CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Debate!

Speaking to Drivers

(7 posts)
  • Started 13 years ago by Wilmington's Cow
  • Latest reply from spitters

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  1. Wilmington's Cow
    Member

    I always like that look of Argh! Why does the cyclist want to speak to me!?! when I get a driver's attention.

    Last night a Honda Civic went past me with no lights on, except I noticed that the headlights were lit, and the brake lights were working. I knew I'd catch up at the queue for the Duddingston crossroads so pulled alongside and got her attention. She was very appreciative that someone had taken the time to let her know her rear lights weren't worknig (and might possibly save her being stopped by the cops at some point).

    Spread the goodwill, some of it might rub off...

    Posted 13 years ago #

  2. SRD
    Moderator

    mmm.,..tried that the other day.

    me: tap, tap at window.

    driver: look of incomprehension.

    me: did you know your right rear light not working?

    driver: really? thanks.

    Me: and btw, you're supposed to be stopped back behind that stop line.

    driver: look of incomprehension resumed...

    Posted 13 years ago #

  3. druidh
    Member

    Not always a good idea...

    http://local.stv.tv/edinburgh/news/278214-cyclist-knocked-off-bike-by-driver-who-intentionally-swerved-to-hit-him/

    Posted 13 years ago #

  4. Arellcat
    Moderator

    On my way home today at some traffic lights I caught up with a van whose rear nearside brake light wasn't working. I was going to tap on the window to let the driver know, then decided that since it was a white van, schadenfreude was the better part of valour and didn't bother.

    I saw a car this morning with working brake lights but a broken rear sidelight. Don't people check these things before they jump in and drive?

    Posted 13 years ago #

  5. splitshift
    Member

    why should they check lights ? they cant see em !whats it got to do with you anyway ?
    BUT if your in a car and you point stuff out its ok !As a matter of course we lorry drivers often point out stuff to other lorry drivers, cause we DEFINATELY cant see em !I beleive, rightly or wrongly, that it COULD be regarded as due care etc.as well as the spot fine for missing lights ! and the fines for lorries are much greater !After saying that, i recently , in glasgow, told a skip wagon driver that his securing net was dragging along the road behind him, he gave me the customary thumbs up , mouthed ok, cheers, and continued for miles until I turned off !
    securing net dragging along the road ......with his knuckles ?Have to admit, on the bike I am always looking in reflections in shop windows to check my rear flasher is still working !
    be safe , Scott

    Posted 13 years ago #

  6. Wilmington's Cow
    Member

    "on the bike I am always looking in reflections in shop windows to check my rear flasher is still working"

    Yeah, I do this as well. And just as a matter of course when driving I look for reflections whenever I'm in a queue or the like - give a wee tap of the brakes to see if they come on, that kind of thing. Doesn't really take much effort.

    And splitshift, I've said it before, for that kind of 'knight of the road' behaviour I've yet to come across as consistently as good a bunch as lorry drivers (except when overtaking another wagon going uphill on a dual carriageway... ;) ).

    Posted 13 years ago #

  7. spitters
    Member

    I have done this ever since my commute took me on the roads rather than the canal. I don't tap - I wave and mimic roll down window - always smile as I do this. Yes they look scared but always happy to hear it from someone who is not a copper giving them points on their licence. Van drivers too. I reckon I have become the brake/tail light superhero given I sometimes fet 3-5 of these a day.
    You are meant to check the tail/brake lights by reversing close to a wall - otherwise you can't check brake lights on your own unless your legs are 14' long or you put a brick on the pedal.

    Posted 13 years ago #

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