First near miss...

[Richard D]

Well I've had a bike for less than two weeks and I've had my first near miss.... :(

Riding along a car over took me a little too close for my comfort, and as it did so fortunately I heard it suddenly slow down, so I quickly decided I wasn't going straight on but was suddenly turning left, just managing the turn as the driver also turned left across the bit of road I would have been on (American readers please think right).

Is this a common occurance? The daft thing is I know the driver had seen me because they's pulled out to overtake me, and could hardly have missed my flourescent yellow vest in any case...

Richard

[Rich]

Hi Rich,

exactly the same thing happened to me in London..got cut up a treat...I was in two minds to chase after the car, but in hinesight was glad I didn't because you just don't know how the situation can flare up.

Best advice is to keep vigilant...

Take it easy out there!

Rich

[stewartp]

It does happen a bit - drivers assume that because you're a bike you have no speed, so they try and get past you before they reach their turning which is fast approaching.
Of course as they then slow down for the turning you've still got speed, and so it all comes together.

I try and be philosophical about it, the more you ride the better you get at reading and predicting these situations. A frown, and shake of the head at the driver normally has them sheepish.

Defensive riding involves making car drivers aware of you on the road, anticipating everything and assuming nothing.

If a car looks as if it might pull out in front of you, then ride as if it WILL pull out in front of you. 20 years of motorcycling has taught me that most car drivers in traffic are looking for other cars. They often don't see bikes because they are not looking for bikes - not bike minded.

You'll see how your car driving awareness improves after cycling for a while.

Keep Safe :( :)

Stew

[mike]

Near misses and collissions happen every day - not just with automobiles/bikes but with atomobile to automobile. Of course, this is no surprise, but now you are more aware of it because a collision between an automobile and a bicycle is far more destructive to you as a bicyclist. Things can be damaged that money cannot repair.

You will become a more observant and safer bicylist as you learn not to assume anything about motor vehicle drivers or their machines.

[RonH]

Is this a common occurance?

Unfortunately this is an all too common occurance! :(

Mike is right. This and all future incidents will make you more aware and observant of motorists, pedestrians, road hazards, etc.

The problem you described is one of several situations covered in Effective Cycling classes. If you haven't taken EC I whole-heartedly recommend it. Anyone who rides on the road needs the information and skills taught by EC.

[Gus Riley]

It happens often here in the states.

The last time it happened to me, I didn't see the incident coming until it was happining. A woman driving the family van passed me and then (without signaling her intention) made a right turn right in front of me.

I got all over my brakes but it just wasn't going to be enough, I was destined to meet the side of her nice two toned, shiney van. I did manage to get sideways (my front tire pointing in the same direction as her van) but I couldn't stop my momentum. I hit her van with my left shoulder, much like an american football player delivering a block. I bounced off sweetly and back upright.

I never came unclipped or fell, and my bike never touched van or ground, maintaining its beautiful lobster red paint finish. Where I shouldered her van must have been a soft spot, because it left a huge dent in the side.

She stopped immediately, and I rode around the front of her van. She yelled some rude expletions at me and I smiled at her and kept riding. I was comfortable in the knowledge that her husband wasn't going to be happy with the side of that van! :thumbdn:

[RonH]

Gus,
You are one of the fortunate few. :thumbup:
Usually it's the bicycle and/or the cyclist that gets "beat up".

I'd like to hear the conversation with the husband. :D

[PapeteeBooh]

Recently I was on a high-speed road going straight. I had the right of way but some car decided to cross me as he probably thought I was going slower than I was and that he had time. I braked hard and came very close to hit the car. My bag felt from the rack because of the sudden stop. That stupid driver smiled and drove off as I was screaming abuse at him.

[John E]

Any of us can get right-hooked (left-hooked in the U.K. etc.), although novices experience it more frequently than "effective" veteran cyclists. Stay alert, stay well away from the curb at intersections, keep the cranks spinning in a low gear (since many motorists estimate your speed from your pedal RPM), and be prepared to make a quick-turn emergency maneuver, as Gus so adeptly did. (Motorists should learn not to mess with those Air Force guys!)

