Commuting - I was hit by a car today.

I was riding on the sidewalk, on the left side of the road. A lady was pulling out of a driveway. She was looking left, and just floored it right into my front wheel. She didn't even look to the right. I was sure she would look right and see me, but no. She just punched the gas.
Her front left bumper caught my front wheel and knocked me toward oncoming traffic. I pulled myself off-center to the left and fell over onto the concrete. Skimmed my left arm and hand pretty bad. No serious damage to me or the bike though.

She got out and asked if I was ok. I stood up and shook myself out. My hand was bleeding, and she was freaking out. She asked me if I was ok again, I said I'm fine, gave her a thumbs up and rode off.

fücking hell! glad you're ok. Others will tell you that the first error was riding on the sidewalk, and that's the reason she didn't see you. But I'll let them do that. Me, I had a pair of accidents almost exactly a month ago. (In the same night!) And if you can walk away, it's a cheap way to learn the greatest lesson -- people don't pay attention to cyclists. You're on your own.

It's as if you just took the blue pill. You'll see the world differently forever.
Heal fast!

The speed limit on the two roads I ride on are 40mph. Cars go 30-50mph. I am not riding my bike 0-15mph on those roads when there is a perfectly serviceable sidewalk.
I will only ride on the side with traffic from now on though.

In my opinion . . . you shouldn't ride on the sidewalk. Secondly, you should have made her pay for her carelessness; would she forgive you as you did had you scratched her car while riding by it?

But most importantly . . . I'm glad your okay : )

Glad you're ok, but yeah, you should have gotten her insurance info in case anything comes up.

People ride on the sidewalk because they're nervous about riding on the road, but in fact the road is safer.
Glad you're ok.

I assume you are in the USA, but you didn't fill out your location in your profile. If you are, you should:
A) Not be riding on the sidewalk unless it's absolutely necessary
B) Not riding against traffic unless it's absolutely necessary

Glad you are ok though.

"carelessness"?
Doesn't sound like the lady did anything wrong to me. It was an accident. Just because she was in a car doesn't automatically make her the enemy.

Sounds like you were riding on the sidewalk, against the flow of traffic. Bad idea on both counts. She compounded your errors by not looking to her right before hitting the gas. You compounded her error by assuming she would look to the right.

Glad you're OK, though!

Dumb moves on your part:
#1 A bicycle is a legal vehicle and must ride on the road . . . sidewalk riding is prohibited in most states.
#2 Should of gotten her insurance to pay for damages . . . you were still in semi-state of shock when you said "I'm OK" . . .

For example:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=2343686&highlight=sidewalk#post2343686

And according to this (http://www.massbike.org/info/dilemma.htm) expert, sidewalk cycling is almost twice as dangerous (180%) as road cycling.

Glad you're OK, but the sidewalk, as the name implies, is for walking. It's perfectly serviceable for walking only.

Here, anyway, it's illegal to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk. It's also more dangerous than riding on the street.

so you got hit riding on the sidewalk on the wrong side of the road?

edit: you might want to make sure you're not concussed, you double posted this thread.

Dumb moves on your part:
#1 A bicycle is a legal vehicle and must ride on the road . . . sidewalk riding is prohibited in most states.
#2 Should of gotten her insurance to pay for damages . . . you were still in semi-state of shock when you said "I'm OK" . . .


Ahhh... america... land of the lawsuit! :mad:
In #1 you state that he is breaking the law. And then in #2 you want to hold her insurance responsible???

The speed limit on the two roads I ride on are 40mph. Cars go 30-50mph.

Is there a bike lane or shoulder or a way for them to go around you? 30-50 is normal for most roads. Shouldn't be a problem. And I'm not talking from inexperience. I was in the shoulder when i got hit over a year ago by a woman turning left across traffic and t-boning me. I walked away but the bike was totaled. The street is still safer than the sidewalk in MOST instances. You need to learn this eventually. May sound scary right now but it's true.

So can start to anecdotally claim this as evidence that you shouldnt ride on the sidewalk, ala the helmet crowd everytime they crash and wear a helmet?

Glad you're ok. Both bikes and cars should be careful when pulliung off of driveways. With bikes, you can just avoid the sidewalk, but cars needs to be careful too. Motorized wheelchairs are beocming increasingly common these days.

