“it’s my belief that the cyclist is at the end of the day responsible for himself. I know in law, every body has a duty of care to ensure they don’t put others at risk, but we do not live in that kind of world despite what the law says. I always cycle as though every body is out to kill me, in effect I do everyone’s thinking for them, trying (and mostly succeeding), to anticipate every possible outcome at every traffic scenario. Obviously there’s the unseen, unheard car that can bite you, but on the whole, pedalling in traffic is as dangerous or as safe as the persons wits on the saddle.

I’m never scared when I’m pedalling on the road. I’m not a victim and I can bloody well hold my own with any traffic scenario!”

Probably not what cyclists want to hear, but until I have faith in other road users (unlikely that will ever happen) then I’ll rely on myself.

Be careful out there people, but don’t be afraid and be assertive when you pedal.

Cheers

Clive

Can’t emphasize that point more, except to say that mishaps very rarely have a single cause. They are more likely to be caused by a chain of actions and events.

Let us also not forget that in most credible mishap studies (at least in the U.S.) show that in car-bike collisions, cyclists have some in fault in about half of the mishaps.

Great post Darryl.