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Video: London cyclist sent flying as motorist drives through mini-roundabout

Incident happened at Thornton Heath on Sunday

A motorist in South London has filmed the moment a cyclist negotiating a mini-roundabout was sent flying from their bike after another driver approached the junction without slowing down, and apparently without seeing the rider.

The driver of the car with the dashcam recording the footage on Sunday stops at the broken line at the Whitehorse Road entrance to the roundabout in Thornton Heath.

But to the right, another motorist doesn’t even appear to brake as she enters the junction from Whitehorse Lane and, before driving across the white-painted circle that denotes the mini-roundabout, hits the cyclist.

The rider is tossed onto the bonnet of the silver car by the impact before landing on the ground, while the motorist gets out to check on their condition then returns to the vehicle, possibly to retrieve a mobile phone.

The extent of the cyclist’s injuries is unclear. While they are able to move their upper body, they remain seated on the ground. The driver posting the footage to YouTube has not said if it has been passed to the police.

The incident bears the hallmarks of the type of SMIDSY – Sorry Mate I Didn’t See You – collsion or near miss that is all too familiar to cyclists on Britain’s roads, and also highlights that contrary to the rules of the road, many drivers negotiate mini-roundabouts as though they were normal junctions.

Under Rule 185 of the Highway Code, drivers are told:

When reaching the roundabout you should

give priority to traffic approaching from your right, unless directed otherwise by signs, road markings or traffic lights
check whether road markings allow you to enter the roundabout without giving way. If so, proceed, but still look to the right before joining
watch out for all other road users already on the roundabout; be aware they may not be signalling correctly or at all
look forward before moving off to make sure traffic in front has moved off.

Rule 187 says that at roundabouts, motorists must “In all cases watch out for and give plenty of room to … cyclists and horse riders who may stay in the left-hand lane and signal right if they intend to continue round the roundabout. Allow them to do so.”

Mini-roundabouts are governed specifically by Rule 188, which says: “Approach these in the same way as normal roundabouts. All vehicles MUST pass round the central markings except large vehicles which are physically incapable of doing so. Remember, there is less space to manoeuvre and less time to signal. Avoid making U-turns at mini-roundabouts. Beware of others doing this.”

Simon joined road.cc as news editor in 2009 and is now the site’s community editor, acting as a link between the team producing the content and our readers. A law and languages graduate, published translator and former retail analyst, he has reported on issues as diverse as cycling-related court cases, anti-doping investigations, the latest developments in the bike industry and the sport’s biggest races. Now back in London full-time after 15 years living in Oxford and Cambridge, he loves cycling along the Thames but misses having his former riding buddy, Elodie the miniature schnauzer, in the basket in front of him.

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61 comments

Avatar
vonhelmet | 7 years ago
3 likes

Mini roundabouts are crap.  They're retrofitted into junctions to increase throughput at the cost of making any actual bloody sense.  They never reshape the pavements around them, they just pick a spot in the middle of the junction and draw a big circle and go home.  It's invariably in a stupid position so then people drive over the top of it or even practically the wrong way round it.  They suck balls.

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NOC40 | 7 years ago
2 likes

Not saying this has anything to do with the video above, but A-pillars are thicker than they used to be and they're not transparent. When you're on a bike moving slowly across a mini-roundabout you can be hidden for quite some time, and at the critical time, behind the driver's A-pillar.

I learnt this the hard way (fortunately only a bent wheel as the passenger spotted me last minute).

But now I always make sure I'm not behind the pillar, even if that means stopping on the roundabout. If you can't see the driver's eyes...

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tritecommentbot | 7 years ago
2 likes

Perfect example of existing radar tech easily being able to stop this from happening. Yet it's being offered as a paid for 'option' on new Fords/Volvos.

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RMurphy195 | 7 years ago
2 likes

Basically the driver in question was simply ignoring the roundabout entirely, which happens far too often near where I live - too many close shaves whether I'm on the bike or in the car.

Dangerous driving I think should be the charge here.

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atgni | 7 years ago
0 likes

US 4 way stops feel much safer than mini roundabouts.  Although mildly annoying in cleats.

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Jimmy Ray Will | 7 years ago
7 likes

Piis poor driving, but I doubt a mobile phone played a part.

If it did, then the driver is a total nutter, approaching that roundabout at that speed, whilst texting or whatever.

I believe it was a simple case of not looking... I can visualise that the drivers first priority will be looking at the car approaching (camera car) and judging if they can negotiate the roundabout ahead of them (its all a race after all!). Once established that they can make that gap, their next priority is looking right to see if there is anything coming that she has to give way to.

This right check has to be done quickly as her speed needs to be maintained in order to 'beat' the camera car (even though she has priority)... 

The cyclist sadly sits bang in the middle of these two visual focus areas, and unfortunately, because they are travelling relatively slowly, will not have drawn the attention of the driver. 