The two roads I ride on are four lanes, two lanes each way. Cars go 40-50mph. I would literally be taking my life into my hands if I road my bicycle on the road. I don't feel comfortable placing my safety in the hands of a tired, unskilled motorist who is going, or wants to go four times faster than me in a vehicles that weighs 20 times more than me. That's suicide.
When you come to a red light, and the lane of traffic piles up behind you, it's your fault and those drivers know that you are making them late for wherever they are going. How does that make you safer?
On the sidewalks, cars can go their speed, and I can go my own speed. It becomes an issue at intersections and driveways, and I'm usually very careful at both of those.
I was on the left sidewalk yesterday because I was about to turn left onto my street. I switched sides one light down from my street.

I know bikes are supposed to use the road, but drivers here don't care about "supposed to". They see bikes as a hazard and an obstacle.
I definately know I was on the wrong side of the street riding against traffic. I knew it when I started, but it was just 1/2 a mile, so i didn't figure a car would hit me. (And she hit me, not vice versa).

Let me know why the sidewalk is a bad idea.

And according to this (http://www.massbike.org/info/dilemma.htm) expert, sidewalk cycling is almost twice as dangerous (180%) as road cycling.

I just skimmed the article, but this guys sounds spot on in regards to common attitudes and conceptions.

Let me know why the sidewalk is a bad idea.

Don't have to, you already demonstrated. You were doing it and you got hit. You are using a sidewalk in a manner that it was not designed to be used, and which vehicle drivers do not expect it to be used.

To not be hit, you must be seen. The best way to be seen is to put yourself where they are looking, not to hope that they look where you are.

The key to remaining safe is to remember that car drivers are creatures of habit. They are only looking for things that they expect to see. While they may not be looking for a bicycle when pulling out, they will be looking for other vehicles on the road (not on the shoulder or the sidewalk) travelling in the correct direction, because they see that all the time.

The road SEEMS dangerous. It seems terrifying to many drivers when they first get behind the wheel of a car as well, but they learn to drive without killing themselves, somehow.

People don't WANT to hit you. They may not like you being there but that's their problem. You just make sure they see you in time and let them worry about what to do about you. This is no different than what other vehicles do.

I prefer to drive the speed limit when driving, which means that everyone including gramma comes up behind me doing 20 MPH faster than I am. That does not mean that I pull off onto the side of the road, or up onto the sidewalk, to let them by. It's up to them to figure out how to safely pass me. It's my job to make sure they see me and to drive/ride in a predictable fashion.

Riding confidently on the road can be hard to learn, but it can be done and it is safe. Well, as safe as anything on the road.

I'd rather be riding on the road with a 40mph speed limit then on a sidewalk any day!

I understand that, but why? why is riding on the road better?

I'd rather be riding on the road with a 40mph speed limit then on a sidewalk any day!
As long as it's a two-lane each direction road, I don't care how high the speed limit is. I despise riding on the sidewalk for all of the reasons already mentioned. It's hard to believe that the road can be a safe place to ride, but it's true.

I was riding on the sidewalk, on the left side of the road. A lady was pulling out of a driveway. She was looking left, and just floored it right into my front wheel. She didn't even look to the right. I was sure she would look right and see me, but no. She just punched the gas.
Her front left bumper caught my front wheel and knocked me toward oncoming traffic.

There's something I don't quite understand here. You were approaching her from her right--so how did her LEFT front bumper hit your front wheel?

Is there an alternate route you can take where you can ride on the roads but the roads are less menacing? The great thing about commuting by bike is that you don't have to go the way all the cars go. Parallel roads, back ways, all that make for great bike commutes that are much more interesting than what the cagers see every day.

Glad you're okay.

I understand that, but why? why is riding on the road better?

Because drivers dart out of side streets and driveways and they are looking at the road, not the sidewalk--you have learned that already, unfortunately. You are not visible on the sidewalk, but if you ride on the road like a vehicle, which you are, the cagers are more likely to see you (especially if you wear hi-viz and blink like a Christmas tree).

Besides being "better", Riding on the road is the law. When you are out riding, think about how your image represents other bicyclists. What is the confusion here about road use?
In the city I live, there actually is a $500.00 dollar fine and 6 month county jail time (law 175.2) though bike cops are exempt and it seems not enforced. Also, in NJ, a Bicyclist has the same right and Responsibility as motor vehicle (Statute 39.4-14.1).
Look at your local laws, talk with your local Bicycle Coalition Group, visit the Police dept and inform them of this area of concern. Is there a Bicycle Club in your area that could offer you support and guidance in this issue, you probably are not alone with it. Be safe by being Assertively seen and heard!

