Martin Underwood ) gurgled happily, sounding much like they
were saying :

Cyclists, on the other hand, often overtake cars which are
indicating left. As a car driver, I usually pull close to the kerb
as I approach a junction where I'm turning left if I've recently
overtaken a cyclist, to physically prevent him from overtaking
illegally. I wish it wasn't necessary to resort to this tactic.

It isn't necessary. Just don't overtake the cyclist if you know
you'll be turning left shortly afterwards.

It's not that simple. I may encounter the cyclist (maybe going as
slowly as 5 mph when I'm going at 30) when I'm several hundred yards
from the junction. To slow down to his speed and drive behind him for
ages is absurd and would incur the wrath of other traffic. So I
overtake him. Then the lights change just as I'm approaching the
lights: maybe I'm first or second car. While I'm stopped, the cyclist
catches up with me. The lights turn green.

Ah, sorry - was thinking of a junction off a free-flowing road, not TL
controlled.

I think my closest near-death on a bike was sat stationary at lights and
had a truck pull up just behind me - then when the lights went green, he
overtook and promptly turned left without indicating...

If he's already level with
me or in front of me, fine - he goes first. But suppose he's a second
or so later and is just behind me. Should I delay setting off to let
him overtake me or should he wait until I've turned? I reckon the
latter.

Indeed. If you're already indicating left, then he'd have to be utterly
stupid to pass you on the inside.

As a driver who occasionally cycles, I can see the problem from both
points of view.

Likewise.