On Wed, 14 May 2008 15:49:53 +0100, JNugent wrote:
>The closing speed is increased, with the threat of more severe outcomes
>to collisions which are themselves more likely in such circumstances.
Collisions are almost certainly *less* likely.
Cycling against the flow of traffic achieves 3 things:
1) The cyclist will see traffic that could affect them rather than be
taken by surprise by a car coming up from behind. (Few bicycles have
rearview mirrors).
2) The cyclist will get out of the way of the traffic rather than
keeping to the middle of the road and holding it up.
3) The cyclist will not need to glance over their shoulder every time
they need to move out more into the road due to potholes etc.
In some countries it is a rule of the road that pedestrians and
cyclists must travel on the opposite side of the road to motorised
traffic so that they will see it coming in time to get out of the way.
Which I believe is a sensible rule.
--
Cynic
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