A BIZARRE collision between a cyclist and learner driver has divided the internet over who is to blame.
The cyclist somehow manages to stay upright after being shunted for several feet by a Fiat 500 which turns left at a junction.
But the incident, filmed in Warrington, Cheshire, last week has divided opinion between those who blame the cyclist for undertaking and those who blame the motorist for failing to spot the danger.
Dash cam driver Adam Blenkarn prompted the fierce debate after posting the video online with the caption: “Still wondering how he managed to stay on!”
At the start of the clip, the blue Fiat 500 – seen with learner plates on the rear of the car – indicates that it is turning left at the junction ahead.
A cyclist can be seen pedaling just behind the Fiat without any high visibility clothing.
As the Fiat begins to turn left the man on the bike tries to avoid the car but is hit by the front corner.
Incredibly, the biker manages to remain upright on and the bike as the motorist pushes the him along the road.
Adam from Warrington, said today: “I didn’t see it happen until the last minute but I think that both parties are at fault.
“It is a learner driver after all and could have been on their first lesson. But they really should have checked their mirrors and the bike should know better than going up the inside of a car at a junction, especially with it having L plates on.
“It is a tough one to call to be honest. I’m just glad it didn’t cause anybody any harm.”
Some viewers attacked the cyclist, including one who wrote: “Inside of a left turner who is on L plates, then buggers off on the pavement. The mind boggles.”
Another wrote: “Cyclist should have been bloody aware that L plated cars make ‘unexpected’ moves and should have expected the 500 to left hook especially as the indicator was on.”
Yet another piled in with: “Going up the inside of a learner with a left signal on? Clever biker. Hopefully, the learner will learn from that assuming the trainer noticed what happened. The importance of mirrors.”
But a cyclist defended the rider, commenting: “Why the f**k is that d**khead going down the inside of a car indicating left by a left turn?! Only got himself to blame.”
Another said: “That Punto c***o needs to retake the f*****g exam.”
Another Facebook user said: “But it doesn’t cost anything to do a last mirror check before turning.”
While one viewer had a balanced opinion: “50/50 I think. Bike placed himself in a dangerous position; FIAT obviously has no mirrors.”
