Thank-you dude your videos are blessing !! I'm a pedestrian , i'm a cyclist, i'm a motorcyclist and I'm a car driver. I enjoy each of them responsibly. I'm plenty of courtesy. Nowadays traffic is a real issue, helping each others in the traffic has become a real need.
about red light jumpers, "idaho stop" is the way to go, as a matter of fact In the Netherlands, transport planner Hans Monderman has pioneered a new method which involves removing traffic signs, lights and in some cases, road markings. This concept has successfully been tested in the small Dutch town of Drachten, which has had traffic lights removed, Nice video Roy when i saw it was 42 minute long i thought to mysel that "this was going to be boring", but you really touch important points, realy gald you did talk about this issues, please ride safe.
Brilliant video Roy, thank you. I think you articulated really well what most of us cyclists think, particularly around the mindset of some with hateful comments around cyclists yet not bothered about dangerous drivers. I only wish that the government had communicated the HC changes (and the rules prior to the change) as well or indeed at all. All drivers (and cyclists) should be made to watch your video!
Excellent video Roy. Highly informative, educational and balanced. Should be shared and viewed by all road users, motoring and cycling organisations. Tackles many of the myths raised by media head on and gives a accurate but also balanced response. In my Advanced Motorcycle rider training we were often encouraged to 'talk through' every maneuver on the road to keep a high level of awareness of everything around us and your video shows how powerful this can be. Well done, thank you and keep up the great work you are doing, particularly in the absence of any guidance from Department of Transport.
This is the first of your videos I've watched. An excellent explanation for cyclists and motorists. 👏👏 I've had to give up bike riding due to disability but I am now using an adult tricycle. I ride my trike as defensively as I did my bike, albeit on relatively quiet residential streets. Just last week I was on a narrow road, cars parked on either side leaving room for only one vehicle at a time to get through. I had parked cars on my right (in the USA), a white car in back of me and an old red pickup approaching from the opposite direction and waiting for the white car to clear the way. I was 'taking the lane' until I found a space between the parked cars where I could pull over letting the car behind me go thru. I then waited a bit to let the pickup also come thru but that driver waved for me to go on forward after which he proceeded on his way. A very nice collaboration among 3 road users I thought. Eventually I hope to gain enough courage to ride on some of the busier streets allowing me to ride to the grocery and bank. P. S. You've gained a new subscriber.
That’s a great story, and thanks for joining me. I’m pleased this video translated to riding in the USA. It’s slightly depressing when what should be a standard gesture is so unusual it’s remarked upon. I must admit that when I saw the words ‘old red pickup’ I immediately stereotyped and feared the worst. It’s good to hear that you are getting out on your trike. One of our regular riders uses a recumbent trike and I find she is given more space than a bicycle. Keep safe and enjoy your cycling.
100% agree with you Roy i have cycled for over 60 years in the UK and abroad and have encountered many of the subjects that you have covered. Please continue with your excellent advice and informatiom.
As a cyclist (for pleasure, work and commuting) I first thought this video was just going to be 40 minutes of griping. How wrong I was. Totally agree 100% with the advice and common sense presented here. Mmotorists who incur a traffic violation should be made watch this as part of their fine or points on their licence . After all 12 points on your licence and you'll have to ride a bike to get around (ha ha). Excellent mate.
Finally, a man after my own heart. Nice vid Ride With Roy, looks like a nice route as well. Why do I cycle as often as possible? Because it makes me feel great! We definitely need many more dedicated cycle paths, in my opinion. Perhaps then people would take to their bikes with all the ensuing benefits.
Great vid. I’m a cyclist and ride with a club. Being a member of Cycling UK I am insured of course. You have given a lot of good practice tips here. One thing we do when we have a large group is split up into a number of small groups, say consisting of 5 or 6 riders per sub group, and leaving a gap of about three car lengths between each group, to allow cars to overtake and tuck in between two groups if necessary. It’s safer for us, and car drivers seem to appreciate it too.
Thanks. Yes, that’s exactly what we do with our groups. I’d be interested to know if you have an agreed method of singling out from two abreast. Several clubs I’ve spoken to don’t. I ask the outer rider to move in behind the rider to their left, and the rider behind opens a space. Of course, it doesn’t matter which way it’s done as long as there is a process.
This is brilliant. I wonder if you would allow others to host this as a guest video? Someone like Ashley Neil for example who reaches lots of the kind of drivers who would listen to this. He could just introduce it at the start and then play your video. I think it could get you more (well deserved) subscribers who are cyclists? Depends if the others agree but I feel some may.
Thanks, Andrew. I do follow Ashley so have sent him a link. I’d happily allow hosting as I just want to get the word out about co existing on the roads.
Brilliant video Roy, this was shared to a UK advanced drivers Facebook by a chap called Mike Roberts who also has his own TH-cam channel discussing advanced mototcycle riding. I really enjoyed this video, your message about encouraging everyone to try and look out for one another is crucial for our roads, as you say things are only going to get busier and the more people who step up and can be helpful the easier it will be on all of us. Unfortunately we can't rely upon the main stream media to help with this message but I feel people like yourself are contributing and making a small difference. We may not experience it everyday but our behaviour does influence others and if that makes someone's day that bit easier I think it will be remembered.. The only caveat to that is trying to reach out to those that listen only to the ones shouting the loudest. Well keep up the good work buddy and thank you for uploading this video..
Thanks for letting me know this, Christian. It’s rewarding to know that it’s being appreciated. I’m not sure we’ll turn the tide anytime soon, but every little helps. Thanks again and safe travels.
Excellent video, Roy. been a cyclist 30 + years and A lot of those things I have done for year's, mostly self taught and common sense ...(trouble is it`s not very common) this should be a must watch to all road user`s ..
Very well done Roy. I can see you really spent some time thinking about this and captured it brilliantly. An excellent capture of the state of play. On the other side of the world, much the same issues emerge. We’ve had the same rules in NSW you just introduced for many years yet I still see cyclists cut off at cycle path/road intersections etc.
Thanks, Neil. Yes, it did take a bit of research due to the ambiguity concerning junctions. I had to check with Cycling UK to make sure I was giving accurate information. Some Australians I met while in Adelaide gave the impression that knocking cyclists off is a sport! We have certainly seen an improvement in close passes, but I guess cities will be a different issue.
Thanks for taking the time out to share this video really I would imagine it’s taken quite a bit of your time very clear and informative and well balanced. Whatever we do in life it will work much better if we pay due care and attention to both our own welfare and that of others
Welcome, Christopher, and thanks for joining us. I’ll be uploading Part two in a couple of weeks as I think everyone will be busy over the bank holiday. But Part three will be just a week after that.
Well made, and informative, all cyclist's, drivers and pedestrians should watch. A lot of things I have done for year's, like move into middle of lane, at pinch points etc, and sit in the middle of the rear of the car in front of me at traffic lights and junctions. Would never filter down the side of traffic especially if close to a junction.
Thanks Roy, very well put together explanation. I just think if all road users had a modicum of common sense and empathy, we would all rub along together nicely. However a regular re-read of the highway code would do wonders. I passed IAM drive smart a few years ago at work and it helped me immensely.
Spot on! As noted here, often the center of the lane is the only safe place to be. The primary reason many motorists do not like cyclist on "their" roads has little to do with taxes or other costs. It is that we're not fast enough and are in their way.
This is a very balanced and sensible perspective on cycling. I don’t disagree with anything you said. If only everyone would watch through to the end. Well done for an excellent video though
Thank you, Lawrence. Interestingly, although it’s a long video, the stats show that many have watched it all the way through. I also think the spoof intro meant that some cyclists switched off immediately, and some cyclist haters were disappointed when It it all changed 😀 Please feel free to share so more people see it. Especially important now that we have the press stoking division yet again.
I know this video is two years old but Ive just come across your channel and after watching TWOTR videos this popped up, I do like the way you explained everything. I've been knocked off my bike twice, once by an Ambulance !! And the other a hit and run I remember nothing about. I am totally on board with the re-test the theory or highway code I would be happy to do this.The sad fact for me today is that I rarely ride on the road these days.
Thanks Brian. Sorry to hear that you rarely ride on the road these days. Hopefully you have some off road rides you can do. I must say that getting knocked off by an ambulance does at least cut out the wait for one 🙂 I was knocked off at low speed and even that was a horrible experience, so twice would make me very nervous. The biggest issue these days is the number of distractions drivers contend with. Apart from the all too common phone use, iPad type screens in new cars invite distraction. I recently test drove a Tesla. Even selecting reverse required the use of the touch screen! I hope you liked the TWOTR videos. On 11 May, Wendy and I will take the train to Edinburgh and ride back to Grantham, over 7 days. Well that’s the plan! That could end up as a mini series 😀 I hope you can enjoy some stress free cycling, Brian, and I wish you the very best.
Excellent video, Roy. I don't normally watch videos this long, but this was worth it. You touched on two "c-words" that are critical - riding with convenience and being courteous. It doesn't cost anything to pull over for 30 seconds to let cars pass and, as you said, it hopefully helps to raise the opinion of car drivers towards cyclists.
