TripleS wrote:
> Pardon my ignorance, but what is meant by Primary position? Does it
> mean cycling down the middle of a lane in order prevent (or at least
> discourage) a driver from overtaking you?
That's exactly it. Many drivers forget that when they pass a cyclist,
they are *overtaking*, and often do so in situations where they would
never dream of overtaking a motor vehicle, even if it was travelling
at cycle speed. Cyclists don't help themselves by riding in the
gutter, and maximising the opportunity for motorists to overtake, even
where it is neither safe or sensible to do so.
By taking the primary position, or "claiming the lane", cyclists
discourage following motorists from overtaking at inappropriate points
- such as on the approach to a junction or through a narrow section.
Cyclists should not maintain the primary position for any longer than
they need to, in order to negotiate the hazard safely.
> If this is the case presumably the thinking is that the cyclist will
> be able to dominate the proceedings and protect his own safety (though
> I have my doubts about that) and drivers will have to follow until he
> has negotiated the hazard and got out of their way.
Absolutely! And it does work. You have to be confident as a cyclist -
or at least do a good job of looking confident! Clear arm signals,
moving quickly into position, even down to posture and body language.
Knowing *when* to take up the position is important, and a mirror is
very useful here, as you can see gaps approaching without the need to
continually look over your shoulder.
Another key aspect is to ride as quickly as you comfortably can while
in the primary position. This will reduce any delay to following
motorists, and will make you look more a part of the traffic.
> In theory I can see some merit in that, but at the same time it also
> sounds like a recipe for cyclists to be bloodyminded and promote added
> conflict with drivers - so it's not totally good news.
No, it reduces conflict with drivers. Every time a driver overtakes a
cyclist at an inappropriate point, their paths are in conflict. No
overtaking = no conflict! (Yes, I realise that's not what you meant)
An assertive, confident and quick cyclist won't slow down motorists
appreciably. It is exceedingly rare for a driver to deliberately try
to hit/harm a cyclist for riding assertively - it is common for
drivers to carelessly collide with a cyclist who tempted them to pass
at an inappropriate or unsafe moment.
--
Stevie D
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