailgating, her utter panic was entirely my fault. I have no idea how I could have handled that any differently because there was no way I wanted to be caught up in a potentially fatal collision.
I understand that people are more pushy and selfish in and around London, the high density traffic is hard to accommodate; but seeing videos of cyclists using horns in London to scare pedestrians from a crossing really gets under my skin. I can understand that when you're more vulnerable, you shouldn't have to compensate for other's incompetent , but then there's entitlement with "right of way". Same with some motorcycle riders.
Right of way is because people don't read the Highway code properly; nobody has Right of Way; I checked mine quite recently having just bought a new copy; even pedestrians at best have priority; not right of way. I admit I was surprised at that as I thought they were the only road user that did have.
@@johnbower7452 "right of way" as a term only really applies accurately in relation to a "public right of way" such as a footpath. People use it to mean priority for some reason.
Get you. Not sure though I might be tempted to use a loud horn in London if I rode there. Not all the time and OTT though. People are in so much of a hurry in London and there are tourists and visitors too in the mix who are clueless. To be blasted with a loud horn is better than stepping out and getting hit? I am not sure on this one, will need to think more :)
Whilst I agree that scaring pedestrians with a loud horn is pretty antisocial and bound to get people's backs up. It could have a long term benefit of making those pedestrians more aware of their actions. As such I see a potential upside even if it's not how I'd go about things myself.
A loud horn is often necessary to be heard and to warn the lemmings crossing on red that you're there, particularly the zombies glued to their phones with loud music deafening them through their air buds. If a horn scares a pedestrian but saves their life, is that really wrong?
0:16 "motorists don't look properly" I would make that: "many road users don't look properly". Pedestrians, bicyclists, bikers and car drivers are mostly the same kind of people with the same bad behaviours. The mode of transportation only affects the way those behaviours get expressed.
Well, the vehicle you're into or onto greatly affects the perception you have from your environment. When cycling, you're out in the air, with a wide angle of sight and ease to hear what's happening around you. In a car, you're isolated from the exterior, which is usually quite bad. That's a good reason to have your door window open when driving a car, to feel a bit of the exterior world you're otherwise quite cut off from.
I think it is a fact that a poor road user is such regardless of how they use the road. Also pedestrians can knock cyclists off their bikes, it isn't unusual and those who open car doors carelessly, can kill them.
@@andryij Except for the pedestrians and bicyclists that got hit by other bicyclists and got moderate to severe injuries from that, and even death. And don't forget the injuries to themselves or the psychological effect on the motorists who caused injury without being at fault.
@@ashley_neal and yet TfL data over 10 years showed bikes were at fault for only around 6-7% of all KSI incidents following someone jumping a red light, cars are 71%. Single anecdotes of extremely rare instances (accidents where a rider kills a pedestrian are around 2 every 3 years, vs say 40 deaths a year on average from cars killing people on the pavement) should not be the basis of any argument
clip 15 (4:55) "To anyone that says you should be in primary here taking your priority. You're wrong, priority is given not taken, you always need to be ready to accommodate" Maybe you were more meaning the "take" your priority part. But riding primary to emphasise it here would be useful just as you did on the e-scooter, you do need to be prepared to yield right or wrong but to ride by the kerb is to invite drivers to cause this situation. To quote Ashley Neal on an e-scooter - (My First Ride on an E Scooter) "I've gone from a give way position out into this is the space I would like to proceed down the road position. I have done this to positively show the Vauxhall from the other direction..." Indeed when it was apparent the driver was going for it anyway you only stopped in the middle of the road, rather than accomodating the driver you perhaps slightly stubbornly sat in the middle of the road
The cars that are not overtaking because a cyclist in the primary are giving the cyclist priority 🤦♂ A pedestrian or cyclist who stops on a narrow road to allow a driver to pass as its safer... Are giving priority to the driver.
@@mikewade777 What overtaking? There was only oncoming vehicles 🤦 And again I'm comparing Ashley advising against taking a primary position (or atleast being stubborn/not yielding when required) To how he explains why he rides the e-scooter in the middle of the carrigeway (primary essentially) to "positively show" oncoming vehicles. Making other road users stop by driving at them isn't them giving you priority.
First time I had heard someone say the one facing the traffic should be nearest the road on a cycle track/shared path. However that would automatically happen if cyclists still rode on the left on a cycle path. I have seen a couple low speed wobbles when one goes to the left and the oncoming one goes to their right so they both aim for the same piece off tarmac. In my experience on Blackpool Promenade a polite excuse me can I sneak through is welcomed and a bell often gets a non verbal response. Only once did I get told I should have a bell. And I am 62 and simply plodding along a legal shared space for exercise not going full tilt.
It would only happen automatically though if the shared path was on the appropriate side of the road - bidirectional shared paths occur on either side of the road - indeed, sometimes on both. I usually keep to the left on a bidirectional, but am always prepared to swap over if necessary.
@@frankhooper7871 No it does work either side of the road. (My comment is for GB but works for other countries if you substitute Right for Left). If you are on the "wrong side of the road" as it were on the footpath and go left you are close to the oncoming traffic so see it. If you are on the "correct side of the road" as it were then by going left the person/cyclist coming towards you would go to their left and see the oncoming traffic. So by always going left the person nearest the traffic is facing it. However I would always go between a walker and the road especially if they have a pram and/or children, giving them the safer position. There seems to be no real rule, and in Blackpool we have some wide shared paths where the council see fit to add a centre line to separate cyclists from walkers, and others where the line separates the direction of travel so pedestrians and cyclist in one direction on the left of the line and those meeting you should be the other side.
When I cycle I try to cycle as I drive, obeying the rules of the road with good road position, signals, etc. I usually get the respect of the car drivers and they treat me as a fellow road user. That said, I hate holding up the traffic with cars breathing down my neck so sometimes if I am passing a convenient passing place I move over and slow down to let them pass. I usually look over my shoulder to acknowledge their presence and get rewarded by a friendly toot or wave as they pass. I like to think that I can show that not all cyclists are bad cyclists.
Yes, I do that where it is safe to pull in if it looks like there is not a place for the car to pass soon. Always try and show drivers there are good cyclists. Appreciate you do that too.
I had an experience some years back of a cyclist puttering along with a wagon on his cycle with a big sticker across the back reading "share the road" and did he use any of the wide spaces where driveways created ample pullouts for him to allow cars to overtake without slowing? of course not. he didn't even ride far enough on the generously wide shoulder to get the other half of his trailer out of the traffic lane, which would have allowed cars to legally overtake. but I[m sure he was quick to complain about the cloud of diesel exhaust as soon as the road widened enough to allow the lorry that was at the head of the tailback he created to safely overtake.
That clip before the ad, wonder if the rider had one of the rear radar lights that are increasingly popular these days, for reasons as shown in that clip.
Not many things make me more wary as a driver (let alone a cyclist) than being behind or in front of a car that's already beat up with dents and other damage.
3:13 - I can't even stand doing a bit of gardening with headphones on, the thought of how much it must inhibit your vigilance on the roads is beyond me. The pedestrian in the clip only needed to have his head buried in a phone to be going for full sensory deprivation. My bet would be that the cammer spotted the headphones and knew long before the pedestrian did that he would walk out into the cyclist's path. Ask any cyclist if they've had problems with distracted pedestrians and they'll answer an emphatic yes. I've even had a cyclist on their phone with earbuds ride headlong into me on a perfectly clear stretch of path. I'm totally in agreement with the new pyramid of vulnerability but I'm fascinated to know at what point a person who is otherwise _compos mentis_ becomes responsible for acting against their own safety - this goes for all forms of road users. I suspect we'll see some interesting court cases to find precedent especially since so much is captured on video these days.
Great and informative selection. I take issue only with the comment that "primary is given, not taken". To remain safe on the roads it is often imperative to take and retain primary - there are many, many situations where not doing so exposes the cyclist to unnecessary dangers. Too often, if a motorist sees a small gap he squeezes into it, regardless of the risk created for other road users. This is regularly the case when cyclists are involved. Taking primary can either remove this risk, or provide a safety cushion when the "squeeze pass" is still attempted.
the dutch reach is another of those things that is touted as a miracle cure, when in reality, there are a lot of vehicles it interferes with proper visibility instead of improving it. anyone should be checking for traffic approaching before they fling their door open, no matter which hand they fling it open with. where I live, the law is that it is illegal to open the door into traffic - with the door being hit considered proof of breaking the rule.
Love this video. A good rider. Hope they have many years of safe riding ahead of them. The driver who ended my cycling career is in court tomorrow for his plea hearing. Fingers crossed.
