Cycling UK Forum

The main problem with roundabouts IMO is that they are inherently unsafe. They seek to maximise capacity by keeping traffic flowing at all costs and inevitably cause some drivers to look in one direction while they are driving in another. (Running into the back of the vehicle in front when a driver spots a gap and assumes the vehicle in front has already moved being one of the most typical.)

The huge number of accidents occurring at roundabouts is mainly hidden because police statistics only record injury accidents. All the shunts and scrapes which are treated as 'knock for knock' would result in serious injury or even death if a cyclist were to be involved.

There is no safe solution for cyclists at a roundabout which is why the highwaymen resort to squalid little sections of so-called 'shared use' and 'CYCLISTS DISMOUNT' signs (the ultimate confession of incompetence by a planner.)

Many roundabouts have the added bonus of rapidly narrowing road width as you leave them with obvious problems for cyclists not in the primary position. Many also have two lanes of traffic being fed into a one lane exit.

I always try to place myself in the same position as a car. That way no twit can try and over/undertake me.

Of course it doesn't always go to plan. Tried the same yesterday while going around Parliament Square,sadly the lights were against me and so got stuck in the wrong lane and had to shoot up birdcage walk instead of going around and up to Westminster Bridge

However i did get a complement shouted at me from 2 gorgeous European Babes which pleased the ego

The main problem is that "most" motorists haven't got a clue regarding cyclists and road positioning. It's time they were educated about this and also (i can name a few) they are not even aware that the HC was revised in 2007!
Someone suggested after passing one's driving test they should have to go around again on a bike.
I was behind a roadie the other day and I have to say (I am no expert) he was all over the place, in the gutter, bad positioning etc. I was quite surprised to be honest especially when he went down the left hand side of a lorry to turn left.

I always approach rb's as if I am in a car and signal as early as possible. I have alot to thank "Cyclecraft" for.

BTW I am surprised at the number of "seasoned" cyclists I speak to who have never read it.

mikeitup wrote:. I was quite surprised to be honest especially when he went down the left hand side of a lorry to turn left.

I have only made this mistake once

Never again have i made this stupid and dangerous manoeuvre

People just don't slow down for roundabouts. Many drive straight across the roadway instead of even attempting to drive around them so more than one car can use the available road.

What is needed is restricted vision so people are forced to stop and then look before pulling out.

gilesjuk wrote:What is needed is restricted vision so people are forced to stop and then look before pulling out.

That's exactly what we've got at an increasing number of roundabouts.

Ben

The latest version of the HC finally removed the advice to go round the periphery, and not before time. It had long been known to be a dangerous way to behave.

Just goes to show that the mere fact that something is in official safety advice does not mean that it is well-thought-out and -researched. Of course, you're still better following safety advice overall, as most of it is quite right!