Nice Cycling #1

Let's have a look at my first nice cycling episode. More footage for further episodes would be much appreciated. Let's start changing how people perceive us when we're out on 2 wheels!
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#cycling #nice #education

[@gixxerman69]

The trouble with taking primary position is that many motorists see this as "riding in the middle of the road" and "deliberately holding up traffic". This often results is anger, blast of the horn and abuse from the motorist, and in some cases a "punisment pass" whereby they pass deliberately close to make a point. I think better driver education of why cyclists take primary position would help to stop this. Videos like this are a great start.

[@liamhughes2689]

I ride daily on the road and on one majour roundabout i have to take up primary position to make a safe turn to take the third exit in the last month i have experienced two close calls with me taking up 2nd position about 10 meters away from the roundabout however two times i have experienced a car speeding up going into the oncoming lane and then swerving back with heavy braking before entering the roundabout it really does puzzle me what goes through peoples minds.

[@alihorda]

Well personally I always try to ride at the right edge (Europe) of the road so cars can take over easier, I don't see a reason to take primary position as a cyclists, except if the road conditions are bad and it would be dangerous to ride at the edge

[@liamhughes2689]

@@alihorda its something you have to do in the uk most of the time to discourage driver's cutting you up right before a majour junction but sadly alot of them still dont get the message

[@alexwalker9803]

Agreed I think every driver that is able should do as part of their driving lessons one on a bike on the road. You can in the UK tell a fellow cyclist by how they pass you.

[@alihorda]

@@liamhughes2689 I understand the frustration, but even if I am right I generate more danger that way. if you get hit by a lorry you are done for. same reason you could argue when driving a car 'I had priority. the bus drove wrongly' in the end you will have greater injuries. sadly

[@DionLewiis]

A cyclist gave me a solid thumbs up today after I followed slowly behind for a good distance waiting for a safe opening to overtake him in my van, it feels nice to be appreciated 😊

[@joejoejoejoejoejoe4391]

I usually put my hand up to thank other motorists, but somethings deserve a thumbs up, like when I saw a car stop to let ducks across the road.

[@petyrkowalski9887]

I always try and thank courteous and helpful drivers. It really is appreciated both ways

[@calumbutter6124]

That's great to hear. I make point of communicating with my hands to cars. I'm a driver too but I've always wondered how they felt about thumbs.

[@DionLewiis]

@@calumbutter6124 since I left my comment, I’ve picked up cycling as a hobby and am very much invested in it. I make a big effort to thank drivers who hold back behind me when on windy roads. I also like how people driving cars with roof racks often give you a wave when travelling in the opposite direction. Love the community :)

[@pipk7747]

Ashley, THANK YOU so much for this, absolutely superb. I'm a cyclist (commuting & leisurely) and encounter so, so many incidents. Mostly drivers try to bully cyclists or make out us cyclist's shouldn't be on roads and are an inconvenience. Please Help Make Our Roads A Safe Place. Cyclists Are Humans...

[@CptnKremmen]

When I ride my 60k on a Sunday I don't get that from drivers; but on my 4k commute I often get motorist driving their cars at me - usually head on (so at least I can see them) with several feet and sometime metres clear in their nearside.

[@grahamnutt8958]

I'm sorry to say, Ashley, that too many people have a very poor attitude towards those on two wheels - frequently failing to give enough space. Great to see you attempt to address this subject in such a positive manner. Many could/should learn from this but I cannot help but think that those who should be watching this vid probably won't...... ego prevents them from acknowledging their need to improve. Keep up the good work and huge thanks to those whose clips are featured here. Stay safe everyone 👍

[@martinkent333]

This cyclist rarley signals and wears dark clothing, making him invisible to drivers wearing sunglasses. He is a weasel. Do you obey traffic laws, Graham? Do you have time to chat?

[@grahamnutt8958]

@@martinkent333 I always make a point of obeying traffic laws and have been known to have words with people that don't. Open for intelligent discussion by all means. That's what this YT channel is about. Respect 👍

[@martinkent333]

@@grahamnutt8958 Drivers who ignore traffic laws are weasels. Humans who have evolved into folks with zero ethics and no conscience. When they come off the highway into town, they experience Velocitization. This means that they cannot correctly estimate cyclists' speeds and cut them off.

[@grahamnutt8958]

@@martinkent333 "Velocitisation" (🇬🇧 spelling - not an insult btw) is a great word & demonstrates your intelligence. It is definitely something people suffer from when exiting roads where the speed limit is 70mph - many fail to slow sufficiently to negotiate a roundabout/junction after a Motorway (I think that is the equivalent of a 🇺🇸 highway). Even the 👮‍♂️👮‍♀️🚔 sometimes get it wrong 🤔. I subscribe to various dashcam channels; the content of which is often hair raising at best and am, on occasion, able to submit 📽 in the hope that it might prevent someone from repeating those 'mistakes' (for want of a better way of putting it). Good point raised there Martin 👍

[@martinkent333]

@@grahamnutt8958 ❤

[@thegrowl2210]

I think the first/last cyclist on the MTB was cycling a little close to the kerb imo. I think a default secondary position a quarter into the lane is more suitable, as I find it tends to deter close passes as you take up more room, and if something does go wrong, you can swerve to a section of road to the left, rather than hitting the highsided kerb, which can be quite dangerous.

[@fedoracay]

True. But if you've had close shaves before, you may well be nervous about cycling in the middle of the lane.

[@benfurfie1715]

@@fedoracay True. I've found that close passes have dropped massively since I started riding out 1 meter from the curb in secondary. Sure, you still get the taxi drivers passing closer than they should do, but the majority of people seem to pass you far more appropriately there. That said, I wouldn't ride in secondary without my Garmin Varia rear facing radar to give me a heads up someone's approaching, and a small, rear-facing mirror on my dropbars to see whether they're moving out to go around (or whether I need to mount the curb quickly because it's clear they aren't paying attention).

