I filmed myself cycling for a week and somebody got hurt...

A bike vs a van is never gonna end well… and that’s not even the half of it! So much crazy stuff happens everyday that I decided to strap a GoPro to my head for a WEEK to take you along on my commutes through London and witness crashes, near misses, and even a CRIME!
It’s a rough world out there, stay safe kids! 🫡
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0:00 Intro
0:36 I ALMOST HIT A CHILD
1:20 Run in with a pedestrian
2:21 Junction mayhem
3:55 Woman gets arrested?!
4:54 Moped CRASHES!
5:29 Bus almost hits me
6:52 Fire brigade f***s up
7:47 Stay protected ;)
8:05 A near miss!
8:51 Ridiculous infrastructure
10:54 Pot holes from HELL
11:46 VAN HITS BIKE
#electroheads #crash #commute
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[@Hego_Damask_III]

Watching this made me appreciate the wonderful cycling infrastructure we have in the Netherlands and props to you Eilis because however angry you were at the guy in the van you still had a calm demeanor about you and you articulated your anger very well..

[@Electroheads]

Ha thank you. I dream of the Dutch cycling infrastructure and the cycle population that goes with it 🥲 build cycle lanes and the people will come!

[@jamesgrover2005]

​@@Electroheadsit's almost amusing waiting at the bike traffic lights in the Hague, mini jam of 30+ other cyclists, path road separation is key, and the infra should make the car driver feel like he's not on a right of way road when crossing cyclists.

[@megapangolin1093]

@@Electroheads Go on Eilis give us a review of Dutch cycling on a new bike!

[@danimayb]

So true! Well, Rotterdam not so much lol. I have family in Eindhoven (not from there just moved there) and I visit them a few times a year. They love the country and travel around it quite often, I have too. The cycle infrastructure around cities is something well beyond what I experience in the UK! But the best has to be Zwolle imo.. The most beautiful cycleways I've never seen. Amsterdam gets very congested through it's heart, And Rotterdam lacks somewhat.

[@misme2000]

In the Netherlands you are always wrong as an “driver” when you hit an person on a bicycle. Which is a good law. The only problem I encounter as an large panelvan driver that there’s a serious blindspot. There are places i try to avoid to drive because they manage to give cyclists the right of way @ roundabouts and put them all in the blindspot…

[@nemohalperin]

I've been cycling in London since 1985. I've been a cycle courier. Commuted on bike for many years. Also owned an ebike. Cyclists that run red lights give the rest of us a bad name. It's arrogant, selfish, lazy and stupid to do so. No excuses. If you want respect from other road users, it starts with you being respectful to others.

[@menditsa]

Couldn't agree more. We all have to look after each other, protect those more vunerable than what you ride / drive. I've cycled, ridden mopeds and motorbikes,cars, vans and lorrys in London for the last 45 years and adjust my behaviour accordingly. I now no longer do that as it got too stessful, have an e-scooter to get to work and drive a small electric van locally. One law I'd like to see extended is the use of mobile phones / headphones by pedestrians / cyclists whilst walking / cycling. How many of you have had one of these walk / pull out in front of you totally oblivious to their surroundings ?

[@xxwookey]

Yeah, that's clearly the biggest problem in this video! Not the appalling driving from the guy in the van, the other car turning left on Elisih, the bus overtaking illegally close, the dangerous fire-engine driving, nor the totally car-centric dangerous Vauxhall layout. If those people stopped skipping the lights all this would go away, right? Nonsense. Deal with the stuff that actually gets people killed and injured.

[@nemohalperin]

@@xxwookey there are accidents where cyclists go through red lights you know? What on earth are you ranting about. Do you imagine that because I think cyclists should be more respectful of other road users that I don't hold motorists to the same or higher standards? Where did I say otherwise? Take a sedative and get some perspective.

[@xxwookey]

@@nemohalperin But you chose to comment on the light-jumping, like that was the important take-away here. All the jumping in this video was pretty low-risk (but I agree that's not always the case). Saying that RLJing has to be fixed before anyone gets any 'respect' is just victim-blaming, and I'm a little surprised to hear cyclists still doing it in 2023. It would be nice to the get the Paris left-on-red at some junctions which would be better way of fixing much of this problem than trying to get people to stop doing it.

[@nemohalperin]

@@xxwookey you seem to be disproportionately angry with me. My comment was entirely fair and reasonable. I'm guessing you jump red lights all the time? It is still an offence in London you know. I'm not saying anything heinous or outlandish.

[@davidnguyen81]

Massive respect to Eilis for telling off the van driver 👏

[@Electroheads]

The adrenaline was rushing 😂

[@edj4833]

​@@Electroheads you should teach in primary school! Calm, collected, clear bollocking delivered to van driver!

[@engineeredlifeform]

No surprise when I saw the logo,.....

[@david103857]

I would always get name, address and insurance details. You may find injuries after the fact, and it gives the driver a wake up call.

[@46rrodriguez]

good effort from her but she failed to mention the most important thing. The driver wasnt convinced that he did anything wrong. Clearly he dont know that in new Highway code update the vehicles turning left have to give a way to cyclists at junctions. Because she didnt tell him that he can collide with another cyclist soon. Its better to be on the point than beating around the bush next time

[@longzero]

“You have to make sure it's clear before you turn, not because the light tells you to turn.” 👏

[@carlclarke1]

For people who drive as part of their work, you really should report them to their employer etc. so that they will be asked to take extra training. DPD in this case, have a duty to ensure that their drivers operate vehicles safely, even providers of company cars have the same duty. It is not 'getting them in trouble' it is educating about safety for all.

