I think this video shows that the majority of people are well behaved and respectful on the roads. However, you’ll always see one muppet like that taxi driver. You wonder what goes through their heads sometimes.

I've watched so many alley cat races this video really caught me off guard. + I was laughing at all the cars overtaking to then just be passed again by you

I have to confess to being a little cheeky when out on my bike yesterday. I was overtaken safe enough by a large car 100yrds before a junction. Said juction had a Cycle box at the front, but the large car that overtook me had decided to fully occupy the cycle box at the Red traffic light. I took great delight in just going round them and positioned myself diretly in front of them on the white line, then taking my sweet ass time moving off when the light turned green. 🤣 It was a pointless overtake on approach to a Red Light by that large car....I know what they were thing and trying to do....Karma !

I actually quite like this format of uncut riding, but I suppose every part of it is educational, as it all shows good, attentive cycling. Keep up the good work, Ashley!

8:20 I think the "maroon one" flashed the headlights to let you out around the bus. I always think it's funny when I see that because it's clearly so automatic that they don't think how the cyclist is meant to see it. I've got a mirror so I might pick up on it (unlikely), but it's like they flash the vehicle not the person.

That battle with the Alpha driver on Rice Lane was so funny 😂😂

Even on two wheels Ashley will find a taxi driver doing what they do best 🤦‍♂️ They way they were driving they are a prime candidate for some to make it an event. And before anyone says “well the driver needs to be told their driving is appalling”, yes they do but in a different way. The company name is on the side, the registration is visible. Contact the company to let them know rather than making a scene and raising anger levels on the road. I have had quite a lot of success in doing it that way 👍

This is such a refreshing change from cycle twitter, relaxing and actually helpful, rather than just causing events.

Hello all. Ah yes, a Friday evening cycling video. Will watch now with great interest...in the primary viewing position naturally. 32 mins video I see. Immediately recognised the roads at the start.

Just want to say that the way you've set up your cameras here is great. The bigger and wider image being used for the front, then the second largest being the rear, and then the smallest being you is perfect for this video. I don't think the camera slipping down looks as bad in the video as it does on your end, as I don't notice it happening, so maybe you're worrying a bit too much about that. Good video Ashley.

The only real difference between your riding and mine is that when riding in town I'm using a heavy single speed with coaster brake and no motor. The electric motor gives you that extra acceleration which I believe enables you to position and flow with traffic easier, this also affects the way motorists react to you (in a positive way)

"How have the roads been compared to what you're used to?" - I'm used to driving on the right side! Jokes aside, I found a lot of the points in this video very useful. I often ride in and around Brussels, Belgium and I'd say it's quite the same traffic-wise, I'd say we have more dedicated cycling infrastructure but of course also not on every stretch of road.

It's interesting observing even early on in this video how various good roadcraft principles can apply to both cycling and driving. As an example, in the first 8.5mins, I've already seen Ashley: 1. Ride in a staggered formation 2. Position himself where he can be seen by other drivers rather than linger in their blind spot 3. Give thought as to whether or not a signal is necessary. 4. If a signal was necessary, apply it at the optimal time 5. Look well ahead and plan manouvres in good time and with suitably early positioning I guess good drivers generally make good cyclists. "Show me how you drive and I can tell how you cycle" and vice versa!

I am so lucky to live in a rural low traffic area. I don't have to ride in heavy traffic. Having been clipped by drivers doing close passes on numerous occasions and hit by a car causing me injury in Fort William, Scotland, I really like to avoid heavy traffic areas. My old cycling buddy has given up riding on the road now as he feels it's too unsafe. I've been cycling seriously for over 30 years and used to race back in the 90's on road, TT and MTB. Our roads have become more and more dangerous to cyclists despite initiatives such as the close pass initiative. I've also cycled extensively in Europe. The drivers there have a completely different attitude to cyclists. Maybe it's because of the penalties if they hit a cyclist. But cycling in France or Spain is a dream and both my wife and I feel so much safer on the roads there. We did two separate holidays in France this year cycling in Brittany on both and the Vercor in the first trip and Barrou in the 2nd. Wonderful roads and wonderful motorists that didn't take risks. Ashley, if you really like cycling, head to France or Spain.

Hey Ashley, great video! The amount of people parked on double yellow lines is staggering. I was surprised you didnt mention it, particularly as it means you have be more vulnerable while overtaking. Is there much enforcement of illegal parking?