Its not so much a case of SMIDSY, its a not looking in the first place.

This to me is careless driving, which deserves prosecution and a driver training course.

I think the drivers reaction was fairly normal post crash. Why would they not be in shock as well? I think its a bit rich to expect them to morph instantly into a paramedic when they just demonstrated an inability to carry out basic driving functions.

I guess what I am saying is... terrible driving yes,, but thats all we can say for definite... to make assumptions on the drivers character, motivations, conduct beyond that is over dramatising things to say the least. 

 

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quiff | 7 years ago
1 like

Really horrible to watch.

It looks to me like it was borderline whether the car in front (grey Toyota) should have entered the roundbout too - the cyclist was already on it and seemed to have to ease off the pedals slightly to allow the grey car to pass in front of her. Having seen the Toyota go straight over roundabout, the driver of silver car may have had false impression that roundabout was clear and would then (assuming she was looking at all) have been looking at the entry to the roundabout rather than halfway across it. A-pillar visibility issues could also have come into play. Even giving all that benefit of the doubt though, the approach speed looks entirely inappropriate.

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riotgibbon replied to tritecommentbot | 7 years ago
0 likes

unconstituted wrote:

Perfect example of existing radar tech easily being able to stop this from happening. Yet it's being offered as a paid for 'option' on new Fords/Volvos.

 

on a tangential note, I've got  the Garmin radar for seeing what's behind, and I wouldn't want to commute without it - mostly cross-country on lanes, with the  odd bit of town with pedestrian refuges. Handy for the heads-up when in the middle of nowhere, or an extra bit of info when coming narrows in the road or making a turn or something

 

nothing beats paying attention though. 

I'm not making guesses about the driver though - it's a very short clip, they were probably shocked, they come across as shockingly casual, but that's just our very limited perspective ...

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hawkinspeter replied to atgni | 7 years ago
0 likes

atgni wrote:

US 4 way stops feel much safer than mini roundabouts.  Although mildly annoying in cleats.

Does track-standing for a few seconds count as stopping?

Avatar
robertoegg replied to NOC40 | 7 years ago
1 like

NOC40 wrote:

Not saying this has anything to do with the video above, but A-pillars are thicker than they used to be and they're not transparent. When you're on a bike moving slowly across a mini-roundabout you can be hidden for quite some time, and at the critical time, behind the driver's A-pillar.

I learnt this the hard way (fortunately only a bent wheel as the passenger spotted me last minute).

But now I always make sure I'm not behind the pillar, even if that means stopping on the roundabout. If you can't see the driver's eyes...

 

I think this is probably the most likely of explanations. I drove to work and back the other day and experienced this exactly. I was doing no more than 15mph (I'm a stickler for the 20mph on the research park where I work cos I cycle most days) approaching the roundabout and all appeared clear from the right so I continued. A small white van was right on me as soon as I drove onto the roundabout. He wouldn't have been doing warp speed because you can't from where he comes from so he must have approached at the same gentle speed as I did and sat behind the A pillar all the way. Scary. I wound the window and apologised at the lights just after.

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Ush replied to riotgibbon | 7 years ago
0 likes

riotgibbon wrote:

on a tangential note, I've got  the Garmin radar for seeing what's behind, and I wouldn't want to commute without it - mostly cross-country on lanes, with the  odd bit of town with pedestrian refuges. Handy for the heads-up when in the middle of nowhere, or an extra bit of info when coming narrows in the road or making a turn or something

 

Well.... eff me!  I had never heard of these before you mentioned them.  Thanks for that. Just looking now:

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/into-sports/cycling/varia-rearview-radar...

Avatar
Legin | 7 years ago
3 likes

Clearly the driver has made a major error and is at fault. Personally I think she was stretching across the back seat to fetch her highway code to check how she should deal with mini-roundabouts. I know this because any hypothesis fits the lynch mob mentality of many posters.

I do hope the ccylist is okay and makes a speedy recovery.

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Yorkshire wallet | 7 years ago
6 likes

Fuck me, that's going to give me mini-roundabout nightmares for months. I hate the bastard things as people either grind to a halt or fly across like that utter cunt. Frightening to think that could be YOU. You could be lit up light a xmas tree and some twat could end your life because liking a cat in a halloween costume is more important.

Also, as mentioned, the shear lack of any real sign of concern from the motorist is also triggering me. The twat can't even be bothered to even get to the floor level to help.

Also, as mentioned, the punishment will probably be the driver has already been stressed enough by the incident so no need for any thing other than a week off work and a kitkat.

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TriTaxMan | 7 years ago
2 likes

What the hell was the driver doing?  They were not paying attention to the road at all.  The first attempt at braking that they made was at the time the cyclist was already on the deck.

The driver was in shadow on the whole approach to the roundabout and also up to the point where they are on the roundabout, therefore cannot use the "I was blinded by the sun" excuse that they will undoubtedly try.  Or the I went from shadow to sun excuse.

