Things cyclists should know … POV driver who's incapable of cycling

I have seen quite a few cyclists (in dark clothing at night) around our part of the world that are appear to be going out of their way to disguise themselves as a bush swaying in the breeze. My anticipation of what a bush is likely to do and what a cyclist is likely to do are quite different, so knowing that the dark shape ahead of me is a cyclist and not a bush is quite helpful.

If you are coming towards me, it is useful to know if you are cyclist or a pedestrian, cos if you are a pedestrian you are unlikely to reach me as quickly as if you are a cyclist.

If you are going in the same direction as me, if you are a pedestrian, unless you slip and fall into the road or dash out into the road, its unlikely that I'm going to have to change course. If its a cyclist, I'm going to need to move over to give you room, and I would like as much time as possible to see if this is going to be possible at the time I'm likely to reach you, or whether I need to be modifying my speed etc etc.

Identifying what something is is essential to anticipating the things actions or lack thereof, and making a decision as to what I am going to do.

One example that comes to mind: I was driving at night on a dual carriageway with 2 lanes on either side, up way ahead was a single flashing red light on the left, and the cars ahead of me were changing from the left lane to the right. Because the single flashing red light said "probably cyclist" to me I knew why we were all changing lanes. This seemed like win. I'm not saying I would have clattered into him had his light not been flashing, but surely more information about what's happening ahead is a good thing.

My point is that regardless of whether you do identify a cyclist, pedestrian or bush once you* see it you should be slowing down in anticipation of 'something'. Take your dual carriageway example. Upon seeing the single flashing red light did you carry on at 60/70mph until you decided it was a cyclist and action could be taken?

It always sounds to me that the focus on identification is about minimizing any delay to the affected persons rather than ensuring safe passing or safety in general. If a cyclist/pedestrian/kate bush is identified early then any moderation of speed or heading is lessened.

Now I know this probably isn't what you mean when you say "I would like as much time as possible to see if this is going to be possible at the time I'm likely to reach you, or whether I need to be modifying my speed etc etc." And I know that this isn't what my family and friends mean when they say roughly the same thing. But it really is how it comes across to me.

The selfish primary position bit also winds me up a little because there seems to be a presumption that you as a driver know when it is safe to overtake or not, regardless of whether the cyclist in front of you believes it is safe. Things like diesel spills, smaller potholes and general road-crappiness may not be obvious from your car, but can make a huge amount of difference to a cyclist to the extent where it may not be safe for you to pass, even if it isn't obvious.

The mirrors/van thing is also interesting because it is by no means a cyclist only issue, pretty much every road user seems to have very little idea of how much of a blind spot vans & lorries have at the rear, I've certainly been surprised before by a smart car that has pulled up almost directly behind my van and disappearing from my view. :(

In regards to the whole attacking/picking apart thing. Personally for me it's in part because I never get any recourse from drivers (I don't live in London and everyone is faster than me. :C ) All of the "Why did you do that?" questions can never be answered because they've beeped and gone, leaving me with a sour taste in my mouth and a soggy backside. Basically it's cathartic!

*I don't actually mean you you, but rather every driver including myself.