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@GA2G
Horrible accident, but only luck ensured the cyclist had minor injuries. An off at that speed, and across the front of a car, could easily have ended in at least a broken arm, or worse, a broken neck.
I blame the cyclist 100%, even though its obvious that the car driver was in the wrong.
It takes a special kind of person to cycle as if they have the same rights on the road as cars and trucks. Yes, they have the same rights in law, but in physics, car and trucks have more "rights".
If one cycles and is always conscious that any accident with a motorized vehicle could end with the cyclist's death, then some of the risks taken would not be. I've had several cycling accidents, and normally they were my fault. I've grown up alot since those early ones, and now cycle defensively all the time. No exceptions. I RLC(reep) instead of RLJing, because if I am crossing an empty intersection at 5-10 miles per hour, there is almost a zero percent chance of me being hit by another vehicle......if I have looked in all directions first.
Defensive cycling won't guarantee an accident free life, but taking unwise risks (even if you have the right of way) is only advisable if the vehicle coming the other way, is another bicycle.
Eye contact (as raised by Oliver) is essential. I turn my head round to make eye contact with drivers when I need to change lane, and can't indicate with my arm. In fact, a following car slows right down if you turn to look at the driver behind you. It unnerves them, and they slow to see what you wish to do. After lane chaging/filtering, I always raise an arm of acknowledgement. Yes, drivers do like to be acknowledged for having slowed to allow any of us to change lane, or what ever. They feel its their road (I know its not), and its good to massage their egos. They would be nicer to the next cyclist they come across.