[@Camberwell86]

Trouble with delivery companies is the drivers come along with a car licence and get thrown straight into a long wheel base van nearly 7 metres long. There should be a separate test for those things, it's a totally different driving style

[@Duncan23]

​@@Camberwell86it's really not that different from driving a car, you just have to be more aware of blind spots and slightly adjust cornering position. The driver in this video just wasnt paying attention, the cyclist wasnt even in a blindspot and should have been easily visable

[@madmick9205]

I drive cars, vans, lorries, ride motor bikes and cycle. I'm not saying I have never broken the law on the road, but make an absolute point of driving carefully around cyclists. I try and set an example for other drivers as well as protect cyclists. I also make an absolute point of cycling lawfully because I want other drivers to see cyclist in a better light. I want the war between road users to end. There's no need for it. I enjoyed this video. Very balanced and no flashy editing to make things look worse than they are.

[@jasonwalsh8299]

Some drivers still not realised in the UK the rules are you yield to pedestrians and cyclists at priority junctions. In Ireland it's recommended but not law yet. That's gonna be fun when it comes in.

[@Mopantsu]

Too many foreign drivers in the cities too who are blissfully unaware of UK laws.

[@tomgstew]

The guy in the van is so lucky your mate is chilled out/ forgiving. I'd have been more at your level Eilis 😬🤜

[@Electroheads]

Ha I’d seen these incidents too many times to let it slide 😅

[@aldod8167]

While she distracts the driver, the cyclist takes a snap of the number plate, JIC.

[@erwindewit4073]

Indeed. I wouldn’t be chill AT ALL! Just kill sometime with your stupid van why don’t you.. Still, he’s all right and that’s most important. But to be honest, this does help me massively appreciate cycling in my country a lot more. Even though I live in Antwerp 20 years ago, and it was just like this. Today it’s better (still not great, but hey).

[@Dalenator1]

Needs reporting, this driver had a scare, but didn't sound like he got the message. The next cyclist won't be so lucky.

[@granyte]

Montreal is putting protected bike infrastructure everywhere and seeing videos like yours make me so damn glad for it

[@Electroheads]

That’s awesome to hear 🥲

[@charlielondon722]

Wot a great, common sense professional talented presenter, nice work keep crushing electroheads🙏♥️🐸

[@2e0bgb]

Typical young careless van driver, doesn't even know what he's done wrong and doesn't give a hoot for anyone but his selfish self...I'm so glad your friend was fine, fortunately......Best wishes to All.....Andre.

[@sunthroughtheblinds]

Hi Eilis, at those lights by the bridge in Vauxhall, I think the arrow to come off the road is because they want you to turn right over that crossing to the other segregated bike lane south of the railway. Then you would end up at the dedicated bike arch under the railway at the other end of the one way system. How you’re meant to realise all this in a split second at the lights is beyond me though!

[@Electroheads]

Ohhhh that would make a lot of sense 🤦🏼‍♀️ so not clear at all, though!! Thank you I’ll bare this in mind for next tike

[@soujihyde6656]

yeah the cycle lane at Vauxhall is basically a near-mess. You would eventually cross the road near the MI6 building, cross the bridge in order to get to Battersea.

[@scott2399]

Some of this is really scary Eilis! It's frustrating that you can do everything you can to keep yourself safe but you can't allow for others actions. Stay safe!

[@Electroheads]

Thank you ❤️ we’ve all gotta look out for each other on the roads - particularly for us smaller road users on micromobility. But cycling every day is what keeps my head clear and happy- even with these incidents! 😂

[@jonathanmagic5633]

Enjoy your videos, as a driver of everything that moves including an ebike I find something that doesn't get mentioned much is how our eyes actually have a blind spot where the optic nerve runs through the retina, it is approximately at 10:30 and 1:30 on the clock of our vision and depending on the distance and angles of the road you could easily not see a moving vehicle let alone a bicycle as it passes through that area of vision. If you come to a stop at intersections where possible and turn your head which also allows time for a vehicle to move out of your blind spot will help. I'm a retired Paramedic in Australia and have attended several thousand accident and I'm sure many are caused by this fact. Thanks again.

[@TheGreatStKat]

You hold your position on the road really well, no rush, but 'vector', pace, and awareness. More than can be said of car drivers, all too often, too comfortable in their wee (or big) boxes. Bus drivers are short on training.

[@megapangolin1093]

This is truly excellent, Eilis, we need to all appreciate that there is lawbreaking on both sides, those bikes all ran the red, and all of them will go over crossings between pedestrians putting the poor pedestrians at risk. There is only one safe space for people, especially very old/young/disabled and that is the pavement. To risk crossing the road on green and be hit by a toxic cyclist is just the worst, they just don't care and they will run off if they can, not so with a car who has to give account for his actions. A bike and rider can weigh 20% of a car and it is a metal lance coming at you, there is no escape from injury or even death if they hit you. Those bus drivers are really mean, and I have found it wise never to challenge a bus, if it is coming past, just slow down and let it go, those guys are pushing through to their next stop and concentration well it is going to be patchy, those buses are big. Vauxhall should be reported, can you imagine a toxic cyclist on that pavement pushing their way through old/young/pram-using pedestrians? Well done for keeping your cool. Can you imagine a 14-year-old two up on an illegal escooter with small wheels going through or swerving round those potholes? Dangerous to all or what? Cars wouldn't have a chance to miss a scooter swerving, which is why we don't need escooters in the UK they are too dangerous on our dangerous roads. Well done for sorting out that DPD man too nicely done. Last thing- how about all cyclists wearing vis at all times? Everyone will benefit and lives will be saved because people will be seen. You may have seen me saying this before? Love your stuff, more like this please.