In August, I encountered a particularly stupid (on the part of the motorist) right-hook situation on a Vintage Bicycle Association ride. Jim (CyclArt.com) Cunningham and I rode single-file in the right-most through lane as we approached a red light at an augmented intersection with two right-turn-only lanes. Instead of crossing behind us into a right-turn-only lane, a motorist insisted on pulling up to our left, with the intent of turning right across our path (and across the two right-turn-only lanes). Many motorists do not comprehend the principles of lawful vehicular cycling, believing instead that they should always drive to the left of a cyclist, even if the cyclist is turning left or the motorist is turning right. Almost as bad as right-hookers are motorists who pull up to my left, then stop and wait for me to pass. It would far safer and more efficient for all concerned if the motorist would simply slow down and tuck in behind the cyclist, but they just don't get it.

[LittleBigMan]

Expect the unexpected! That's about par with many motorists! ;)

[HardBall]

Remember that regardless of who has the right-of-way the law of gross tonnage always applies. Doesn't matter how much we belong we can't do much riding if...well let's hope it doesn't happen.

[John E]

Unless someone repeals a few laws of Physics, HardBall is, of course, right. I approach cycling from a position of moral superiority, legal equality, and physical vulnerability (in ascending, not descending, order of importance!). We can compensate for the last item by cycling defensively and by being active politically, to secure higher standards and accountability for motorists and bicycle-friendly road design.

[Chris L]

The most essential safety item in my kit bag is a certain amount of anti-motorist bigotry. Basically, I think of them as motoring "primates" (a few levels below human on the evolutionary ladder). I always expect the stupidest and least safe action possible. For one thing, that is what I get more often than not, and for another thing, I want to be ready when it happens.

However, I've been doing the same commute for a few years, and I now find myself being "hooked" less often than I used to. Maybe I'm establishing a reputation.

[UncaStuart]

Originally posted by latakiahaze
Is this a common occurance?
Yep, as all the responses have indicated. But as they also have indicated, this is part of the territory, and alert and defensive cycling is the response. Sounds like you have the right instincts already! And they'll only get sharper as you get more miles in, as mike and RonH noted. I echo John E about keeping the crank spinning; avoid coasting into an intersection, even if you are slowing.

[LittleBigMan]

This thread brings to mind the notion that cycling, while infinitely more pleasurable than motoring, and more simple in many ways, can also be infinitely more complicated. Cyclists have to employ so many more strategies than motorists.

Theft protection. Riding in traffic. Traffic lights that won't respond. Eating. Drinking. Choosing routes. Lights. Seats. Components. Maintenance. Clothing. Weather. Wind. Hills. Physical recovery. Sleep. Etc.

Cycling is more strategic, thought provoking and challenging than motoring. Motoring, by comparison, produces very little in the way of depth of personality and character.

[Chris L]

Originally posted by Pete Clark
Sleep. Etc.


What is this?

[HardBall]

Originally posted by Pete Clark
This thread brings to mind the notion that cycling, while infinitely more pleasurable than motoring, and more simple in many ways, can also be infinitely more complicated. Cyclists have to employ so many more strategies than motorists.

Theft protection. Riding in traffic. Traffic lights that won't respond. Eating. Drinking. Choosing routes. Lights. Seats. Components. Maintenance. Clothing. Weather. Wind. Hills. Physical recovery. Sleep. Etc.

Cycling is more strategic, thought provoking and challenging than motoring. Motoring, by comparison, produces very little in the way of depth of personality and character.

Very profound, I feel more superior already. :-) I never thought of these things as a whole before. We ARE a pretty sharp bunch aren't we?

[John E]

Outstanding little essay, Pete! Cyclists and pedestrians are constantly reminded of their connection to the environment and to the rest of society. The very act of motoring in an enclosed, climate-controlled, sound-insulated cabin is itself a psychological denial of this connectivity. Perhaps motoring has become too easy and too comfortable.

