Cycling UK Forum

I had an interesting experience on my morning ride today (ah, the joys of self-employment). The opposite lane on a stretch of country lane was coned off, with temporary traffic lights at either end. My end was red when I approached, so I waited in the queue of three or four cars until they changed. At the green light, I then set off, only to find that the coned-off section (which followed a blind curve) was about 300 yards long and, by the time I was about two thirds of the way through (going swiftly, I might add), the lights had changed and traffic was coming the other way.

The single lane wasn't wide enough for the oncoming traffic to pass me safely and the lead car (with several behind) showed no intention of stopping. Fortunately, I was able to duck into the coned-off lane to pass the traffic — as was the sole car (a gracious and patient Range Rover) behind me. I did briefly contemplate turning around to tell the road-workers that the signalling sequence was crap for cyclists (there are usually quite a few on this stretch), but suspected it wouldn't do much good and so just pressed on.

Any idea who has the right of way in such a situation? Not that it would have mattered much under the circumstances...

Adlopa wrote:I had an interesting experience on my morning ride today (ah, the joys of self-employment). The opposite lane on a stretch of country lane was coned off, with temporary traffic lights at either end. My end was red when I approached, so I waited in the queue of three or four cars until they changed. At the green light, I then set off, only to find that the coned-off section (which followed a blind curve) was about 300 yards long and, by the time I was about two thirds of the way through (going swiftly, I might add), the lights had changed and traffic was coming the other way.

The single lane wasn't wide enough for the oncoming traffic to pass me safely and the lead car (with several behind) showed no intention of stopping. Fortunately, I was able to duck into the coned-off lane to pass the traffic — as was the sole car (a gracious and patient Range Rover) behind me. I did briefly contemplate turning around to tell the road-workers that the signalling sequence was crap for cyclists (there are usually quite a few on this stretch), but suspected it wouldn't do much good and so just pressed on.

Any idea who has the right of way in such a situation? Not that it would have mattered much under the circumstances...

I'd report them to the council as broken - the timing is not good. Saw a video of similar recently, although the oncoming traffic started to move despite being able to see the oncoming cyclist.

As for who has priority - you do because green does not mean GO it means go if the way is clear and safe. In this case though I'd have some sympathy for the people coming the other way if it was on a bend and they could not see you. [XAP]Bob is right that you need to report that the phasing of the lights is inadequate.

tatanab wrote:As for who has priority - you do because green does not mean GO it means go if the way is clear and safe. In this case though I'd have some sympathy for the people coming the other way if it was on a bend and they could not see you. [XAP]Bob is right that you need to report that the phasing of the lights is inadequate.

+1 to all of that

I have had this before and maintained a primary position as I would on a single track road until the oncoming vehicles had slowed right down to a speed at which we could squeeze past each other.

I've had this happen and reported it to the work crew who apologised and said they'de sort it,later in the day coming the opposite way true to their word they had indeed made the interval longer

I've found that, in the main, TTLs are not set up with cyclists in mind. This is particularly a problem when I'm going uphill; therefore, at a snail's pace .

Strictly speaking, as said above, oncoming vehicles should give way to you if you are still in the roadworks when their direction changes to green, but not everyone complies. There's usually somewhere behind the cones where you can duck if necessary. Or go on the pavement if there is one (I did that today as it happens). Normally I'd be the first to castigate pavement cyclists, but in these exceptional circumstances, and no pedestrians about, it's more of a venial sin. And I'd like to see a passing copper try to nail me for what I did.

661-Pete wrote: Normally I'd be the first to castigate pavement cyclists, but in these exceptional circumstances, and no pedestrians about, it's more of a venial sin. And I'd like to see a passing copper try to nail me for what I did.

Of course you could always push the bike.

(Not that I would, but that's what they'd say as they hand out the ticket.)