[@MultiMidden]

Trouble is if he took primary chances are the trucker would be 'tailgating' him to intimidate him and getting more and more angry at not being able to pass. What makes me think that would happen - how the overtake was done, one wobble and the cyclist could have been killed. Catch 22.

[@cyclecam6328]

@@MultiMidden Taking primary may make people angry who don't know any better, but almost nobody will willfully run you over. Even the punishment pass is not as dangerous as the driver who squeezes through thinking there may be enough room.

[@hadtopicausername]

@The Growl - agreed. About a quarter or two fifths into the lane is my default position. I really don't understand cyclists who keep to the very edge of the road. It leaves you zero room for manouvering, apart from going off into the weeds.

[@woutervanr]

That ending comment was great. We all make mistakes. Lets hope roads in the future are designed to avoid conflict all together.

[@ianl1052]

Well said.

[@martinkent333]

Don't be silly. Traffic laws only work on ethical, conscientious people, not weasels. This cyclist rarely signalled and wears dark clothing, to be invisible to drivers wearing sunglasses. Do you obey traffic laws, Wouter? Do you have time to chat?

[@martinkent333]

@@ianl1052 Don't be silly! This cyclist rarely signalled and wears dark clothing making him invisible to drivers wearing sunglasses. Do you obey traffic laws Ian? Do you have time to chat?

[@ianl1052]

@@martinkent333 Ashley commented that there was no requirement to signal in those instances. So forgive me if I take the word of a professional driving instructor over a KZbin troll. How do you know he was in dark clothing? For all you know, he could have been wearing a hi vis vest.

[@martinkent333]

@@ianl1052 Not signaling is the sign of the "TWO WHEEL WEASEL!"

[@bertrammemberberry4568]

not entirely related to this video, but I've always thought cycle lanes not physically separated from the main carriageway are more dangerous to cyclists than just sharing a lane. I think the white striped line makes other vehicles think its ok to pass closer to the cyclist than they otherwise would. i find car drivers tend to give more space when overtaking in a shared lane rather than the cyclist being in a marked cycle lane.

[@pg5200]

Agreed. Also, cycle lanes tend to be the exact place where cycling is the most dangerous when there are parked cars along the street :/ In that case it's way better to take the lane. But then some motorists won't understand the move and become agressive...

[@jakerockznoodles]

Agreed, near me we have some "cycle lanes" that are really just broken line markings that indicate the amount of room you should actually be giving the cyclists if you are doing an overtake. This I personally think is better, because while its never going to deter the most selfish of motorists, it does at least educate those more unaware. Not all motorists cycle, and IMO it's not made at all clear in the highway code what "enough space" for a cyclist actually looks like.

[@lukjad007]

Also where I live, cycle lanes on the side of roads tend to be gutters due to potholes, debris, and massive water buildup. Once I had to take a primary position because there had been a slide of muck and stone from an underpass and some guy got super mad and yelled at me to take the bike lane and the passenger started to open the door in traffic to do something. It was quite a complicated situation. I've also been yelled at for not cycling in the bus only lane, which is illegal to do unless specifically marked.

[@pg5200]

@@jakerockznoodles In the French code, the minimal distance for overtaking a cyclist is 1.5m (4.5ft) in the countryside and 1m (3ft) in cities. Depending on the speed of the motorists, even 2m would sometimes be too close to me.

[@andyalder7910]

They're worse than useless, they "push" cars into the middle of the road even when there's no bikes on their side making any overtake closer than it would be without them.

[@syrendsong]

as someone from the netherlands, this feels so weird to watch because cycling lanes tend to be separated over here for safety and comfort o= i cant imagine having to share the road with cars so much, it probably pushes people away from even trying out cycling as a method of transport rather then for sport

[@theloveboxquartet]

Yep, it's a tragedy mate. American hegemony macho car culture nonsense pushing a 'dog eat dog' mentality on the roads. No consultation with cyclists on infrastructure and no integrated transport policy. It's embarrassing...

[@josephjboyle1528]

It does that.

[@syrendsong]

@@theloveboxquartet you guys dont even have room for lots of car infrastructure right? especially in dense places like london, it just seems smarter to invest in bicycles instead because most trips would be doable with a bike/walking/etc =/ obviously a car can be handy if you're going on a massive trip to ikea or something, but still ;w;

[@theloveboxquartet]

@@syrendsong Yes that's all true. But will the UK ever learn? Not sure personally as we have powerful pro-car, anti-cycle lobbying together with a negative attitude that bicycles are somehow second class transport combined with a government who think that competition is preferable to cooperation.

[@syrendsong]

@@theloveboxquartet dang that's so unfortunate, the UK doesn't seem to be in a good place right now tbh, its so anti-trans, and that's not even mentioning the whole brexit situation =c i feel so bad for you guys

[@petermonk117]

I'm both a cyclist and motorist. A really great informative and thoughtful video Ashley. Thanks for that!

[@thesilverydragon]

Right as I asked for more bicycle related videos on the previous video! Great timing Ashley! Glad to see others on two wheels do things right! Hope that people will continue submitting cycle videos!

[@joejoejoejoejoejoe4391]

It's also a great way to educate new cyclists, it's safe ( watching a vid ) the only other way would be a tandem. It also gives motorists a different perspective - and helps us all to work together.

[@benfurfie1715]

Thanks for this Ashley. Always great to see cycling content on your channel. Just a quick one about the cyclist's positioning on the larger roundabouts. Having been hit by a motorist on a roundabout (and have the scar on my clavicle to remember it by), he's likely doing so because that position keeps you out of the blind spot caused the A pillar, is in the centre of where drivers look for traffic coming from behind the island, and also gives the motorist time to brake as they enter the roundabout and realise it isn't actually empty. If you're over in lane 1, there's a strong chance you won't be seen (A pillar blindspot), and that you as the cyclist, and the motorist will have zero time to react before you find yourself on the bonnet. Edit: Brake, not break 😂 🤦‍♂️

[@robertmccall379]

As a cyclist and motorist, I found this information very helpful and practical. I would also remind people that Road Tax is actually Vehicle Emissions Tax. Roads are paid for through the normal Tax System.

