2012-03-06 - Rider down, Clapham Road

A driver pulled across into Jeffreys road through queuing traffic this morning around 9am and didn't check to see no-one was coming along the cycle lane. As a result a guy on a roadie had no time to brake on his way down the CS7 towards Stockwell and went straight into the back passenger side door.

A few pedestrians stopped to help while I was on the phone to the ambulance/police, and helped to divert the traffic. The guy was clearly hurt - he didn't move from the road until the ambulance moved him and was taken to hospital with a neck brace on. I really hope he's ok, it looked pretty serious.

The impact was enough to snap the forks from the steerer, he was probably travelling at close to 20mph at the time (at a guess). I was really lucky to be a few metres behind him - far enough to go around the car.

The driver claimed that a car in the queuing traffic flashed him to go, though clearly neither car was aware of whether the cycle lane was clear at the time. Unsurprisingly the car that flashed (and must have seen what happened) didn't stop and I don't think anyone got the registration. The scary thing is that so many drivers think that they can tell another car when to go and when it's safe, you see it all the time.

Thoughts are with the guy, hoping he makes a full and speedy recovery.

Hope the rider heals up quick.

Another reminder to be careful around queuing traffic. I've nearly been caught a few times recently and saved myself a few in the past by spotting a flash of the lights. Tie in with the golden rule that the longer a driver has to wait, the more likely they are to do something stupid.

If there's a junction expect something to cross it.

Good luck rider

Tie in with the golden rule that the longer a driver has to wait, the more likely they are to do something stupid.

So true unfortunately. I feel at my most vulnerable when passing stationary/slow moving traffic

I crashed in the exact same scenario at the same junction into Jeffrey's Rd. Let's hope the neck brace was only a precautionary measure. Heal up

I hope the rider heals up soon.

This junction is a problem on CS7 and I've seen quite a few riders and motorcyclists taken out there. I've also seen countless near misses.

Here is the junction for anyone who is interested:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NDeSByYcmo

Riding along a blue super highway. Recently, I was concerned to see the number of skid marks on the blue just before every side street.

I have just posted this: http://www.lfgss.com/post2745938-684.html on the forum and apologies if this isn't exactly the right place for it but I was keen to spread the word...

I have just posted this: http://www.lfgss.com/post2745938-684.html on the forum and apologies if this isn't exactly the right place for it but I was keen to spread the word...

Done. Repped for pro-activeness.

I hope the rider is OK.

Had some Doris in a Range Rover look me right in the eye as she pulled out from a side street this morning at the top of the rise from Balham to Clapham South. I managed to stop, but the guy behind me didn't quite manage it. Must have had something to do with the fact he was blowing a ridiculous air horn and not using his brakes.

If there's a junction expect something to cross it.

I'm with you, but it is a bit shit when there is a junction every 50m.

Same thing nearly happened to me yesterday on CS7 but luckily the driver turning right off Clapham Road was alert and dropped the anchors as soon as he saw me. A stark reminder to me to pay more attention (not intended as a comment on this accident).

Hope rider makes a swift recovery.

A stark reminder to me to pay more attention (not intended as a comment on this accident).

Indeed. Mine was a mid-speed endo over the handlebars and happened before I really knew how to negotiate my way around London. I always fear that people will ride into the back of me if I stop at this particular junction as people tend to fly through the lights on the slight decline- I've resorted to a stopping gesture to those behind me.

That junction is hazardous, speedy approach and the propect of a longish straight, inability to see whats crossing ahead - seen a few close calls here.

Hope the chaps OK

Riding along a blue super highway. Recently, I was concerned to see the number of skid marks on the blue just before every side street.

documented;

I'm trying to documented every junction that have that and mark it in the map.

The driver claimed that a car in the queuing traffic flashed him to go, though clearly neither car was aware of whether the cycle lane was clear at the time.

Not really the place, but felt like I should mention this...

I've just taken my motorbike test, so have had lots of rules of the road drummed into me recently: you're supposed to leave side roads free when stopped in traffic, out of courtesy, but technically don't have to. Also, you're NOT supposed to encourage drivers to pull out. If you do that on a driving test or motorbike test you fail. And the driver who's being let out takes on the responsibility of pulling out - anything you do in a car is down to you. It's never, ever OK to say "he let me out" etc.