Cyclist’s fury after ‘near miss’ on city roundabout
WOMAN SPARKS FURIOUS DEBATE OVER SAFETY ON HULL ROADS
A WOMAN has sparked a fierce debate about the safety of cyclists on Hull roads after claiming she was “undercut” by an “impatient” white van driver.
The female cyclist said the near miss happened on the approach to the Whistling Goose roundabout at the junction of Holwell and Sutton Roads, Sutton Fields. She said she narrowly avoided being knocked off.
She questioned why the van driver had not left her at least 1.5m (5ft) of space while overtaking her.
Posting on the Hull Traffic and Travel Facebook group, Cat wrote: “That’s the distance that should be between a vehicle and cyclist when a vehicle overtakes a cyclist. It clearly says it in the Highway Code.”
She added: “And it’s been plastered across numerous articles in every major news outlet. So why is it there are still drivers that don’t know this?
“Had a close call with a an impatient white van, coming up to the Whistling Goose roundabout, who decided it would be a good idea to undercut me inches from my handlebar on a busy road.
“Whoever you are, you need to hand back your licence before you kill someone. Oh and thank you whoever the other driver that beeped and warned me about the van, you pretty much saved my life.”
The Highway Code states: “Give motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car. As a guide: leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30mph, and give them more space when overtaking at higher speeds.”
It adds: “You should wait behind the motorcyclist, cyclist, horse rider, horse drawn vehicle or pedestrian and not overtake if it is unsafe or not possible to meet these clearances.”
Writing in support of Cat, Linzi said: “Get this all the time [close passes] and almost always there are no cars in the other direction, so it’s simply a deliberate act to ... try to cause upset or harm. I note older drivers often will do the same, they are totally oblivious sometimes.”
John agreed. He said: “For you arrogant motorists who never read the Highway Code, cyclists aren’t required to use cycle lanes. You lot, however, are required to keep your eyes on the ball.”
However, the debate also attracted criticism for some cyclists. “Funny, cyclists expect motorist to give said 1.5m, yet not one cyclist have I observed keep the 1.5m when riding past slow traffic. If there is to be a safety gap it should be observed by all parties.”
Graham added: “What about when cyclists pass slow traffic on the near side take or nearly take your mirror off? Works both ways.”
On cyclists under or overtaking, the Highway Code states: “Cyclists may pass slower moving or stationary traffic on their right or left and should proceed with caution as the driver may not be able to see you. Be careful about doing so, particularly on the approach to junctions, and especially when deciding whether it is safe to pass lorries or other large vehicles.”
A number of cyclists have suffered injuries in accident on Hull’s roads in recent months. In March, motorists were said to have “driven around” a cyclist was suffered injuries at a junction in Sutton. In the same month a cyclist suffered head injuries in a crash with a suspected drug driver on Boothferry Road.
In January, a cyclist suffered lifethreatening injuries after being hit by a car on a crossing in Kingswood. And last month a cyclist was seriously injured in a “hit and run” at a toucan crossing in Princes Avenue.
However, some motorists were quick to point out that too many cyclists were regularly breaking the rules of the road.
Richard said: “Pulled up at Cromford traffic lights yesterday, there was a cyclist in front who casually went through on red as though he owned the place, couldn’t believe my eyes.”
Lynette said: “I’m very careful passing bikes, but would like to know how you can do this when they are doing wheelies down the middle of their lane.”
Ian wrote: “There are irresponsible drivers and irresponsible cyclists too. I witnessed four cyclists going through red lights on my way to work this morning.”
Marc summed up the debate. He wrote: “Reading the gammons on here makes you realise it isn’t even safe sharing the road with these thugs in another car, let alone a bike. The only safe place for cycling will be the pavement, until all these little men are put in their rightful place ... jail.”