Thanks, David. I edited it as much as possible and considered making it two or three episodes. However, after taking advice I decided it would lose momentum by splitting it. I did think about dropping the music part at the end but wanted to show the pleasure of cycling. Thanks for sticking with it.
A great well explained and produced video Roy. I would also highly recommend Ashley Neal's channel for some clear well balanced guidance of how to use the road safely for all road users.
Excellent tutorial expounding the central theme of courtesy, whilst clearly demonstrating the road sense and road use of a seasoned expert. As doctors we are subject to annual appraisal and triennial revalidation, so, I would agree that at the very least, a triennial retest would be sensible. The government has no other statutory vehicle to enforce such a change. My motorcycle trainer held the same values as you, but when it came time for me to take the pebbles from his hand, he told me to secretly treat all other road users as blind, deaf and stupid!
You are doing a great public service by producing videos like this which awareness is something I keep telling everyone that needs to happen. There should be funding for Television time to air public service announcements about the rights cyclists have to use the roads. I used to see PSAs about Texting while driving and they don't show those anymore. It's baffling to me. But anyway, Thank you for using your valuable time to make this video. I used my valuable time to watch the entire thing. 👍
That’s kind of you and much appreciated. And thanks for sticking with it to the end 😀 If it helps keep just one person out of danger it will be worthwhile. Thanks again 👍
An excellent video Roy! Sadly this and similarly informative content from the likes of Ashley Neil will only be seen by responsible road users, what is needed is for such balanced and educational content to reach a wider audience (how about prime time TV?). I am frustrated by the majority of coverage of the changes, and I include in this not only the popular press but also some of the pro-cycling coverage writing as though "we've won"; if anything I think we've lost because of the adverse coverage. A balanced message is far less likely to provoke a them and us attitude and to help build a share the road mentality. In addition to the points raised in the video, I've also like motorists to understand that there are reasons for my actions, for example I'm in the middle of my lane to avoid the numerous potholes nearer the kerb, not because the Highway Code says I can. If I were to have just 1 wish, it is that the minority of road users (irrespective of mode of transport) please obey the rules of the road and help everyone complete their journey in safety. #share-the-road
Thank you for a sensible video about riding safely. As vulnerable road users we have to be proactive when approaching dangerous situations. Much of the problem as you have said is people are in a hurry and not completely focused on the task. Making eye contact and being aware of your surroundings is most important. A wave to a driver who waits to allow you through before turning goes a long way to reduce the us vs them mindset. I have seen others with the Garmin radar unit. Do you still pay attention to it or after a time start to ignore in busier traffic.
Thanks, David. In busy traffic the radar becomes ineffective as it uses speed differential to spot traffic. If traffic is all moving at the same speed it won’t alert, which is good when in a group with other riders. Most of my cycling is on country lanes where it is now vital to me, especially with the advent of electric vehicles. It’s also great for picking up passing cyclists
I find the whole Cyclists Vs Motorists thing so annoying, It should be Good road users Vs. Bad road users, regardless of what vehicle you are in control of. A motorist who is willing to put a cyclist at risk knowing full well that they could kill that person, isn't going to think twice about putting fellow motorists at risk too (same goes for cyclists vs pedestrians). The only thing I disagree with is that they put cyclists above horse riders on the hierarchy, Because horses don't care if you are a bike or a car they see something moving quickly in their peripheral vision and they can freak out, I don't want some cyclists to start racing past them because they have "priority", a horse, rider combo is not a vehicle its two independent minds and that adds an element of unpredictability.
I did edit out a clip, due to it already being too long, where I cover my flashing front light when approaching a pair of oncoming racehorses out on a training amble. The riders noted this and thanked me. Whenever I take a group out I make a point of mentioning horse etiquette.
@@RideWithRoy I have flashing running lights on my bike too, never occurred to me that they could panic a horse, and mine are down on the forks, some cockpit rearrangement seems to be in order LOL.
I don’t know if the light would upset a horse but I didn’t want to find out the hard way 😂 The fact that riders always thank me when they see me do it seems to suggest it would. Also, I expect those thoroughbred racehorses might be a bit highly strung. On the subject of cockpit space, I just ordered a bar extender tinyurl.com/mr2j9rey to fit to the new build gravel bike. It will allow me to fit my ‘be seen’ light, headlight, Garmin and bullet cam without encroaching on the handlebar. I’ll revue it when I do the final reveal of that completed bike.
@@RideWithRoy I have the exact same extender on my bike packing rig, they are really good, just be carful with the hinges (you will see what I mean when you get it) they are not designed to bear any load just makes them easier to install so if you put the wrong sized insert in they could break off.
Very appropriate and informative Roy. I think that courtesy is the word of the day. It's not difficult to show courtesy as your ride in the video proves. Let's all be nice to each other. As far as you mentioning the Daily Mail don't even get me started on them. Stay safe and take care.
Very well balanced video and very informative. I totally agree with you on the positioning on roundabouts, I for one will be carrying on turning right in right hand lane.
***** video Roy, wish everybody could watch this excellent example using the road. Aware of all surroundings and fellow road users. Being prepared for the unexpected seems the norm nowadays Many thanks for sharing this tutorial video
This was very well done, Roy obviously thinks about his content. What I noticed most was the relaxed state of the drivers, state side we aren’t quite that way, always in a rush and angry about something. Please tell me what is your secret. My pet peeve as a cyclist are my fellow cyclist that run red lights or stop signs. I have had drivers yell obscenities at me because another cyclist ran a red light. They tend to see all cyclists as one. I’m not sure what a cyclist pays for insurance in the UK but in the U.S. it is prohibitive, in some cases higher than car insurance. The last time I checked insurance for my two bicycles was about $500.00 U.S.. Ridiculous. I’m glad I found your channel, keep up the great work and keep the rubber side down. Gwynn
Thanks, Gwynn, that’s very kind of you to say. I don’t churn out content every week, as TH-cam encourage, but try to make what I do meaningful. Your pet peeve is also that of many cyclists in the UK, as the actions of a few are translated by some drivers as ‘all cyclists’. As far as drivers being relaxed, it would be a different story in big cities, where frustration at being stuck in traffic causes drivers to be frustrated when cyclists are free flowing. Of course, some are too dumb to realise they are the traffic. Third party insurance is included in membership of the two big cycling organisations in the UK. This costs under £40 a year and gives cover up to £10 million. For this we also get many membership benefits. Bike theft cover is higher, but still under £100. I try to encourage more cycling for health, exercise and travel, but a big barrier to this is fear on the roads. Education of riders, pedestrians and drivers is key, but our government is woefully inadequate in rolling this out, so I’m trying to do my bit. Thanks again for your support.
Couldn't agree more, I am definitely noticing more consideration from most car drivers, unfortunately it is the minority that don't care about others till they have to live with the consequences of taking a life that seem untrainable, common sense and courtesy should be all that's required.
Excellent video Roy. It was fascinating to see you riding the one way system in Grantham the same way as I do and I’ve never had a driving test (just been a passenger and taken note). Courtesy and safe road use.
Cyclists cycle down the middle of side streets, say in London, because they don't have to worry about motorists opening doors on them. I was run down by a motorist, and it was only because the motorist behind me took the hit and run drivers licence number 1:36 I was able to bring him to the magistrates court. And all he got was three points on his licence! If I had been clipped in, I would of been badly injured. I literally had to jump over the front of my own bike!😮 plus, over the years, I have been cut up, close passed and had doors opened in front of me.
Very good and reasoned explanation. A pity that it can’t be seen more widely. As public information. I’m like you a seasoned cyclist who has taken the time to learn about the changes. It worries me that the relevant authorities haven’t communicated the changes very well. Safe travels.
Some good points there, getting your bike in the correct position on the road is so important. In Western Australia we have laws that give a metre clearance for cyclists at under 60kmph and 1.5 metres over 60kmph. It definitely makes a difference. Another no-no is riding in front of a car waiting to turn on a main road. I suppose cars are so convenient and comfortable that cyclists and motorists will just have to consider each other in the foreseeable future.
The issue with recurrent testing of drivers is that it would be useless, because the majority of bad driving is deliberate, not due to people making mistakes. People know the rules, but break them willingly, so they will just drive well for the test, then go back to driving badly the rest of the time.
I live in an outer area of melbourne and much is zoned rural residential. Many of the local main roads are hemmed in by amcar railing with no provision for pedestrians or cyclists. Really no place to go or avoid heavy transport traffic. For those with access to gps the location is grant road baxter and golf links road baxter. Baxter primary school is on the corner with amcar railing on the corner with baxter tooradin road. The intersection was redesigned 2 years ago and since then the amcar is ridden over every 6 months by b double trucks. Cyclists and pedestrians are not the problem but the designers of these roads.
Great video... On shared paths that have a solid white line the cyclist or pedestrian must walk or cycle in their designated lane, you stated it didn't matter
You are correct it’s a Must, but cycling or walking with the ‘my right of way’ mentality is a recipe for disaster. We must expect people to ignore markings and work around them. In my experience that’s just what they do - not to mention extending dog leads across both sides. The advice in that video is designed to make cycling safer regardless of rules made to help us.