[@Electroheads]

Thank you! We need to call out all road users who aren’t being considerate and infrastructure that isn’t up to standard to get people talking and get change moving!

[@AlexOnABoat]

You might not be one, but that comes across as the comment of a person who wants to appear to be pro-cycling but actually isn't. Should cyclists where hi-vis at all times? No, of course not. The aim is to make cycling the norm, not something that needs any more equipment than a cycle, and to market other users aware that they have no more right to the roads. So improving cycle safety is about improving infrastructure, and driver training not forcing the more vulnerable road users to wear dayglo. Ideally we want to end up like the Netherlands where people ride in their normal clothes, without helmets, safe in the knowledge that the roads they're riding are as safe as can be.

[@megapangolin1093]

@@AlexOnABoat I cycle, but as I do not live in a city, like the majority I don't cycle as much as some. I am pro-cycle, but I also drive. When I cycle I wear helmet gloves and hi-vis and flashing lights front and rear so I can be seen by everyone including pedestrians, it is a simple safety precaution, like wearing a seatbelt in a car. The UK will never have the infrastructure of the Netherlands for cycles, they are almost unique in this. As for wearing normal clothes the toxic lycra infested Mamils round where I live that I see pushing by, running red lights and challenging pedestrians for space, are great examples to follow. Never have I seen such a bunch of poseurs dressed like sausages on speed. I never get cut up by a lady on a bike in normal clothes, nor do they run red lights or intimidate pedestrians. Get rid of the toxicity and then we stand a chance of following the Netherlands including the clothing.

[@ditch3827]

You say "A bike and rider can weigh 20% of a car and it is a metal lance coming at you, there is no escape from injury or even death if they hit you.". The statistics say otherwise. From the DfT Survey, out of the 202,322 serious (ie personal injury) collisions attended by the police in the year, 189 were caused by a cyclist jumping a red light, compared to 3,564 caused by a car. In the case of the cyclist it was probable that is was the cyclist that was injured while in the case of the cars it is probable that it was other people that were injured. I can only find one case ever of a cyclist caused collision fatally injuring a pedestrian. Cyclists might be annoying but they pose negligible danger to the public. Motor vehicles on the other hand killed 1,608 people in UK in 2021 and are a major cause of the 28,000 to 36,000 people that are killed every year in the UK by air pollution and exhaust fumes. Every cyclist on the road is one less car so cyclists actually make our roads safer.

[@xXEchoXxAssault]

I really appreciate a video like this. It's nice to experience things from the cyclist's pov, especially in a different country ❤

[@TheGramophoneGirl]

That van driver could so easily have ended up with a lawsuit on his hands. Maybe he'll look twice in future? But like you said, maybe we need more cargo bikes? I've seen them in Europe and they work well.

[@Electroheads]

I do hope that was a bit of a wake up call for him to keep alert. We gotta keep each other safe 🥲 but honestly cargo bikes en mass would be make such a difference

[@Certago]

I ride on some of those roads, I feel you, London is scary. Grew up cycling in Berlin, never been in so much danger as in London... Stay safe out there and keep cycling. As for vans... Be careful to engage with their drivers, quite a few of them will resort to violence is you complain to them about putting your life at risk.

[@xxwookey]

Londond is dramatically better than it used to be. Honestly it was way worse 20 years ago. I'e been impressed how nice it is these days. Obviously it does vary a lot by location and there are way too many idiots like that van driver who really needs a retest! "My light was green"! It's not a 'run-over-anyone-else-now light' you cretin!

[@Robertus__]

"I used indicator first" "It's my green light" why are delivery companies allowed to hire people who clearly don't know the rules of the road, it's disgusting!!

[@jimmyfang9339]

I pray that you encounter all the good things on your way. I wish you a happy and safe journey. Take care of yourself.

[@Electroheads]

Thank you so much!

[@Glockers76]

This reminds me of the Casey Neistat “bike lanes” video. Good on you for calling out the DPD driver, those guys are deadly.

[@migsteele]

I’m a motorbike rider in london, I do have the benefit of a loud horn and the torque of an engine. I have two things to say! 1) two wheelers need to help each other out, car/van/bus/lorry drivers are crazy. 2) if you’re going to wait at red lights, please don’t stop bang in front of me. When those lights go green I just want to get ahead of the cars, same as you, but I can actually go 30,40,50 etc, please let me, I don’t want to squeeze past you or make you feel uncomfortable.

[@RichardMartin-wk3gy]

In Texas, Cars race me to the Red Light!... I'm in the Flow of Traffic passing a side street with a car waiting to enter... When the Driver sees you coming on a Bicycle the Body Langue changes... They sit up Hugging the steering wheel with Both Arms looking back & forth inching into traffic and cutting off your Right of Way!... It's like, "No Way Am I Waiting for a Bicycle, my God How Long will that take"... "I'm in a Hurry, I have a Car!... Damb-It!"...

