Ask HN: I think cyclist should drive left, when cars drive right

Less watching behind you:

Pro :

- Cyclists see the dangerous traffic in front of them ( 2 people can spot a mistake from the other party)

- Car parkers don't need to watch behind them for opening the door. Bikers approach them in the front

- When crossing over ( cyclist), the first half you watch left ( if it's safe), the second half to the right.

Serious Con:

- When driving out of somewhere ( eg. a car needs to go to the right from a street). He needs to watch to the right also when driving out.

I disagree. I think we make too many provisions in life for cars already.

The potential for fatal accidents would increase.

X is speed of cyclist, Y is speed of vehicle

Assume Y > X

Opposite travel direction collision speed: X + Y

Same travel direction collision: Y - X

For example, at Y=40km/h, X=20km/h

Opposite direction: 60km/h

Same direction: 20km/h

I'd much rather hit a wall at 20km/h than 60km/h.

As children we were made to do this in Australia in the late 60's early 70's

Traffic was pretty low back then and i would just get off and pull the bike up onto the kerb then get back on road after the car passed.