[@joejoejoejoejoejoe4391]

You'll probably find that most cyclists own ( hence tax ) a motor vehicle so they pay tax anyway.

[@petyrkowalski9887]

@@joejoejoejoejoejoe4391 thats irrelevant as VED is for pollution. We pay for road repairs through council and income tax.

[@joejoejoejoejoejoe4391]

@@petyrkowalski9887 I think someone worked out that cyclists cause 1p of damage a year, but the health benefits save the NHS far more, plus we don't use imported fuel improving the balance of payments.

[@johnpruddy]

Perhaps it’s for the instruction to be cyclists are traffic rather than language like holding up traffic. So many times have the words “holding up traffic” being used without recognition that cyclists have as much entitlement to the road as a pedestrian or a dog walker. The solution is quite simple. Presumed liability' (often referred to as 'strict liability') is an element of civil law that, in crashes involving vulnerable road users, finds the more powerful road user liable by default, unless it can be clearly proven that the vulnerable road user was at fault. This applies to all types of collisions. It’s the sensible standard across Europe except for the UK and Ireland. Areas that have it instilled in the legislature have lower fatalities amongst vulnerable road users.

[@dlevi67]

It seems that the new Highway Code is going in that direction - whether supported by statutory instruments or not remains to be seen.

[@jhferu]

"as much entitlement as a pedestrian or dog walker" I was going to add "or a motorist, for that matter" then I remembered that motorists' right to use the road is limited by their licence. They have the least right to use the road.

[@RunnerBeanzDad]

As you say at the end, we all make mistakes. As I see it, good driving involves creating safety margins large enough to allow us to recover from mistakes before anybody gets hurt.

[@theripper820]

Love the last clip that he actually said sorry, that generally goes a long way

[@VaiSwitch]

Fair play to the guy in the majority of those clips. I know the area and he dealt with those roundabouts excellently!

[@Pinie-ue9mz]

I promise to try and keep a safe distance for cyclists

[@matbbm]

Pinky promise

[@Pinie-ue9mz]

@@matbbm yes

[@TheJackKWhitehouse]

Respect 👊

[@drozycoder2007]

Thanks mate, it all helps

[@ynotnilknarf39]

there is no 'try', do or do not ...

[@thequadcleff4904]

This is very helpful especially for me - a novice cyclist. I'm doing a cycle ride for charity and this is very useful to keep extra safe for it. Thank you Ashley!! Also today, I passed my driving test with 8 minors. Very relieved and happy to say the least.

[@n00dles71]

As someone who has commuted by cycling in London for 20 years I can tell you the best advice is never pass a bus or truck without knowing with near certainty what they will do until your clear them. You must know the light phases give you enough time if you do and always get as far in front of their cab as you can and look back and make eye contact with the driver if your then stopped at a light. If you can't move with urgency until you can. Sometimes the road design will mean you may have to cross the stop line but I personally think the laws of physics and probability apply here before the law that says you have to stop in their blind zone.

[@x2beaches]

Thanks for following up from the last video with some good cycling. I commute daily in a busy city in the UK and it's nice to see you showcase good cycling. I've been enjoying your videos and admit my own cycling has become a lot more sensible, zen and flow positive over the past year. I'm happy to let cars overtake in spots where i'm probably a nuisance, but also happy riding primary where I feel i need to be. Half a year ago i nearly got doored on a really busy road and it massively shook me up, but i shouldn't have been riding so fast. It's a pleasure to see some amazing road users out there. I do agree with you, cyclist 1 needs to be more dominant with lane positioning, but as you say, it's probably a result of car drivers getting angry with them in the past. Cheers again for your informative, relaxing and engaging videos. If you were near me, i'd want you as a driving instructor.

[@JenOnTheMove]

I would say the roundabout positioning in the first clip was more about self preservation - I think in the same situation I'd probably do something similar, even though it's technically not correct - think of the amount of drivers who straightline roundabouts at speed - if you're cycling on the left you'd stand no chance. Clearly hasn't held anyone up, as long as observations were good, I think it's fine tbh

[@Talkathon408]

Roundabouts are horrible junctions for cyclists the way they're configured in the UK in stark contrast to say Dutch ones.

[@dominicward3523]

Nice video! The bike and lorry clip is an interesting one. I agree with you that the cyclist should have been more central in the lane. However, for us oldies, it can be quite difficult to snap out if - bikes should stick to the side of the road. Please do a few more of these.

[@srmoll]

I disagree with going over the centre of a mini-roundabout when its wet and particularly when its raining. The white paint can be very slippery in these conditions, and those on two wheels would be advised to slow and stay the to black stuff as much as possible. I have seen several cyclists come a cropper going over the mini-roundabouts in recent times. Especially in Richmond Park, London, where you get a LOT of cyclists and many trying to negotiate the mini-roundabouts as quickly as possible.

[@Abigail-Rebecca]

I was thinking exactly the same thing. The water-soaked paint coupled with the dome shape of a mini-roundabout is a lethal combination.

[@davidellis8141]

I agree also if you go around the roundabout the oncoming vehicle is not likely to hit you and gives more time to avoid.

[@fedoracay]

Some mini roundabouts are hard to cycle around. I don't know the one in the video, but I know a number where you actually could slip off if you were trying to go around it on a bike.

[@1ninjatiger]

@@davidellis8141 mini rabs can be awful to negotiate around on two wheels..cutting them but missing the white paint is something I do regularly (if its quiet)

[@1ninjatiger]

@@fedoracay agree..they are also dangerous on a motorbike

[@ZEN43D]

Another great vid, thanks for sharing!

