Never Ride on the Left Side of Large Vehicles at Traffic Lights

According to community discussions highlighted on the r/londoncycling forum on September 8, 2026, cyclists face severe blind-spot hazards when positioning themselves alongside large commercial vehicles at traffic signals.

Urban riders frequently creep up the near side of vans, buses, and heavy goods vehicles while waiting for lights to change. Commuters sharing street space in major metropolitan centers regularly note that this positioning places riders directly in areas where drivers cannot see them in mirrors.

Understanding Heavy Vehicle Blind Spots

Large transport vehicles possess significant blind spots along their flanks, particularly on the passenger side. When a cyclist stops directly beside a large vehicle at an intersection, the driver often has zero visibility of that bike from the cab.

As detailed in the Reddit community advisory, motorists preparing to turn right or pull away cleanly from a red signal may swing wide or fail to spot a rider tucked against the vehicle body. Drop-side trucks and articulated lorries present extreme risks because their turning geometry sweeps across the near-side lane entirely.

Safety Recommendations for Urban Commuters

Experienced riders sharing safety guidance emphasize staying entirely behind large vehicles rather than attempting to filter past them into restricted gaps at the stop line. Holding a secure position in the center of the lane behind a bus or truck ensures the driver looks directly into their rearview mirrors and acknowledges the queue behind them.

Transport authorities and cycling advocacy groups consistently urge riders to avoid undertaking heavy vehicles at junctions. Patience at a traffic signal prevents catastrophic near-side collisions when the light turns green and the vehicle initiates its maneuver.