vol

A long while ago a poster here provided a useful tip for avoiding being hit by a vehicle leaving parked position: Always watch the front wheels of a parked vehicle for its next possible move. I am very thankful for that tip, especially after reading about this first fatal bike accident this year in NYC.

In this accident, the bicyclist apparently wanted to rush past a city bus as it was pulling out of a bus stop and was struck by it. "The bus was pulling into eastbound traffic when it collided with Santiago, who was pulled underneath the bus' driver-side front tires", and then run over, in a horrific scene.

Since reading the above-mentioned tip, I'm always very careful not to ride past the front of a stopped vehicle unless fairly certain it is not going to move imminently in my direction. Whoever posted that tip, thank you!

BobbyG

Watch the wheels and the doors. BTW, when stopped at a light while driving, I try to stay back far enough to look at the back wheels of the car ahead of me. That's what I watch, not the brake lights. One last thought, regarding the line "apparently wanted to rush past a city bus..." Whether biking or driving, I am constantly reminded of the phrase "small victories". It's the pursuit of those small victories in traffic that can lead to one's ultimate defeat. We can't know what Santiago was thinking, whether he tried to beat the bus, or was simply unaware of the bus, either way it's a sad affair. I agree, watch the front wheels of parked vehicles.

vol

+1000. Quite a number of fatal accidents occurred when a cyclist squeezes around a turning truck at an intersection (at least one in a London accident not long ago). What makes it so important to catch that few seconds risking one's life?

genec

That one has often baffled me too... So I make it a point to always try to give the second splitting hot head the seconds they seem to crave... keeps me out of "tight moments."

Chris516

I don't even focus on the front wheels, if I see the vehicle begin to pull out of a parking space, I get in the passing lane to get around it, pass it, then back into the outside lane.

Essex

I ride past 125th St in NYC a lot. It's definitely a hot bed of traffic going East to West and North to South. The density of vehicular traffic, plus peds. foot traffic is so high that it's not a area I take for granted. In short I try to avoid it and I never ride East to West on 125th because it's just asking for trouble with the large buses, hot rod drivers, jay walkers etc. I am not surprised there was a fatality there. Condolences to the cyclist's family.

mconlonx

Not just parked cars -- I watch the front wheels of cars all around me in traffic, too. Especially when I'm right beside one. Has helped me avoid getting right-hooked in the past.

FBinNY 

You're welcome.

Essex

I was looking for turning wheels yesterday - marginally helpful vs. the abject stupidity of cab drivers.

I was helping some lost tourists on rented bicycles close to dusk. The group of 4, with two young children on carriers can travel only 5-6 mph at best. By the time I'm finished escorting them to a safe path to the West Side and 80th st. I now am faced with getting home before it's dark and somewhat risky. So, I decide to take 5th Avenue from W 110th - 57th st. as I can bike it at 20-25 mph.

Long story - idiots always try to overtake you and cut you off. Even if you are going faster than ambient speed. One cab decides to move out of lane and passes me 6 inches from my left thigh. I catch him at the light and he says "I gave plenty of room", thinks about and says "sorry." Moral of story - NYC is always dangerous place to ride and "no good deed goes unpunished. "