Clip #16 > That cyclist is top-notch hazard awareness and probably makes a habit of looking behind them regularly and likely also is listening for 'road noise' and engine noise behind them. I witness a lot of other cyclists who do not seem to ever look behind them - granted this can sometimes be a tricky thing to do some people, as I've had it related to me that it 'puts me off balamce, so I don't bother'...😲
#15 - the comment about prime position is interesting, Ashley. I agree that cyclists shouldn't go to prime to "take their priority" in the sense of asserting themselves to make a point (which seemed to be the implication from your tone of voice, although I may have misinterpreted), I think it might have been reasonable for the cyclist to have done so there from a safety perspective. Certainly if the gap had been any narrower, and/or there hadn't been an escape route, using prime to stop the driver(s!) coming out might have been the best option.
I get the feeling that a lot of people who drive big cars cannot see around them very well which is called the void zone. Hence why the blue car at the end passed so closely. Another point: When people pass you so closely like this, they are intending to bully you. Probably because of some deep hatred towards you. Where it'd be a car of a cyclist that gets passed this closely only says one thing, which is, I hate you right now and get out of my way. You can also see it when the blue car goes to the very edge of the road after making the pass. The driver is saying I own this spot. It's all mine! Driving is a reflection of a person's mentality. Hence why car stereotypes exist.
On single track country lanes, I tend to hold back well behind cyclists, especially if they’re peddling hard (sometimes in a low gear) to maintain momentum uphill. Unfortunately, this sometimes makes them stop and allow me to pass, but that’s not my intention. I’m 63 now and not very fit at all, so the only hills I attempt are off-road and away from all other traffic, I need all my energy and concentration to get to the top. Therefore I appreciate the struggle every hill is likely to be for all cyclists. I’m considering stopping in future (keeping a lookout in the rear view for approaching traffic) until the adventurous athlete has triumphed over gravity and reached the summit. This will remove the pressure on the cyclist to stop mid ascent, and give a moment of meditation to reflect upon my own depleted stamina, whilst promising to cycle more. 🧐😎😜 Peace
👍 Stopping & starting is a killer for my 62 year old knees, especially when my bike is probably older than me and weights 25kg. I have thought about getting a new light weight machine but I just love riding the old one, lots of memories attached to it.
Clip 16 - the overtake from the Audi A1 at 5:33 - yes, I probably would have done that. But it is down to situational awareness. This cyclist rides a road bike, as do I, and is obviously not listening to music, on the phone, or otherwise distracted. This is vital on the roads, and with two good ears one can often anticipate speed and position of a vehicle approaching from behind, a quick glance then confirms. Too many casual cyclists and quite a few drivers like to impair their hearing with earbuds or headphones. It really hacks me off, especially since they are also the ones who tend not to look over their shoulders before pulling out, turning right, etc.
I have a Garmin radar setup on mine which gives warning of cars coming from behind which, particularly at speed or in the wind when you can't hear the cars until they are close, is a vital extra (not replacement of course) tool particularly on country roads with cars doing 40-60+
@VVoOꟻF It gives you a good alert from about 100m away on a straight road, it also feeds into compatible GPS units showing them behind you, how fast they are approaching and how close they are getting - can also remind you they are there. There is always that doubt in my mind about the c*nts who film themselves pushing bikes over out of cars, so if I see a car hanging behind me when they could pass, it keeps me alert to keep checking on them and make sure they aren't just a cautious driver.
"excuses that shared paths can be too narrow" Excuses for what? Deciding to ride perfectly legally on the main roadway? "well they are if you come in too fast" And that's the reason it's not an excuse -- if I stuck to shared paths wherever available, my commute would take twice as long. And then there's the later shared path that isn't a true shared path -- the cyclist was on a designated cycle lane, and the pedestrians were spilling out of their designated lane. These paths are worse than useless because a fair chunk of pedestrians completely ignore the rules, and I'm forced into cycling illegally on the footpath as often as not. There are very few cycle paths that are worth leaving the road for.
@@ashley_neal one of your clips want a shared path though -- it was split with a solid white line into a pedestrian Lane and a cycle lane, and even had the two different textures of tile at one point to disambiguate the lanes for the blind. I will repeat what I said: on a number of occasions I have been forced into cycling illegally on the footpath side because pedestrians are filling the cycle lane. In fact, I've often had pedestrians attempt to move "out of my way" by moving into the cycle lane to give me space in the bit that it's illegal for me to cycle in. Again, not talking about shared paths, talking about paths that are segregated by a painted lìne. They are worse than useless because the rules are never observed, making things more dangerous for everyone.
@@ashley_neal and yes, I give way to pedestrians -- of course I do. I do it on paths, and I do it on roads. But pedestrians never walk on roads or roadside cycle lanes in the same way the walk on these side-by-side footway-cycleway combos, which is why I call them worse than useless.
How little you know. Pedestrians can use any part of the path you describe. Cyclists have to accommodate them regardless. The worst thing is you are arguing the toss. Typical of many road users
@@ashley_neal in the same way that they can use any part of the road they like, but people who wouldn't dream of wandering about on roads like that so it with that particular style of cycle lanes, which means those lanes simply create hazards,making them a very bad idea.
and the car was to the left. the point was to be aware that conditions may make visibility worse for people, beyond the traditional invisibility of cyclists.
@@kenbrown2808 The car was mainly straight ahead, but pulling out of a turning on the left. Overall the cyclist was about 45 degrees off from where the sun was. The sun was not behind the cyclist. If you're not looking in remotely the same direction as the sun and if you can also basically position the sun behind your car pillar so it isn't blinding you how would the sun restrict the cyclist being seen? I don't get it. Next time the sun's out go outside and give it a go. I have and seeing something not in the direction of the sun isn't a problem when the sun's out.
The cyclist at @5:00 absolutely should have been using primary position. Primary position alerts drivers that they cannot safely pass in that gap. Good cyclists fix other's mistakes, such as the mistake of thinking that gap was big enougg
@@ashley_neal it is possible to take primary position AND be prepared to yield for safety. It's not one or the other. Taking primary position in a narrow section to alert drivers to your presence, communicate through position, and discourage an inappropriate 'squeeze' is not 'taking priority' as you put it. However, when doing so, if the oncoming car persists then of course the cyclists should take a safe position. Constantly cycling in the gutter can be even more hazardous as it communicates the wrong message to the oncoming driver, inviting them into the space. I've learned quite a lot from your videos. You need to be prepared to learn a bit from your contributors.
I normally auto-skip sponsors, but for smaller channels like Ashley's or ones with exceptional quality (again... Like Ashley's lmao), I feel obliged to purposefully un-skip and watch it through, juuuust to boost that retention rate at that critical point :D. Also, as a biker, it's kinda sad seeing other bikers not even recognise cyclists... For a group that is already vulnverable, you'd expect most bikers will understand the issues of a cyclist. I guess not :/
@2:31 shared path used by one e-scooter rider (unless legal rental scheme) and a moped. Neither should be riding on there. Hope at least the moped rider was reported.
It is all well and good saying don't react to poor driving. However, when someone either accidentally or deliberately puts your life in danger you are bound to react. It is the fight or flight reaction. Plus if you just let bullies be bullies they will think that bullying is acceptable and carry on.
Clip 9 - Struggle to see how fits into nicely dealt with and fixing the motorists mistakes Cyclist doesn't do anything... other than moving his hands off his brake levers to hand sigh towards the car If the driver didn't see them initially but then spotted them after emerging and stopped (happens frequently enough) it would now be more difficult for the cyclist to stop in time or swerve around.
Exactly, the cyclist didn't even brake or show caution by slowing. All he did was open his hands in a "What's that" Gesture towards the motorist and Ashley frowns on making gestures that could trigger the motorist so I don't see anything worthy of praise here.
@@EllTechnology Your right hand opens up as well as part of what I perceived as a gesture. I have no issue with it gesture or not. And I take on board that brakes aren't as necessary if you're being naturally slowed by the uphill. I have in line brake levers taking up a lot of real estate just where I want to put stuff on my handlebars so I can relate to your bell snagging woes. Thought I'd found a place for my new bike light. Didn't contact anything. First time I used my left inline brake the lever snagged on the light mount locking the brake on. Great fun.
@@EllTechnology Honelstly was alright, pretty much what I would have done too (unless I was having a bad day maybe...) Just comparing the analysis to other clips
It always astonishes me how many people think a cyclist should have priority over everything. where I am, the basic rule for cycling is very simple: you follow the same rules as the regular users of where you are riding follow. if you are on the road, you follow all the rules a car has to follow, including stop signs and pulling over if you are causing a tailback. if you are on a sidewalk (pavement in the UK) you follow all the rules a pedestrian follows, including stopping at intersections and making sure it is safe to cross. if you are in a bicycle lane, you STILL give way to those who are in the intersection ahead of you. and nobody EVER gets to be so entitled as to demand the rest of the world watch out for them.
When driving then of course you need to "watch out" for cyclists (and pedestrians, other vehicles etc). This is the responsibility that comes with operating a high-powered vehicle in a public space. Entitled has nothing to do with it.