[@edwardlamb]

Nice little vid! I like riding with a chest mounted camera as it gives lots of extra visual data - braking, changing gears, acceleration, etc. as well as giving a good perspective for how close some drivers pass. Thanks as ever, Ashley and to the contributors!

[@a.nonymouse1291]

Oh they're chest mounted? I thought it was on the seatpost or something. Didn't think of it in that way, that it shows braking. That's a good point.

[@cyclecam6328]

@@a.nonymouse1291 Looks like they're mounted to the helmet 😉

[@Daveador876]

Yes the camera is mounted on my chest, not a fan of head mounts as they normally video the floor or gives me motion sickness when I watch it.

[@matthewcunningham8691]

Brilliant video thanks Ashley 👌

[@ianl1052]

Nice cycling indeed. He could become the *Jon* of the cycling world. Two recent encounters with cyclists (neither of them were doing anything wrong). 1. Driving my favourite country route from Redditch to SW Birmingham on Friday, I had a cyclist in front of me on a reasonably wide road on a bend with double white dividing lines in the middle so I couldn't overtake. Once the bend had finished, the double dividers disappeared. Just as I had clear view ahead, the cyclist looked over his right shoulder. Remembering one of your videos, I matched his speed, allowed him to take primary position and complete his right turn. Confirmation that I do pay attention. 2. Same route yesterday but an earlier stretch. Narrow road approaching the crest of a small hill with a slight S bend after it. In front of me an elderly cyclist, behind me a Landrover Defender a bit too close for my liking, I got the impression he was trying to insist I overtake the cyclist who was really slow. Knowing that road really well, I wasn't going to let myself be pushed into a dangerous overtaking maneuver. Good job, too. The moment I reached the crest, a car came from the opposite direction. A friendly wave from each of us and the road ahead, despite being a bit short, was clear enough for both of us to safely overtake a slow cyclist. We all got to live another day.

[@nathansmith25]

I’m a cyclist, I ride about 16-20hours a week with the majority of this on roads. I’ve learnt that the best thing to do as a cyclist is to keep everyone happy, so if I’m going up a climb and going quite slow I will keep close to the curb so drivers can get past safely. But if i’m riding much faster i’ll make myself visible and ride further to the middle of the lane. And if a driver does pass stupidly instead of making a fuss about it just get on with riding your bike coz otherwise you will end up very worked up by the end of your ride. I’m only 17 but I do have quite a lot of experience with riding on roads and to me this is how i’ve found it to be most enjoyable

[@DasArab]

Just in from a 35 mile cycle. I can actually say that 99.9% of motorists were pretty good. Only 1 arsehole blasting his horn because I wasn't using the shared path while doing 20mph on a road bike.....

[@michaelgurd7477]

Agreed. It's always the minority that spoil it for everyone else.

[@grahambonner508]

I find it depends upon the time of day, rush hour during the week can be bad because many people are in such a rush, evening in the town can be bad when the boy racers come out. Otherwise I agree, it's quite rare now that I experience a really bad pass.

[@garyknight8616]

Great video. Thank you.

[@ibs5080]

It's good you are doing these cycling videos Ash. They are a good learning point not only for cyclists but also from a drivers perspective. In fact as a general case with any of your videos I try to take away learning points from all categories of road users involved, from pedestrian all the way to articulated lorry driver, even if I am never a particular category. It's important to see things from other road users perspective too. Any idea when the new HC is being published based on "heirchy of road users" with respect to vulnerability? I've searched for a specific publish date but all I can find is "Autumn 2021"...and we are already in September. Sure also hope a massive publicity campaign will occur, since most motorists don't read the HC once they've passed their test. No use introducing new rules if folks aren't aware of them.

[@ashley_neal]

Not sure when the HC will go "live". When I do, I will let everyone know!

[@ibs5080]

@@ashley_neal Thanks Ash. I can anticipate (there's a good driving pun) a video or two from you when the new HC does come out. I'm actually really looking forward to the new rules and feel they are long overdue. There's actually a number of other rules / recommendations I wish would be implimented in the UK. I guess we will have to wait to see if they ever get implemented in the future. Examples: 1. A standard procedure when traffic lights fail at an intersection 2. Standarization as to who has priority at an unmarked intersection 3. A law requiring at least one lane of clearance to emergency / maintanance vehicles on motorway hard shoulders OR reduce speed to 50 mph if lane change unsafe I have several others, including not just rules for road users but changes in road design. For example, I think it's crazy in the UK that we have dual carriageways with traffic lights and a 70mph speed limit on the approach. Yes, you should still drive at a speed which is appropriate to the contitions but at least having it in law would be a good move too (e.g. reduction to 50mph limit on traffic light approach...plus electronic signs that flash advance warning when lights are about to change to red some distance before the actual traffic lights. Very common in Canada).

[@ianl1052]

It's nice to see some positive cycling videos. Proof that there's good and bad in all of us.

[@martinkent333]

@@ianl1052 This cyclist rarely signalled and wears dark clothing. He is a 'weasel."

[@martinkent333]

@@ibs5080 This cyclist raeley signals and wears dark clothing. He is a weasel.

[@sniperwales]

A great video, I'll be trying to use some of these points on my next ride

[@rhyswilliams5923]

I usually move into the other lane when overtaking cyclists as if I was overtaking a car. Keeps both of is comfortable and safe

[@joshjgordon]

Great video.

[@calumbutter6124]

I adore your cycling videos. I've been driving nearly forty years but my passion is my roadbike. I think I've got the driving licked but I love your input on cycling. You give me confidence on the saddle.