[@Red_Rides_Bikes]

Honestly this is like a daily occurrence for my partner and I whenever we cycle in Edinburgh City centre. Worse ones are when you’re cycling in the primary position coming towards a traffic island for crossing pedestrians, and a car just zooms in front and squeeze their way through on your right just to get in front of you so they don’t have to wait behind you.

[@Electroheads]

The absolute worst. And you’re left there to inhale all the fumes

[@Red_Rides_Bikes]

Leaves me raging every time. 8/10 times I catch up with them at the traffic lights where they’re just sitting in gridlocked rush hour traffic. Honestly, dangerously close passing us just to save 10 secs. Are our lives worth so little to these idiotic drivers?! 😤😡

[@markwilson7013]

​@@Electroheads I mean yes, if you're lucky enough to survive the encounter and still be breathing at the end of it 😅

[@lancpudn]

WoW! that's frightening. Looks like some drivers have never read the new highway code changes regarding bicycles, I'd love to cycle & get an electric bike but there are just too many impatient aggressive drivers out there. Glad you both come out unscathed.

[@jamesgrover2005]

Scary indeed, almost all of this is down to the infrastructure planning (or lack there of) I could film my bike journey to work every day in the Hague, and you'd all be bored after a couple of days with no near death experiences.

[@sergentcolon1]

True, but also quite a number of cyclists seem to have missed the bit about red lights too. I ride a bicycle, a motor scooter a car and a van and always give plenty of room and consideration to cyclists and pedestrians. Some cyclists however ( and they tend to be among the Lycra clad cycle club members) don’t seem to show much to other road users or pedestrians.

[@paulcoinc]

As a cyclist there are places where I live that are 100% legal for us to be on. I wouldn't go on them. It's not even the drivers of cars, trucks, busses that are bad, it just not big enough to me to safely be on. There are blind corners that you could have two trucks passing in opposite directions leaving a bike with very minimal space and your on a mountain so nothing good will happen if you go off or even hit a guardrail. I have said once every few weeks close the road for a few hours and let bikes go then and ban them the rest of the time. The road does get closed for things like a run now and then. There's also an alternate route that may add a bit of time to a drive depending what side of the city you are going to or from. Now I don't know of a time that a cyclist has been hit on that road. Not many ride it for the same reason I wouldn't. It would be a great ride.

[@196hasnain]

at 09:15 you're supposed to come onto the pavement and stop/ wait at the toucan crossing (its for pedestrians and cycles - toucan = two- can cross) , cross over to the far right pavement where there is a two way cycle lane iirc. However, if you're a confident cyclist then its quicker to just move out into whichever vehicle lane you need to as though you would if you were a car and stay on the road and follow it round to your exit.

[@seb1things1]

And one advise , don t go on the inside of a bus, trick or even vans if they indicate left. Stay behind, let it turn, the driver may not see you. I am a cyclist, really good one but a bus driver in central London too. So I know both sides of the story. A lot of times you will not see the bike due to big blind spots on the bus, so be and safe. Great clip guys

[@danwiddon3854]

Elephant and Castle is a lot better to ride since it became a bend, not the awful killer gyratory it was. The impatience of those pushing up to, or rolling through, the pedestrian crossing is familiar from my years of riding around London. Great compilation Ellis!

[@fusion2387]

For the direction you’re going in Vauxhall, cross at the Toucan Crossing you were at onto the right side of South Lambeth Rd onto the cycle lane towards Vauxhall Tavern and head under the bridge towards MI6. Much safer than the five lane Vauxhall gyratory.

[@johnsparklingrocket2361]

If you are ever involved in an accident you should always make sure you get the drivers details, get to a hospital and have a check. If you are obviously injured, call an ambulance and police.

[@recklessrogue9027]

I know London's infrastructure leaves a lot to be desired by other more bike friendly countries. However, seeing London riders so lost as soon as there is no cycle lane (even just painted) does amuse me a little as in my cornish town there are a total two roads with a dedicated cycle lane and they are just painted with a handful of shared paths with pedestrians but a good 90% of my riding is done on regular roads with traffic. Loving the content as always though highlighting cycling issues and you are a great presenter keep it up! Would love more of these helmet cam vids 😁

[@steveknight878]

Call those potholes? That's a super-smooth road. You should try some of the roads in Devon - and probably other rural areas. 🙂

[@johnmaslen]

13:47 I got run over by a DPD van on my bike too. It’s really important to inform police and tell insurance even if there is no damage. Ideally get police involved because these are driver-owned vans but company remains responsible. You also don’t know if driver has a licence. DPD are the absolute worst for safety and need a class action against them for the hundreds of people they kill and injure each year.

[@daztastic147]

Looks like the fire vehicle’s view was completely obstructed by the sign strapped to the post which may be why he had to edge forward

[@ProjectEdan]

I would have absolutely lost my mind at the condescending guy saying "Wait".