Ironically, I almost got hit on the sidewalk myself last night (oh the shame!). I was leaving a store and wanted to go 1/2 a block to the nearest side street and turn left....I didn't see a point in crossing to the far side of the main street and then crossing back half a block later, so I just slowly rode up the sidewalk 50 feet, thinking I would ride out into the cross street as I turned. The view of the cross street is obstructed and as I approached the intersection a car roared up from my left, looking to his left, and barreling half way into the intersection, despite the stop sign, because he wanted to turn onto the main street during a gap in traffic. So he shot right in front of me. See sketch....my path is red, his is green.

The two roads I ride on are four lanes, two lanes each way. Cars go 40-50mph. I would literally be taking my life into my hands if I road my bicycle on the road. I don't feel comfortable placing my safety in the hands of a tired, unskilled motorist who is going, or wants to go four times faster than me in a vehicles that weighs 20 times more than me. That's suicide.

If it's suicide, then the vast majority of people on these boards should be dead by now.


When you come to a red light, and the lane of traffic piles up behind you, it's your fault and those drivers know that you are making them late for wherever they are going. How does that make you safer?

I'll counter that with how does it make you any less safe? If they know you are making them late, then they know you are there. Practically every motorist will not go to the extent of purposefully hitting you.


I know bikes are supposed to use the road, but drivers here don't care about "supposed to". They see bikes as a hazard and an obstacle.

This is true, they will see you as a hazard and an obstacle. This works in your benefit. Drivers try to not hit hazards and obstacles.

This kind of crap happens to me just about every single time I ride on the sidewalk.

When I first started commuting it took me a few weeks to get used to the road.. once I got used to it I never think about riding the sidewalk except for places where it is more efficient to ride it for a few meters before I find a place to merge back into the road.

.........
This is true, they will see you as a hazard and an obstacle. This works in your benefit. Drivers try to not hit hazards and obstacles.


Where I live, most people drive their cars right into the front of supermarkets and small fruit stands... killing people inside. lol


Its almost safer to ride on the road than inside of supermarkets. sheesh. :eek:

Where I live, most people drive their cars right into the front of supermarkets and small fruit stands... killing people inside. lol

I can understand that. Less distance to carry your shopping and the dead cashier discount is 100%.

I was riding on the sidewalk, on the left side of the road. A lady was pulling out of a driveway. She was looking left, and just floored it right into my front wheel. She didn't even look to the right. I was sure she would look right and see me, but no. She just punched the gas.
Her front left bumper caught my front wheel and knocked me toward oncoming traffic. I pulled myself off-center to the left and fell over onto the concrete. Skimmed my left arm and hand pretty bad. No serious damage to me or the bike though.

She got out and asked if I was ok. I stood up and shook myself out. My hand was bleeding, and she was freaking out. She asked me if I was ok again, I said I'm fine, gave her a thumbs up and rode off.

I'm glad you're ok, and I won't go reiterate what many others have already said about ri=ding on the sidewalk. But, whay did you wave and go on your way? That was a traffic accident and needed to be reported. If you develop an injury afterward, you have no recourse against the driver who, according to local laws here, is more in the wrong than you were (sidewalk cycling here is prohibited unless the bicycle has wheels less than 24" and the rider is respecting pedestrian traffic while operating at a low speed). She needed the aggravation of the police, etc., just to keep her on her toes. The next cyclist could be a five year-old on a tricycle.

Check it:

FHWA Bicycle Injury Events (http://www.tfhrc.gov/safety/pedbike/research/99078/chapter3.htm)

FHWA Wrong-way Cyclist (http://www.tfhrc.gov/safety/pedbike/ctanbike/26x.pdf)


A portion of the preceding was taken from:

FHWA-RD-99-078 (http://www.tfhrc.gov/safety/pedbike/research/99078/contents.htm) Injuries to Pedestrians and Bicyclists: An Analysis Based on Hospital Emergency Department Data

sidewalk or road, too many folks simply don't respect that they are sharing the planet with others... :(
and don't pay attention

glad you are ok :)

A problem with sidewalk riding; If there are buildings or hedges next to the sidewalk, you are visible to vehicles approaching intersections from the side much later if you are riding close to the obstruction. If you are riding out in the road you can see them, and they can see you much earlier. Roads with wide outside lanes are the easiest places to ride, because there is no conflict for space. Sidewalks are also uncomfortable riding with their bumps and ramps at intersections.

