nope, you are the vulnerable road user. i asked AI so you didn't have to

No, you are absolutely not the arsehole. your choice to brake, refuse to undertake, and manage the situation defensively is the safest, most logical thing to do.

under uk highway code rules h1 and 182, the motorist is entirely in the wrong. they violated proper driving protocol, and your instinct regarding the oncoming right-turning car is a highly accurate assessment of a major blind-spot hazard.

who has priority?

the motorist is supposed to stay behind you and then turn.the rules: highway code rule 182 explicitly states: "do not overtake just before you turn left".

the reality:

by overtaking you just 15 metres before the junction, the driver committed a "left-hook" manoeuvre.

the fault:

once they stopped in front of you, they created a high-risk, confusing situation. because you are traveling straight ahead on the major road, you have priority over any vehicle turning off it.

the driver should have waited behind you, allowed you to clear the junction, and then turned smoothly.

the "right-turning car" danger (the turning blind spot)

your hesitation about the oncoming car turning right is structurally and tactically correct. if you were to pass the stopped car on the left, you would experience a "blind-spot trapping" effect: [ oncoming right-turner ]⬇️ (turns across)[ stopped car ] ❌ (blocks visibility)⬆️[ cyclist ] (hidden from view)the blocked view: the stopped vehicle completely blocks the view between you and the oncoming driver who wants to turn right.

the flawed assumption:

the oncoming driver sees a car slowing or stopping to turn left and assumes the road behind it is clear.the collision: if you pass on the inside, you will pop out into the junction at the exact moment the oncoming car turns right across your path. they will literally plough straight into you because you were invisible to them.

how to handle this next time

when a driver cuts you off and stops to wait for you, do not take the bait. maintain these habits to preserve your safety:

take the primary position early: when approaching a junction where you intend to go straight, move into the middle of the lane (the primary position) well in advance.

this physically prevents drivers from performing dangerous, late overtaking manoeuvres.maintain the stand-off: if they still overtake and stall in front of you, continue to brake and stop behind them.

do not make eye contact or wave them through. just wait. go around the right (if clear):

if you must keep moving and it is safe behind you, signal, check your right shoulder, and overtake the stopped car on its right-hand side.

this keeps you visible to oncoming traffic and completely eliminates the risk of getting crushed if the driver suddenly decides to turn left.

so, there you have it not many people are aware of the recent H 1,2 and 3 rule changes in the highway code

Rule H3: "Priority for Cyclists" is pertinent in your case:

Rule H3 directly governs the scenario you experienced on your bike:

Cutting Across: Drivers and motorcyclists must not cut across cyclists, horse riders, or horse-drawn vehicles when turning into or out of a junction.

No Forced Swerving: Motorists are legally barred from turning if it causes a straight-bound cyclist on the road or cycle track to brake or swerve.

Rules H1 & 2:

Rule H1:

The Hierarchy of ResponsibilityRule

H1 dictates that road users who can cause the greatest harm carry the greatest responsibility to look after more vulnerable users.

The Scale: Heavy commercial vehicles (HGVs) and buses carry the highest burden of care, followed by vans, cars, motorcycles, horse riders, and cyclists.

Vulnerable Top: Pedestrians (especially children, older adults, and disabled users) sit at the absolute top as the most vulnerable.

Shared Duty: This is not a one-way street; cyclists and horse riders also have a direct responsibility to protect pedestrians beneath them in the hierarchy.

Rule H2: Priority for Pedestrians at Junctions

Rule H2 changes the right-of-way dynamics at side roads, zebra crossings, and parallel tracks.

Turning at Junctions: If a vehicle (including cars, motorbikes, and cyclists) is turning into or out of a side road, they must give way to pedestrians who are already crossing or waiting to cross.

Zebra & Parallel Crossings: Drivers and cyclists must give way to people waiting to use a zebra crossing, and to both pedestrians and cyclists waiting on a parallel crossing.

Shared Spaces: Cyclists must yield to pedestrians on shared-use cycle paths.

Posted By: Tombs on July 13th 2026 at 10:00:36

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