Cycling in London

So I recently got into an accident because of a maliciously close pass that drove me onto the curb face first, resulting in the following outburst:

Firstly, this is not meant to be an attention-seeking post written to gain sympathy for myself, so save any you might think I need/want. Neither is this an armchair rant. I was tempted not to go into an irate tirade (lol), but couldn't help writing this from real sightings/experiences.

To Obnoxious drivers (especially taxi ones) who think you can save a few seconds of your inconsequential time at the expense of others' safety, kindly reflect on how you would feel if it happened to someone close to you, or you. Sudden overtaking at a 2-inch distance and then pulling up/slowing down (especially on the bike lane) is not nice. In case you were under the impression that 'inertia' is the protagonist from a fantasy novel, I'm telling you it is NOT.

What more are NOT nice: driving/parking on the bike lane, accelerating when you see cyclists trying to join the main traffic, speeding past with some 2-inch gap between your vehicle and my shoulder, especially on puddle-laden rainy days, tailgating, late signaling (especially after you're way past a turn). It's not even a matter of extreme kindness now. Just basic courtesy - which I wishfully presume most sober, civilized adults in "developed" cities to some degree possess.

On the same day in the same city I acquired this exquisite scab-tattooed face and metallic tasting luscious lips (image) from the first of the above instances, this guy could've well been the one under that car as mangled as that bike:

Cycle courier's furious foul-mouthed rant after his bike goes under the wheels of a taxi has to be heard to be believed

Being "foul-mouthed" is under-reaction. Although rationally it doesn't quite help with the situation, I would've possibly fared worse. Does negligence need to result in serious injury/fatality in order to be taken seriously?

Dear Obnoxious drivers, your metal armour will not save you from your conscience (if you have one to start with) eventually. Assuming you do not care about annoying cyclists who exist only to hold you up, kindly contemplate the inconveniences of the bureaucratic lawsuit that might ensue from your self-directed misadventures. In that case you waste more of YOUR time, money and potentially other aspects of life. Applying the CVP analysis beyond monetary terms might help you weigh the worthiness of such obnoxious acts. This is reality, not GTA. So seriously, wake up and think.

P.S. This was written with regards to the few nasty ones, though I'm still mindful of the fact that majority of the drivers are considerate and patient. (I commute 8 miles each way between residence and campus 4 to 5 days per week, for almost half a year now. Sometimes on more busy London routes as well. Most days have been pleasant) As an addition, this video attached is precisely the reason why you should leave substantial room between parked cars and your cycle path, despite the fact that some drivers might get impatient about you "hoarding" the left lane.

This is why #Cyclists DO NOT ride on the door zone. LOOK OUT for #Cyclists before you open your door. #GiveCyclistsRoom via +TAXI @AllLondonBoy
Posted by Dr. Morocho on Wednesday, August 5, 2015