Thankyou Roy a thorough comprehensive video about the rules for cyclists I hate the road because its so dangerous I only ride on cycleways I think myself the government should build more cycleways I wear hiviz it isn't compulsory! But I saves lives just like cycle hats, I'm a avid electric bike rider and I prefer the Off-road trails it's liberating but the roads really scare me yes cycleways can be obstructed by pedestrians I'm always courtious having said that I was assaulted by an elderly lady who wouldn't let me pass(covid) the police said I should have taken a picture of her but I'm a security guard and a walking stick hitting me on the back was excusable the poor woman had been frightened by the two metre rule! Keep doing these videos Roy they are informative and intelligent logic!
Excellent and thoughtful video. One thing I would have emphasised more is the inadequacy of cycle lanes. You touched on a couple of issues - very poor maintenance and shared paths are not ideal for either walkers or pedallers. But having to slow or stop at every side road junction not only reverses the normal rules of the road but is highly irritating and energy sapping. Cycle lanes need to be continuous and not broken into many short stretches. In the meantime I’ll stay on the roads.
Thanks, Stephen. I’m pushing our county council to add give way markings on road junctions that are bisected by cycle and pedestrian paths. These currently have give way markings across the cycle paths, so giving totally the wrong message. I recently had a woman turn into a side road as I was crossing. When I told he she should give way she answered ‘No I don’t!’ Unfortunately, Lincolnshire is a very car centric county so it’s a real struggle. The district council are now largely Independents who are listening. I recently made a video highlighting these inadequacies, including the marking of junctions, which the deputy leader of the council circulated to all councillors, so little by little.
I only use dedicated cycle lanes with barriers other wise I use the pavement because I don't trust drivers and drivers drive so much faster than they were able to before
A well thought through video with a fair balance considering all riders / drivers viewpoints. It is a pity that as usual the minority spoil it for the majority. I bet if you look at the demographics and stats age groupings will also play a part. This provoked some interesting thoughts at around 33 mins especially on education and training. Well put together 👍
Well thought out and demonstrated video Roy, valid points and certainly plenty of talking points for all road users and also pedestrian's. Your points on Strava Segments on shared footpaths, you can flag that segment as hazardous by using the Action Menu on that segment.
Every cycle on the road is one less car, reducing congestion and making journeys faster for those who do drive. I saw an incident today in Richmond Park, where a car driver shot past me, but a group of cyclists were two abreast ahead of him, so he broke hard, hooted, and then forced his way past. For what reason I don't know, a sense of entitlement, that anyone slowing this driver down had no right to be on the road, forget the Highway Code and good driving etiquette!
realy good clear video.remember though your safety is your responsability,no mater what the highway code says there will always be some people who think it doesnt apply to them be cautious.safe riding my friend.
Aye really good, I always cycle using the same rules when I'm a driver, that part is forgotten a lot. I'm finding drivers behaviour much better as well, on my commute each day it's pedestrians and in particular ones with dogs off leads that cause me near misses, saying that Edinburgh isn't really cyclest frendly, rest of Scotland is much better.
I’ve noticed a lot of drivers fail to giveaway to pedestrians and when I’m giving way I get some drivers approach and start beeping away as the pedestrian is crossing, one not long ago beeped yelled and dangerously overtook and just missed the pedestrian so I’ve started to place my bike crossways so nobody can get pass until they have crossed. Some try and overtake on roundabouts on the same lane, totally lack of respect for cyclists in my area
Long video but full of really useful advice. Anything which makes a cyclist more confident and safer has to be applauded. However not sure I will ever be ready to cycle through Grantham! I always walk the scary intersections!
Good video Roy. Here are a few comments from some people on facebook that are on my facebook feed just after the changes to the Highway Code were in the news a few weeks ago. I have not included any names for obvious reasons and did not/have not respond to their comments as I doubted that any explanation of the code to them would be worth the effort: They don't pay road tax, get them off roads!,,,, ,,,,, They have cycle paths ffs,,,,,,,,,, I will still give tham a wash with the headlight washer's when they block the road,,,,,,Moving target - ten points but be bloody worth it ! when they pay Road tax insurance and i can claim back damage to my vehicle when they cut me up then welcome to the road :-). So four comments from people that illustrate your points very well regarding the attitude of some people. If they have children riding bikes, wonder what they would think of motorists exhibiting the same sentiment/views if their family members were hit, injured or killed. I am a motorist, cyclist, pedestrain and use public transport (trains) I don't change into a transport specific hater when use one method of transport over any other. I am also a member of a local cycling club and a member of British Cycling. I am also a private pilot (PPL) so have the requiremement placed on me to complete a cetain number of hours per year, have a medical each year and have to have my licence revalidated.
I think most of these will be keyboard warriors, sitting in their basements in their underwear 😂 I would imagine that if confronted on the road they would lock themselves in their cars pretty quickly.
Very well presented Roy, unfortunately I haven't noticed any change in car drivers in the city on my commute, my last near miss was being undertaken by a bus, the left hand lane was being used as on street parking ahead and traffic was so slow I wasn't holding anyone up so the undertaking was not out of necessity, rather "I will not be BEHIND a cyclist no matter what" , the bus driver ran out of space for his undertake and just merged into the lane I was in while level with me, I was then forced into the oncoming lane to avoid being hit, his response was to tell me I should be on the pavement and not the road. Red light jumpers are almost always either deliveroo/stuart/uber eats ebike riders or youngsters on MTBs and puffa jackets where I am, annoys the hell out of me because they are so prolific they negatively impact the image of cyclists.
@@RideWithRoy not at the moment mate, I reported the incident to First Bus but doubt anything further happened, a set of cameras, front and rear is on my list though just not gotten round to it yet
Great video Roy and like you I’m a cyclist and a car driver and ride/drive safely at all times. Sadly the idiots out there that would be candidates for the dangerous close passes will not get to see your video which shows both sides of the argument? Let’s hope in time people will change their behaviour and we stand less chance of being killed whilst out riding our bikes? Stay safe.
Excellent video, I personally think a lot of the problem nowadays is there is more people that just think of themselves , and the roads would be a lot safer and nicer if there was more give and take, I definitely don’t want to annoy someone in charge of something that kill me! Good point you make about eye balling motorists to make sure they have seen you it’s certainly something I always did when I cycled more in busier areas, especially on roundabouts and I agree I wouldn’t cycle all the way round the outside of one.Just I small point when you were cycling along the cycle path and crossing the minor roads at junctions , it actually says should give and not must, I think you say both at different times , but that is one of the things that has been misreported so good to get right. I think this is mainly for occasions when it would be dangerous for vehicles to stop suddenly on busy main roads.
Thanks. I thought I said should but if I said must it was a slip of the tongue. Funnily enough, I noted a junction off of the A1 where to give way to anyone would likely be fatal.
The amount of pedestrians who are listening to music or podcasts or whatever even while walking either in the countryside or shared paths is ridiculous and getting worse they have no awareness of their surroundings at all
@@jeffred6616 and after yelling at one elderly man wearing huge headphones, increasingly loudly as I got closer without a response, he jumped out of his skin and asked why I didn’t ring my bell! Each to their, own but how can they think that disabling a vital sense is a good idea. And don’t get me started on those that cross a road with eyes glued to a phone 🤯
Fantastic, you rode your bike sensibly and observed the rules but how many cyclists don't do that, when driving my car I pull to the left of my lane if I see a large vehicle approaching me and the lane is narrow, I also slow down, but many times a cyclist has undertaken me, and shouted that I have not allowed them to filter.
There was a case in the newspaper of a woman who was killed by a cyclist who was riding a bike with no brakes. I bet he didn't have insurance, your statistics sound impressive but modern technology can tell if a motor vehicle is fully road legal just by scanning its numberplate, these cameras can be mounted anywhere on the road so it's up to the police to prosecute these drivers, but if a cyclist causes damage or injury to another road user or brakes the law on the road, how can he be identified without number plates, and even if caught there is no law that makes him carry insurance, then we come to training, every car and motorcycle user has to be trained to a standard, and pass a test before they can operate a motor vehicle, this does not apply to cyclists, we need a level playing field for all road user.
All good points, Stephen, but it’s all down to proportionality. The chance of someone being killed by a cyclist is slim, although one death is clearly too many. Many cyclists are killed by motor vehicle drivers each year, either through their own actions or that of a vehicle driver or pedestrian (www.gov.uk/government/statistics/reported-road-casualties-great-britain-pedal-cyclist-factsheet-2021/reported-road-casualties-in-great-britain-pedal-cycle-factsheet-2021) While insurance is not mandatory for cyclists, thousands of us have it by virtue of our membership of Cycling UK and British Cycling for less than £40 per year. And let’s remember that insurance is also protection against awards from a private prosecution. And we’ve seen how effective the motor insurance requirement is with around 32,000 uninsured drivers caught each year. And what of pedestrians? We’ve seen a recent case of a woman being jailed for causing the death of a cyclist - should pedestrians carry insurance? The fact that no other country in the world (other than maybe North Korea) requires insurance or a licence for a pedal cycle tends to confirm that it’s not cost effective. It’s also important not to erect proportionally unnecessary barriers to sustainable travel that will free up space for those of us who have to use a car. So the best we can do is require those with the potential to cause most damage in a heavy, motorised, metal box to be insured. As for training, I would love to see more of it. When I take groups of inexperienced cyclists out I show them the best ways of riding safely. Ironically, its not the inexperienced that are the problem. it’s the experienced and overconfident riders who can pose the greatest risk to others and themselves, so no amount of training will change their behaviour. Sadly, stupid and selfish people live among us and operate all sorts of vehicles and I only see it getting worse. I’m pleased to note that I have noticed a significant improvement in driving and riding standards since the update of the Highway Code, although I expect it’s a different story in a big city.