[@jasimmathsandphysics]

This video is very helpful because I’m starting to cycle on the road. I hope you make more like this

[@songhetang2961]

Thanks so much Ash for all your videos. Your driving instruction is really appreciated and it’s great that you are taking the same approach for other road users such as cyclists. A remark about roundabouts, just expanding a little on what you say. Positioning a bicycle on a busy roundabout at traffic speed safely requires some skill and is probably one of the highest risk manoeuvres for a beginner cyclist, as you must not only watch what’s going on around you traffic-wise and judge quickly when it is safe to go (accounting for the possibility of not being seen or being close-passed) but also once committed make sure your trajectory is realistic (achievable) and predictable to cars. A shunt between cars on a roundabout will be an inconvenience, but for a cyclist, result in a bad injury or death. It’s a difficult call in the rain on slippy roads, but often, taking a mini roundabout the way a car would will end in loss of traction on the turn or distraction trying to do a technically difficult manoeuvre when your eyes and mind should be on the hazards. On a mini roundabout, going “correctly” from a primary position requires more time turning (turn left then quick sharp right for right hand exit) whereas riding over the middle (accounting for traction on paint) reduces the time spent making a turn. In a car, you can readily correct your position with just the turn of the steering wheel. Bicycles have far less contact with the ground than cars (and therefore less grip), require leaning and balance to turn and will lose traction far more readily. If you’re out of breathe, feeling under pressure from all the cars bearing down on you and worried about grip, at 12 mph+ you’ll instinctively head to the centre of the roundabout because the turn is easier, because you’re away from the side of the road where the exits are (and where cars will hit you if they turn into you or pull out on you) and because you are more visible at a vulnerable moment. I’ve been commuting on a bike 30+ years now. I taught my 14 year old son how to negotiate our town roundabouts on a bicycle recently and was reminded how tough it is, and how much he needs his wits as a learns his way.

[@stevenjoyce421]

Great vid.

[@a.nonymouse1291]

Close pass by the lorry: in those situations you have to either show courage and take the lane for yourself or just go on the pavement. Give them an opportunity and they'll take it however reckless it may be. On a two lane 30mph road as well, just take the entire lane. Is it selfish? No because there's a second lane for the cars to use. It takes less than a second to overtake if you can look further than the bonnet of your car.

[@paulfaulkner6299]

Without blowing my own trumpet too much: When I was a kid. I used to go any and everywhere only bike within a 15 mile or so radius. I graduated onto a small, then a larger motorbike at 17 then I ran the bikes with a car until my mid 20s, then kept the car alone until age 55 before rediscovering cycling and its health benefits in July of 2018. I've ridden around 5 to 6 thousand miles a year over the past 3 years on my peddle cycle - as well as driving for work purposes or my shopping or to go much further (or where turning up as a sweat-ball has been inappropriate). I have NEVER caused an accident on a bike, motorbike or using my cars (though I have had people pull out on me and run into me on occasion). I really do know how vulnerable everyone is as a cyclist / motorcyclist and I think that the experience makes me a better motorist in anticipation and planning. As a motorist, for example, I drive on the gearbox and only use the brakes in an emergency or for that final act of stopping having come down through the gears at lights or a give way point, for example. I am NOT perfect, and I do make mistakes on occasion but my own driving record and how I make others feel when I am driving reflects the skills I acquired as a kid, then a motorcyclist. We should be encouraging youngsters to learn to ride / the highway code at school. We should be rewarding those who take cycling training at say 12 or 13 by granting them with an earlier moped then small motorcycle licence and perhaps even a car licence * PROVIDED THAT THEY DON'T ABUSE / MISUSE HAVING ONE * along with an appropriate discount on their insurance. When I got my 1st motorbike, I was permitted (had I wanted) to ride a 250cc it's that long ago. But I did do the very first 2 part tests (no CBT back then) and my car licence was just a single test. I passed all of them first time. I repeat, I am not perfect and I know that I periodically will make a mistake. What would I tell others: Be seen and wear a helmet on 2 wheels and DO IT UP so that it doesn't come off if it's needed at that moment of impact with the ground. Wear gloves too. Have a LOT of lights with some of them flashing. Say thank you with a smile if someone lets you out or waits for you (even if you actually do have right of way) and anticipate that other people will make mistakes. Don't be right and in pain. Avoid the crashes if you can. And don't ride on the pavement! And to other motorists reference cyclists: Other than the Tour de France elite cyclists, most cyclists (yes, even those in cycling clubs "wearing the gear") typically have about 1 third of a brake horse power at their disposal at most. I think even something like a Trabant has 20 BHP or so with a typical car here with 14 / 15 / 16 hundred CC engine having between 60 and 80 BHP. This means you have give or take 200 times the power at your disposal and effortlessly too. Just be patient, a little at times, eh? And too the idiots who think it's funny to blare hooters for a laugh when you're on top of a cyclist _to make them jump_ consider that you just might end up killing one of them. Do you really want to carry that for the rest of your life? Let's respect each other on the roads, eh. Well done Ashley for the opportunity to comment on these sorts of films

[@cyclecam6328]

My policy would be for those who can pass a cycle training day to have a tax rebate for VAT on cycling equipment

[@plumbeats4573]

I agree as a cyclist it's best to play it safe when it comes to junctions etc. No one is perfect and you never know what kind of driver you may come across but in accident will be you thats in most danger. Always best to make sure that you are spotte

[@Gobbbbb]

I ride on two wheels (motorcyclist) and my biggest gripe is when you have a road clear on your side, and parked cars on the other side, cars love to squeeze through that small gap because you're a narrow vehicle. I hope you understand what I said lol.

[@zzhughesd]

Nice point about time for getting on it training. And time for slowing down safety first. I seldom remember this myself when heart rate pumping

[@georgelane6350]

Great video, really covered off some important points. The guy who slips into Lane 2 at the roundabouts is probably trying to discourage motorists from overtaking in Lane 2 and cutting him off on the exit

[@adamsmithelec]

Sometimes when I do a good bit of driving, I like to think of Ashley giving me a solemn nod of approval. Maybe he should make a little Churchill style, nodding head figure of himself that we can pop on our dash to encourage us to drive better!