[@Teapot-Dave]

I cycle most days but have the misfortune to live in one of the least cycle-friendly cities in the UK - Norwich. Here they think that painting a picture of a bicycle on an existing footpath somehow makes it a bike-lane; it doesn't. We have some painted line bike-gutters along a couple of main-roads which just suddenly end without warning and dump you back onto the road, not that a painted line gives you any protection anyway, but cars park in the lanes anyway so what is the point? Some of the roads are so lumpy and poorly maintained that it feels like you are riding over a ploughed field. The worst example is riding past Taverham Church back towards old Costessey (pronounced Cossy). My teenage son and I rode our bikes in Cambridge a rew months ago, and that is a Cyclist's dream! Dedicated bike lanes, priority traffic lights for Cyclists, and it just feels so safe and so much better when it is done properly. The trouble is that it rather spoils you for riding anywhere else again afterwards!

[@hoyenluk]

I had an incident like the last van driver once, also a delivery driver parked on the curb but i was driving that time along a single lane road, he suddenly turns out on the car in front of me and they nearly crash, what happens next is far worse and suddenly escalates to be quite frightening. The driver in front gets out of his car quite aggressively and the delivery van driver panics and tries to drive off, i thought that was the end of that so i drive around them. At the traffic lights the driver who got cut off who is very annoyed at this point drives on the wrong side of the road, stops in front of me blocks the whole line of cars and again comes out of his car to shout at the delivery driver. Delivery driver again panics and tries to drive away nearly hitting the back of my car, i felt like i needed to get away from that situation so i go around the left side of the car but the delivery driver tries to go around the right and nearly hits the side of me as he comes around. Absolute madness that day. Im surprised no one got hurt 🫣

[@gdwlaw5549]

left London in 1993. Old guy on a bike living in the EU. I thought London had improved going on my last visit. The roads are in quite a state.

[@Electroheads]

There’s definitely improvements but as you say a lot still to be done!!

[@TheHatMusic]

Cyclists riding through red lights absolutely does my head in. It's not like its going inconvenience me as a driver, it's entirely their choice, but the stupidity is staggering. If the light is red for you on a junction, then it's green for somebody else, and so many drivers will see a green light and just go through, which to be fair, they ar permitted to do. It just bothers me that some people are so flippant and take their life in their hands for the sake of not waiting at the light for a few seconds. I've had to brake and swerve to avoid cyclists who have just charged into junctions before now, and of course if that ever happens, I will always do what I can to avoid any incident, and thankfully so far, I have never had a collision with a cyclist. If all road users follow the rules of a junction correctly, it makes the whole process much safer for everyone involved and it is gratifing to see you stop at red lights. I always used to when cycling, and it got me a lot of teasing from friends, but the lights are there for a reason.

[@Dehibernation]

On the bus overtake, that's why you have to avoid riding in the gutter. Take primary when it's not safe to be overtaken. Even if they beep at you, it's better to be seen than under a bus.

[@itsjustme9578]

Good to see issues being addressed impartially! As a relatively new cyclist we are our own worst enemy…so many cyclists jumping lights and squeezing past vehicles…I don’t drive and can see how annoying this can be.

[@MalcomMcLeod]

This was super educational, stay safe out there head on a swivel!

[@conorbmcgovern]

I live in Brockley in South East London. Someone recently put a small birthday cake with 2 candles in one of the worst potholes. Having to manoeuvre around them is really dangerous. When I cycle the route with my daughter we get off our bikes and push for a bit.

[@thebrowns5337]

Never let drivers hit you and get away with it. They just won't change if you do. Should have called the Police. Green light doesn't mean go. It means proceed if safe to do so.

[@samueltaylor2757]

London is so weird. So many cycle lanes but still so uncoordinated. I still envy London riding compared to here in Birmingham

[@eezy9872]

At the Vauxhall section before you go onto the pavement there's a sign above you showing you're meant to cross the road there and cut across the centre of the roundabout to get to the far side. Keep an eye out for those little blue signs.

[@Mopantsu]

My brother lives outside of London and refuses to ride on the roads. He knows it is not legal but also knows most police don't bother you unless you are causing a problem for pedestrians. Children for instance are given much more leeway on pavements but then they are not usually bombing along. I think as long as you are sensible and not riding along pavements where there are lots of pedestrians it's probably a bit safer in some regards. Saying that though pavements can have a lot of obstacles and a rougher ride overall so it's rider choice in the end. Don't beat me up about the law on this one. I sometimes switch between pavement and road myself because it makes more sense if I feel unsafe on a particular stretch of road.

[@marcussmith6523]

The fire brigade van at 07:00 has pulled forwards because someone has fastened some illegal white advertising boards to the sign/lamp post, if he was further back his view would be partially blocked. That is a safe van driver that has positioned himself for best visibility. Unfortunately the cyclist didn't notice that.

[@HDsharp]

The roads in London are appalling! Even the road near Harrods, posh part of London is full of pot holes and badly patched areas that make me have to slow down to a snail pace to avoid breaking my bike or getting punctures.

[@aliancemd]

A lot of it seems like infrastructure issues - people are not flawless, they won’t always double check, the infrastructure has to make it less error prone. 8:08 In Netherlands, to avoid these blind spots, people on bikes would be sent slightly to the left, so the driver sees you in front of them when you intersect paths.

[@andymarc8632]

Biggest peeve of mine. Car drivers that hover behind you even though within the designated cycle line. they can fit a hgv past. Lack of confidence is a big issue and causes accidents.