Good move, Thomas. I work on the premise that as more of us use cameras and report bad driving, word will go round and the roads will become safer for all. It will probably come as no surprise that most ‘dash cam’ reports come from other drivers, and not cyclists.
As a pedestrian and a cyclist, I dislike paying tax for infrastructure that is hostile to me! Even if the motorist is adamant that they are paying for it, I just say, "So what? If I pay for it, can I erect a loudspeaker that blasts heavy metal all day on the street outside of your house?" They should in fact be paying to make our streets safer, as it is them who made them unsafe in the first place!
To be fair, Roy, I had to cycle for 4 days a few days apart from Picadilly Station Manchester to Manchester Royal Infirmary and back, a distance of 4 miles round trip. I can honestly say 95% of cyclists (mainly Deliveroo etc.) did NOT stop at Red lights. I did but was abused on about a dozen occasions for stopping at a Red light. As I come from sleepy large market town I found all this quite alarming. So I can see where city drivers are coming from with the 'Cyclistss never stop at red lights'.
I appreciate the difference in riding styles, Claire, and doubt city cyclists, especially those trying to earn a living on a bike, are going to change anytime soon. Sadly, I’ve seen it around here as well. One one occasion a young lad cycled through a busy light controlled junction with no hands on the steering! The main purpose of this video was to counter the irresponsible headlines about the poorly communicated changes.
I also live in a city and not that common to see someone go through a red light. People travelling to tight timescales like cycle and driving couriers and some taxis can sometimes make choices that are not wise for themselves or other road users. I agree with Roy that in my experience the majority of road and pavement users are reasonably responsible and considerate
I shake my head and tut (quintessentially British) every time a delivery e-cyclist blasts through a red that I'm waiting at, for my city at least it never seems to be the folks commuting or cycling for leisure, the only abuse I get at lights is when I position myself ahead of someone who has parked in the cycle box.
Pretty much identical to how I cycle … I think all cyclist need to do a course in cycling like this .. In a busy urban city, there is def more center lane blocking traffic situations, use when appropriate, cycling down a country lane v cycling around Hyde Park Corner is very diff And yes cyclist need VED … costed at £0… and all cyclist need third party.
I don’t even like Hyde Park in a car, let alone a bicycle. I agree that a different style of cycling is needed in a big city, but the majority of cyclists are in smaller towns and countryside. I think most of the animosity on both sides comes from city travellers.
Hi Roy enjoyed your take on the amended Highway Code pity the dri Hi Roy enjoyed your take on the amended Highway Code and your other videos, keep them coming
All this sense is unfortunately falling on deaf ears but hopefully if we keep on putting the info out in a clear well explained way the message will get through. People can be very stubborn in their ignorance though and so we have to be extra careful out there on our bikes.
I led two guided rides, today, where a shared path crossed several roads at junctions. Only one driver stopped to let us pass and her house was alongside the path. Still an awful lot of education required and still no official information campaign.
@@RideWithRoy I remember seeing groups of motor bikes going around blocking the traffic with their bikes to allow the whole group to ride through junctions together .. I can see why they did it now.
Hi Roy, the section at 11:30 where you talk about right of way. I think that particular junction is quite difficult. If the cycle lane ran along side the road upto that junction so there was no grass verge, it would follow the examples in the highway code. But because it's set back, the drivers may feel they are already on that stretch of road past the junction. As you said in this situation as a cyclist it's better to ride cautiously rather than just darting across because you have right of way. Even in my car I exercise caution when it comes to right of way. The amount of times I've been at a junction and another car is at the opposite junction and they don't know who has right of way is scary.
Yes, Rob, I chose that example for that very reason. I did check with cycling UK before making the video and they confirmed that a path with a verge in between is indeed included in the new rule. That why we need some proper publicity from the Department for Transport.
I’m always really careful around cyclists, as a driver. Been fortunate enough to encounter some stunningly good ones out on the road (I’ll always remember with gratitude that one guy that let me know the way ahead was clear up a big hill) and I’ll thank them too. I did have one question. Around here there are some steep hills where it’s just not safe to pass a cyclist. I do my best to slow down enough that I’m not hassling them, and I certainly don’t pass blind. There’s been once or twice where the going has been slow enough that my car is nearly stalling out in first gear. Totally understandable, I wouldn’t want to be cycling up those hills myself lol, so this isn’t a knock. I’m just wondering if there’s a better way to handle that? It’s not always safe for me (or them) to pull over and wait and of course it’s their right to use the road too. Very nerve wracking though, especially if other drivers come rocketing up behind me 😬
That’s a very thoughtful and considerate approach. Although I always pull over to let drivers pass (and did so several times on today’s ride) the one place I would have difficulty is on a hill. After stopping on a hill it’s very hard to get going again. Some cyclists are drawn to hills (although not this one 😀) so it can be tricky. You are clearly doing the right thing by not passing unless safe to do so, especially as they may wobble more on a climb. Unfortunately, as a driver as well, I don’t have any answer other than use your lowest gear to avoid stalling and ignore those that may be getting impatient behind you, safe in the knowledge you are doing the right thing.
@@RideWithRoy Drat, I was hoping for a magical way around that sort of situation 😂 good to know I’m on the right track at least. I don’t ride personally, but I know many that do and hills appear to be an acquired taste.
Covered some good topics here Roy , I’m not a fan of shared cycle/footpaths as many walkers , dog walkers , pram walkers are completely unaware of there surroundings and don’t mention those extending dog leads 😂😂 . I was in Manchester the other day and Uber cyclists seem to be on a death wish and I nearly got wiped out by one crossing the road . Hopefully I will have my new Ribble cgr al e in April 🚲👍 atb Dave
Fantastic post Roy, a lot of common sense really, problem is, these days it’s not that common. Might I enquire to the brand and model of your front facing camera/rear radar device. Thanks again for a well researched and delivered post👍🏻🙂.
Thanks, William. The camera is the predecessor of this one chilli-tech.com/content/new-bullet-action-camera/ they advertise it as a helmet camera but I prefer it on the handlebar. The footage is good enough to read a numberplate but I understand this one is even better. The radar is this one www.garmin.com/en-GB/p/698001 I purchased mine from Halfords and used my British Cycling 10% discount code.
And how many has this grumpy nasty little bastard has knock off bike.. bet he doesn't tell you that...
Watch more than the first few minutes before commenting to avoid making yourself look stupid
@Janette, also, learn to type and proofread what you post.
Pin of shame. Watch the video first next time, lest you look like a mug.
Thank-you dude your videos are blessing !!
I'm a pedestrian , i'm a cyclist, i'm a motorcyclist and I'm a car driver. I enjoy each of them responsibly. I'm plenty of courtesy. Nowadays traffic is a real issue, helping each others in the traffic has become a real need.
Very good video. Pedestrians , cyclists , drivers , for all of them the master word should be courtesy.
about red light jumpers, "idaho stop" is the way to go, as a matter of fact In the Netherlands, transport planner Hans Monderman has pioneered a new method which involves removing traffic signs, lights and in some cases, road markings. This concept has successfully been tested in the small Dutch town of Drachten, which has had traffic lights removed, Nice video Roy when i saw it was 42 minute long i thought to mysel that "this was going to be boring", but you really touch important points, realy gald you did talk about this issues, please ride safe.
Thanks, Pedro. The Netherlands leads the way in most things cycling.
Brilliant video Roy, thank you. I think you articulated really well what most of us cyclists think, particularly around the mindset of some with hateful comments around cyclists yet not bothered about dangerous drivers. I only wish that the government had communicated the HC changes (and the rules prior to the change) as well or indeed at all. All drivers (and cyclists) should be made to watch your video!
Excellent video Roy. Highly informative, educational and balanced. Should be shared and viewed by all road users, motoring and cycling organisations. Tackles many of the myths raised by media head on and gives a accurate but also balanced response.
In my Advanced Motorcycle rider training we were often encouraged to 'talk through' every maneuver on the road to keep a high level of awareness of everything around us and your video shows how powerful this can be.
Well done, thank you and keep up the great work you are doing, particularly in the absence of any guidance from Department of Transport.
Thanks, Malcolm, I really appreciate your comment.