At around 31:05 when you said "There is a cycle path up here on the left which I'm going to go up and use" at first I thought you said "There is a psychopath up here on the left which I'm going to go up and use". Immediately wondered how you'd know...and the mind boggles. I'm still in hysterics!😊

To be fair, I think I would argue that there's a bit of experience necessary for bike riding like that; I can ride a bike, but I still get a bit wobbly if I indicate, so that's something I would really need to master before I would be confident to ride in rush-hour traffic. Also, I've never filtered - same reason; I don't have the level of expertise necessary to do that yet. As a motorist, though, I'm really pleased that I learnt that level of cycling skill, or even to cycle at all, which I had not until last year; I'm 50 as I write this and I learnt to drive at 17. It means that I don't expect cyclists to necessarily be amazing. I do expect that there will be times that a cyclist does something where it would have been better if they had indicated, but they could not do so. I do like that more cycling infrastructure is springing up in my area (Cardiff). I've used it, and it works well. I think eventually I will have the level of confidence and expertise necessary to ride in rush-hour traffic, whether or not I choose to do so.

That looks like a very hostile environment for cycling. No one is going to let their children cycle there and inexperienced cyclists aren't ever going to feel safe mixing with that traffic.

I have to say that you got a little window where it was relatively quiet, notably on County Road which is normally pretty hectic even on non-matchdays. I think it would be interesting if you did a similar length ride between 3 and 4.30 pm on a weekday, possibly on a conventional bike (ie not electrified). You'll know from having driven in "school-run" traffic for years that your ride wouldn't be anywhere near as relaxed as this one. I would probably guarantee at least 20 close passes when the schools are letting out. Possibly a ride the length of Queens Drive from Sefton Park to Breeze Hill flyover, or vice versa, which is about 8 or 9 miles. That would be a good test of your undoubted patience and good humour, not to mention your positional skills. Glad to see you protecting your hands by the way 🤗👍

Ash, you should do a collaboration with someone like London hustle, gig hustle someone like that and see what risks they take delivering food where time is money to them. I think they take unneeded risk but the pressure of earning more money for being quick is a huge factor.

You should make a shim for your camera mount out of an old piece of inner tube. It's my go to trick when something doesn't want to stay in place on my bars and it hasn't let me down yet. Can be a little fiddly to get in place but will hold things steady when it's there.

Shouts out from Canada. We need more instructors like you here!

A bike lane with a bunch of parked cars in it isn’t really a bike lane…

That is some terrible parking in the cycle lane there at 26:25. Not only are they in the cycle lane but you have a van parking in the junction as well plus cars blocking driveways and all of them on the pavement. Not sure if we should call it parking or if it should be disorganised abandonment

Payday fridays can be interesting. only one thing on some peoples minds: overtake, overtake, overtake.

For all the cars you interacted with to only find 1 taxi driver and 2 Mercedes drivers who were idiots I think you did well

At around 7:12 a very useful clue that your lights might be about to change to green is that the lights on the right hand side for the cross traffic were very clearly seen to be turning red. Of course, you still have to be careful with this, in case the junction is on more than just a simple "two cycle" of lights. Either way, still very useful to pick up on these kinds of clues, as a car driver too.

18:53 ouch I felt that myself, hard truths have been spoken to my soul.

It's so bizarre that people park on the sidewalks there.

Well, in my honest opinion this was an EXCELLENT video... even with the camera.

As a few drivers think bicycles should ride close to the curb, (or in the curb) and all the road is theirs. I ride a bicycle, Motorbike, car, 32T lorry, (and I'll throw in I have a pilot's license as well🙂). I was riding to Heaton Park on my pedal assist bicycle in Manchester (so I have to peddle all the time and it doesn't have a button to propel me) and there were two situations that happened. I was going through a central reserve and kept left (to see if the car would go for it and it did). Then I came to a second central reserve and looked behind and a car was coming up behind but far away. I went took the primary position through and then moved to secondary position on the other side. The car squeezed through and past me VERY CLOSE and the drivers wife? in the passenger seat was hanging out of the window and gave me a load of verbal 😮😮 I laughed it off and thought that she wasn't even the driver and she had road rage. 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Obviously, me doing that meant they were a couple of seconds late from getting to 🤷‍♂🤷‍♂🤷‍♂🤷‍♂

This was a great video, would you be able to do more of this kind, possibly in the morning rush hour too? Around where I live, that is the busier one.

The last time i was on a bike in rush hour i felt vulnerable as traffic drove past me, i now tend to stick to country roads and old railway tracks around where i live when i go riding, however i will go into the city again and ride one day.

That overtake at 24:52 as you say “there isn’t enough room”, looking at the rear camera it appears the driver is one that will make room regardless. When driving they are the sort of driver that I will instinctively know they are going to do something and invariably I will ease off the throttle slightly if the road widens up almost anticipating the overtake - speed limits usually matter not to these drivers. Question for you Ashley…if you had the Innovv K6 rear mirror camera in operation and you saw the Mercedes perform that pass of the turning vehicle, would you have remained in primary or would you have moved to somewhere between secondary and primary to create a bigger safety buffer?