[@jumpferjoy1st]

The bus overtake, is enough video for a conviction if you know the registration, date and time. The law was pretty clear before the Highway Code was updated to clarify the 1.5m space needed. Road users have no excuse for this. On the flip side, on the rare occasions a group of cyclists are riding together, they just cannot ride five abreast and expect all the vehicles behind them to stick at the ten miles an hour the cyclist is fannying about at. It is called give and take. Vehicle drivers do need to be called out when not giving room to cyclists AND cyclists need to be called out when they are cycling recklessly.

[@andrewnorris5415]

The ped was crossing in the wrong place. He needed to cross more back in-between the silver coloured markers. You stopped at the right place for cycles. Chat GPT told me : The markers on Pelican crossings in the UK are often referred to as "Tactile paving" or "Blind paving". These are textured paving slabs or studs located on the pavement or road surface on either side of the crossing, which help visually impaired pedestrians to navigate the crossing safely. The tactile paving can also be used to indicate the boundaries of the crossing and to guide pedestrians towards the control box for the traffic lights. The paving is designed to be detectable by foot and cane, with a distinctive pattern of raised lines or dots that provide a warning of the presence of the crossing.

[@anthonynesbitt3011]

In the one with the Red light at the junction, I did not see a solid white line, even when you looked down at the ground, unless you had already rode passed it. At some traffic light sets, if there is no solid white line before it, you don't stop, even if its on red, unless there are pedestrians crossing the road, road works, or some other obstruction.

[@winniepeg2020]

This is why I always have a camera on my bike SJ cam A20 7 hours record time Brilliant quality video with stabilisation Fully waterproof doesn't need a case, it's actually a body cam and a bike cam, comes with quite a few different accessories Built-in night vision Can be used as a bike light and also has flashing police light😂

[@kwedl]

I love cycling, but it makes me realize that i'm way too nice and pay too much attention to my surroundings compared to everyone else . At least here in germany so many people don't care about traffic lights, car drivers don't even bother looking left or right or checking their mirrors anymore, a bunch of people will just walk on the bycicle path in groups and even ringing the bell often won't help, especially with wannabe though schoolkids or people will just cross the road or open their car doors without looking. It's crazy.

[@antoniopalmero4063]

Take care out there gal , your too important to us all .

[@iainamurray]

If I ever rode in London for any period of time, I would definitely fit a fog horn.

[@Dehibernation]

9:09 This is not ridiculous infrastructure. It just gives you an option to cross via the toucan in front of you (alongside pedestrians). If you want to continue, just stay in the ASL continue with traffic. A bike symbol doesn't indicate you HAVE to go there. That being said the lack of any safe infrastructure past the ASL is abominable.

[@warwickshiremidlandsweathe9067]

I love ur videos!! Keep up the amazing work!! Eilis ur deffo my favourite for sure!

[@Electroheads]

Aww thank you!!

[@vomgrady]

London has been turned in a traffic system hellhole. I don't cycle and rarely drive but as a Londoner the madness of the "systems" is terrifying. Waterloo/Westminster Bridge is horrific. And don't get me started on Elephant. I have messed up coming out of St Thomas's and even though there was no incident I still think about it years later.

[@edwardott7239]

I hope you were able to report the bus driver for being so careless and almost hitting you, Eilis (so sorry to hear about your previous incident with one (hugs)). Massive respect for you in how you handle these situations as well. :)

[@markymarkreviews]

The state of cycle lanes, which ARE improving in general, still leave a lot to be desired in the UK. The way they just disappear or become a narrow painted white line on the side of the road. It is chaotic. My friend had exactly the same experience as Eilis, of a London bus scraping down the side of his knee/leg years ago, and he never rides on the road now but sticks with mountain biking. He advised against me riding my bike in London but have done it several times now, and the Cycle Superhighways are pretty excellent but just not enough of them around the capital. Cardiff is improving slowly but surely also. Still a long wy to go though.

[@andymarc8632]

Here in Oxford it's supposed to be a "cycling city" yet most of the lanes and cycle tracks are pot hole infested death traps. Council tax goes up though!

[@markymarkreviews]

@@andymarc8632 Same here in Cardiff. And Cardiff has just announced yesterday they are hoping to bring in Congestion Charging. OK in principle but will they massively improve cycle lanes and reducing he cost of public transport to compensate? I doubt it. Not coming in until 2027. But like the London ULEZ, it will just become another money making scheme and yet another tax.

[@johngrillo218]

same issues in Toronto, but here everyone drives a truck or SUV and there are no congestion tolls/fees here, so drivers drive on sidewalks, bike lanes, where ever they want and zero traffic enforcement.

