Well, if it was another car that was involved then your argument would hold. However, because it was a cyclist, the rules change. Many laws regarding cars dont apply to cyclists (in reality). For example, a cyclist can run a red light and all that would happen is he will get a strong talking to by a police officer or maybe a small £20 fine (or whatever it is these days). If a car did it and got caught by a police officer, he will get points on his license and may even appear in court.
You have to understand that in reality cyclists do get away with a lot. And in many cases the car driver is held liable, mainly because the cyclist isnt able to achieve high speeds or sharp braking distances.
In a court of law, to win, as a car driver you would need a near concrete case, eg, video evidence and/or multiple witnesses all of which recall the incident identically. You may not like it, but such is life.
The car driver MUST consider everything around him when parking in a bus lane - other cars, motcyclists, pedestrians, buses, taxis, cyclists, etc. You cant park in a bus lane and the moment your car comes to a halt, you shut your eyes, ears and say, anything that happens now, isnt my fault. The same applies in a hard shoulder on a motorway - you are not supposed to use it as a parking spot, for your convenience. It is supposed to be used in emergencies or for another reason you can come with a good explanation for.
All this discussion is academic anyway, as the OP has settled, which he shouldnt have. The car driver shouldve considered the fact that he had a fast pedaling cycle behind him. To this end, he shouldve gradually brought his car down to a halt, decelerating very slowly, giving the cyclist every opportunity to reduce his own speed. To say nothing of the fact that he was parking in a bus lane.
