30.7.2007
KN51 TXU pulls out forcing me to swerve and brake

As I was cycling along Milton Road towards Mitcham's Corner, this
driver decided that he didn't need to give way to me and pulled out
from the Westbrook Centre.  I was forced to swerve into the oncoming
traffic lane to avoid hitting him.

Before the incident I was probably travelling at around 20-21mph; I
didn't look at my speedo at the time but on the flat along Gilbert
Road after turning out of Metcalfe Road and accelerating to a cruise I
looked at my speedo which indicated 37kph, and I think I set off a
little slower along what is only the short stub of Milton Road.

I caught up with the driver at the roundabout entrance and
remonstrated with him.  I wasn't able to clearly hear his replies
although I think I heard the phrase "middle of the road" which I took
to mean that he disapproved of my assertive road position in the
centre of the main traffic lane.

I didn't make a special effort to memorise the driver's appearance and
the windows were tinted.  However as far as I can remember the driver
was male and clean-shaven, with shortish brown hair; he seemed to have
what I would describe as a narrow face.

-----
1.8.2007
Reported to police

Yesterday I went to Parkside to report this incident and today I spoke
to a PC and showed my video.

The officer was polite, clear and straightforward throughout.

However, they expressed the opinion that my road position had been
inappropriate.  They felt that I should have been further to the left,
on the white line, and that this would have allowed the driver to pull
out while leaving me enough space.

They said that they felt that I was therefore at least partially
reponsible for the incident - not as much as 50%, but at least in
part.  I disagreed.  The officer said that if I had been on a
motorbike they would have agreed with me but not on a pushbike.  "When
I'm on my motorbike I've paid my road tax" or similar words were used.
When the road tax canard came up again I said I didn't think that was
relevant and the officer effectively agreed saying "that's just the
way I like to think of it".

We had some other discussion about my road position (I mentioned
Cyclecraft) but it didn't come to a conclusion.

In any case, the officer said that they would issue a NIP and speak to
the driver.  Depending on what the driver said they would decided
whether merely to offer words of advice or decide to prosecute.

Just to reiterate: I have no complaint about the officer's attitude.
They were friendly, polite and calm and I have confident that they'll
do as they promised.