[@Electroheads]

Yikes that sounds hair raising

[@jonathansherriff6254]

Qt that vaxhall bit the curb mount is to take you over to the right pavment where there is an old two way bike lane same as the one you end up on.. Its a bit confusing. I.tend to stick to the road. Whole thing needs fixing

[@arghjayem]

01:05 Wearing a helmet is a choice. It’s not a legal requirement in the U.K. Whilst under certain scenarios wearing a helmet definitively reduces the likelihood of injury, it’s limited to head injuries and even then it’s only effective when the car (the most likely cause of a collision involving a bike) is travelling less than 30. Above 30, studies have found a helmet is of minimal protection and in fact can cause injuries themselves. Take the Dutch for example, a country with a lot of bike usage. Despite there being far more of their population riding bikes than in the U.K., only 1% of those cycling wear helmets. Yet 13.3% of all those cyclists hospitalised were wearing helmets. Other studies have shown that cyclist who wear helmets tend to ride faster and take more risks on the road, the conclusion being they are wearing protection ergo can afford to take the risk. My point is wearing a helmet is a choice and not a guaranteed protection against injury. I wear a helmet even though there is no law telling me to and that’s my choice so why criticise someone who isn’t doing anything wrong? Especially someone who from the look of it was on a hire bike, which probably explains their bad cycling and road awareness- because there’s no test required for cycling and no helmets required otherwise every “Boris Bike” would have one. 01:56 he’s probably telling you to wait because he’s seen so many cyclists in London jump the lights, it’s not unreasonable for him to ask you to stop it’s not like he can take your registration number down and report you to the fuzz like he could with a car. Plus from the look of it on the video you were quite far forward in box almost in the crossing but that could just be the way the camera makes it look.

[@joshuaroberts2137]

I've been hit by a DPD van before, he got impatient at a junction which wasn't safe for me to turn out if so he decided the best option was to push me from behind to speed me up

[@icedrum555]

Great video - a very important subject that needs sharing to improve safety for all! More road vlogs please!

[@michaellupton1593]

My cycling philosophy has always been to generally obey red stop lights, although I have run the odd empty pedestrian crossing or clear temporary traffic light. I tend to assume other road users may not have seen me… oh and always stare at drivers waiting to pull out of junctures.. I live in a rural area now where cycling is a delight, most of the time .. Basically.. collisions are far more likely with poor infrastructure, bad user behaviour, low enforcement of traffic law and just random bad luck .. shit happens .. Enjoy the thrill and excitement of cycling in London if you focus on the risk you will scare yourself and stop cycling . Accept the random risk and pedal on . I hope you stay safe and Enjoy it .

[@Electroheads]

Honestly, although all of this happens I absolutely love getting out on the roads every single day. It’s actually a head clearer for me 😂 I’d choose this over sitting on a packed tube or bus any day

[@InquisitiveMind23]

This is one thing I am scared of. As a youngster, it is not a problem not that I am pushing 50. I am scared.

[@Hill_Walker]

I suspect the root cause of the pedestrian telling you to stop was the two vans who had crossed the the advanced stop line, into the cyclist box (not for mopeds, but that's a seperate rant). It meant the pedestrian probably didn't see that you stopping, as for him you just appeared suddenly from behind a van very close to him still moving. He couldn't tell you were slowing. Doesn't excuse his rudeness though. For the bus passing you, don't forget the wide angle lens means the bus was closer than it looks in the video.

[@mark-1rc502]

Beauty of a Bike is you’re not committed to only riding in a cycle lane .

[@leofenton9709]

i have the Lumos kickstart its brilliant, lights indicators and makes me wear a helmet every ride

[@canturgan]

Copenhagen is tiny compared to London, it's smaller than the smallest borough. They don't have a mass transit system anywhere near to London's and cannot be used in comparison.

[@humza890]

I don't have issues with busses, but have had issues with taxi drivers. I've also been beeped at for being in lane, approaching a roundabout. One time a driver told me to indicate, when I was going STRAIGHT where there is a cycle lane 🤦‍♂️ - what's the indicator for STRAIGHT 😆

[@Electroheads]

Argh it’s so frustrating when people’s frustrations for their inability to assess a situation is directed at you. I’ve had bad experiences also getting into lane to take a right or go around a roundabout. That’s when I got hit by an impatient bus… Stay safe ❤️

[@edenviews]

Everyone driving seems to be in such a hurry to get somewhere. i find that every day just walking to work. The courier drivers are bad wherever you are. Taxis are most likely to go through red. Bus drivers just want to kill you with diesel fumes anyway. I slipped crossing the road on ice and the bus driver bearing down on me didn't care, to ask if I was ok, just wanted to get on with his very quiet route. Never mind my bleeding knee and elbow...ironically at the entrance to the hospital and A&E!!! Keep up the good work. Slowly people might calm down and respect things such as road laws and other road users....Stay safe!🚲🚲🛴🦽

[@Electroheads]

All we need is a little consideration for one another… sounds like a nasty fall on the ice 😞

[@robertburn8705]

As a motorcycle rider you have to expect that car drivers won't see you and ride defensively expecting a car driver to do the right thing you will get run over.

[@davidhodgson977]

I cycle in my city, Sakhon Nakhon, in North East Thailand. A lot of the cars and pickup trucks shouldn't be on the road. The driving standard here is diabolical, making it very dodgy on a bike. I thought the driving standard in Bradford was bad, but Thailand takes some beating. At least I can run a red light and make a left turn if there is no traffic. Please take care of yourself in London.

[@Electroheads]

I’ve been on a moped in Thailand and can tell you it was an eye opening experience 😂 stay safe out there!

[@jonathansherriff6254]

The sad thing about E&C roundabout is they made all the changes to the roundabout to make it safer and its still horrendous

[@startingfingerstyle]

I've been an electric bike rider for a few years. The traffic in my town is clearly far less than you have in London. I'm retired, but I work part time 3 days a week and commute by bike. Where I live, I do not feel safe on the road. Frankly I might as well have a target painted on my back. There's one particular roundabout, nothing especially large but fairly busy. I've been knocked off my bike (at low speed) twice. So, I made the decision never to navigate the roundabout again. There's a pedestrian crossing just by the roundabout, so I use that. Am I any safer? Not really. Twice I've been hit by drivers going straight through the red light (once quite deliberately, the other time the driver wasn't looking, head down clearly reading his phone on his lap). I've witnessed some extreme naughtiness from cyclists, too. Frankly the busier our roads get the less safe I feel.