This is the first of your videos I've watched. An excellent explanation for cyclists and motorists. 👏👏
I've had to give up bike riding due to disability but I am now using an adult tricycle. I ride my trike as defensively as I did my bike, albeit on relatively quiet residential streets. Just last week I was on a narrow road, cars parked on either side leaving room for only one vehicle at a time to get through. I had parked cars on my right (in the USA), a white car in back of me and an old red pickup approaching from the opposite direction and waiting for the white car to clear the way. I was 'taking the lane' until I found a space between the parked cars where I could pull over letting the car behind me go thru. I then waited a bit to let the pickup also come thru but that driver waved for me to go on forward after which he proceeded on his way. A very nice collaboration among 3 road users I thought.
Eventually I hope to gain enough courage to ride on some of the busier streets allowing me to ride to the grocery and bank.
P. S. You've gained a new subscriber.
That’s a great story, and thanks for joining me. I’m pleased this video translated to riding in the USA. It’s slightly depressing when what should be a standard gesture is so unusual it’s remarked upon. I must admit that when I saw the words ‘old red pickup’ I immediately stereotyped and feared the worst. It’s good to hear that you are getting out on your trike. One of our regular riders uses a recumbent trike and I find she is given more space than a bicycle. Keep safe and enjoy your cycling.
100% agree with you Roy i have cycled for over 60 years in the UK and abroad and have encountered many of the subjects that you have covered.
Please continue with your excellent advice and informatiom.
As a cyclist (for pleasure, work and commuting) I first thought this video was just going to be 40 minutes of griping. How wrong I was. Totally agree 100% with the advice and common sense presented here. Mmotorists who incur a traffic violation should be made watch this as part of their fine or points on their licence . After all 12 points on your licence and you'll have to ride a bike to get around (ha ha). Excellent mate.
I purposely made the title and intro that way to lure the anti cyclist drivers in 🙂 The large number of dislikes suggests it worked.
Great video. I am both cyclist and driver. There are bits that I need to take on board.
Finally, a man after my own heart. Nice vid Ride With Roy, looks like a nice route as well.
Why do I cycle as often as possible? Because it makes me feel great!
We definitely need many more dedicated cycle paths, in my opinion.
Perhaps then people would take to their bikes with all the ensuing benefits.
Logical, reasonable and great informational video for all drivers.
Ty.
You make so much sense. Thank you for bringing sanity to our world.
Great vid. I’m a cyclist and ride with a club. Being a member of Cycling UK I am insured of course. You have given a lot of good practice tips here. One thing we do when we have a large group is split up into a number of small groups, say consisting of 5 or 6 riders per sub group, and leaving a gap of about three car lengths between each group, to allow cars to overtake and tuck in between two groups if necessary. It’s safer for us, and car drivers seem to appreciate it too.
Thanks. Yes, that’s exactly what we do with our groups. I’d be interested to know if you have an agreed method of singling out from two abreast. Several clubs I’ve spoken to don’t. I ask the outer rider to move in behind the rider to their left, and the rider behind opens a space. Of course, it doesn’t matter which way it’s done as long as there is a process.
This is brilliant. I wonder if you would allow others to host this as a guest video? Someone like Ashley Neil for example who reaches lots of the kind of drivers who would listen to this. He could just introduce it at the start and then play your video. I think it could get you more (well deserved) subscribers who are cyclists? Depends if the others agree but I feel some may.
Thanks, Andrew. I do follow Ashley so have sent him a link. I’d happily allow hosting as I just want to get the word out about co existing on the roads.
Excellent video, I felt calm and assured after watching it. As I always say to my grandchildren, the roads are for EVERYONE.
Thanks Roy for putting your time into this excellent video,, informative with some points very well made.
Brilliant video Roy, this was shared to a UK advanced drivers Facebook by a chap called Mike Roberts who also has his own TH-cam channel discussing advanced mototcycle riding.
I really enjoyed this video, your message about encouraging everyone to try and look out for one another is crucial for our roads, as you say things are only going to get busier and the more people who step up and can be helpful the easier it will be on all of us. Unfortunately we can't rely upon the main stream media to help with this message but I feel people like yourself are contributing and making a small difference. We may not experience it everyday but our behaviour does influence others and if that makes someone's day that bit easier I think it will be remembered..
The only caveat to that is trying to reach out to those that listen only to the ones shouting the loudest.
Well keep up the good work buddy and thank you for uploading this video..
Thanks for letting me know this, Christian. It’s rewarding to know that it’s being appreciated. I’m not sure we’ll turn the tide anytime soon, but every little helps. Thanks again and safe travels.
Excellent video, Roy. been a cyclist 30 + years and A lot of those things I have done for year's, mostly self taught and common sense ...(trouble is it`s not very common) this should be a must watch to all road user`s ..
Thanks, Larry.
Very well done Roy. I can see you really spent some time thinking about this and captured it brilliantly. An excellent capture of the state of play. On the other side of the world, much the same issues emerge. We’ve had the same rules in NSW you just introduced for many years yet I still see cyclists cut off at cycle path/road intersections etc.
Thanks, Neil. Yes, it did take a bit of research due to the ambiguity concerning junctions. I had to check with Cycling UK to make sure I was giving accurate information. Some Australians I met while in Adelaide gave the impression that knocking cyclists off is a sport! We have certainly seen an improvement in close passes, but I guess cities will be a different issue.
Thanks for taking the time out to share this video really I would imagine it’s taken quite a bit of your time very clear and informative and well balanced. Whatever we do in life it will work much better if we pay due care and attention to both our own welfare and that of others
Brilliant video. Very informative for me as a cyclist and car user. Thanks for creating this video 🙏😊👍
Thanks Jennifer, I’m pleased you found it helpful.
Absolutely brilliant that roy I've only just discovered your site I'm so pleased that I have done so & I loved the W.O.R. video can't wait for part 3👍
Welcome, Christopher, and thanks for joining us. I’ll be uploading Part two in a couple of weeks as I think everyone will be busy over the bank holiday. But Part three will be just a week after that.
Well made, and informative, all cyclist's, drivers and pedestrians should watch. A lot of things I have done for year's, like move into middle of lane, at pinch points etc, and sit in the middle of the rear of the car in front of me at traffic lights and junctions. Would never filter down the side of traffic especially if close to a junction.
Thanks Roy, very well put together explanation. I just think if all road users had a modicum of common sense and empathy, we would all rub along together nicely. However a regular re-read of the highway code would do wonders. I passed IAM drive smart a few years ago at work and it helped me immensely.
Spot on! As noted here, often the center of the lane is the only safe place to be. The primary reason many motorists do not like cyclist on "their" roads has little to do with taxes or other costs. It is that we're not fast enough and are in their way.
Thank you very much for that interesting and well commented video! Best Regards from Leipzig, Germany! Torge
This is a very balanced and sensible perspective on cycling. I don’t disagree with anything you said. If only everyone would watch through to the end. Well done for an excellent video though
Thank you, Lawrence. Interestingly, although it’s a long video, the stats show that many have watched it all the way through. I also think the spoof intro meant that some cyclists switched off immediately, and some cyclist haters were disappointed when It it all changed 😀 Please feel free to share so more people see it. Especially important now that we have the press stoking division yet again.
I know this video is two years old but Ive just come across your channel and after watching TWOTR videos this popped up, I do like the way you explained everything. I've been knocked off my bike twice, once by an Ambulance !! And the other a hit and run I remember nothing about. I am totally on board with the re-test the theory or highway code I would be happy to do this.The sad fact for me today is that I rarely ride on the road these days.
Thanks Brian. Sorry to hear that you rarely ride on the road these days. Hopefully you have some off road rides you can do. I must say that getting knocked off by an ambulance does at least cut out the wait for one 🙂 I was knocked off at low speed and even that was a horrible experience, so twice would make me very nervous. The biggest issue these days is the number of distractions drivers contend with. Apart from the all too common phone use, iPad type screens in new cars invite distraction. I recently test drove a Tesla. Even selecting reverse required the use of the touch screen!
I hope you liked the TWOTR videos. On 11 May, Wendy and I will take the train to Edinburgh and ride back to Grantham, over 7 days. Well that’s the plan! That could end up as a mini series 😀 I hope you can enjoy some stress free cycling, Brian, and I wish you the very best.
Excellent video, Roy. I don't normally watch videos this long, but this was worth it. You touched on two "c-words" that are critical - riding with convenience and being courteous. It doesn't cost anything to pull over for 30 seconds to let cars pass and, as you said, it hopefully helps to raise the opinion of car drivers towards cyclists.
Thanks, David. I edited it as much as possible and considered making it two or three episodes. However, after taking advice I decided it would lose momentum by splitting it. I did think about dropping the music part at the end but wanted to show the pleasure of cycling. Thanks for sticking with it.
A great well explained and produced video Roy. I would also highly recommend Ashley Neal's channel for some clear well balanced guidance of how to use the road safely for all road users.
I do follow Ashley and placed a link to his channel in the description.
Excellent tutorial expounding the central theme of courtesy, whilst clearly demonstrating the road sense and road use of a seasoned expert. As doctors we are subject to annual appraisal and triennial revalidation, so, I would agree that at the very least, a triennial retest would be sensible. The government has no other statutory vehicle to enforce such a change. My motorcycle trainer held the same values as you, but when it came time for me to take the pebbles from his hand, he told me to secretly treat all other road users as blind, deaf and stupid!