Only time I ride on the sidewalk is when I'm just rolling, like < 5mph, or the speed limit is > 50 with no shoulder or room whatsoever, usually a highway or long bridges where the lanes are already tight.

Maybe its because I'm a big guy, but people see me, and never have a problem, just stay to the right and let people pass at every opportunity (well thats if they're goin faster then you, not always the case around here) and lights don't hurt.

Only time I've been hit by a car? When i was freshmen in college in Baltimore, and I was riding on the sidewalk!

I hesitated to post on this knowing the general consensus regarding riding on the sidewalk but here goes nuthin'.

Riding on sidewalk = bad. Drivers not being aware of their surroundings = bad. Drivers not watching out for pedestrians, joggers, baby strollers, kids riding skateboards = bad. OP shouldn't ride on sidewalk but let's not forget drivers shouldn't burn rubber across sidewalks without looking.

My daughters day care is 2 blocks from our house in a residential area. I ride to work, ride to day care, pick her up and we walk home rolling the bike alongside on the sidewalk (wife drops her off in the mornings). In the last 9 months doing this every afteroon, 5 days a week we've almost been run down by people exiting or entering their driveways about 1.4 times per week. No, I'm not that stupid to put us in those situations without being cautious. I'm talking about times they never make eye contact and cut me off, never knowing I was there. At first I would just stop walking and wait for them to notice that we were infact also using the sidewalk, then move on my way. Now I scream bloody murder ("Heeeeeeyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!) and then fire off some sign language. Had a few in tears after realizing they almost ran over a 10 month old baby. Two weeks ago we were walking home and I had the kid in one of those baby carriers that straps the kid to your chest. I was walking past a van in a driveway and heard an engine start upa nd an e-brake pop off. Didn't see anyone in the big van but I stopped anyways. Just then a little Jeep Wranglers driver dropped the clutch and screeched the tires out of the driveway and into the street. I was standing behind the empty parked van by now 2 ft from where she haukled a** by us and she finally saw us. I saw her look at the baby and then she freaked out.

The temptation to just roll my bike in their path is hard to control (it's a free 10 spd beater bike). Cagers need to be more aware of their environment and the damage they can do by being careless.

I understand that, but why? why is riding on the road better?

I've been thinking about this a lot lately. As a cyclist, you have a choice that almost no other mode of transport gets: you can ride in traffic, but you can also ride apart from traffic. The thing is, these two ways of riding have very different rules and issues. If you choose to ride in traffic, you're on the roadway, and you better follow the rules of the road. If you choose to ride outside of traffic, you can ride on a bike path, a shoulder, a sidewalk, a bike lane, and even the edge of the roadway, and you have to be very careful when interacting with traffic because they're not expecting you.

Now, here's the thing: nobody disputes the right of cyclists to ride outside of traffic, except in special circumstances like city sidewalks. However, riding in traffic is something that a lot of people have a problem with. A lot of motorists don't realize that it's legal, or that there are two modes for cyclists, so their brains perceive an in-traffic cyclist as an out-of-traffic cyclist in the wrong place -- hence the honking and yelling. Many cyclists have an exaggerated fear of in-traffic cycling, even though in many situations it is safer than out-of-traffic cycling. Using out-of-traffic techniques in traffic is particularly dangerous. As a result, for the past 30 years or so Cycling Advocacy (capital C, capital A) has focused on promoting in-traffic cycling among cyclists, and promoting awareness of in-traffic cycling among motorists.

I wouldn't say that one is "better" than the other -- each has its place. What's important is to be aware of the differences and the risks. Riding out-of-traffic has its place, but you have to be aware that at driveways, crosswalks and intersections drivers will not yield to you, even though they may be legally required to do so.

The other important point: pick one or the other. If you're riding in traffic, ride in the traffic. If you're out of traffic, stay out. Riding along the margins just confuses others and gives the worst of both worlds.

I understand that, but why? why is riding on the road better?

I already explained that. In order to not get hit, drivers need to see you. There's no guarantee of being seen, but the best way of being seen is to be where the drivers are looking. Drivers do not look for the unexpected. Their eyes look in the positions that they see approaching vehicles in every day. If you are in a position that other vehicles are in, they will likely see you. If you are in a position that they do not see other vehicles in, they will likely not see you.

If you are counting on drivers to be attentive to things that they do not see every day, you will be in trouble. If you conform to the sorts of things that they see every day, you will probably be fine.