@@jasons7731 it is also the responsibility that comes from operating a low powered vehicle or a human powered vehicle in a public space. and yes, if you think the rest of the world should protect you so you can abdicate that responsibility, that IS entitlement.
@@kenbrown2808 Yes of course everyone has responsibility to follow the rules of the road and to drive/cycle safely. There's nothing entitled about expecting this.
@@jasons7731 so you totally ignored the part about the entitled people expecting everyone to take care of them so they can ignore all the rules they find inconvenient.
Agreed mostly true. Always exceptions of course that get shared on the net or stick in the memory. I have memories of few teens cycling on the footpaths and then suddenly swerving into the road without looking! Even despite that the stats show that where cyclists are injured in a collision it is mostly the motorist's fault. As you say cyclists mostly have to look out for themselves and compensate as best as they can being more vuelrnable.
Cyclists will never win an argument with a vehicle, no matter who is in the right. Same goes for motorcyclists. Survival is the only rule book you need.
I'm a very new or returning cyclist, and I only ride for exercise and fresh air so I'm never having a destination or anything but I always ride same as I drive, have given way a number of times or let cars out, at level crossings and traffic lights I don't squeeze to the front, the cars are quicker than me, and it's safer to just run with them than try pass. Or if I can see the road ahead is clear and safe I will wave them by like any slow moving vehicle should, not just make them wait and often get a wave or flash of the hazards to say thanks, i drive, I cycle and when Im off the bike or out of the car I'm a pedestrian, sadly some don't think that way. I wonder when they push though the gap if it was their own family on the bike would they still go for the gap? That said there is always that 1! Where they see you, start to give way then barrel through anyhow!
Some of us would love not to have to be on the road sharing space with cars & trucks, unfortunately it will be a long time, if ever that we have infrastructure comparable with the Netherlands.
An entire video about cyclist showing good traffic skills and patience and all I see is the horrible infrastructure for cyclists. There is nothing in this infrastructure protecting the cyclists and making them stand out.
While I find it easy to let things go when behind the wheel, separated from other road users behind a metal cage I often feel my blood boiling and it's exceptionally hard to do so when on two wheels. Most low speed incidents between cars usually amount to paperwork, calls to insurers and general inconvenience, but these people are literally putting your life on the line for no good or justify able reason. I commend the cyclists featured in this video. But I feel if every cyclist were to act this way driver's attitudes may shift into seeing cyclists as nothing more than bugs to be wiped off the windscreen after splatting them (Road safety commercial) Sometimes you need that obnoxious screaming cyclist to scare some sense into an oblivious driver else they are doomed to repeat their driving standards until they actually kill someone.
Are these electric bicycles ? . easy to underestimate speed as a driver . Cyclist must be very skilled and probably a driver too predicting what others may do helps us all live longer .
Well, non-cyclist people tend to severely underestimate the speed of cyclists, maybe because the last time some of them cycled was in their childhood, at low speeds. Some bicycles like some recumbents or velomobiles can reach speeds over 30mph on flat roads without e-assist. As a bicycle user in France, I often experience drivers willing to overtake me while I'm doing 30kph in a 30kph zone, and sometimes 45-50 kph in a 50kph zone...
@@pg5200 Seems like some drivers don’t want to pass cyclists just because of speed differences. They see cyclists as an unpredictable, potential hazard that has to be accounted for, and those without the skill, patience or inclination to do that would rather see cyclists behind them than in front, regardless of speed limits or real need to pass. That leads to unnecessary and dangerous overtakes.
@@broadsword6650 Funnily enough, the way they see cyclists is what they are to cyclists. Unpredictable potential hazards. I get your point, sounds weird to me as I'm used to how cyclists behave because I'm one. I sometimes experience motorists being surprized by me slowing down on an uphill, it's like they don't understand that we can't maintain the speed we do on the flat... Some don't anticipate at all sadly.
Great educational videos as always Ashley. Your comments regarding 'The Pedestrian in White' in this video has answered my question. On my travels, I have recently noticed more pedestrians ignoring road traffic and simply walking out, or running out blindly into traffic. It is not children who are doing this, but adults. I have even come across a man walking his two dogs on extended leads in the middle of a fast local B-road. I take on board what you have said in this video, but these new laws seem to have given permission for some people to act irresponsibly. I think it could be a steep learning curve for many drivers to adapt their driving to meet these new hazards. Thanks again for your videos.
3:56 my shout is either "on your right" on shared routes or "get out of the bloody bike lane" when pedestrians (normally runners, who are apparently all allergic to the pavement) insist in using dedicated bike lanes to walk in 4:30 weird looking bus "SPECIAL!"
I find L plate scooter riders have become much worse than cyclists. Might be time you gave them a little attention, or driving hints on how to manage them. Nice cycling by these guys. And, as a driver, I we would like to apologise for the mistakes I've probably made with cyclists whilst driving. Lol
2:04 I don't understand the cyclist's position on this one. Two lanes marked as going straight on and the cyclist is in the right lane well before the roundabout and continues in the right lane well after the roundabout even though the road markings give no indication of an upcoming right turn. Don't get me wrong the cyclist may have had a justifiable reason for being in that lane. I just can't figure out it out. Riding in primary in the left lane, he wouldn't have interacted with the van at all and he wouldn't have been hidden by the van from the people looking to pull out at the next entry onto the roundabout. As such, and in the absence of further info I currently disagree that this is "Text book" riding by the cyclist.
Might be going right ahead, might have experience of the road knowing if he goes in left lane he won't get across right, maybe sees a lot of cars going out of the garage and straight across so right lane is easier to go around
@@Gobtik As I say, he may have his reasons. I just don't see them, just downsides. Maybe there is a right turn at the junction ahead although it's strange for the arrows not to indicate it. Wish I could figure out the location.
In this case, purely down to prior knowledge. The lanes after the traffic lights at the end of the clip split to left lane for straight ahead and left, right lane for right only. I’ve found it’s easier to pick the correct (right) lane from the very start at the roundabout as it’s often much busier than the video shows and in many cases you stand no chance of being able to safely switch lanes (if you were on the left) before you need to turn off. Down to personal opinion but in my opinion safer and less risk as you’ll come into conflict with a lot less vehicles! Hope that clears things up
I know that ‘roundabout’ very well (it’s as you head out of Cheltenham towards Gloucester) and as Ell says above it is because of the lanes past the lights. As shown in this clip as well you’ve got to be really switched on there because of that garage in the middle of it
I’m curious why you mention no gestures is “a good road user”. I’m not saying start swearing at them and getting angry, but if someone pulls out in front of you or passes far too close, they might not even know they did something wrong. If you just put a hand up, it could get their attention and make them realise what they did and be more careful in the future.
Do you really think that if they didn't take enough care and pulled out in front of you in the first place, that an arm gesture is going to make them change in the future? It's totally pointless and is exactly the same as when motorist blair their horn after someone pulls out.
It won't do any good: There's no upside for you but considerable potential downside if the motorist takes offence. A car driver who pulls out too close, who's normally a consciencious driver, will have at some point observed they made a mistake and will think about it, without needing a hand gesture. If you hand gesture at an ignorant bad driver, they will simply double down and not admit they did anything wrong, and their attitude that they were driving perfectly will just be hardened. There really is nothing to gain from gesturing at a driver. You won't make them think "I made a mistake", at best you'll make them think "You made the mistake why are you complaining my driving is perfect". At worst they will take offence and try to run you off the road.
@@ashley_neal Holding a hand up isn't "exactly the same as when motorist blare horn". Perhaps on a similar vein, but certainly not exactly the same.
When a motorist pulls out without seeing me I make allowances for them exactly as we see in this video. The last time this happened it was a large gravel lorry from the local quarry. He pulled up to the main road so close to me that I was blocked from his view by his mirror.
After he'd pulled out turning left I gave him a nice big HELLO wave from behind. That he may well have seen if he knew how to use his mirrors. It's not an aggressive way of letting someone know they've done something wrong unlike blaring a horn.
The other one I like doing is when I'm overtaking stationary traffic on my bike and a car pulls out from the left turning towards me. The turner gives 100% of their attention to the left and none to his right. I see what's happening and stop well back from the front of the car letting them out, and as he passes I say "morning" to them through their open window and they finally realise I'm there and hopefully become aware of their lack of observation.
Saying "Morning" to someone isn't exactly the same as blaring a horn as well is it?
@@74HC138 "will have at some point realised they made all mistake" I disagree. As per my quarry lorry example above. If the driver looks in his mirrors and sees a cyclist riding behind after they've pulled out he may simply think that the cyclist had pulled off a driveway after he'd pulled out. If the cyclist is however giving a big HELLO wave he can surely only think "Did I miss them? Oops"
My goal is to ensure that the driver making the mistake definitely thinks "Oops" if they're capable of thinking in that vein.