You are doing a great public service by producing videos like this which awareness is something I keep telling everyone that needs to happen. There should be funding for Television time to air public service announcements about the rights cyclists have to use the roads. I used to see PSAs about Texting while driving and they don't show those anymore. It's baffling to me. But anyway, Thank you for using your valuable time to make this video. I used my valuable time to watch the entire thing. 👍
That’s kind of you and much appreciated. And thanks for sticking with it to the end 😀 If it helps keep just one person out of danger it will be worthwhile. Thanks again 👍
An excellent video Roy!
Sadly this and similarly informative content from the likes of Ashley Neil will only be seen by responsible road users, what is needed is for such balanced and educational content to reach a wider audience (how about prime time TV?). I am frustrated by the majority of coverage of the changes, and I include in this not only the popular press but also some of the pro-cycling coverage writing as though "we've won"; if anything I think we've lost because of the adverse coverage. A balanced message is far less likely to provoke a them and us attitude and to help build a share the road mentality. In addition to the points raised in the video, I've also like motorists to understand that there are reasons for my actions, for example I'm in the middle of my lane to avoid the numerous potholes nearer the kerb, not because the Highway Code says I can.
If I were to have just 1 wish, it is that the minority of road users (irrespective of mode of transport) please obey the rules of the road and help everyone complete their journey in safety.
#share-the-road
Thank you for a sensible video about riding safely. As vulnerable road users we have to be proactive when approaching dangerous situations. Much of the problem as you have said is people are in a hurry and not completely focused on the task. Making eye contact and being aware of your surroundings is most important. A wave to a driver who waits to allow you through before turning goes a long way to reduce the us vs them mindset.
I have seen others with the Garmin radar unit. Do you still pay attention to it or after a time start to ignore in busier traffic.
Thanks, David. In busy traffic the radar becomes ineffective as it uses speed differential to spot traffic. If traffic is all moving at the same speed it won’t alert, which is good when in a group with other riders. Most of my cycling is on country lanes where it is now vital to me, especially with the advent of electric vehicles. It’s also great for picking up passing cyclists
Great video. Really interesting info and tips. Thank you.
I can't understand people walking about with headphones in their ears. Don't they ever think they are prime targets for muggers?
They probably don’t think at all. They are the same ones who cross roads with eyes glued to a phone.
I find the whole Cyclists Vs Motorists thing so annoying, It should be Good road users Vs. Bad road users, regardless of what vehicle you are in control of. A motorist who is willing to put a cyclist at risk knowing full well that they could kill that person, isn't going to think twice about putting fellow motorists at risk too (same goes for cyclists vs pedestrians).
The only thing I disagree with is that they put cyclists above horse riders on the hierarchy, Because horses don't care if you are a bike or a car they see something moving quickly in their peripheral vision and they can freak out, I don't want some cyclists to start racing past them because they have "priority", a horse, rider combo is not a vehicle its two independent minds and that adds an element of unpredictability.
I did edit out a clip, due to it already being too long, where I cover my flashing front light when approaching a pair of oncoming racehorses out on a training amble. The riders noted this and thanked me. Whenever I take a group out I make a point of mentioning horse etiquette.
@@RideWithRoy I have flashing running lights on my bike too, never occurred to me that they could panic a horse, and mine are down on the forks, some cockpit rearrangement seems to be in order LOL.
I don’t know if the light would upset a horse but I didn’t want to find out the hard way 😂 The fact that riders always thank me when they see me do it seems to suggest it would. Also, I expect those thoroughbred racehorses might be a bit highly strung. On the subject of cockpit space, I just ordered a bar extender tinyurl.com/mr2j9rey to fit to the new build gravel bike. It will allow me to fit my ‘be seen’ light, headlight, Garmin and bullet cam without encroaching on the handlebar. I’ll revue it when I do the final reveal of that completed bike.
@@RideWithRoy I have the exact same extender on my bike packing rig, they are really good, just be carful with the hinges (you will see what I mean when you get it) they are not designed to bear any load just makes them easier to install so if you put the wrong sized insert in they could break off.
Thanks for that, Chris. Good to know.
Very appropriate and informative Roy. I think that courtesy is the word of the day. It's not difficult to show courtesy as your ride in the video proves. Let's all be nice to each other. As far as you mentioning the Daily Mail don't even get me started on them. Stay safe and take care.
As soon as the latest/revised version of the Highway Code book is released in April i will be purchasing one. Great video Roy. Cheers.
There is no such thing as “road tax”.
Your a cyclist. Good on yer.
good video. 👍I've taught myself all the same 'cycle craft techniques' over the last 7 - 8 years of riding.
Very well balanced video and very informative. I totally agree with you on the positioning on roundabouts, I for one will be carrying on turning right in right hand lane.
***** video Roy, wish everybody could watch this excellent example using the road. Aware of all surroundings and fellow road users. Being prepared for the unexpected seems the norm nowadays
Many thanks for sharing this tutorial video
A well articulated piece of work you've done there.
"lycra clad..." comments make me roll my eyes. Lol
This was very well done, Roy obviously thinks about his content.
What I noticed most was the relaxed state of the drivers, state side we aren’t quite that way, always in a rush and angry about something. Please tell me what is your secret.
My pet peeve as a cyclist are my fellow cyclist that run red lights or stop signs. I have had drivers yell obscenities at me because another cyclist ran a red light. They tend to see all cyclists as one.
I’m not sure what a cyclist pays for insurance in the UK but in the U.S. it is prohibitive, in some cases higher than car insurance. The last time I checked insurance for my two bicycles was about $500.00 U.S.. Ridiculous.
I’m glad I found your channel, keep up the great work and keep the rubber side down.
Gwynn
Thanks, Gwynn, that’s very kind of you to say. I don’t churn out content every week, as TH-cam encourage, but try to make what I do meaningful. Your pet peeve is also that of many cyclists in the UK, as the actions of a few are translated by some drivers as ‘all cyclists’. As far as drivers being relaxed, it would be a different story in big cities, where frustration at being stuck in traffic causes drivers to be frustrated when cyclists are free flowing. Of course, some are too dumb to realise they are the traffic. Third party insurance is included in membership of the two big cycling organisations in the UK. This costs under £40 a year and gives cover up to £10 million. For this we also get many membership benefits. Bike theft cover is higher, but still under £100. I try to encourage more cycling for health, exercise and travel, but a big barrier to this is fear on the roads. Education of riders, pedestrians and drivers is key, but our government is woefully inadequate in rolling this out, so I’m trying to do my bit. Thanks again for your support.
Couldn't agree more, I am definitely noticing more consideration from most car drivers, unfortunately it is the minority that don't care about others till they have to live with the consequences of taking a life that seem untrainable, common sense and courtesy should be all that's required.
Excellent video Roy. It was fascinating to see you riding the one way system in Grantham the same way as I do and I’ve never had a driving test (just been a passenger and taken note). Courtesy and safe road use.
This is excellent. I would encourage anyone taking up cycling to watch it. (loved the Mustang)
Cyclists cycle down the middle of side streets, say in London, because they don't have to worry about motorists opening doors on them. I was run down by a motorist, and it was only because the motorist behind me took the hit and run drivers licence number 1:36 I was able to bring him to the magistrates court. And all he got was three points on his licence! If I had been clipped in, I would of been badly injured. I literally had to jump over the front of my own bike!😮 plus, over the years, I have been cut up, close passed and had doors opened in front of me.
Very good and reasoned explanation. A pity that it can’t be seen more widely. As public information. I’m like you a seasoned cyclist who has taken the time to learn about the changes. It worries me that the relevant authorities haven’t communicated the changes very well. Safe travels.
Thanks Graham. I’m hoping the thumbnail will attract drivers to have a look.
Some good points there, getting your bike in the correct position on the road is so important. In Western Australia we have laws that give a metre clearance for cyclists at under 60kmph and 1.5 metres over 60kmph. It definitely makes a difference. Another no-no is riding in front of a car waiting to turn on a main road. I suppose cars are so convenient and comfortable that cyclists and motorists will just have to consider each other in the foreseeable future.
The issue with recurrent testing of drivers is that it would be useless, because the majority of bad driving is deliberate, not due to people making mistakes. People know the rules, but break them willingly, so they will just drive well for the test, then go back to driving badly the rest of the time.
I live in an outer area of melbourne and much is zoned rural residential. Many of the local main roads are hemmed in by amcar railing with no provision for pedestrians or cyclists. Really no place to go or avoid heavy transport traffic. For those with access to gps the location is grant road baxter and golf links road baxter. Baxter primary school is on the corner with amcar railing on the corner with baxter tooradin road. The intersection was redesigned 2 years ago and since then the amcar is ridden over every 6 months by b double trucks. Cyclists and pedestrians are not the problem but the designers of these roads.
Great video... On shared paths that have a solid white line the cyclist or pedestrian must walk or cycle in their designated lane, you stated it didn't matter
You are correct it’s a Must, but cycling or walking with the ‘my right of way’ mentality is a recipe for disaster. We must expect people to ignore markings and work around them. In my experience that’s just what they do - not to mention extending dog leads across both sides. The advice in that video is designed to make cycling safer regardless of rules made to help us.