If you ride on sidewalks, you should behave as a pedestrian in order to be what is expected to be on sidewalks. When a pedestrian sees a car pulling out, he stops and waits for the car. Also pedestrians travel at 4 MPH or slower. When pedestrians reach an intersection, they check carefully for vehicles, especially right-turners, before stepping off the curb.

People ride on the sidewalk because they're nervous about riding on the road, but in fact the road is safer.
Glad you're ok.

Depends on the road. Also depends on how fast you are going. But more often than not, yes the road is safer.

The biggest mistake here was going the wrong way. She would have seen you coming if you were going with traffic (right side of road in USA).

Second mistake is assuming she would stop. When I ride on the sidewalk, I go slow and will stop if I see a car moving in a driveway unless I make eye contact with the driver. I know others have even had cars hit them after making eye contact, but it is the most reliable clue that they see you.

Asside from riding the wrong direction, the biggest danger of sidewalk riding is the transition back into the road. Cars won't expect a bike to appear out of nowhere onto the road. The sidewalk is nowhere they are used to looking. If you do this, better slow to almost a stop, and look every direction. Stop and wait if you see any cars nearby regardless of position.

When I first started out commuting by bike, I made all the mistakes. I rode on the sidewalk on the wrong side of the road too. Over time, I have improved my cycling practices to be safer. I also have modified my routes to maximize safety. With the routes I use now, I can make the whole commute without using a sidewalk.

sidewalk or road, too many folks simply don't respect that they are sharing the planet with others... :(
and don't pay attention

+1
Aint that the truth.

As far as sidewalk cycling goes, I always feel safer on the road. I think the sight distances are greater so you can see a hazard like a car pulling out of a driveway or they can see you if they happen to look. There is also alot more room to manuever than on a sidewalk (especially if there is a large shoulder) so that you or the car can get out of the way or you can take evasive action into someones lawn if needs be. I know you can't always avoid an accident but I for one feel like I stand a better chance at avoiding an accident while on a road.

If you want to use the sidewalk, perhaps consider an airhorn (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001JXE80/002-8941226-3929640?v=glance&n=3375251). I have friends who have them, and swear by them. They are loud enough that a distracted driver with the AC going will hear them.

As a cyclist, you have a choice that almost no other mode of transport gets: you can ride in traffic, but you can also ride apart from traffic. ... The other important point: pick one or the other. If you're riding in traffic, ride in the traffic. If you're out of traffic, stay out. Riding along the margins just confuses others and gives the worst of both worlds.

DCCommuter:

Well put! I think the clarity of following road use/laws (or not, and staying removed from the same) is even more evident here. Kind of like "holding your lane" by following your choice, and hopefully removing any confussion by being predictable.

...I was sure she would look right and see me, but no.....
I'm glad this wasn't worse. Although I think there is some shared blame in this accident and that both you and the driver should have learned something, I think that your errors are more numerous and serious than hers. Aside from riding on the sidewalk and riding the wrong way, I don't think you were riding defensively. Here's my basic take:

Your errors:

1) Assuming you would be seen. This is a terrible assumption to make. Cyclists are hard to see under any circumstances, even lit up and in hi viz (my guess is that neither applies to you). Put them on the sidewalk in normal clothes and they blend into the environment.

2) Taking a course of action requiring the driver to do something without communicating with the driver first. When you want to do something that requires cooperation of others, make sure you have it.

3) Not anticipating that she might pull out. This is an obvious threat so it shouldn't have surprised you.

4) In many places, you are required by law to slow to walking speed when crossing driveways.

Even on highways, you're far better off on the road. Use mirrors, wear hi viz, and get decent lights. I've been riding every day on busy 2 and 4 lane highways where the posted speed is 55 (but drivers typically do 65) for years.

Driver errors:

1) Not looking where she was going. However, most drivers in her situation would look right, then left. They are correctly concerned about getting hit by something from the left since that's by far the most likely and dangerous threat. They need to watch out for some maniac going 30 mph over the speed limit who'll smash into them when they pull out.

2) Not seeing you, or seeing you and not anticipating what would happen. Be aware that drivers are conditioned to expect that things on the sidewalk move very slowly.

Glad that you're alright.

I have two recommendations:
1) sidestreets! figure out some biking friendly routes through your city to various points of interest. Sideroads that run parallel to the busy ones are great. Slower speed limits, less traffic, often more scenic.
2) I found adding a mirror to my bike made me feel much more at ease in traffic, I heartily recommend getting one. It's actually pretty easy to keep tabs on what's happening behind you while on the road.