Not sure if anyone else thought this, but doesnt that sky look nice in the video :D

Enjoyed it.

I actually think you should report the taxi driver to the police. It is the correct way to deal with situations like this (instead of reprimanding or becoming involved at the scene) and they may very well do FA anyway. The reason people drive like this is cos they think they won’t get caught - let’s change that!

Really interesting video - in so many ways! Our infrastructure is really embarrassing and I hope we can improve it in a generation or two. Compare this video to one of the 'BicycleDutch' channel that shows cycling trips around various Dutch towns and cities. Thanks for sharing, Ashley

Thank you

i do like these rush hour videos

Very informative video Ashley, as always you are the voice of reason . I have cycled many years in the UK and now Brisbane. It’s always possible to learn from other people’s rides or at least get confirmation that one’s behaviour is in line with others. The big takeout for me is to not be afraid to take primary position where it is warranted.

I may have misinterpreted what I see, but I get the impression that when motorists encounter cyclists who ride like a motorist, showing courtesy, commonsense and good etiquette, then they reciprocate in kind. I heard no angry horns, no cursing or swearing and no one getting worked up. In fact, the who thing reminded me of my youthful days of bike riding, when it was a peaceful art. If everyone would ride, or drive, as seen in this video, the roads would, without doubt, be a happier, safer and more civilised place.

Ok, so genuine question: at 23:54, should you have moved to the right into the lane because of the diagonal markings before the parking area? On my commute to work, there's a section where the road narrows for a parking bay - similar to the one in your clip (but markings are at both ends) - I take primary in the lane because of the markings and also so that no one can squeeze past because the other side is blocked with traffic, but I get abuse by drivers behind me at least once a week for holding them up (the road is slightly uphill, so I go a bit slower).

A really nice cycle and nobody tried to kill you. Maybe Mr Vine needs to watch . Nice communication with the traffic everyone knows what you a doing. Nice position to be seen and just being part of the traffic. Its pretty much how I ride. The only difference is I'm on national speed limit roads

Im amazed how many people just dont care about double yellow lines

Ashley, do you think the filter at the lights at 8:48 is wise, as you don't know when the lights will change? Looked a bit risky to me. I think I'd've just waited in primary behind the taxi, as there wasn't much to be gained from the filter. I'd be tempted to 'make a point' to the MGIF taxi by getting in front (!), but hopefully I'd resist!

If that was a regular commute, I would try and find alternative routes to the main arterial roads. If you reduce the number of cars passing you, you reduce the odds of encountering a dodgy driver. I would also try and avoid riding in the hour around sunrise/sunset at this time of year as visibility can be an issue. I even chose to live to the east of my workplace, so I wouldn't be riding into the sun during the commute.

Nice video. I don't have any formal training, but I've developed my riding over the years and I ride in a similar fashion to you. I have one question - why did you pass the van at 06:07 and then tuck back in infront of it? Were you thinking it was stopping behind the bus or turning off? I wonder how much difference visible cameras make to driver behaviour?

where i stay in scotland cars dont stop until thy are in the cycle boxes at traffic lights

How many people park on the pavement with double yellow lines beneath them, ridiculous 😡

Great display of staying safe in traffic. The idiots will always try and push in, but I do find it hard to not shout at them! However, I do get satisfaction when I submit the footage to the Police and they get points/driver retraining courses. 😊👍

If you could find a camera mount with ribbed joints in between it might prevent the slipping.

I can't help but feel this just looks so stressful. You obviously show how to navigate it very well but I just can't help but feel there should be the public infrastrcuture to separate various modes of transport, cycling included. I'm just thinking about how different the experience of this sems compared with cycling on a cycle path or completley segregated cycle lane is.

18:10 - I see Liverpool drivers think it's OK to park where there are double yellow lines, half on the pavement, just like Ipswich drivers. 😊 Wrong-footed? Why not just back-pedal 180⁰? I usually ride at level 2 assist on my Brompton - level 1 if I want to go 20+ miles, at least for the first half; save the power until I'm knackered LOL

Now we need a sky cam

I hope you report the taxi drivers, because they personally targeted you.

Hi, is there a camera you’d recommend either mounted or helmet? Was hoping you were going to turn left down towards Townsend lane. Wanted to see home 😁.

@ 4:24 what do you mean by "Borrow a little more room" ? That implies that the road is for cars and you are only there because they are letting you, not that you are using the space in your lane to stay safe.

Hi Ashley, I know this is a fairly old video now in terms of KZfaq so hopefully you see this comment. I'm new to cycling and wondered what helmet you use and any other bits of gear you recommend? Apologies if you've already covered this in a previous video. All the best mate

Ashley - why is the rear view footage at top right back to front, mirrored - very confusing when shown at the same time as the rest of the footage?!