This is not careless driving, it is dangerous driving.  On the approach to the roundabout she barely adjusted her speed.  I hope the courts throw the book at her, but I would bet it will be a 3 points and £100 penalty for careless driving.

I am agreeing with most that I think the driver on the car was definitely on the phone/texting at the time of the accident which is the only reason I can see for the complete lack of concentration from the driver.

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Zebulebu | 7 years ago
12 likes

Having lived in Croydon for 13 years, and knowing that roundabout very well, I can state with impunity that it IS a dangerous roundabout...  but it's dangerous because the people that live or drive through Thronton Heath are, in the main, absolute cunts.

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P3t3 replied to Zebulebu | 7 years ago
3 likes

Zebulebu wrote:

Having lived in Croydon for 13 years, and knowing that roundabout very well, I can state with impunity that it IS a dangerous roundabout...  but it's dangerous because the people that live or drive through Thronton Heath are, in the main, absolute cunts.

 

Of course its dangerous, its a mini roundabout!  Its a design that encourages high speeds and careless approaches whilst making it ambiguous what other road users are about to do.  Road engineers like them because they have a very high capacity, for the very same reason that they are dangerous.  

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davenportmb | 7 years ago
9 likes

I hope that the CPS request usage information from her mobile phone provider.

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severs1966 replied to davenportmb | 7 years ago
0 likes

davenportmb wrote:

I hope that the CPS request usage information from her mobile phone provider.

 

They won't.

It remains to be seen whether the cops even decide it is worth a prosecution. 

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brooksby | 7 years ago
1 like

Don't forget the old "Well, it's only a bike, I have seen them and I know it's their priority, but I'll pull out anyway because I'm sure they'll slow down rather than hit my car/bus/lorry". (at least, that is what I am presuming is going through their heads...).

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cbrndc | 7 years ago
0 likes

I pass a mini roundabout on my early morning commute where I regularly see oncoming drivers turn right, totally ignoring the central marking effectively driving the wrong way round the roundabout to gain access to the Driving Test Centre!

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burtthebike | 7 years ago
2 likes

If this driver doesn't get the book thrown at her by the police and CPS, then I am definitely starting a revolution, starting with torching her car.  Perhaps I'll do it anyway.

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kraut | 7 years ago
1 like

another driver approached the junction without slowing down, and apparently without EVEN BLOODY BOTHERING TO LOOK FOR APPROACHING TRAFFIC.

 

FTFY

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Fish_n_Chips | 7 years ago
0 likes

Happened to my Dad on a straight road with the motorist not looking.

Still waiting for a reply from their insurer as the bike was wrecked and worth £2k.

You have to look out!

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TiNuts | 7 years ago
14 likes

I'm just amazed that no one has pointed out the accident was probably encouraged by a vigilante camera-wielding motorist just looking for trouble. 

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SpiderDan replied to TiNuts | 7 years ago
1 like

TiNuts wrote:

I'm just amazed that no one has pointed out the accident was probably encouraged by a vigilante camera-wielding motorist just looking for trouble. 

 

What??

How on earth has the driver who filmed the incident "encouraged" the accident?

And on what basis was this driver "a vigilante camera-wielding motorist"?

Avatar
davel replied to SpiderDan | 7 years ago
3 likes

SpiderDan wrote:

TiNuts wrote:

I'm just amazed that no one has pointed out the accident was probably encouraged by a vigilante camera-wielding motorist just looking for trouble. 

 

What??

How on earth has the driver who filmed the incident "encouraged" the accident?

And on what basis was this driver "a vigilante camera-wielding motorist"?

whooooosh!

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Jimnm | 7 years ago
0 likes

What a feckin moron driver, the license should cut up and stuffed down the driver's throat. The feckin bastard.  7

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herrow | 7 years ago
0 likes

Jesus, that's horrible to see. As well as the slow reaction from the driver (Who shouldn't be driving) getting out of her car like others have said, the camera car occupants take a while to get out, maybe slightly shocked? Equally none of the cars approaching the roundabout stop to help, they just carry on as if no one is there. people just don't care anymore, they just care about getting somewhere and not if people are lying potentially fatally injured along their route need assistance. I didn't get hit by a car on a mini roundabout but came off after hitting oil on one (not the painted bit weirdly) and faceplanted right in front of a bunch of cars, cut my face up, grazed the inside of my mouth, smashed my knee into the road. Not one person asked if I was okay or needed assistance, they all just sat in their cars waiting for me to get out of their way. Makes me wonder about the kind of world I've bought my children into. I hope the Lady that was hit by this imbecile was not badly injured and has a speedy recovery.

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Jackson | 7 years ago
1 like

Loads of British drivers don't seem to do the "round" part of roundabouts and just barrel straight across. At first I thought that was the law here. 

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cyclisto | 7 years ago
3 likes

A more elevated central island would slow down forcibly most drivers.

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