My week as a cyclist - Confused.com

Russell is fed up of drivers' attitudes towards cyclists so he's challenged his anti-cyclist friend Adam to ditch his car and travel to work by bike for a whole week. This video shows Adam's near misses and how life on two wheels challenged his views about both drivers and cyclists.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• cyclists
• bikers
• cycle lanes
• Sustrans
• drivers
• cycle rage
• Ride Cycling Bicycle Biking
• car accident
• car insurance Crash Bike

[Testedecazzo]

helmets won't do anything above 12mph, address the problem of agressive driving and the problem is solved

[Testedecazzo]

@th275 it's not complete rubbish, wear a helmet by all means but acting safely is going to save your life before any helmet will.

[cybernymph69]

I started riding a year ago in Leeds and I have had so many near misses it's scary. I have also been hit by someone trying to race me past a junction they wanted to turn into. I just wish drivers were more careful around cyclists and have a bit more thought when they are stuck in traffic by not pulling so close to the curb. I believe it should be made compulsory that everyone able should be made to cycle on the roads for 2 weeks before they pass their driving tests!

[Testedecazzo]

@NathanTouring answered this before, isn't relevant to cycling.

[NathanTouring]

@Testedecazzo Helmets certainly do do something at any speed.. Try this test: headbutt a brick wall at faster than 12mph and slower - which would you rather - wearing a helmet or not?

[zivkovicable]

@Jmziecoupe Last year Paris recorded 0 cyclists deaths. Last week yet another cyclist was killed in London.

[arushandapushand]

@arushandapushand

PS

If I lived in Holland or Denmark I would definintely never wear a bike helmet.

It's purely for the cultural meaning it has in this country that I wear one.

[seacowcorby]

For those advocating mandatory helmets for cyclists, I trust you'll sign my petition to make helmets mandatory for all motor vehicle occupants as well. Helmets for motorists will lead to significant improvements to crash survivability and improved accident outcomes.

[arushandapushand]

@mikyt21

That study was by Ian Walker at Bath University.

I'm a bit dubious about it. Your helmet is just one aspect of your appearance and behaviour that might influence drivers.

Personally, I wear a helmet purely for cosmetic reasons.

People like the driver in this video perceive you as a responsible and diciplined road user if you wear a helmet. I think that helps.

[Jmziecoupe]

Also, I think "Russell" is being over optimistic.

[Jmziecoupe]

People in this country should take a look at how others drive in Italy and France and realise how good we have got it in this country.

[RocketScientist79]

This video still doesn't address the issue from the proper cyclists persepctive. Half the time this guy was in the gutter which we simply don't do. Cyclecraft and the highway code says we don't belong in the gutter.

The bike lanes are utter crap. End too soon and often designed by someone who will get a bonus to his pay packet per extra metre he puts in. Poorly designed and most proper cyclists wont touch them!!