I'm conflicted by this one a little bit too. The clips show great road awareness by the cyclists and fantastic accommodation of other's mistakes, but I do think drivers need to be made in some way aware that they have just pulled out on a cyclist otherwise they are just going to repeat the behaviour. I don't mean swearing and gesturing at them, but perhaps a "careful mate " if they can hear, or as somebody else said a wave.
This channel literally changed my life. After months of watching and learning from on here, a couple of weeks ago, my teenage son observed how I held back from a cyclist for several tens of seconds until it was safe to pass them. He commented about what I would have done in the "good old days" (as he put it) of my aggressive driving. We reminisce about several events for a few minutes and I told him that my calmer, more considerate driving is due to being wiser with age. I know, Ashley; I owe you one.
Whats wrong with admitting you have learnt new ways of driving from a UA-cam channel? Not trying to have a go or anything, it just seemed a weird statement to me.
Awesome. We arrive maybe a minute late, but in a much better mood able to handle the stresses of the day that much better. Thanks for sharing.
My sentiments exactly. I feel calmer and thus enjoy driving more by taking on this mindset.
@@andrewnorris5415 If you set off with an ETA that is exactly when you need to be there, you're onto a hiding to nothing. A bad run of red lights, an accident, heavy traffic etc, all mean you could be late. People are rarely behind a bike for more than a handful of seconds, yet act like they were detained for hours when they complain to their mates later, yet think nothing of sitting in traffic for 5, 10, 20 minutes other than "oh traffic is slow this week". If you allow for late arrival on your journey and set off earlier when you know you need to be somewhere for a fixed time, it is all a lot easier and much less stressful if you do get a delay.
As a cyclist this seems a good result, and it's great to hear. Pre-pandemic I didn't even need a camera to go out. Since, just going to and from work nets me about 8 or 9 serious or dangerous close passes a week. I report all close passes to West Midlands Police.
As a Dutch person, it's unbelievable seeing what cyclists in the UK have to deal with
In the Netherlands cycling is popular because of your excellent infrastructure - in the UK cycling is [somewhat] popular despite our almost utter lack of infrastructure LOL. I enjoy cycling here in the UK, but I love cycling in the Netherlands...when possible...and I hope next year it will be again - Utrecht, here I come!
Dont come cycling in the usa, this is like heaven to me, but tbh most Americans cycle on the back roads rather than through the towns
And as a British person I'm not surprised. Poor/dangerous driving standards is a way of life for some in this country.
Yup, cycling you are always the bad guy. Too many drivers have the attitude that because some cyclist don't obey red lights etc that they can then harass and bully all cyclists.
I agree, I live in Norway and try to do most of my cycling on cycle lanes, of which there are many. I have cycled a bit when visiting family in the UK but it is dangerous due to lack of cycle lanes.
No abuse, no anger, just accommodating events! Absolute class act from this cyclist! Definitely makes me aware of my own shortcomings that I should still learn from.
cycling is not always just a pastime, for many it is a primary way of getting around
I think that is a very important point to make. Bicycles should be viewed as a vehicle, and a mode of transportation. Not just as something people use just for the fun of it. The goal here in Norway is that as our cities grow, we want a zero increase in motorised traffic. People are encouraged to bike to and from work, to and from the grocery store, etc. The only times I use my car for personal transport here in Trondheim is to and from the forest to go skiing during winter. Other than that, whenever I need to go some place, I either bike or walk. And that means you want to get from A to B in an efficient manner. Though not by barging into dangerous situations, of course. Which is really no different than what your mindset should be when driving a car, only most of the time here in Trondheim, biking is by far the most efficient way of getting around.
I'd go as far to say that the majority of regular cyclists will be cycling for a purpose other than leisure/exercise. I do cycle for leisure but also commute and shop using my bike.
You can usually hear a bad overtake coming: when you hear a car approaching. For example, the blue car at the end: you would have heard no change in power from the car approaching, despite the oncoming vehicle. A careful overtake, you'll always hear the motorist back off the throttle a bit when they approach, and back off a lot if there's an oncoming car. A constant engine note from the car is a massive warning that the driver is about to make a dangerous overtake. You can also hear if the car is giving you room. Red alert if not only you can't hear any power change from the car, but also you can't hear the sound of the car moving rightwards.
That's a really good tip
These electric cars are a problem though. They creep up like a silent assassin. You do you check before moving out and one is sat there nibbling at your heel. I nearly got run over walking to my car in Tescos car park.
@@seankearney6915 They are a problem at car park speeds where they are often silent, but on the road they make a lot of tyre roar due to their immense weight, and you can often hear the inductors in them singing if they are making any appreciable power.
That's one of the most important indicators for me too, when I can hear a car approaching from behind. Do I hear a change in the engine note? Often, I don't even need to look behind me to know that this one doesn't want to wait a single second. It at least gives me some opportunity to try to alleviate the danger, but unfortunately, some of the driving is so poor, that no amount of slowing down or giving way on my part is going to turn this into a safe pass. I do try, though.
A mirror is even better.
5:23 This clip was so much more than just awareness. Look at the cyclists position on the road, plenty of escape space to the left and after the overtake too. This shows why taking primary or just leaving extra space on the nearside is such a potent tool when cycling on the road, it doesn't mean you don't give it up if you need to but gives you options and puts you right in the vision of other road users. Great job👍
5:05 that doesn't make any sense. The drivers took priority when they had none and without waiting for it to be given. If the cyclist felt like there wasn't room for two of course they should've been riding in primary position. They allowed themselves to be put in a dangerous position by the driver's lack of consideration and primary would have fixed it.
Agreed
I would have had primary there to make it very obvious.
Unfortunately in my experience a driver like that would have carried on regardless. Safer just to stop and let them pass. Rather be safer than right.
3:13 the pedestrian did have priority there; once he's in the road and to be fair the cyclist was still on the roundabout when he began to cross he automatically has to give way to the pedestrian; rule 170 :) as he wasn't actually in the turning at that point. It's still a junction so pretty sure the same rule applies regardless of the pedestrian thinking he had more time.
Great vid although as a Gloucestershire lad I was going Gloucester, Cheltenham, Cheltenham for every clip 🤣🤣
Also amazed that traffic wasn’t nose to tail in Clip 1 because of the shared space section behind the cyclist
Given that only one brake light comes on at 04:24, I think that it wasn't the case that the van driver did not signal to park. I suspect that two or more lights on that van are simply non-functional. That said, is the van driver really trying to park in a bus stop on double yellow lines? Or is xe waiting to follow that car into the road on the left, with a broken left-turn signal on?
your cyclist viewer is most excellent and will live long on the road. well done by him! though my bicycle has a bell, on shared paths, i often prefer to call out "on your left" or "on your right" as appropriate, since it provides clearer communication. Cheers from Canada.
That white van KS58 BPE @4:30 HAS NO TAX.....always check the number plates of numpties you encounter because a lot of them don't have tax.
The one thing the government is bothered about is collecting tax so its worth reporting.
There may be trouble ahead…
03:18 : “With the changes to the Highway Code we are all going to have to be more pedestrian observant.”
05:09 “Priority is given and not taken.”
Both correct statements, but with the new HC measures pedestrians ARE given priority and it’s incumbent upon other road users to yield to them. Which is fine until pedestrians get the idea they can walk where they want when they want without taking care and a driver doesn’t do the correct thing. The result will be an injury or death simply because the pedestrian took priority rather than being given it, and a driver didn’t follow the rules.
The HC changes rely on all drivers being perfect all the time, which we know won’t happen, and put no responsibility at all on pedestrians to ensure their own safety. Is that a good way to improve safety in the real world?
My thoughts exactly. I think it would be prudent to bring back Jay Walking as an enforceable law, this would, I hope, prosecute those who just want to walk down the middle of the road.
@@wonkysfishingtales bringing back Jay Walking goes too far the other way though, making the road a totally inaccessible place for pedestrians who may want to cross safely.
It's fine - if you hit a pedestrian, unless they ran into the road on you are on a motorway, that's your fault. This change will mean insurance companies have to pay out based on that
@@jackw7714 Even if they ran out into the road, actually.
@@yetanotheryoutubechannel6290 no, because jaywalking differentiates between crossing with priority and jaywalking.
2:34 where views are restricted, such as under canal bridges or as we see here, I normally give a little warning Tring on my bell or I shout it depending upon what bike I'm riding.
The comment at 03:17 about getting used to changes in the Highway Code amuses me. It seems odd, from my personal perspective. With bicycle, car, or anything else, I've never wanted to run over pedestrians; even before the recent changes to the Code. (-:
It tends to get missed that in a collision with a pedestrian, a cyclist is also likely to hit the road.
I believe what ashley meant is that with the recent rule change that vehicles must give way to a pedestrian waiting to enter a crosswalk, more pedestrians are going to be barging out without looking or waiting.
