This morning's commute and other commuting stories

Got clarification on the caution; apparently it's just a legal way of giving a statement involving police vehicles and isn't like being given a normal caution where an offence has occured.

But because I technically hit the rear portion of the car, they could say I was cycling without due care or something but hopefully that isn't the case.

they still treated you like a cunt and you deserve an apology at least.

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I agree

I knew you would, eventually ;)

But because I technically hit the rear portion of the car, they could say I was cycling without due care or something but hopefully that isn't the case.

Technically bollocks. It sounds like you're mugging yourself off.

You has right of way, they pulled across you (a more vulnerable road user) without due care.

Nothing further will come of this unless you take it further - which is you prerogative, and your prerogative alone.

I'd be tempted to file a collision report myself, make a complaint, and have, at the very least, a black mark on the fuckers' records.

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It might even end up that they are found as being at fault anyway.

It won't.

Police favour the drivers every time, even if one assault you.

But because I technically hit the rear portion of the car, they could say I was cycling without due care or something but hopefully that isn't the case.

Did they tell you that while explaining what the caution was about? Sounds like bullshit said just to scare you off taking it further.

Tho fair enough if you don't want to take it further yourself, that's entirely up to you.

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I had a very similar-sounding incident where an unmarked, no-sirens car hit me during a chase. The car was completely at fault. The copper was very apologetic. I did give some details but I don't remember being given any paperwork. Later on he dropped off a £50 Evans voucher. I suspect this was because I didn't lodge a complaint!

Tldr; if there are cars involved, its a formailty to cover their backs.

Glad that worked out and you're still here!

He just clipped my rear rack, bending it in the process and knocking me off.

It was quite exciting. They were chasing a gunman because of some Albanians vs. established Brixton gangs beef yagetme?

Ahh haha yeah the dinosaur ride. I still can't watch Jurassic Park without getting flash backs.

Jeeeeeeeez. No point muscling any of that, if they want to get ahead they're better off just going in the road.

Exactly, problem was he thought he was faster then he actual was.

Pffft. Lights there are a stop trap anyway. Have been through that section hundreds of times and only 3 of those have the lights been green all the way.

This is not true and I have someone's Magistrates Court conviction to prove it. Always follow through with the police, it's worth it.

Did they tell you that while explaining what the caution was about? Sounds like bullshit said just to scare you off taking it further.

This. Standard police response when they fuck up when driving is to start threatening other road users with prosecution in an effort to make them go away quietly. Seen it happen myself twice, once in London, once in Newcastle.

I don't know if it's the same with unmarked detective cars, but if trafpol are in an incident, nobody can leave the scene until a supervising officer attends the scene. I was involved in an accident caused by trafpol, they ignored us as though their dangerous driving hadn't caused the accident, but luckily my mate who was in the car that got damaged, his step-dad is trafpol. Everyone got a bollocking and someone came round to my mate's house to personally apologise. Police insurance covered everything.

Cheers. I may have recounted this incident but in my case the car was coming in the opposite direction, and veered into my carriageway to apprehend a suspect running towards me, along the pavement to my left.

The driver clearly didn't see me. To be fair it was dark and I wasn't fantastically well-lit. Not to mention the fact it was raining.

Anyway, at the last minute we both swerve to avoid each other and he clips my rear rack, knocking me down. Driver (or passenger?) screams at me to, "stay there, we're chasing a gunman," or something similar.

They drive off and I wait for maybe five mins. More cars come flying past. Car comes back round the block eventually, and they make a full report with my name, etc. Very apologetic and promise to re-imburse for damages. Copper rings me up maybe two days later to find out the extent of the damages and drops of a gift card. I remember him saying he can easily get into my block of flats because he has a skeleton key.

He also told me the incident formed a big part of the post-mortem on that particular operation, and that they were "learning lessons" from it.

So my experience differs greatly from @danstuff's.

Gingerly starting commute due to slipping lockring (brought a hammer and a screwdriver, so now sorted) and freshly built wheels by moi so didn't want to hammer then until they settle a little.

Other than that, no unusual things. Which is good on the Monday morning ;)

New commute route day on a new bike. Almost everyone from Regents Park to Piccadilly jumps the lights - must remain zen.

Don't remain zen; call them out on it. Fuckers.

Keen to end the commute with more pedal revolutions than words exchanged.