That being said, when I'm on the sidewalk I'm invisible. Drivers don't expect to see 10-20mph traffic on the sidewalk, and so they never look for it. If I'm in the middle of their LANE however, with a neon vest and blinkie lights, my presence might irritate them but they are going to try to avoid me.

Glad that you're alright.

I have two recommendations:
1) sidestreets! figure out some biking friendly routes through your city to various points of interest. Sideroads that run parallel to the busy ones are great. Slower speed limits, less traffic, often more scenic.
2) I found adding a mirror to my bike made me feel much more at ease in traffic, I heartily recommend getting one. It's actually pretty easy to keep tabs on what's happening behind you while on the road.

That being said, when I'm on the sidewalk I'm invisible. Drivers don't expect to see 10-20mph traffic on the sidewalk, and so they never look for it. If I'm in the middle of their LANE however, with a neon vest and blinkie lights, my presence might irritate them but they are going to try to avoid me.

Glad that you're alright.

I have two recommendations:
1) sidestreets! figure out some biking friendly routes through your city to various points of interest. Sideroads that run parallel to the busy ones are great. Slower speed limits, less traffic, often more scenic.
2) I found adding a mirror to my bike made me feel much more at ease in traffic, I heartily recommend getting one. It's actually pretty easy to keep tabs on what's happening behind you while on the road.

That being said, when I'm on the sidewalk I'm invisible. Drivers don't expect to see 10-20mph traffic on the sidewalk, and so they never look for it. If I'm in the middle of their LANE however, with a neon vest and blinkie lights, my presence might irritate them but they are going to try to avoid me.

Glad that you're alright.

I have two recommendations:
1) sidestreets! figure out some biking friendly routes through your city to various points of interest. Sideroads that run parallel to the busy ones are great. Slower speed limits, less traffic, often more scenic.
2) I found adding a mirror to my bike made me feel much more at ease in traffic, I heartily recommend getting one. It's actually pretty easy to keep tabs on what's happening behind you while on the road.

That being said, when I'm on the sidewalk I'm invisible. Drivers don't expect to see 10-20mph traffic on the sidewalk, and so they never look for it. If I'm in the middle of their LANE however, with a neon vest and blinkie lights, my presence might irritate them but they are going to try to avoid me.

Glad that you're alright.

I have two recommendations:
1) sidestreets! figure out some biking friendly routes through your city to various points of interest. Sideroads that run parallel to the busy ones are great. Slower speed limits, less traffic, often more scenic.
2) I found adding a mirror to my bike made me feel much more at ease in traffic, I heartily recommend getting one. It's actually pretty easy to keep tabs on what's happening behind you while on the road.

That being said, when I'm on the sidewalk I'm invisible. Drivers don't expect to see 10-20mph traffic on the sidewalk, and so they never look for it. If I'm in the middle of their LANE however, with a neon vest and blinkie lights, my presence might irritate them but they are going to try to avoid me.

You know, New York has this reputation as this bad@ss cycling town, with our crazy fixie messengers and all, but traffic here has to be better to navigate through than in suburbia. I certainly don't have to ride on ANY roads where cars can regularly move at 40 mph. (The big exception is the gypsy-cab limos -- these Black Lincolns of Death just TEAR from red light to red light. Using a turn signal is a sign of WEAKNESS for these guys.) But for most traffic, there are too many lights, too many pedestrians lurching out at all times, to get up any speed. They're aggressive as hell, but you can't drive in New York and be truly oblivious. I don't have any idea what it must be like in those true suburban zones. I mean, driveways? Cars coming at you at right angles without warning? What the hell is that?

Hey golgotha,
Don't let the commuter bunch get to you. They (we) have a long history of learning lessons and what seems like common sense to us is new to most riders. They can also be pretty rough about pointing out a rider's mistakes when an accident happens.

I do urge you, however, to seriously consider your sidewalk riding. I used to feel the same way as you and that to enter the street was to invite death. But again and again I found that drivers of cars only look for what is a threat to them, and that won't be found on the sidewalk. They only look for cars and cars come at them from the same reference points each time, and each time that is the street. I ride solely in the street now but stick pretty far to the right. But when I see someone about to enter the street, I actually look behind me, signal, take the lane of traffic (when it is safe to do so) and move out into the lane so that they will see me. This (along with my blinkies on both ends of the bike) seems to have really made a difference in wether or not people see me.