I do hope the rule also includes a clause that pedestrians may not step out until it is safe to do so. because the laws of physics haven't changed.
I often let drivers pass me, especially buses as I don't want that bloody great thing right behind me. Also, I'm aware that they need to keep to a timetable so it's best to let them go. As for everyone else, expect the worst and you can't go wrong. Always be ready for the unexpected idiot.
Agreed - I frequently wave to cars coming out of a side street to go ahead...I'd rather have them in front of me that behind me then having to pass.
The best place for an idiot, is far, far ahead.
That's my policy - I'd rather they were in front of me, were I can see them; not behind were I can't see what stupid thing they may do.
What can I say - thanks for showing Cheltenham in a good few of your clips. The biker did good as did all of them. Good selection today.
I started cycling again during the summer and normally have my 8 year old daughter with me. We live in the country so we normally cycle down single track roads, but I always say if we see a car coming just stop and let the car past which we do, some drivers appreciate it by a little wave but some ( and even though I have a child with me) still blast past. Nice video though Ashley.
My advice if you are a cyclist: Even if you have the utmost distaste for cars and drivers, learn how to drive anyway. Because even if you choose to never sit a test or own a car, it will make you 200x a better cyclist and road user.
more than driving as there's many walks in life people should experience to make them a better person
Damn, I recognise 5 video locations featured in this video (all in West Yorkshire).
Clip 4 = Bolster Moor. Clip 9 = Longwood (West of Quarmby). Clip 10 = Huddersfield.
Clip 11 = Mount (on the road to Huddersfield). Clip 14 = Quarmby.
An abundance of clips from the Cheltenham area 😂
Hehe, I weirdly got a little excited to see my manor featured 😏, glad me and my van didn't appear
Hahaha yes I thought the same too, plus Gloucester in the first clip
When a vehicle emerges dangerously in front of me when I’m cycling I let them know I’m not happy. I know many will say that is being too confrontational but I think these bullies need to be confronted. They know full well what they are doing and they only do it because a cyclist will come off second best. When I approach a junction like that mini roundabout I will look the motorist straight in the eye, almost nobody pulls out on me when I do this. And they all get a smile and a thank you for being nice.
I think videoing and reporting (so long as the police take some action) would be a better way of confronting.
Education trumps everything!
"They know full well what they're doing doing" I think you're over estimating the observation skills and thought processes of the average motorist. Plenty don't have a clue you're there. Plenty underestimate your speed. Plenty don't think through the risks.
@@roaduser6438 I’m not buying that mate, they definitely see me. I can understand that sometimes people miss things but it happens far too often to be a basic error. I’m big and bright orange on the bicycle. They don’t do it when I’m in a big work van, they do it sometimes when I’m in my wife’s little Aygo and do it loads when I’m on a bicycle. Just a bunch of spineless bullies.
don't do that in California. in California, eye contact with a person waiting to emerge means you intend to give way for them.
My mates took the piss when I put a little offside mirror on the handlebars my bike, but it certainly made it more obvious to me when I was being followed (meaning I could pull in to allow cars to pass), or when a vehicle was overtaking poorly and I could adapt my riding to suit. It may look a bit odd, but it was worth it's weight in gold...... until it fell off in the middle of the road and got smashed by a car.......
Thinking urban riders might need mirrors more as electric vehicles can be really quiet.
@@erroneousbee Very true! You can usually hear the cars rev up when they overtake. I hadn't considered that, but it makes sense to have more visibility with quieter cars (even if they have those noise generator things)
As a cyclist, I admit I do go into a swearing frenzy at close passes by cars and other cyclists.
But seeing Ash's video's, i will try to calm myself on the road.
Swearing is understandable, poor driving around cyclists does not result in insurance claims but more than often serious injury or death.
Not 100% sure about it being advisable to wait behind a white van. Especially when not in view of the mirror. (A mistake non drivers often make). I was actually expecting to see the van driver reverse into the space. We had seen a car just leaving that space as the van approached it so when he pulled up on the bus stop I would be expecting him to reverse back off it into the space rather than block the flow of traffic. Had he started to do this the cyclist would have been in a dangerous position as he may not have been able to go right with following traffic.
On clip 5 when in the van, roads like that, if I see bike coming towards, I always try and stop and wait for them to come past. 😀
There are a lot of people with serious ‘car superiority complexes’ against cycles, pedestrians and even bikers. Shocking really. 🤷🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️
The current perceived 'hierarchy' is the opposite of what it should be, perhaps with many car drivers feeling they are the most important form of transport on the road (often above that of other car drivers). This is borne out in comments made in various forums, the like of which we're all familiar with. It's going to be a battle royal to get some people to accept the changes to the Highway Code.
I agree. A lot of the time I suspect it comes from this widespread misunderstanding about road tax everyone seems to perpetuate. Too many drivers think they pay this imaginary tax that gives them greater claim, and that roads therefore exist for cars specifically, and nothing else.
there are also people with bicycle superiority complexes and trainer superiority complexes. one thing cyclists who filter at traffic lights might want to consider is how they would feel if a pedestrian filtered in front of THEM at every stop, and then proceeded at a moderate amble in the lane, so they had to wait to overtake every time. as they say, never judge a man until you've walked a mile in his shoes, because then you have a mile head start, and he's barefoot.
@Bazzacuda if only there was a way to include drivers in the general taxation...
@@PedroConejo1939 There was a recent article on the BBC about the Highway Code changes. The article included a "have your say" forum. Keeping in mind that one of the goals of the HC changes is to encourage more cycling, it was very disappointing to see many comments along the lines of "cyclists shouldn't be allowed to use roads for leisure" and "cyclists should have insurance like other road users", both of which would discourage cycling. It is clearly the case that there is a notable minority that do see the road as something for cars only and that cyclists are encroaching on their space.
Warms my heart! Thanks!
On your point about taking priority, I think it's important to remember there is a difference between riding defensively and not adapting to a situation in order to achieve the most peaceful outcome. Although on that note I do see a lot of the riders in my local area and in your videos seem to be riding way too far into the curb. Not all, but a majority it seems. 1 Metre is always the minimum and if there is not enough space for one metre plus safe space for a car too pass you, ride dead centre of the lane and occupy the space in order to prevent an unsafe pass and poor judgement whilst also keeping yourself safe. Cyclists as far as I am aware have right to use as much of a lane as they want to
An exceptionally patient cyclist . Yes we share roads and paths , we need to remember this ALL the time . Pedestrian, cyclist or motorists of all vehicle types . 👍
Unless the petrol situation gets sorted out you might have to do more cycling videos, Ashley!
Or get a horse. 😀
Good to see that most of the cammers were using daylight running lights. Even dayglo colours can blend into the background in certain situations so lights gives other road users the best chance of spotting the cyclist.
Nice video. That cyclists' acceleration is mighty.
Even when it doesn't involve you, it's best to stay away from risk. For example, the other day a car in front of me overtook a van and clearly lacked power to get past safely. I could see cars approaching in the distance so I dropped back to stay well away from the impending disaster.
The van driver braked to allow the car to complete the overtake. Good work by the van driver in saving the day.
I once had a very impatient driver move to overtake me (I was in a car on a fast NSL road) when there were clearly vehicles coming the other way. As she started her pass, seeing the impending disaster, I braked sharply so she could get through but it was at that exact point that she decided to abort the pass, making it twice as hard to get back in behind me. According to the intense gesturing and subsequent tailgating, her utter panic was entirely my fault. I have no idea how I could have handled that any differently because there was no way I wanted to be caught up in a potentially fatal collision.
2.01 " nearest the road should always face the traffic " - what about always keep to the left ?
I understand that people are more pushy and selfish in and around London, the high density traffic is hard to accommodate; but seeing videos of cyclists using horns in London to scare pedestrians from a crossing really gets under my skin.
I can understand that when you're more vulnerable, you shouldn't have to compensate for other's incompetent , but then there's entitlement with "right of way". Same with some motorcycle riders.
Right of way is because people don't read the Highway code properly; nobody has Right of Way; I checked mine quite recently having just bought a new copy; even pedestrians at best have priority; not right of way. I admit I was surprised at that as I thought they were the only road user that did have.
@@johnbower7452 "right of way" as a term only really applies accurately in relation to a "public right of way" such as a footpath. People use it to mean priority for some reason.
Get you. Not sure though I might be tempted to use a loud horn in London if I rode there. Not all the time and OTT though. People are in so much of a hurry in London and there are tourists and visitors too in the mix who are clueless. To be blasted with a loud horn is better than stepping out and getting hit? I am not sure on this one, will need to think more :)
Whilst I agree that scaring pedestrians with a loud horn is pretty antisocial and bound to get people's backs up. It could have a long term benefit of making those pedestrians more aware of their actions. As such I see a potential upside even if it's not how I'd go about things myself.
