On Nov 22, 11:43 am, Duncan Smith <
[email protected]> wrote:
> > You should be able to stop in the distance you can see. IF you go around
> > a corner, and there is an obstacle in the way, you should stop, not
> > blindly cycle into it.
>
> Naturally I would have stopped if I'd seen him, I'm not a monster.
I am encourage to hear that !
> The light-set was working well and I wasn't riding riding fast or
> aggressively - so I don't think I was breaking the law in either of
> those two regards.
but you didn't have time to avoid a collision with another party who
was undertaking a legal manouvre for which the highway code
specifically affords him priority over you. That has got to mean
either going to fast or not paying enough attention or both regardless
of whether the second party could have taken additional precautions
that would have mitigated the risk you posed
> If some guy walks around in the dark with his head down not looking or
> checking where he's going then an accident is more likely to occur. I
> think to some extent both parties could have been more careful - but
> people should treat the roads with respect and keep a look out, not
> simply rely on the fact that 'I've started so I'll finish and don't
> need to care'.
I deliberately try to avoid giving the impression that I have looked
when crossing a side road as a pedestrian. Perhaps he had seen you
and was relying on you doing the same and honouring his priority.
There was certainly some miscalulation between the two of you.
> Look right, look left, look again. Isn't that what they taught us at
> the Tufty Club in Primary school?
that and observing the highway code eg.
"103-158: General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and
riders
This section should be read by all drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists
and horse riders. The rules in /The Highway Code do not give you the
right of way in any circumstance, but they advise you when you should
give way to others. Always give way if it can help to avoid an
incident./"
and rules 205, 206 (esp bullet point 6)
>
> If I cross a road that has high speed traffic coming around a 90deg
> blind bend and don't find or wait for a pelican crossing I keep a
> sharp look out to the left and get ready to break into a trot if needs
> be. That's good common sense, no matter what the finer points of the
> highway code may say.
indeed it is common sense. A pedestrian might enounter you under
these circumstances
best wishes
james