[@Jonc25]

Mine would always be shaking its head.😄

[@PsychoticEwok]

Just wanted to say thank you for your videos passed my driving test yesterday and it's in no small part to your channel you've helped me improve my driving massively I got two minor faults, One for a bit too much speed approaching a junction and second for observation when pulling off at the side of the road So still improvements to make and work on Thank you again.

[@ashley_neal]

Great job!

[@harryobrien150100]

With the cutting the mini roundabout, this is also a good option in the wet as leaning to take the corner causes traction issues and he could lose the bike beneath him.

[@thecuttingsark5094]

With the truck overtake, sometimes I will have a look behind then wave vehicles past if possible. But I don’t take any chances. At lights I will wait in the queue as your cammer did but if it’s a long queue I go to the front, pull off quickly and then tuck in and let all the cars pass. I will not be stuck at a red and I’ve let all the cars go too.

[@Tillyard86]

Oddly enough just this morning a cycles is in front of me on a side road approaching a junction onto a main road. Suddenly he moves across so he’s right in the middle of the road and I can’t pass him. For a moment I consider giving me horn a short beep just to be sure he’s aware of me, but then he singles right, and I realise I just wasn’t thinking about what he was planning.

[@kenbrown2808]

which is why if a cyclist can give a signal before time to start maneuvering, it can help drivers know what they're thinking.

[@jhferu]

@@kenbrown2808 that is great, but many times, keeping both hands on the handle bars trumps giving a signal - the quality of the road surface is often so poor that giving signals simply isn't an option. It is also very likely the cyclist checked over their shoulder, before moving right. This is a clear signal, that is missed by many motorists. Although, I do note that you said "if" :)

[@kenbrown2808]

@@jhferu yes, I said "if." it also bears mentioning, that modern bicycle hand signals often use the right hand to indicate a right turn and the left to indicate a left turn, instead of the formal signals I learned as a child, which makes signaling a bit easier

[@ynotnilknarf39]

@@kenbrown2808 You should NEVER rely on a signal, particularly from a person on a bike. Road position is everything.

[@kenbrown2808]

@@ynotnilknarf39 not always. road position can mislead as badly as a wrong signal can. but that doesn't mean people shouldn't signal properly.

[@leifcian4288]

Cool, be great to get a video like this once in a while.

[@SnedzTheBricklayer]

Was driving down the main road in my town yesterday. There was a chubby 9 year old boy with glasses on a bike on the otherside, in the middle of the lane, doing about 5mph , no helmet or anything and then signaled left like the legend he is 😅✊

[@drozycoder2007]

I'm really hoping to see myself on this. About a week ago I passed an Ashley Neil learner car which got overtaken on a junction by an impatient driver. My big sin though was forgetting my helmet, sorry Ashley!

[@DivideBYZero69]

Good positive cycling video that both seasoned cyclists and drivers can learn from. Good work. Hope you enjoyed your guinea fowl.

[@ashley_neal]

😂 I had the Salmon 👍🏼

[@philroo1]

1:30 cycling in the door zone passing parked cars. Used to be that you could look in through the window to check cars are empty but now everyone has shaded glass at the back.

[@stephengilchrist6595]

A good traveller is one who understands the risks and reacts in a safe and calm manner.

[@shm5547]

Well, not to tempt fate, but had a nice 1.5 hour bike ride on country roads this afternoon and not a single numpty driver - maybe they're all watching this channel round here!

[@CptnKremmen]

Yep, definitely worth either being in one lane or the other - can still be to the left, but just not going into any part of the inside lane with handle bars, etc.

[@josephjboyle1528]

Pretty decent video. Thanks.

[@josephmarsh8235]

I love this nice cycling video Ashley. I hope we see some more. Also please could you do a video of you cycling too?

[@alexwalker9803]

Primary position is such a difficult one, it is open to interpretation and some drivers are more understanding than others and that requires education. Another point to educate on is that just because there is cycle infrastructure available it does not mean it is useable or safe. I have taken prime position on one road during my commute that has a cycle lane because that lane stops at the point where there road opens out into three lanes and people merge across without looking. It keeps me safe but I get abuse for it even though I am traveling with the traffic. Going the other way there is a shared pavement that the cycle lane with a bus stop in the way

[@PedroConejo1939]

Yep, I concur. There is a rather unsafe cycle lane on the pavement near me - I didn't even realise it was there at first because the signs were hidden by overgrowth and the tree root growing out of the tarmac are a real risk - and staying on the road brings down all sorts of anger, even though the very same drivers are stationary just 100 metres up the road and I can then ride past them, on the road, on a section with no cycle path. Some drivers seem to believe that the expression 'driving is a privilege' means that driving makes them privileged. They treat pedestrians just as badly.

[@jbcentral1545]

Patience is a virtue...

[@Pilot.0101]

That last clip is in Sheffield, where the cyclist went is heading out of town to the Peak District. That junction is a bloody nightmare, you can't see approaching traffic from the right coming over a rise, on what is a busy route out of town. Chances are they both went in the one gap that comes along every week or so and got tangled up.

[@shm5547]

Thank you Ashley for putting out a video on this. The road bike rider was pretty good, but, as you say, the road positioning of the MTB rider could be improved a lot. Hopefully, it will demonstrate to those who think cyclists should always hug the kerb, that it's not always the safest option!

[@dave597]

The infrastructure in UK for cyclists is abysmal compared to the Netherlands, investment is needed, no minor changes to the highway code will change that, i doubt most current drivers will even know about the upcoming changes.