A loud horn is often necessary to be heard and to warn the lemmings crossing on red that you're there, particularly the zombies glued to their phones with loud music deafening them through their air buds. If a horn scares a pedestrian but saves their life, is that really wrong?
0:16 "motorists don't look properly" I would make that: "many road users don't look properly".
Pedestrians, bicyclists, bikers and car drivers are mostly the same kind of people with the same bad behaviours. The mode of transportation only affects the way those behaviours get expressed.
Well, the vehicle you're into or onto greatly affects the perception you have from your environment. When cycling, you're out in the air, with a wide angle of sight and ease to hear what's happening around you. In a car, you're isolated from the exterior, which is usually quite bad. That's a good reason to have your door window open when driving a car, to feel a bit of the exterior world you're otherwise quite cut off from.
Are you for real? www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/cyclist-jailed-pedestrian-met-cctv-b1892789.html
I think it is a fact that a poor road user is such regardless of how they use the road.
Also pedestrians can knock cyclists off their bikes, it isn't unusual and those who open car doors carelessly, can kill them.
@@andryij Except for the pedestrians and bicyclists that got hit by other bicyclists and got moderate to severe injuries from that, and even death.
And don't forget the injuries to themselves or the psychological effect on the motorists who caused injury without being at fault.
@@ashley_neal and yet TfL data over 10 years showed bikes were at fault for only around 6-7% of all KSI incidents following someone jumping a red light, cars are 71%. Single anecdotes of extremely rare instances (accidents where a rider kills a pedestrian are around 2 every 3 years, vs say 40 deaths a year on average from cars killing people on the pavement) should not be the basis of any argument
clip 15 (4:55)
"To anyone that says you should be in primary here taking your priority. You're wrong, priority is given not taken, you always need to be ready to accommodate"
Maybe you were more meaning the "take" your priority part.
But riding primary to emphasise it here would be useful just as you did on the e-scooter, you do need to be prepared to yield right or wrong but to ride by the kerb is to invite drivers to cause this situation.
To quote Ashley Neal on an e-scooter - (My First Ride on an E Scooter)
"I've gone from a give way position out into this is the space I would like to proceed down the road position. I have done this to positively show the Vauxhall from the other direction..."
Indeed when it was apparent the driver was going for it anyway you only stopped in the middle of the road, rather than accomodating the driver you perhaps slightly stubbornly sat in the middle of the road
The cars that are not overtaking because a cyclist in the primary are giving the cyclist priority 🤦♂
A pedestrian or cyclist who stops on a narrow road to allow a driver to pass as its safer... Are giving priority to the driver.
@@mikewade777 What overtaking? There was only oncoming vehicles 🤦
And again I'm comparing Ashley advising against taking a primary position (or atleast being stubborn/not yielding when required)
To how he explains why he rides the e-scooter in the middle of the carrigeway (primary essentially) to "positively show" oncoming vehicles.
Making other road users stop by driving at them isn't them giving you priority.
First time I had heard someone say the one facing the traffic should be nearest the road on a cycle track/shared path. However that would automatically happen if cyclists still rode on the left on a cycle path. I have seen a couple low speed wobbles when one goes to the left and the oncoming one goes to their right so they both aim for the same piece off tarmac. In my experience on Blackpool Promenade a polite excuse me can I sneak through is welcomed and a bell often gets a non verbal response. Only once did I get told I should have a bell. And I am 62 and simply plodding along a legal shared space for exercise not going full tilt.
It would only happen automatically though if the shared path was on the appropriate side of the road - bidirectional shared paths occur on either side of the road - indeed, sometimes on both. I usually keep to the left on a bidirectional, but am always prepared to swap over if necessary.
@@frankhooper7871 No it does work either side of the road. (My comment is for GB but works for other countries if you substitute Right for Left). If you are on the "wrong side of the road" as it were on the footpath and go left you are close to the oncoming traffic so see it. If you are on the "correct side of the road" as it were then by going left the person/cyclist coming towards you would go to their left and see the oncoming traffic. So by always going left the person nearest the traffic is facing it. However I would always go between a walker and the road especially if they have a pram and/or children, giving them the safer position. There seems to be no real rule, and in Blackpool we have some wide shared paths where the council see fit to add a centre line to separate cyclists from walkers, and others where the line separates the direction of travel so pedestrians and cyclist in one direction on the left of the line and those meeting you should be the other side.
@@seankearney6915 in short, when cyclists meet on a path, they should do the same as when cars meet on a road.
When I cycle I try to cycle as I drive, obeying the rules of the road with good road position, signals, etc. I usually get the respect of the car drivers and they treat me as a fellow road user. That said, I hate holding up the traffic with cars breathing down my neck so sometimes if I am passing a convenient passing place I move over and slow down to let them pass. I usually look over my shoulder to acknowledge their presence and get rewarded by a friendly toot or wave as they pass. I like to think that I can show that not all cyclists are bad cyclists.
Yes, I do that where it is safe to pull in if it looks like there is not a place for the car to pass soon. Always try and show drivers there are good cyclists. Appreciate you do that too.
I had an experience some years back of a cyclist puttering along with a wagon on his cycle with a big sticker across the back reading "share the road"
and did he use any of the wide spaces where driveways created ample pullouts for him to allow cars to overtake without slowing? of course not. he didn't even ride far enough on the generously wide shoulder to get the other half of his trailer out of the traffic lane, which would have allowed cars to legally overtake. but I[m sure he was quick to complain about the cloud of diesel exhaust as soon as the road widened enough to allow the lorry that was at the head of the tailback he created to safely overtake.
Yes I do this too
I'm usually rewarded for that by a motorist misunderstanding that I'm trying to help them, and slowing down too, or close passing me anyway.
That clip before the ad, wonder if the rider had one of the rear radar lights that are increasingly popular these days, for reasons as shown in that clip.
hey just a reminder that skillshare would charge you for the whole year after that free trial
Not many things make me more wary as a driver (let alone a cyclist) than being behind or in front of a car that's already beat up with dents and other damage.
I always found it was a very effective way to counter bullying by posh cars in London.
I think it's also the case that drivers underestimate our speed when pulling out or turning across us.
No argument here. Those clips are top drawer and display a 💯 brilliant attitude by the cammer.
Other road users take note.
Stay safe everyone 👍
3:13 - I can't even stand doing a bit of gardening with headphones on, the thought of how much it must inhibit your vigilance on the roads is beyond me. The pedestrian in the clip only needed to have his head buried in a phone to be going for full sensory deprivation. My bet would be that the cammer spotted the headphones and knew long before the pedestrian did that he would walk out into the cyclist's path. Ask any cyclist if they've had problems with distracted pedestrians and they'll answer an emphatic yes. I've even had a cyclist on their phone with earbuds ride headlong into me on a perfectly clear stretch of path.
I'm totally in agreement with the new pyramid of vulnerability but I'm fascinated to know at what point a person who is otherwise _compos mentis_ becomes responsible for acting against their own safety - this goes for all forms of road users. I suspect we'll see some interesting court cases to find precedent especially since so much is captured on video these days.
Great and informative selection. I take issue only with the comment that "primary is given, not taken". To remain safe on the roads it is often imperative to take and retain primary - there are many, many situations where not doing so exposes the cyclist to unnecessary dangers. Too often, if a motorist sees a small gap he squeezes into it, regardless of the risk created for other road users. This is regularly the case when cyclists are involved. Taking primary can either remove this risk, or provide a safety cushion when the "squeeze pass" is still attempted.
No, I said priority is given not taken. I understand totally the need to command (and when not to!) in primary.
@@ashley_neal My mishearing. Apologies!
with the tatty van, the lack of a brake light on the left leads one to think there might also be the lack of a turn signal light on the left.
1:45 I mean yes, don't race through corners on a path like this, but this path is also too narrow.
Is the Dutch reach now a legal requirement?
It's only advice when the changes are implemented
the dutch reach is another of those things that is touted as a miracle cure, when in reality, there are a lot of vehicles it interferes with proper visibility instead of improving it. anyone should be checking for traffic approaching before they fling their door open, no matter which hand they fling it open with.
where I live, the law is that it is illegal to open the door into traffic - with the door being hit considered proof of breaking the rule.
Love this video. A good rider. Hope they have many years of safe riding ahead of them. The driver who ended my cycling career is in court tomorrow for his plea hearing. Fingers crossed.
Wow, what happened?
Clip #16 > That cyclist is top-notch hazard awareness and probably makes a habit of looking behind them regularly and likely also is listening for 'road noise' and engine noise behind them. I witness a lot of other cyclists who do not seem to ever look behind them - granted this can sometimes be a tricky thing to do some people, as I've had it related to me that it 'puts me off balamce, so I don't bother'...😲
#15 - the comment about prime position is interesting, Ashley. I agree that cyclists shouldn't go to prime to "take their priority" in the sense of asserting themselves to make a point (which seemed to be the implication from your tone of voice, although I may have misinterpreted), I think it might have been reasonable for the cyclist to have done so there from a safety perspective. Certainly if the gap had been any narrower, and/or there hadn't been an escape route, using prime to stop the driver(s!) coming out might have been the best option.