Thankyou Roy a thorough comprehensive video about the rules for cyclists I hate the road because its so dangerous I only ride on cycleways I think myself the government should build more cycleways I wear hiviz it isn't compulsory! But I saves lives just like cycle hats, I'm a avid electric bike rider and I prefer the Off-road trails it's liberating but the roads really scare me yes cycleways can be obstructed by pedestrians I'm always courtious having said that I was assaulted by an elderly lady who wouldn't let me pass(covid) the police said I should have taken a picture of her but I'm a security guard and a walking stick hitting me on the back was excusable the poor woman had been frightened by the two metre rule! Keep doing these videos Roy they are informative and intelligent logic!
Excellent and thoughtful video. One thing I would have emphasised more is the inadequacy of cycle lanes. You touched on a couple of issues - very poor maintenance and shared paths are not ideal for either walkers or pedallers. But having to slow or stop at every side road junction not only reverses the normal rules of the road but is highly irritating and energy sapping. Cycle lanes need to be continuous and not broken into many short stretches. In the meantime I’ll stay on the roads.
Thanks, Stephen. I’m pushing our county council to add give way markings on road junctions that are bisected by cycle and pedestrian paths. These currently have give way markings across the cycle paths, so giving totally the wrong message. I recently had a woman turn into a side road as I was crossing. When I told he she should give way she answered ‘No I don’t!’ Unfortunately, Lincolnshire is a very car centric county so it’s a real struggle. The district council are now largely Independents who are listening. I recently made a video highlighting these inadequacies, including the marking of junctions, which the deputy leader of the council circulated to all councillors, so little by little.
I only use dedicated cycle lanes with barriers other wise I use the pavement because I don't trust drivers and drivers drive so much faster than they were able to before
A well thought through video with a fair balance considering all riders / drivers viewpoints. It is a pity that as usual the minority spoil it for the majority. I bet if you look at the demographics and stats age groupings will also play a part. This provoked some interesting thoughts at around 33 mins especially on education and training. Well put together 👍
1:19 I stayed watching because it wasn’t going the way I thought it would!
@@nuttycommuter3718 I’m pleased you did. I fear it was a bit too much of a spoof intro for some 😀
Well thought out and demonstrated video Roy, valid points and certainly plenty of talking points for all road users and also pedestrian's. Your points on Strava Segments on shared footpaths, you can flag that segment as hazardous by using the Action Menu on that segment.
Thanks, Tom, I didn’t know about the flagging thing👍
@@RideWithRoy No problems, It does not stop cyclist riding it like a race but make's it hard for them to compete on it with others.
Every cycle on the road is one less car, reducing congestion and making journeys faster for those who do drive. I saw an incident today in Richmond Park, where a car driver shot past me, but a group of cyclists were two abreast ahead of him, so he broke hard, hooted, and then forced his way past. For what reason I don't know, a sense of entitlement, that anyone slowing this driver down had no right to be on the road, forget the Highway Code and good driving etiquette!
realy good clear video.remember though your safety is your responsability,no mater what the highway code says there will always be some people who think it doesnt apply to them be cautious.safe riding my friend.
They’re the ones who usually claim it’s not law.
Very well explained Roy. Thanks for taking the time.👍
Most serious cyclists pay insurance casual cyclist do not however there is plenty of drivers that are un insured
Aye really good, I always cycle using the same rules when I'm a driver, that part is forgotten a lot. I'm finding drivers behaviour much better as well, on my commute each day it's pedestrians and in particular ones with dogs off leads that cause me near misses, saying that Edinburgh isn't really cyclest frendly, rest of Scotland is much better.
Well done and thanks for the video Roy, clear and visual information and very well presented 🚴♂️👍
Talking sense as ever bud . I ride like you do .
This is a very insightful video and hopefully, I will be a polite driver to cyclists on the road going forward. Thank you once again.
Thanks, Feroz, and I hope cyclists will be polite to you.
Really good video Roy, very educational and you're right, most road users are sensible folks, it's always the boring few that mess it up.
Roy, An excellent and extremely interesting episode. Many thanks (Martin)
I’ve noticed a lot of drivers fail to giveaway to pedestrians and when I’m giving way I get some drivers approach and start beeping away as the pedestrian is crossing, one not long ago beeped yelled and dangerously overtook and just missed the pedestrian so I’ve started to place my bike crossways so nobody can get pass until they have crossed.
Some try and overtake on roundabouts on the same lane, totally lack of respect for cyclists in my area
Long video but full of really useful advice. Anything which makes a cyclist more confident and safer has to be applauded. However not sure I will ever be ready to cycle through Grantham! I always walk the scary intersections!
Good video Roy. Here are a few comments from some people on facebook that are on my facebook feed just after the changes to the Highway Code were in the news a few weeks ago. I have not included any names for obvious reasons and did not/have not respond to their comments as I doubted that any explanation of the code to them would be worth the effort: They don't pay road tax, get them off roads!,,,, ,,,,, They have cycle paths ffs,,,,,,,,,, I will still give tham a wash with the headlight washer's when they block the road,,,,,,Moving target - ten points but be bloody worth it ! when they pay Road tax insurance and i can claim back damage to my vehicle when they cut me up then welcome to the road :-). So four comments from people that illustrate your points very well regarding the attitude of some people. If they have children riding bikes, wonder what they would think of motorists exhibiting the same sentiment/views if their family members were hit, injured or killed. I am a motorist, cyclist, pedestrain and use public transport (trains) I don't change into a transport specific hater when use one method of transport over any other. I am also a member of a local cycling club and a member of British Cycling. I am also a private pilot (PPL) so have the requiremement placed on me to complete a cetain number of hours per year, have a medical each year and have to have my licence revalidated.
I think most of these will be keyboard warriors, sitting in their basements in their underwear 😂 I would imagine that if confronted on the road they would lock themselves in their cars pretty quickly.
You have the perfect name for a pilot, Stephen 🙂
Thanks Roy , well informed and demonstrated, I will definitely share 👍
Very well presented Roy, unfortunately I haven't noticed any change in car drivers in the city on my commute, my last near miss was being undertaken by a bus, the left hand lane was being used as on street parking ahead and traffic was so slow I wasn't holding anyone up so the undertaking was not out of necessity, rather "I will not be BEHIND a cyclist no matter what" , the bus driver ran out of space for his undertake and just merged into the lane I was in while level with me, I was then forced into the oncoming lane to avoid being hit, his response was to tell me I should be on the pavement and not the road.
Red light jumpers are almost always either deliveroo/stuart/uber eats ebike riders or youngsters on MTBs and puffa jackets where I am, annoys the hell out of me because they are so prolific they negatively impact the image of cyclists.
Do you carry a traffic camera, Dan? That bus driver would have been reported if I’d have suffered that.
@@RideWithRoy not at the moment mate, I reported the incident to First Bus but doubt anything further happened, a set of cameras, front and rear is on my list though just not gotten round to it yet
Nice switcheroo! I love it!
Great video Roy and like you I’m a cyclist and a car driver and ride/drive safely at all times.
Sadly the idiots out there that would be candidates for the dangerous close passes will not get to see your video which shows both sides of the argument?
Let’s hope in time people will change their behaviour and we stand less chance of being killed whilst out riding our bikes?
Stay safe.
I liked your video very much, a balanced update on the new rules. 👍
Great video, thank you for explaining things so clearly and kindly 👍
This should be shown in schools!
And driving schools 🙂
excellent video and straight to the point very intelligent extremely good advice for both cyclist and driver
Excellent video, I personally think a lot of the problem nowadays is there is more people that just think of themselves , and the roads would be a lot safer and nicer if there was more give and take, I definitely don’t want to annoy someone in charge of something that kill me! Good point you make about eye balling motorists to make sure they have seen you it’s certainly something I always did when I cycled more in busier areas, especially on roundabouts and I agree I wouldn’t cycle all the way round the outside of one.Just I small point when you were cycling along the cycle path and crossing the minor roads at junctions , it actually says should give and not must, I think you say both at different times , but that is one of the things that has been misreported so good to get right. I think this is mainly for occasions when it would be dangerous for vehicles to stop suddenly on busy main roads.
Thanks. I thought I said should but if I said must it was a slip of the tongue. Funnily enough, I noted a junction off of the A1 where to give way to anyone would likely be fatal.
The amount of pedestrians who are listening to music or podcasts or whatever even while walking either in the countryside or shared paths is ridiculous and getting worse they have no awareness of their surroundings at all
@@jeffred6616 and after yelling at one elderly man wearing huge headphones, increasingly loudly as I got closer without a response, he jumped out of his skin and asked why I didn’t ring my bell! Each to their, own but how can they think that disabling a vital sense is a good idea. And don’t get me started on those that cross a road with eyes glued to a phone 🤯
Fantastic, you rode your bike sensibly and observed the rules but how many cyclists don't do that, when driving my car I pull to the left of my lane if I see a large vehicle approaching me and the lane is narrow, I also slow down, but many times a cyclist has undertaken me, and shouted that I have not allowed them to filter.
