We live at the corner formed by two roads, the one being the main road through the estate and the other leading off to another section of the estate. Both are quite busy at times and the junction can be quite dangerous, especially when cars are parked close to the junction itself.
As you look at the picture, imagine a car parked on this side of the main road which sweeps from the front middle, down to the left. Picture this car just side of the bus stop (to the right, where you see the lamp standard), and you will then be able to imagine a blind spot at the junction proper as a car comes down the road.
We get a lot of quickly moving cars, both up and down and round the corner into the side road.
A few days ago, I was standing in my yard, watching the traffic, when I saw a fellow on a bike on the pavement coming down towards me, past the bus shelter. He was in the company of what I guessed to be his little son, also on a bike, one of those tiny childrens' ones. They were both kitted out with helmets and the little kid had gloves, knee and elbow guards. All very proper.
When the little one reached the kerb, he stopped and waited for his dad. I heard the man tell the kid to look around, which he did and when they saw a car coming up the hill from my left (his right), wanting to turn right into the minor road, they waited. As soon as this car had turned and had moved away, the man told the kid to go and to wait the other side.
Only one small thing. He neglected to check to his right to see if anything was coming from behind. There was and fortunately, he was going slowly for his turn left. He was unsighted, due to the parked car. Had he been doing what many do, that is to screech round the corner, that little kid would not have stood a chance. As it was, he was able to stop, allowing the kid to continue across the road to the safety of the other pavement to my left.
A close call, I think.
The picture shows the layout which I have tried to describe.
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