The driver of the Mitsubishi left hooked me at the junction of Conduit Street and London Road in Leicester UK. Many drivers behave as if the cycle lane, and cyclists, don’t exist. People on bicycles are vulnerable road users, on a par with horse riders. If in doubt, drive as if people on bicycles are horse riders.
If you wish to report a road traffic incident in Leicestershire, here is the link https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/rti/rti-beta-2.1/report-a-road-traffic-incident/
As a result of my complaint to the police, the driver was offered, and subsequently completed, a driver education course as an alternative to prosecution. They did this in their own time and at their own expense.
Ideally, all drivers, including myself, should have to re-take their driving test every five years.
Rule 140 of the Highway Code (abridged):
You should give way to any cyclists in a cycle lane, including when they are approaching from behind you – do not cut across them when you are turning or when you are changing lane (see Rule H3). Be prepared to stop and wait for a safe gap in the flow of cyclists before crossing the cycle lane.
Cycle tracks are routes for cyclists that are physically protected or located away from motor traffic, other than where they cross side roads. Cycle tracks may be shared with pedestrians.
You should give way to cyclists approaching or using the cycle track when you are turning into or out of a junction (see Rule H3). Be prepared to stop and wait for a safe gap in the flow of cyclists before crossing the cycle track, which may be used by cyclists travelling in both directions.
Bear in mind that cyclists are not obliged to use cycle lanes or cycle tracks.
Law RTRA sects 5 & 8
Rule H3 of the Highway Code – Rule for drivers and motorcyclists:
You should not cut across cyclists, horse riders or horse drawn vehicles going ahead when you are turning into or out of a junction or changing direction or lane, just as you would not turn across the path of another motor vehicle. This applies whether they are using a cycle lane, a cycle track, or riding ahead on the road and you should give way to them.
Do not turn at a junction if to do so would cause the cyclist, horse rider or horse drawn vehicle going straight ahead to stop or swerve. You should stop and wait for a safe gap in the flow of cyclists if necessary.
This includes when cyclists are:
• approaching, passing or moving off from a junction
• moving past or waiting alongside stationary or slow-moving traffic
• travelling around a roundabout
Rule 182 of the Highway Code
Turning left
Use your mirrors and give a left-turn signal well before you turn left. Do not overtake just before you turn left and watch out for traffic coming up on your left before you make the turn, especially if driving a large vehicle. Cyclists, motorcyclists and other road users in particular may be hidden from your view.
Do not cut in on cyclists