Cyclist who knocked down and killed pensioner

[Asterix, the former Gaul.]

If I was entitled to cycle in the middle of a carriageway I would be happy to monitor my speedo.  Unfortunately I have to cycle near the kerb and I don't have the time/space to take my eyes off the road to do so. 

[jsabine]

If I was entitled to cycle in the middle of a carriageway I would be happy to monitor my speedo.  Unfortunately I have to cycle near the kerb and I don't have the time/space to take my eyes off the road to do so. 

That sounds awfully similar to the argument that it's simply impossible for motorists to obey speed limits as to do so would entail gazing rigidly at their speedometer, to the exclusion of any observation of the road.

Personally when I'm driving I find little trouble looking at several things in rapid succession - road ahead, mirror, road ahead, other mirror, road ahead, speedo, road ahead again (you get the idea ...) and modifying my speed and direction according to this stream of visual inputs.

I think it's a shame you don't feel you have the cognitive abilities to do something similar while cycling, and wonder whether or not you feel able to trust yourself in charge of a motor vehicle.

[Veloman]

If I was entitled to cycle in the middle of a carriageway I would be happy to monitor my speedo.  Unfortunately I have to cycle near the kerb and I don't have the time/space to take my eyes off the road to do so.

Perhaps Rule 72 might be useful? You are allowed to ride in the centre of your lane when appropriate.
I find the primary riding position very useful.

https://www.highwaycodeuk.co.uk/rules-for-cyclists-road-junctions.html

[Asterix, the former Gaul.]

If I was entitled to cycle in the middle of a carriageway I would be happy to monitor my speedo.  Unfortunately I have to cycle near the kerb and I don't have the time/space to take my eyes off the road to do so. 

That sounds awfully similar to the argument that it's simply impossible for motorists to obey speed limits as to do so would entail gazing rigidly at their speedometer, to the exclusion of any observation of the road.

Personally when I'm driving I find little trouble looking at several things in rapid succession - road ahead, mirror, road ahead, other mirror, road ahead, speedo, road ahead again (you get the idea ...) and modifying my speed and direction according to this stream of visual inputs.

I think it's a shame you don't feel you have the cognitive abilities to do something similar while cycling, and wonder whether or not you feel able to trust yourself in charge of a motor vehicle.

It is similarly awful. A very poor comparison!

I don't feel infallible just walking down the street, let alone controlling machinery.  I live in a state of constant fear.

[Mr Larrington]

TV's Nice C Boardman notes that one is more likely to be killed by cows or lightning than by being skittled by a cyclist but even the party that introduced government by because we said so seems reluctant to legislate against either.