You are reading a single comment by @stormalx and its replies.
Click here to read the full conversation.
London Fixed Gear and Single-Speed is a community of predominantly fixed gear and single-speed cyclists in and around London, UK.
This site is supported almost exclusively by donations. Please consider donating a small amount regularly.
@stormalx
Yes. This is a problem with a lot of less confident cyclists. Passing things on the left is all good if you know the light has just gone red. If not, please please don't. I think a lot of less experienced cyclists are scared to take the high side, but actually put themselves in more danger by staying stuck to the curb.
A while back I saw a guy almost get crushed by a bus coming off London Bridge towards Liverpool Street - he passed it on the left as it was turning left. Pay some courtesy to buses and HGVs. They can't see you if you come in close on the left. Also, even when passing a bus on the right, take the whole lane. If you ride to the right of the lane, the bus driver will see you. If you don't, he/she may not. I've found that by passing a bus/HGV wide, they almost always wait for you. If you don't they won't, because you are in their blindspot. The downside is occasionally traffic behind will beep you. You have a right to the lane, so just get used to riding one-handed... the other hand will be swearing at the arsehole who wanted to pass you when it was not safe to do so...