Rod - I think the Mad Doc is trying to draw our attention to the fact that Cycle Craft is very similar to Road Craft and Motorbike Craft by offering very similar advice regarding Concentration, Observation, Anticipation and planning by allowing Space and Time
My copy is also a well thumbed copy
and on page 51, we have some very, very familiar advice - as seen on Paul's main pages and within many threads throught the forum sections.
I cannot resist typing this from CycleCraft
It is almost identical to RoadCraft and is basically C O A S T advice
I hope the following quote will inspire debate and comment from drivers and cyclists on site - and may encourage safespeed "critics" to join in the discussion here. (Cyclists do seem to be the most vocal group pro- speed cameras
but if they really read Cycle Craft and the top tips into practices ....
)
CycleCraft wrote:
Thinking ahead and
planning every move is essential to each cyclist. For this good
observation. If you cannot see and read what is going on - in front, to your sides and behind - it will be impossible for you to
plan the safest and fastest manoeuvre in any situation But that's what we've been saying all along ....
Cycle Craft wrote:
For a cyclist observation is not just about seeing - it is about hearing. Many vital clues are assimilated by ears
Compare this with the thread in which I spell out C O A S T
- only I also suggest using your noses and reflections in shop windows and anything which gives a useful clue about hazard potential.
CycleCraft wrote:
The purpose of observation is to give you time to react to any hazard, whether it be actual or potential danger. Because of this need for [i]reaction time , the degree of concentration necessary is proportional to the complexity of the traffic and the situation around you - volume and speed of traffic .
Sounds awfully like COAST to me and Paul's thread posted way back in the past to both this site and the cycling site about "taking control of the traffic situation around you!"
But this is not us saying this - it is John Franklin
who wrote the "Bible" of safe cycling!
Cycle Craft wrote:
Although you should always adjust your speed so that you can adequately observe the coditions around you, as a cyclist the level of concentration will usually depend more on the speed of others than your own speed You should also realise that as your speed increases - you as a cyclist will have to concetrate all the harder on the situation further ahead and the foreground will become less distinct. Also bear in mind that you will need a greater stopping distance for a given speed than a driver.
This last point is something which I really fear a large number of cyclists - novices and seasoned alike - simply FAIL to understand - and may be one reason why the KSI amongst our cyclists has increased nationally when all other KSI have reduced.
. Just because your bike is slower than a car - many think they are able to stop in time. Nope. Sorry - but where car braking systems have advanced - bike brakes are just the same as ever... believe me - I ride a top of the range Trek and a top of the range Raleigh amongst other bikes
- and whilst the gears have developed and improved- I cannot - really cannot - give the same seal of approval to braking system.
But again - it is knowing your bike and its handling ...
Cycle Craft wrote:
Local knowledge can help considerably in anticipating problems - but equally familiarity can lead to loss of concentration and a false sense of security
Again - it echoes everything posted by all motorists on this site
Cycle Craft wrote:
Um - I think we are familiar ground here
Still C O A ST in other wording though
Cycle Craft wrote:
Observe small details whoich give vital clues to the less obvious:
[i] the presence of people in parked cars - they may open a door
Paul posted similar ages ago...
when this was up for discussion amongst drivers
Cycling Craft wrote:
Exhaust fumes from a stationary car - it may just set off!
Passengers moving on a bus - it may set off!
The last passenger on a bus ....
And he goes on to warn of the same items I have mentioned in the driving section - to look out for parked cars, buses, delivery vans, taxis, and he even talks of looking the direction wheels are pointing in and looking dorectly in the face of another road user to establish intention.
It's
still C O A S T regardless of how some people wish to argue...
The book is a must read for all really.
However, I am going to look at certain topics which present a danger to drivers and cyclists alike and post up in manner to try to strimulate and initiate discussiion rather than just quote the book