[@groovyboovy]

cycling durham to gateshead it's annoying when bike lanes disappear and road works do not tak it into account at all, but luckily less traffic than londom

[@briansture4353]

I had a job where I visited small engineering factories in the South London area and I know that area well that was during the 60s' and 70s', years ago and it doesn't seem to have changed much. I don't think it can change even in the future as London is an old City and change is limited. I now live in Perth Western Australia and the difference is chalk and cheese. We have bike paths away from traffic that take you in and out of the city with over and underpasses. I can't see London changing as it was designed before modern day traffic and there lies the problem. The Elephant and Castle did have a chance after WW 2 as most of it was bombed out but they failed to see the future back in the 60s' when it was rebuilt after WW2. Eliss, you would be surprised to know that the Elephant had possibly the freest parking area in London during the 60s' as so many houses had been destroyed and the lots cleared but the streets were still drivable. Park your car on one of the cleared lots and take the tube.

[@Electroheads]

Wow this was so interesting to read - thank you! Elephant and castle’s shopping centre has now been completely torn down and expensive flats that the rich can only afford are being built instead. It’s all going the wrong way

[@jehovachrist3136]

Here in Belfast I can count a minimum of 25 people operating smartphones whilst driving everyday I commute a short 5 mile journey . I've even seen someone driving whilst watching shows on a tablet in the centre of steering wheel!

[@itsjustme9578]

Just to say there are plans to add more cycle lanes around Vauxhall. Agree it’s a nightmare junction

[@soundwave6769]

the speed limit round our country lanes is 60mph ram rovers use it like a race track

[@I-am-MK]

The potholes in London are ridiculous. I hate them as a cyclist and as a driver. Having to swerve around them makes it more dangerous for everyone!

[@Electroheads]

Completely!

[@TenFalconsMusic]

I'm guessing those who are designing cycling infrastructure aren't actually cyclists.

[@paultodd9301]

At 11:05 it look's like they've attempted to fill the potholes with white paint! 😂😂

[@yuanyi2077]

Having lived in Manchester for over a year, the roads around here are all full of potholes 😅 hoping the councils around here will fix them up especially since its the most affordable way to get around

[@tonytheantony]

...not always, but I still think wearing something brighter than black is a plus on busy roads. May help delivery drivers see you when their situational awareness is only focused on their next drop. If you do get hit off the bike other motorists may also likely not run over you when you are flat on your back!!🙂👍👍 I so need to cycle up to London from my New Town for a couple of hours to see what it's like up there.

[@sleepycatsqueeze]

I'm commuting by bike everyday and in the morning when its very early and although I stop at every red light there are a couple which I think give a longer timed priority to the busier road , a another which are all clearly empty oh and occasionally those temporary sets at roadworks which don't seem to like cyclists at all, so the temptation to just blow through can be difficult to resist. Cycling through reds isn't as black and white as what the law says. I'd also like to mention the last taxi I was in accelerated through 4 at amber and one changed to red before she got past it in a 4 km run.

[@angusmctwangstick4079]

It's just as dangerous if not more so out in the countryside. Drivers still won't give you enough space even if they're fewer and further between but also if you get struck in the middle of nowhere you might not even be found until it's too late. In busy London at least there's a much better chance you'll be seen and helped.

[@Electroheads]

Yeah it's a bleak thought 😕 I was in Norfolk recently and saw some very brave cyclists on winding country roads and blind corners with cars bombing it at 60mph. It's another level.

[@toi_techno]

Great vid You have good street energy I always pull off early if I can because I've been knocked off my bike twice by people pulling off after lights into me. Getting close to cars is dangerous for us.

[@aintnobodygottime4dat]

Keep'em peeled!

[@jorcorex]

I am both a car driver and cyclist. Not an excuse and does not seem to be the case here but there's a bunch of roads where you really have to block the bike lane before you pull out or else you really don't have visibility at all and might crash into oncoming traffic. As a cyclist, this of course bugs me but again, it really comes down to city planning and the immense work that's still left to do. Here's hoping these issues are addressed in the near future and cars are limited more in cities. That and people actually buying cars they need, both size but also power wise, not what they think they need/want.

[@Electroheads]

Absolutely. This is about the infrastructure as well as poor choices. I hadn’t noticed the sign potentially blocking the fire truck’s view so that could have been a thing. I can also drive so I do get both sides as well. Less cars and more bikes for all!!

[@jorcorex]

@@Electroheads indeed, bikes for all :)

[@MilesBellas]

Red lights are OK to cross by pushing like a pedestrian? Same thing. Sometimes going through a red light is the best option for traffic and personal safety. Clearing a dangerous junction when it's safe should be legal IMO.

[@benhurley8063]

If you dont want to wait for the red light then simply dismount and cross the rd pushing your bike at the crossing as a pedestrian , not illegal and doesnt piss anyone off

[@mjr2567]

4:00 never before have I seen such reckless disregard for the safety of all road users...