This incident happened at the junction of London Road and De Montfort Street in Leicester, UK.
As a result of my complaint to the police, the driver was offered a choice between prosecution or an educational course. They opted for the latter and subsequently completed the course. They did this in their own time and at their own expense. If there is a similar complaint made against them in the next three years, the police would normally refer the case directly to prosecution.
If you wish to report a road traffic incident in Leicestershire, here is the link https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/rti/rti-beta-2.1/report-a-road-traffic-incident/
The link to DfT data showing that bicycles are the safest vehicles on the road is here (scroll down to chart 4):
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/reported-road-casualties-great-britain-road-user-risk-2022/reported-road-casualties-great-britain-road-user-risk-2022-data
People on bicycles are vulnerable road users, second only to horses and riders. If in doubt, drive as if people on bicycles are horses and riders.
In order to improve road safety, all drivers, including myself, need to re-take their driving test every five years.
Rule 140 of the Highway Code (abridged):
You should give way to any cyclists in a cycle lane, including when they are approaching from behind you – do not cut across them when you are turning or when you are changing lane (see Rule H3). Be prepared to stop and wait for a safe gap in the flow of cyclists before crossing the cycle lane.
Cycle tracks are routes for cyclists that are physically protected or located away from motor traffic, other than where they cross side roads. Cycle tracks may be shared with pedestrians.
You should give way to cyclists approaching or using the cycle track when you are turning into or out of a junction (see Rule H3). Be prepared to stop and wait for a safe gap in the flow of cyclists before crossing the cycle track, which may be used by cyclists travelling in both directions.
Bear in mind that cyclists are not obliged to use cycle lanes or cycle tracks.
Law RTRA sects 5 & 8
Rule H3 of the Highway Code – Rule for drivers and motorcyclists:
You should not cut across cyclists, horse riders or horse drawn vehicles going ahead when you are turning into or out of a junction or changing direction or lane, just as you would not turn across the path of another motor vehicle. This applies whether they are using a cycle lane, a cycle track, or riding ahead on the road and you should give way to them.
Do not turn at a junction if to do so would cause the cyclist, horse rider or horse drawn vehicle going straight ahead to stop or swerve. You should stop and wait for a safe gap in the flow of cyclists if necessary.
This includes when cyclists are:
• approaching, passing or moving off from a junction
• moving past or waiting alongside stationary or slow-moving traffic
• travelling around a roundabout