[@ynotnilknarf39]

Double the number of people die on bicycles in NL, partly due BECAUSE of the segregated infra! They have four times less motoring miles in NL and yet double the cyclist deaths. How does that happen when you have such seperation? Segregation leads to more exposure at junctions to motor roads for one, this is the singularly worst juncture for deaths, motorists are less used to cyclists on roads because they are seperated, also the roads in NL for motors are brilliant, they are wide, smooth and connected. Segregated infra in NL is too often narrow and circuitous. The attitude of the Dutch motorist is actually no better than in the UK, I've experienced it, otherwise how do you get so many killed cyclists?

[@JM-rm3lt]

My father was killed by a dangerous lorry driver. I really appreciate this video Ashley.

[@DAFPvnk]

I'd like to advise cyclist at 01:00 gives more space when passing a lorry parked up like that, some drivers (unfortunately) don't look before opening the "barn doors" at the back of their vehicle and listen instead. Getting hit by those doors swinging open is not pleasant, especially when the wind catches them

[@sassyboofle6983]

That was good riding , good that you remind everyone to try a bit more courteous and responsible for our own actions . 👍

[@thescottishpanda5]

I must say I do not agree with the first cyclist's positioning. I would have stayed in lane one and not hovered over two lanes, which I think would cause confusion. The second cyclist was really good, he showed care and consideration to other road users and is a great example of how to do it! Well done! As for the cyclist on the mini roundabout, I do not agree with him going the wrong way round the roundabout as it is still going the wrong way round. I have never had a close call at a mini roundabout that was caused by me being less visible because I went all the way round instead of over the mound.

[@Gr1mR34p3r85]

To think I was driving a bike already at 10 years old. But actually it requires more skill than driving a car. I believe to be a good cyclist you need to have a driving license for at least 10 years.

[@PedroConejo1939]

And to be a good driver, you need to have ridden a bike for that long.

[@problemchild1976]

Just nice to see a road user apologising at the end - doesnt happen very often in entitlement city ;)

[@Wiki7202]

This is great, could we have more cycling analysis please. i am a cyclist that commutes 9 miles each way to and from work and i see alot of this stuff. there is a section thats is downhill and 20mph i always ride centre of my lane defensively and slow there because of too many close calls with people pulling out, opening doors or walking into the road. perhaps some lessons for pedestrians too! as a learner driver though, i always try to give more room than the minimum because i know what it is like for the cyclists. but a good reference for drivers is 1 fully open car door plus a little bit where possible. not always possible but it is always appreciated when you do a wider pass

[@saundersdachicken6197]

Cyclist can legally go straight in that left lane. IMO was correct what he did. Most collisions on city streets are rear end collisions.

[@cyclecam6328]

Top job :)

[@ashley_neal]

You too!

[@Will-it6ds]

Enjoyed this video, nice to see some nice cyclists, I do come across them myself sometimes. I’ve got one I may send in actually as he was nice. 👍

[@grahambonner508]

Very refreshing to see the absence of conflict. Regarding the so called “Primary position” I understand the reasoning but it can be quite scary & for this reason I tend not to do it unless I feel I have the traffic behind me under control. I would never do it out of town on the open road.

[@Edvard.Munchkin]

Graham, a quick word of advice, not meant in a bad way. Don't ever ever think or assume you have traffic behind you under control. You're on a tiny little toy, and they're in road vehicles weighing in excess of a ton. If they decide to "take control" of the situation, there will only ever be one winner 👍. Be careful.

[@grahambonner508]

@@Edvard.Munchkin By “control” I mean that the vehicle directly behind has slowed to my speed, is clear of my intention and appears to be prepared to let me complete the maneuver, this is generally achieved by my indication and road position. Thanks for the advice though.

[@Edvard.Munchkin]

@@grahambonner508 No worries man 👍

[@petyrkowalski9887]

On my bike at some junctions and pinch points, I have been cut up, squashed and otherwise mal-treated by motorists so many times, I now check back, signal out and take primary position through these points. It reduces my risk, makes my intentions clear and makes me visible. As soon as I have cleared these points I pull in and let cars by…all in 20 mph limits I might add and my flat speed is around 20 so I cant be accused of holding anyone up.

[@12Burton24]

Time to do training time to not to...well sowing down and speeding up is a good interval training 😁

[@KaneSwartz]

eyy big up Portsmouth in the first clip

[@themittonmethod1243]

Third clip.. when you talk about lane position... this is even more important with bicyclists than it is with motorbikes. In the UK, the bicycle should, since he was keeping up with traffic, been in either center or right lane position, to dominate the lane and present himself in the line of sight of the driver of vehicles behind. I do not know about the UK, but lane position with regard to traffic is not taught/emphasized in Canada, other than a few of us mentors. Cheers from BC Canada.

[@nebula_tm]

The guy cycling at 4:15 is crazy. Not because of anything obvious, but cycling up that hill is insane. My old car struggles to get up it from time to time!

[@Daveador876]

That portsdown hill, north of Portsmouth, its a long old hill. That's why I'm taking a drink of water and soaking my head before I start climbing.

[@nebula_tm]

@@Daveador876 I can't blame you!

[@christaylor751]

Nice Video Ashley, good idea to show people who don't actually ride a bike, the cyclists view and to promote good cycling practices. How about a video showing the view from an HGV, Coach or bus drivers seat. I've never been in an HGV so have no idea what roads and other traffic looks like to them.

[@kenbrown2808]

it looks a bit like trying to walk on a balance beam with people jumping at you from all sides to try to make you miss your step and fall off.

[@TheRip72]

In the last clip, the last cyclist stopped in the queue of traffic where the wing mirror of the car in front should be set up to see. This is good because creeping forward would have taken him into a blind spot & the cyclist was probably fully aware of this.

[@Matthew-bu7fg]

Ashley's the Murray Walker of cycling commentary

[@Horwellston]

This is like those Headspace meditation things.

[@ChrisJohnson-pd4hh]

Would you consider those plastic arm things that stick out from a bike to discourage close passes any use? I have lately been considering one but have my doubts.

