The most likely place a rider is going to be involved in a collision is at a junction and it will be because the driver looked but didn’t see you and/or because of our size they misjudged how soon we would arrive at the junction, if this is so common and we as riders know it happens why does it still catch riders out?
You know the junctions there so you now have a choice, rely on luck, rely on someone else or take control of the situation.
● On approach position your bike where it will give the driver the best opportunity to see you.
● Think about your speed, if the driver pulls out could you stop?
● Avoid overtakes at junctions.
● As you get closer to the junction consider moving away to the left or right away from the emerging driver.
● Can you see the driver, can they see you.
● A car wheel starting to turn as it moves suggests they might be pulling out, don’t rely on eye contact.
● Have an escape plan, what will you do if the driver does pull out?
Expect it-Plan for it-Have a plan B
You may think you have lightning reactions but they may not be quick enough to save you where as a calmy executed plan will give you time to deal with what ever happens.
Chris Think Biker 
July 31, 2015 at 7:13 pm
i’ll never forget freezing (rather than react) when I started to pull out of a junction to see a car come out of nowhere – luckily we were both ok but my car was a right off. It all happened in the blink of an eye and was so scary i’ll never forget the huge bang I was sure i’d died. I was pulling out to go right and someone came and drove into my right – a hgv parked too close to the corner obscured my view & the car that drove into me was overtaking it, saw me and assumed I was pulling out when I was only creeping out inline with the HGV. Unusually I was not totally to blame the other driver had to accept liability too – photo evidence proved this. Speed of the oncoming car definitely contributed to this accident geewhizz he was there in a flash.
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August 3, 2015 at 10:18 am
With no warning, because you couldn’t see the car coming I’m sure the shock was even greater which links back to my point about can they see you.
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February 8, 2016 at 1:00 pm
With over 50 years of biking under my belt and being a retired police officer who has seen and dealt with the carnage on our roads I have made a few notes regarding junctions. I wholeheartedly agree that drivers should pay more attention at junctions but whilst it can be said that they are or can be at fault one is quite right in advocating some defensive riding techniques.
Good riding is aided by conspicuity, that’s being seen and with headlights dipped [ not just the parking light on] and some bright reflective clothing to assist one to be seen. Then riding in the correct position. The correct speed for the conditions and importantly correct gear so that the bike reacts quickly to braking or accelerating . Where you are not only being obvious and saying here i am but also riding defensively as if invisible then one can make a difference to the outcome either by not becoming involved in a collision or if so by mitigating the degree of injury for your benefit. To my mind not enough DEFENSIVE RIDING TECHNIQUES are taught nowadays .
First with good forward observations identify the possible danger. Approach cautiously and change lane position to be as far away from the vehicle should it emerge from the nearside. Some now suggest using a weaving motion so that you and your bikes image are broken up against the background and therefore one becomes more visible as opposed to be in one static position on the road with the same background in which one can become camouflaged. Whilst still keeping observation of all that is happening and prioritising that vehicle as being a possible danger watch for any signs of forward or in fact backward motion.. Is the driver looking at you but never assume that he has seen you. Many drivers actually look the other way, to the left first and if all clear generally do not stop at the junction, whether it be a stop junction or a give way but continue out into the road and then and only then may look you way. If they are looking away from you a sound of the horn may be appropriate. In some case they may move forward a foot or two and then stop so beware they might have seen you or the bus behind you that is actually camouflaging or hiding you from being seen.
Still approaching and one is still not happy then slow, possible need to change down to lower gears , be ready for the braking or acceleration . Look and determine, Is the driver turning his steering wheel as if to set off. Are the front wheels being turned in the direction he wishes to take, are his wheels turning and his vehicle is changing position against his background. All these are considerations and clues as to the drivers intentions. Slow as stated. maintain observations, ride slowly past or in the event that they exit the junction you will be in a better position to avoid a confrontation.
Many an incident or collision could have been avoided if the rider on his bike looks for these clues and also has developed an attitude or fourth sense in such matters. That comes generally with age and experience. but it can also be learned.
One thing we do very often in potentially dangerous situations is assume wrongly that the driver has seen you and/or as such that he or she is a responsible and careful a driver and shares the same attitude of mind as you do towards road safety etc. This wrong assumption can get us and you in all sorts of trouble. Never ever assume that the driver is as careful, experienced, knowledgeable etc. as you or that he cares for stray dogs and loves cats, or whatever . Always assume that he or she is a novice with little or no experience and or one who doesn’t give a dam about you or anyone else on the road. That way you will never be surprised of their actions no matter how stupid they can be be you can always keep yourself safer.
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