Thanks pfr, that would indeed have been a sensible course of action. Raggy, I agree that consideration for others is all too lacking these days, but I'm afraid there's nothing particularly new about that.

Incidentally, if I could have my way, all car drivers would have to show P plates until they'd passed the Advanced test, would require 3 years' experience on a motorbike before applying for a car licence, and have to show proficiency on a push-bike before graduating to the motorized form. I might, however, spare intending cyclists the need to pass a pedestrian's test first.