[@joejoejoejoejoejoe4391]

5.05 Whilst I'm in a queue on a bike I like to keep just to the right so the vehicle in front can see me in their wing mirror, so they know that I'm not creeping up on the other side. I also look behind me if I'm near a turn so if I see the car behind indicating I can try to let them get past.

[@scottvessey915]

The guy overtaken by the lorry doesn't have the best positioning sense. You point out him moving out of lane 1 when going across the roundabouts, totally agree. He has a habit of hugging the kerb too much in all his other clips, a better position would be 1 foot to the right most of the time, and definitely primary position at junctions such as those traffic lights.

[@Alan_Clark]

That is the second time in two days that I have seen dangerous driving by a Highway Maintenance vehicle. Yesterday I saw a maintenance truck tailgate a car coming onto the motorway, then move across two lanes at once, then accelerate towards the car which was doing the same so that he had to brake. He then immediately went into lane 3 very close to me without signalling first.

[@ibs5080]

Interestingly I've often seen these Highway Maintenance vehicles driving badly / speeding, particularly on motorways. You'd think it was reenforced on the drivers that they are representing the organization in their highly visible vehicles and such, they should be on their best behaviour. Even more so that they are Highways Maintenance and as such, should be promoting "Highway" safety. After all we are constantly reminded to take care in road works zones to keep the crews safe. Should they not also keep the rest of us safe? Or is their bad driving some form of revenge on the general motoring public?

[@ReviewDude]

I would argue the cyclist's positioning is sub-optimal not just at the junction, but essentially during the entire stretch along the main road @ 4:30. They are very close to the kerb, almost on top of the double yellows. This has two disadvantages: you are riding where debris tends to accumulate on the road, and risk damaging your tyres and/or developing a puncture, but also (especially with another lane in the same direction) you "invite" close passes by cars. Most of the time when a car passes a cycle, they should be going over the lane markings to the right. Positioning yourself too far to the left means a driver's natural mentality to stay in lane will actually prompt them to pass even closer than they otherwise would, to avoid crossing that line. This makes it less safe for everyone. For me, the rider's bike, technique and positioning are indicative of a novice cyclist, and with apologies if I'm wrong, I would advise them to understand that primary position is in the centre of the lane (as Ashley mentioned), and secondary position is around an arm's length from the kerb - ideally no closer unless you're trying to facilitate an overtake.

[@davidellis8141]

New Highway Code states if approached by faster vehicle you should move over.

[@ReviewDude]

@@davidellis8141 Hi David - which rule are you referring to? I think this might be a bit of "tribal knowledge" as the only one I'm aware of that comes close advises you to be aware of traffic behind you. EDIT: Sorry, missed the word 'New' at the beginning, I think you're referring to the proposed changes to the highway code. The one you mention (moving over if approached by a fast moving vehicle) applies only when safe, and "moving over" will mean from the primary to the secondary positions as I explained them in my initial comments. It will not mean that cyclists will be asked to cycle as close to the kerb as in the clip. In addition, I believe it's limited to quiet roads and streets, so again would not apply to this situation.

[@LetMattEntertainYou]

This is the same junction from the famous clip where there's a lorry sat in lane 2 at the red light and a group of about 5 cyclists come up the left hand turn lane and then start shouting at the lorry driver when they go straight on and the lorry doesn't see them.

[@jasimmathsandphysics]

I went on a main road today and thankfully the drivers around me drove safe. Probably because I has school uniform on

[@michaelwillis4528]

@3.27 the cyclist does actually signal for vehicles behind

[@MK-1973]

Really enjoyed this. Agree with the comment about primary position in the last clip. It would be good if cyclists didn't feel the need to be too submissive. Mostly for their own safety but also it can put pressure on a driver immediately following, who is doing the right thing by holding back, from impatient drivers behind .

[@grahvis]

Cyclists should ride assertively, if they always give way even when there is no reason to, motorists will come to expect it and drive accordingly.

[@x2beaches]

Would you ever consider doing a video on the rapid expansion of hire scooters? I'm not going to give my personal opinions on them here, but the influx of them is massive in cities and it would be interesting to see how you're instructing new drivers on how to deal with a new 'hazard' on the road.

[@ashley_neal]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qH6kfnpooJiSgpY

[@steve00alt70]

The users should send these camera footages to the councils and transport infrastructure to make them aware this is what happens when there is no dedicated cycle lanes like amsterdam. I install a big blowhorn on handlebars when anyone gets way too close.

[@hadtopicausername]

Taking primary position is a double edged sword. Yes, it will deter quite a few drivers from passing where they really shouldn't. But then you've got the ones who just insist on passing anyway, showing no patience whatsoever. At that point, all I can do, is move over to the side of the road and pray there's no oncoming traffic round that blind corner. Because if there is, that passing car, now being so far over into the other lane, is going to smash right into said oncoming traffic and take me out in the process.

[@DJ-Daz]

The highways code says that cyclists "should keep left", and "should indicate direction". These are very different to "must".

[@jasons7731]

The highway code does not specify that cyclists should keep left.

[@GilesWendes]

4:46 what gear are you saving to go up to for Portsdown Hill?! haha

[@badabing8884]

I had one driver overtake me come within about 30 cm of me on my bike. Had a bloody cup of coffee and a cigarette in his right hand whilst low steering with his left. I was in secondary and had I been in primary no doubt he would still have close passed me or rammed me from behind.

[@lamf4846]

One point not raised in the comments is that the cycling depicted in the clips is done by those capable of decent speed relative to traffic. Less athletic cyclists are at more danger, especially in certain circumstances, such as roundabouts.

[@grahvis]

With the first roundabout, moving into the right hand lane was a mistake. I would have taken primary position in the left lane to avoid a left hook and moved to the left once far enough passed the first turn off. That would have given other road users better indication of my intentions and avoided any likelihood of a vehicle coming up on my left.