I choose to ride on the path when people start engine braking there way around

Ahh this is the piece of filming in which on Friday 13th Oct you were asking if we all knew what a Tiger crossing was,in your community post. Now we all know, and know what it was you were filming at the time 😊

Amazing how many "professional" drivers (i.e. taxis) are the worst drivers on the road.

Rear cam reading plates mirrored??

I didn’t notice the camera facing you is flipped so a left arm signal looks like a right signal. Confused me for a bit there until you turned Always keeping us thinking and on our toes 👍

Have to say Ash, you are a lot braver than I am by cycling on busy roads and in rush hour no less. For the longest time, the only cycling I've done is on my stationary bike at home. I have a couple of folding bikes back in Vancouver and only ever ridden on car free paths. Likely to keep it that way, in both continents.

6:04 Why overtake the white van and why no hand signals that you intended to do so? I feel there were times you encouraged closer overtakes by keeping left, you might have been comfortable with most of them (the maroon taxi driver besides) but you would also have been correct if you had remained in a stronger lane position to discourage close overtakes.

10:58 BL64 XWC needs to be reported. That is close enough for him to acquire points and a fine. And a lesson. He seems to be suffering from MGIF (must get in front, and all costs). If he continues like that, he will knock a bloke off his bike and put a family's breadwinner out of the game. As a professional driver, he should know better.

I was using the cycling infrastructure and still got hit 🤷 Oh well...

11:45 Ash doesn't say anything about that white van waiting in the side turning. It is a major threat here, especially as the driver isn't visible. I am taking primary here (to make myself visible) and am expecting it to pull out - I have a plan for when it does and my hands are already on the brake levers.

On the question of looking for issues, I disagree. When you have the level of offending that goes on near me, you need the evidence to take to the police, because without it the police won't act. Do you have to report each one? It depends. If the police act no, its a waste. If they do its a different matter. If the problem isn't fixed, then escalating to reporting means it bubbles up the police heirarchy. The last thing they want is the crime statistics being accurate. Now I've been pushing police very hard on the A2 in central London. The Old Kent Road. A local junction, is running at 1,200 offences an hour. Over 98% by cyclists. That doesn't include the e motorbikes that are all uninsured. It doesn't include the mopeds that are delivering. Again all almost certainly uninisured. I got two quotes for insurance, one came in at £8,500 a year, the other at £5,500. So when you see the offending day in day out, you have to escalate, and you have to have the evidence to back it up. Otherwise the video is great. Talking through what you are doing is important. People can start training their kids early. For example when driving. Put them in the front passenger seat. You talk them through the drive. What are you looking for, etc. ie. What's that car going to do with his nose half way out of the junction. Why has he got his reversing lights on? Is he going to hang a left on that bike etc. You can teach road sense from an early age.

I'm a cyclist and your videos have given me a few safety tips so thank you. It annoys me that so many cyclists ride whilst listening to music on headphones. They must have a death wish.

To keep safe I never use primary, and if they squeeze past I'm not too bothered if there is no contact, I haven't had anyone try to squeeze past at islands even if I am in secondary.

Not wearing a parachute so you can keep up with traffic is better 😂

You definitely look for confrontation out on the roads lol

Those roads are fccked. I’d be on the pavement for sure. Screw the law. Can’t afford a car. No buses. Don’t want to die.

No issues with your ride and there shouldn’t be of course. unlike Jeremy Vine, that guy looks for issues!

It's not the camera's fault, is it the mount......

As I've watched many other cycling videos from other channels, I kept expecting to hear you shout out "Oiii!" followed by a read out of the offending vehicles number plate any time you got close passed. Kept having to remind myself this is most certainly not that kind of YT channel!

At 15.37 you road in the door zone, very dangerous. The second biggest cause of serious injury and or death of cyclists is being doored.

Well it's 32 minutes long and it was posted 35 minutes ago, so the nit-picking on Twitter should start any time now...

Proof of just how unnecessary it is to drive in a city. It's no faster than cyling. And thays without proper cycling infrastructure. Dare i say with it, it's probably fater to cyle than to drive. And thag taxi needs reporting, their driving was dreadful. I allways day professional driver outht to have camera installed that get randomly inspected to check their driving abilities.

That's a pretty dirty pavement 2min 13

Nope, definitely not a "real cyclist". I mean, come on. At 11:36 "That's poor, that was poor behaviour". You know how it should be Ashley - no distinguishable words, but audible in Bootle. 😉

You should discretely follow and film one of those food delivery bike riders some time and critique their riding....

Where's the drama, you need to change your name to Jeremy or Mikey for a few "near death" experiences.

You seem to be doing what you accuse other dash cammers of doing. It is a Shane cyclists don't have any identifying marks so drivers can report their bad cyxling

what do you mean you dont have the mirror "option"? you can just buy cheap ones that clamp onto the bar end of any bike