I get the feeling that a lot of people who drive big cars cannot see around them very well which is called the void zone. Hence why the blue car at the end passed so closely.
Another point: When people pass you so closely like this, they are intending to bully you. Probably because of some deep hatred towards you. Where it'd be a car of a cyclist that gets passed this closely only says one thing, which is, I hate you right now and get out of my way. You can also see it when the blue car goes to the very edge of the road after making the pass. The driver is saying I own this spot. It's all mine!
Driving is a reflection of a person's mentality. Hence why car stereotypes exist.
On single track country lanes, I tend to hold back well behind cyclists, especially if they’re peddling hard (sometimes in a low gear) to maintain momentum uphill.
Unfortunately, this sometimes makes them stop and allow me to pass, but that’s not my intention. I’m 63 now and not very fit at all, so the only hills I attempt are off-road and away from all other traffic, I need all my energy and concentration to get to the top. Therefore I appreciate the struggle every hill is likely to be for all cyclists.
I’m considering stopping in future (keeping a lookout in the rear view for approaching traffic) until the adventurous athlete has triumphed over gravity and reached the summit.
This will remove the pressure on the cyclist to stop mid ascent, and give a moment of meditation to reflect upon my own depleted stamina, whilst promising to cycle more. 🧐😎😜
Peace
👍 Stopping & starting is a killer for my 62 year old knees, especially when my bike is probably older than me and weights 25kg. I have thought about getting a new light weight machine but I just love riding the old one, lots of memories attached to it.
Clip 16 - the overtake from the Audi A1 at 5:33 - yes, I probably would have done that. But it is down to situational awareness. This cyclist rides a road bike, as do I, and is obviously not listening to music, on the phone, or otherwise distracted. This is vital on the roads, and with two good ears one can often anticipate speed and position of a vehicle approaching from behind, a quick glance then confirms. Too many casual cyclists and quite a few drivers like to impair their hearing with earbuds or headphones. It really hacks me off, especially since they are also the ones who tend not to look over their shoulders before pulling out, turning right, etc.
I have a Garmin radar setup on mine which gives warning of cars coming from behind which, particularly at speed or in the wind when you can't hear the cars until they are close, is a vital extra (not replacement of course) tool particularly on country roads with cars doing 40-60+
@VVoOꟻF It gives you a good alert from about 100m away on a straight road, it also feeds into compatible GPS units showing them behind you, how fast they are approaching and how close they are getting - can also remind you they are there. There is always that doubt in my mind about the c*nts who film themselves pushing bikes over out of cars, so if I see a car hanging behind me when they could pass, it keeps me alert to keep checking on them and make sure they aren't just a cautious driver.
"excuses that shared paths can be too narrow"
Excuses for what? Deciding to ride perfectly legally on the main roadway?
"well they are if you come in too fast"
And that's the reason it's not an excuse -- if I stuck to shared paths wherever available, my commute would take twice as long.
And then there's the later shared path that isn't a true shared path -- the cyclist was on a designated cycle lane, and the pedestrians were spilling out of their designated lane. These paths are worse than useless because a fair chunk of pedestrians completely ignore the rules, and I'm forced into cycling illegally on the footpath as often as not.
There are very few cycle paths that are worth leaving the road for.
Pedestrians ignore the rules?! Cyclists have to accommodate them on shared paths! Imagine if everyone drove a car with your cycling mindset. Wow!
@@ashley_neal one of your clips want a shared path though -- it was split with a solid white line into a pedestrian Lane and a cycle lane, and even had the two different textures of tile at one point to disambiguate the lanes for the blind.
I will repeat what I said: on a number of occasions I have been forced into cycling illegally on the footpath side because pedestrians are filling the cycle lane. In fact, I've often had pedestrians attempt to move "out of my way" by moving into the cycle lane to give me space in the bit that it's illegal for me to cycle in.
Again, not talking about shared paths, talking about paths that are segregated by a painted lìne. They are worse than useless because the rules are never observed, making things more dangerous for everyone.
@@ashley_neal and yes, I give way to pedestrians -- of course I do. I do it on paths, and I do it on roads. But pedestrians never walk on roads or roadside cycle lanes in the same way the walk on these side-by-side footway-cycleway combos, which is why I call them worse than useless.
How little you know. Pedestrians can use any part of the path you describe. Cyclists have to accommodate them regardless. The worst thing is you are arguing the toss. Typical of many road users
@@ashley_neal in the same way that they can use any part of the road they like, but people who wouldn't dream of wandering about on roads like that so it with that particular style of cycle lanes, which means those lanes simply create hazards,making them a very bad idea.
Another great nice cycling episode 😃.
3:24 "With the sun behind" But the sun wasn't behind the cyclist it was well over to the right as the shadows make clear.
and the car was to the left. the point was to be aware that conditions may make visibility worse for people, beyond the traditional invisibility of cyclists.
@@kenbrown2808 The car was mainly straight ahead, but pulling out of a turning on the left. Overall the cyclist was about 45 degrees off from where the sun was. The sun was not behind the cyclist. If you're not looking in remotely the same direction as the sun and if you can also basically position the sun behind your car pillar so it isn't blinding you how would the sun restrict the cyclist being seen? I don't get it.
Next time the sun's out go outside and give it a go. I have and seeing something not in the direction of the sun isn't a problem when the sun's out.
The cyclist at @5:00 absolutely should have been using primary position. Primary position alerts drivers that they cannot safely pass in that gap. Good cyclists fix other's mistakes, such as the mistake of thinking that gap was big enougg
RIP
@@ashley_neal it is possible to take primary position AND be prepared to yield for safety. It's not one or the other. Taking primary position in a narrow section to alert drivers to your presence, communicate through position, and discourage an inappropriate 'squeeze' is not 'taking priority' as you put it. However, when doing so, if the oncoming car persists then of course the cyclists should take a safe position. Constantly cycling in the gutter can be even more hazardous as it communicates the wrong message to the oncoming driver, inviting them into the space. I've learned quite a lot from your videos. You need to be prepared to learn a bit from your contributors.
Fair play. These guys have better patience than I do. 😆
I normally auto-skip sponsors, but for smaller channels like Ashley's or ones with exceptional quality (again... Like Ashley's lmao), I feel obliged to purposefully un-skip and watch it through, juuuust to boost that retention rate at that critical point :D. Also, as a biker, it's kinda sad seeing other bikers not even recognise cyclists... For a group that is already vulnverable, you'd expect most bikers will understand the issues of a cyclist. I guess not :/
He chose a good one in skillshare. Allows people to better themselves, not just mindless Netflix etc.
A cyclist with brakes? What sorcery is this?
Joking aside, these nice cycling clips are a breath of fresh air. 👍
Why are so many of these clip in Cheltenham....
@2:31 shared path used by one e-scooter rider (unless legal rental scheme) and a moped. Neither should be riding on there. Hope at least the moped rider was reported.
It is all well and good saying don't react to poor driving. However, when someone either accidentally or deliberately puts your life in danger you are bound to react. It is the fight or flight reaction. Plus if you just let bullies be bullies they will think that bullying is acceptable and carry on.
2:05 Van drivers learn from this it's ok to just plow through. 🧐
2:30 Somebody put that up for safety. What were they thinking? How safe is it really?
2:30 looks like it was put up for access control, not safety, which is why it is poorly done.
Clip 9 - Struggle to see how fits into nicely dealt with and fixing the motorists mistakes
Cyclist doesn't do anything... other than moving his hands off his brake levers to hand sigh towards the car
If the driver didn't see them initially but then spotted them after emerging and stopped (happens frequently enough) it would now be more difficult for the cyclist to stop in time or swerve around.
Exactly, the cyclist didn't even brake or show caution by slowing. All he did was open his hands in a "What's that" Gesture towards the motorist and Ashley frowns on making gestures that could trigger the motorist so I don't see anything worthy of praise here.
@@EllTechnology Your right hand opens up as well as part of what I perceived as a gesture. I have no issue with it gesture or not. And I take on board that brakes aren't as necessary if you're being naturally slowed by the uphill.
I have in line brake levers taking up a lot of real estate just where I want to put stuff on my handlebars so I can relate to your bell snagging woes. Thought I'd found a place for my new bike light. Didn't contact anything. First time I used my left inline brake the lever snagged on the light mount locking the brake on. Great fun.
@@EllTechnology Honelstly was alright, pretty much what I would have done too (unless I was having a bad day maybe...)
Just comparing the analysis to other clips
your voice is so damn calming
clip 10 is ok, worse are those that walk, look and stop in the middle of the road!
"there's always a second one".