Thanks, Stephen. Sadly, that’s the world we now live in.
There was a case in the newspaper of a woman who was killed by a cyclist who was riding a bike with no brakes. I bet he didn't have insurance, your statistics sound impressive but modern technology can tell if a motor vehicle is fully road legal just by scanning its numberplate, these cameras can be mounted anywhere on the road so it's up to the police to prosecute these drivers, but if a cyclist causes damage or injury to another road user or brakes the law on the road, how can he be identified without number plates, and even if caught there is no law that makes him carry insurance, then we come to training, every car and motorcycle user has to be trained to a standard, and pass a test before they can operate a motor vehicle, this does not apply to cyclists, we need a level playing field for all road user.
All good points, Stephen, but it’s all down to proportionality. The chance of someone being killed by a cyclist is slim, although one death is clearly too many. Many cyclists are killed by motor vehicle drivers each year, either through their own actions or that of a vehicle driver or pedestrian (www.gov.uk/government/statistics/reported-road-casualties-great-britain-pedal-cyclist-factsheet-2021/reported-road-casualties-in-great-britain-pedal-cycle-factsheet-2021) While insurance is not mandatory for cyclists, thousands of us have it by virtue of our membership of Cycling UK and British Cycling for less than £40 per year. And let’s remember that insurance is also protection against awards from a private prosecution. And we’ve seen how effective the motor insurance requirement is with around 32,000 uninsured drivers caught each year. And what of pedestrians? We’ve seen a recent case of a woman being jailed for causing the death of a cyclist - should pedestrians carry insurance? The fact that no other country in the world (other than maybe North Korea) requires insurance or a licence for a pedal cycle tends to confirm that it’s not cost effective. It’s also important not to erect proportionally unnecessary barriers to sustainable travel that will free up space for those of us who have to use a car. So the best we can do is require those with the potential to cause most damage in a heavy, motorised, metal box to be insured. As for training, I would love to see more of it. When I take groups of inexperienced cyclists out I show them the best ways of riding safely. Ironically, its not the inexperienced that are the problem. it’s the experienced and overconfident riders who can pose the greatest risk to others and themselves, so no amount of training will change their behaviour. Sadly, stupid and selfish people live among us and operate all sorts of vehicles and I only see it getting worse. I’m pleased to note that I have noticed a significant improvement in driving and riding standards since the update of the Highway Code, although I expect it’s a different story in a big city.
I have just got myself a camera for my bike I think that most drivers will drive more care when you have a camera
Good move, Thomas. I work on the premise that as more of us use cameras and report bad driving, word will go round and the roads will become safer for all. It will probably come as no surprise that most ‘dash cam’ reports come from other drivers, and not cyclists.
Very informative and easy to understand thanks Roy
As a pedestrian and a cyclist, I dislike paying tax for infrastructure that is hostile to me! Even if the motorist is adamant that they are paying for it, I just say, "So what? If I pay for it, can I erect a loudspeaker that blasts heavy metal all day on the street outside of your house?" They should in fact be paying to make our streets safer, as it is them who made them unsafe in the first place!
I pay taxes. I also run a car and happen to pay zero VED. I also pay normal taxes which f8n@nice roads and carry insurance.
Nicely done Roy 👏👏👏
To be fair, Roy, I had to cycle for 4 days a few days apart from Picadilly Station Manchester to Manchester Royal Infirmary and back, a distance of 4 miles round trip. I can honestly say 95% of cyclists (mainly Deliveroo etc.) did NOT stop at Red lights. I did but was abused on about a dozen occasions for stopping at a Red light. As I come from sleepy large market town I found all this quite alarming. So I can see where city drivers are coming from with the 'Cyclistss never stop at red lights'.
I appreciate the difference in riding styles, Claire, and doubt city cyclists, especially those trying to earn a living on a bike, are going to change anytime soon. Sadly, I’ve seen it around here as well. One one occasion a young lad cycled through a busy light controlled junction with no hands on the steering! The main purpose of this video was to counter the irresponsible headlines about the poorly communicated changes.
I also live in a city and not that common to see someone go through a red light. People travelling to tight timescales like cycle and driving couriers and some taxis can sometimes make choices that are not wise for themselves or other road users. I agree with Roy that in my experience the majority of road and pavement users are reasonably responsible and considerate
I shake my head and tut (quintessentially British) every time a delivery e-cyclist blasts through a red that I'm waiting at, for my city at least it never seems to be the folks commuting or cycling for leisure, the only abuse I get at lights is when I position myself ahead of someone who has parked in the cycle box.
Pretty much identical to how I cycle … I think all cyclist need to do a course in cycling like this ..
In a busy urban city, there is def more center lane blocking traffic situations, use when appropriate, cycling down a country lane v cycling around Hyde Park Corner is very diff
And yes cyclist need VED … costed at £0… and all cyclist need third party.
I don’t even like Hyde Park in a car, let alone a bicycle. I agree that a different style of cycling is needed in a big city, but the majority of cyclists are in smaller towns and countryside. I think most of the animosity on both sides comes from city travellers.
Hi Roy enjoyed your take on the amended Highway Code pity the dri
Hi Roy enjoyed your take on the amended Highway Code and your other videos, keep them coming
Great production Roy. Up there with the Bottesford Witches 😎
All this sense is unfortunately falling on deaf ears but hopefully if we keep on putting the info out in a clear well explained way the message will get through.
People can be very stubborn in their ignorance though and so we have to be extra careful out there on our bikes.
I led two guided rides, today, where a shared path crossed several roads at junctions. Only one driver stopped to let us pass and her house was alongside the path. Still an awful lot of education required and still no official information campaign.
@@RideWithRoy I remember seeing groups of motor bikes going around blocking the traffic with their bikes to allow the whole group to ride through junctions together ..
I can see why they did it now.
Hi Roy, the section at 11:30 where you talk about right of way. I think that particular junction is quite difficult. If the cycle lane ran along side the road upto that junction so there was no grass verge, it would follow the examples in the highway code. But because it's set back, the drivers may feel they are already on that stretch of road past the junction. As you said in this situation as a cyclist it's better to ride cautiously rather than just darting across because you have right of way. Even in my car I exercise caution when it comes to right of way. The amount of times I've been at a junction and another car is at the opposite junction and they don't know who has right of way is scary.
Yes, Rob, I chose that example for that very reason. I did check with cycling UK before making the video and they confirmed that a path with a verge in between is indeed included in the new rule. That why we need some proper publicity from the Department for Transport.
Stuck with you to the end, Excellent video very interesting and informative.
Well done, it was a bit of a slog 😀
I’m always really careful around cyclists, as a driver. Been fortunate enough to encounter some stunningly good ones out on the road (I’ll always remember with gratitude that one guy that let me know the way ahead was clear up a big hill) and I’ll thank them too.
I did have one question. Around here there are some steep hills where it’s just not safe to pass a cyclist. I do my best to slow down enough that I’m not hassling them, and I certainly don’t pass blind. There’s been once or twice where the going has been slow enough that my car is nearly stalling out in first gear. Totally understandable, I wouldn’t want to be cycling up those hills myself lol, so this isn’t a knock. I’m just wondering if there’s a better way to handle that? It’s not always safe for me (or them) to pull over and wait and of course it’s their right to use the road too. Very nerve wracking though, especially if other drivers come rocketing up behind me 😬
That’s a very thoughtful and considerate approach. Although I always pull over to let drivers pass (and did so several times on today’s ride) the one place I would have difficulty is on a hill. After stopping on a hill it’s very hard to get going again. Some cyclists are drawn to hills (although not this one 😀) so it can be tricky. You are clearly doing the right thing by not passing unless safe to do so, especially as they may wobble more on a climb. Unfortunately, as a driver as well, I don’t have any answer other than use your lowest gear to avoid stalling and ignore those that may be getting impatient behind you, safe in the knowledge you are doing the right thing.
@@RideWithRoy Drat, I was hoping for a magical way around that sort of situation 😂 good to know I’m on the right track at least. I don’t ride personally, but I know many that do and hills appear to be an acquired taste.
The only magical way is to sprout wings I’m afraid 😀
Covered some good topics here Roy , I’m not a fan of shared cycle/footpaths as many walkers , dog walkers , pram walkers are completely unaware of there surroundings and don’t mention those extending dog leads 😂😂 .
I was in Manchester the other day and Uber cyclists seem to be on a death wish and I nearly got wiped out by one crossing the road .
Hopefully I will have my new Ribble cgr al e in April 🚲👍 atb Dave
Fantastic post Roy, a lot of common sense really, problem is, these days it’s not that common. Might I enquire to the brand and model of your front facing camera/rear radar device. Thanks again for a well researched and delivered post👍🏻🙂.
Thanks, William. The camera is the predecessor of this one chilli-tech.com/content/new-bullet-action-camera/ they advertise it as a helmet camera but I prefer it on the handlebar. The footage is good enough to read a numberplate but I understand this one is even better. The radar is this one www.garmin.com/en-GB/p/698001 I purchased mine from Halfords and used my British Cycling 10% discount code.
@@RideWithRoy Thanks Roy👍🏻🙂.