A short video of people cycling to work in Oxford. Here at Magdalen Bridge one wide lane splits into two. Often cyclists need to move out into outer lane to turn right. This is potentially a dangerous manoeuvre because you have to move across in front of faster moving traffic.
When cars are behind, most cyclists briefly look over their shoulder and briefly signal right. Some are obviously listening for cars and just move out without signalling.
A key issue is speed of cars and buses. At this point, most are anticipating lights and travelling not much faster than 20mph. If the speed increases to 30 mph or faster, it becomes much more difficult to move across into the outside lane. Personally, I feel this is why 20mph speed limits, do so much to make cities more cycle friendly. (Also, at 20mph, accidents much less likely to be serious)
Another factor is that because so many cyclists use this stretch of road (cyclists roughly 50% of traffic) vehicles are expecting cyclists to be there and more conscious of the fact.
At this point, motorists give cyclists a good deal of room. In other places where the road is narrower, they typically give much less space.
On other stretches of road, you would have to be more vigilant in looking over shoulder and turning right.
When traffic is moving much faster, sometimes you just have to stop and wait for a gap. Not great, but better than risking an accident.
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Yes, it’s a shame 20mph speed limits seem mainly cosmetic. But, when traffic is slower it makes cycling much easier.
That’s an impressive amount of cyclists using the road. I wouldn’t see that many over the entire length of my 9 mile commute. And Bristol is a cycling city!
We have plenty of 20 mph areas here too but they are not enforced and to be honest I haven’t noticed any difference in driver behaviour. If you aren’t going to get caught there’s really no incentive to obey the law. I’ll get off my soap box now