It always astonishes me how many people think a cyclist should have priority over everything. where I am, the basic rule for cycling is very simple: you follow the same rules as the regular users of where you are riding follow. if you are on the road, you follow all the rules a car has to follow, including stop signs and pulling over if you are causing a tailback. if you are on a sidewalk (pavement in the UK) you follow all the rules a pedestrian follows, including stopping at intersections and making sure it is safe to cross. if you are in a bicycle lane, you STILL give way to those who are in the intersection ahead of you.
and nobody EVER gets to be so entitled as to demand the rest of the world watch out for them.
When driving then of course you need to "watch out" for cyclists (and pedestrians, other vehicles etc). This is the responsibility that comes with operating a high-powered vehicle in a public space. Entitled has nothing to do with it.
@@jasons7731 it is also the responsibility that comes from operating a low powered vehicle or a human powered vehicle in a public space. and yes, if you think the rest of the world should protect you so you can abdicate that responsibility, that IS entitlement.
@@kenbrown2808 Yes of course everyone has responsibility to follow the rules of the road and to drive/cycle safely. There's nothing entitled about expecting this.
@@jasons7731 so you totally ignored the part about the entitled people expecting everyone to take care of them so they can ignore all the rules they find inconvenient.
Can we have review on electric 🚲
Vulnerable road users tend to be more careful, it's a matter of survival.
Agreed mostly true. Always exceptions of course that get shared on the net or stick in the memory. I have memories of few teens cycling on the footpaths and then suddenly swerving into the road without looking! Even despite that the stats show that where cyclists are injured in a collision it is mostly the motorist's fault. As you say cyclists mostly have to look out for themselves and compensate as best as they can being more vuelrnable.
Good road users always compensate for idiots
im not mental enough to cycle about.
I live in gloucester.
big up Huddersfield 😀
Great video
Cyclists will never win an argument with a vehicle, no matter who is in the right. Same goes for motorcyclists. Survival is the only rule book you need.
Depends on whether the motorists address is known
Great chan. 🏴
That Range Rover and the focus pulling out on the cyclist taking priority on the cyclist, they would not have done that if it was a car.
They COULDN'T have done so with a car - that is the difference. They can do it with a bike, so they do, no care for the rider
@@Gobtik exactly
Rule 0 of cycling - it doesn't matter who's right if you're dead.
and driving
I'm a very new or returning cyclist, and I only ride for exercise and fresh air so I'm never having a destination or anything but I always ride same as I drive, have given way a number of times or let cars out, at level crossings and traffic lights I don't squeeze to the front, the cars are quicker than me, and it's safer to just run with them than try pass. Or if I can see the road ahead is clear and safe I will wave them by like any slow moving vehicle should, not just make them wait and often get a wave or flash of the hazards to say thanks, i drive, I cycle and when Im off the bike or out of the car I'm a pedestrian, sadly some don't think that way. I wonder when they push though the gap if it was their own family on the bike would they still go for the gap? That said there is always that 1! Where they see you, start to give way then barrel through anyhow!
I think that being a car ( and motorcyclist ) driver, returning to cycling helped a lot with how I ride.
That 3 wheeled thing shouldn’t been on the path
I still think riding a bicycle on road is much more dangerous than a motorcycle for obvious reasons.
Some of us would love not to have to be on the road sharing space with cars & trucks, unfortunately it will be a long time, if ever that we have infrastructure comparable with the Netherlands.
An entire video about cyclist showing good traffic skills and patience and all I see is the horrible infrastructure for cyclists. There is nothing in this infrastructure protecting the cyclists and making them stand out.
While I find it easy to let things go when behind the wheel, separated from other road users behind a metal cage I often feel my blood boiling and it's exceptionally hard to do so when on two wheels. Most low speed incidents between cars usually amount to paperwork, calls to insurers and general inconvenience, but these people are literally putting your life on the line for no good or justify able reason.
I commend the cyclists featured in this video. But I feel if every cyclist were to act this way driver's attitudes may shift into seeing cyclists as nothing more than bugs to be wiped off the windscreen after splatting them (Road safety commercial)
Sometimes you need that obnoxious screaming cyclist to scare some sense into an oblivious driver else they are doomed to repeat their driving standards until they actually kill someone.
Are these electric bicycles ? . easy to underestimate speed as a driver . Cyclist must be very skilled and probably a driver too predicting what others may do helps us all live longer .
I reckon some must be e-bikes, because of the rate of acceleration from rest.
Legal ebikes top out at ~15mph (25kph), I can cycle easily at 20/25mph on my road bike.
Well, non-cyclist people tend to severely underestimate the speed of cyclists, maybe because the last time some of them cycled was in their childhood, at low speeds. Some bicycles like some recumbents or velomobiles can reach speeds over 30mph on flat roads without e-assist. As a bicycle user in France, I often experience drivers willing to overtake me while I'm doing 30kph in a 30kph zone, and sometimes 45-50 kph in a 50kph zone...
@@pg5200 Seems like some drivers don’t want to pass cyclists just because of speed differences. They see cyclists as an unpredictable, potential hazard that has to be accounted for, and those without the skill, patience or inclination to do that would rather see cyclists behind them than in front, regardless of speed limits or real need to pass. That leads to unnecessary and dangerous overtakes.
@@broadsword6650 Funnily enough, the way they see cyclists is what they are to cyclists. Unpredictable potential hazards.
I get your point, sounds weird to me as I'm used to how cyclists behave because I'm one. I sometimes experience motorists being surprized by me slowing down on an uphill, it's like they don't understand that we can't maintain the speed we do on the flat... Some don't anticipate at all sadly.
Great educational videos as always Ashley. Your comments regarding 'The Pedestrian in White' in this video has answered my question. On my travels, I have recently noticed more pedestrians ignoring road traffic and simply walking out, or running out blindly into traffic. It is not children who are doing this, but adults. I have even come across a man walking his two dogs on extended leads in the middle of a fast local B-road. I take on board what you have said in this video, but these new laws seem to have given permission for some people to act irresponsibly. I think it could be a steep learning curve for many drivers to adapt their driving to meet these new hazards. Thanks again for your videos.
3:56 my shout is either "on your right" on shared routes or "get out of the bloody bike lane" when pedestrians (normally runners, who are apparently all allergic to the pavement) insist in using dedicated bike lanes to walk in
4:30 weird looking bus "SPECIAL!"
I agree, apart from the fact he was on the pedestrian side and they were "mainly" on the bike side....
The guy who accused you of being biased against cyclists from a month or so ago has been awfully quiet recently...
No Josh, I just see things from all sides and want safer roads for everyone, not just for my own cohort. We are all a part of the solution/problem.
I wish every cyclist rode like this
good lad
I wouldn't cycle on the pavement
Great but no clips here showed that
I find L plate scooter riders have become much worse than cyclists.
Might be time you gave them a little attention, or driving hints on how to manage them.
Nice cycling by these guys. And, as a driver, I we would like to apologise for the mistakes I've probably made with cyclists whilst driving. Lol
2:04 I don't understand the cyclist's position on this one. Two lanes marked as going straight on and the cyclist is in the right lane well before the roundabout and continues in the right lane well after the roundabout even though the road markings give no indication of an upcoming right turn.
Don't get me wrong the cyclist may have had a justifiable reason for being in that lane. I just can't figure out it out.
Riding in primary in the left lane, he wouldn't have interacted with the van at all and he wouldn't have been hidden by the van from the people looking to pull out at the next entry onto the roundabout.
As such, and in the absence of further info I currently disagree that this is "Text book" riding by the cyclist.
Looking back at it, I tend to agree - I wouldn't have moved over to the right-hand lane that far ahead myself.
Might be going right ahead, might have experience of the road knowing if he goes in left lane he won't get across right, maybe sees a lot of cars going out of the garage and straight across so right lane is easier to go around
@@Gobtik As I say, he may have his reasons. I just don't see them, just downsides. Maybe there is a right turn at the junction ahead although it's strange for the arrows not to indicate it. Wish I could figure out the location.
In this case, purely down to prior knowledge. The lanes after the traffic lights at the end of the clip split to left lane for straight ahead and left, right lane for right only.
I’ve found it’s easier to pick the correct (right) lane from the very start at the roundabout as it’s often much busier than the video shows and in many cases you stand no chance of being able to safely switch lanes (if you were on the left) before you need to turn off. Down to personal opinion but in my opinion safer and less risk as you’ll come into conflict with a lot less vehicles! Hope that clears things up
I know that ‘roundabout’ very well (it’s as you head out of Cheltenham towards Gloucester) and as Ell says above it is because of the lanes past the lights. As shown in this clip as well you’ve got to be really switched on there because of that garage in the middle of it
"he had priority" is a lousy epitaph.
3:18 the pedestrian was just acting like a cyclist, sees the other vehicle but expects them to yield :o)
HC code is setup that way yes, the biggest thing on the road has the most liablity