[LittleBigMan]

Originally posted by John E
Cyclists and pedestrians are constantly reminded of their connection to the environment and to the rest of society.
This is at the root of what is wrong with our society (I'm exaggerating, but only for a good purpose.) Observe this contrast: the cyclist or walker (or jogger) taking in deep breaths and having transcendental experiences by the second; the car driver on the edge of anxiety, hating the possibility of any impedement to his/her rapid progress.

By the way, this "car driver" description comes from first hand experience.

[Chris L]

Originally posted by Pete Clark

the car driver on the edge of anxiety, hating the possibility of any impedement to his/her rapid progress.


I may have said this before, but those unwilling or unable to pay attention to what they are doing simply should not be on the road.

[chewa]

Originally posted by stewartp

I try and be philosophical about it, the more you ride the better you get at reading and predicting these situations. A frown, and shake of the head at the driver normally has them sheepish.

Defensive riding involves making car drivers aware of you on the road, anticipating everything and assuming nothing.

If a car looks as if it might pull out in front of you, then ride as if it WILL pull out in front of you. 20 years of motorcycling has taught me that most car drivers in traffic are looking for other cars. They often don't see bikes because they are not looking for bikes - not bike minded.

You'll see how your car driving awareness improves after cycling for a while.

Keep Safe :( :)

Stew

Well said Stew.

As a cyclist for 30 years and a motorcyclist of 20 odd, I like you have developed a 6th sense as to what motorists will do.

I'm sure I can hear the click of a car door before I see it happening. I can smell diesel on the road.

Basically assume that everyone on the road will do the most dangerous thing possible. i look for eye contact with drivers emerging from junctions but even then have been caught out.

If a shake of the head doesn't work I've often found that a well thrown water bottle focuses the attention!

[D*Alex]

The best thing you can do in traffic is make yourself visible!
That means reflectorised clothing, and lights (blinking and otherwise). That's why I converted from battery-powered headlights to a dynohub recently. Now, I always have a light working.

[RainmanP]

My commuter battle wagon is fully loaded for the road wars. Besides the stuff D*Alex mentions, I have a Blackburn bar end mirror mounted on my road bar and would not be without it. I can keep an eye on what is going on behind and avoid most, but not all, developing situations. Can't catch 'em all. Some o' them motorists is REAL sneaky, so much so they sometimes seem to do things THEY don't even know they were going to do. Those are REALLY hard to anticipate.

It's not bad enough we have to keep a sharp lookout for road obstacles like bumps, trash, etc., we have to drive for everyone else on the road, too! Of course, that is necessary even when in a car.
Raymond

[Chris L]

Originally posted by chewa

i look for eye contact with drivers emerging from junctions but even then have been caught out.


I have found that eye contact alone is not sufficient for some of the psychos who get around here. I slow down myself until I am absolutely certain that they will stop. I don't rely on the fact that they have a red light or stop sign in front of them because, to the semi-evolved motoring primate, these things mean nothing.

[LittleBigMan]

Originally posted by Chris L


I have found that eye contact alone is not sufficient for some of the psychos who get around here.
I've found my purple Barney suit get plenty of attention.

[wabbit]

What annoys me are other cyclists who oughta know better! A couple of weeks ago, out on a local bike path frequented by numerous roadies, I was almost run down by two guys doing time trials. I didn't see or hear them coming, and turned around over my left shoulder just in time to see them flying out of my blind spot. Not even calling out a warning. I was furious, but no sense trying to catch up to them.Which was really frustrating because I had some choice language for them. You'd think that with nice bikes (both had marinonis) they'd be a bit more careful? I mean, if you have no regard for others, at least think of your bike. Of course, small consolation if your bike is fine but your collarbone is broken. Generally, likeminded roadies are better than that. In the meantime, every time I'm on that path I keep looking over my shoulder for those two shnooks.

[Chris L]

Originally posted by wabbit
What annoys me are other cyclists who oughta know better! A couple of weeks ago, out on a local bike path frequented by numerous roadies, I was almost run down by two guys doing time trials. I didn't see or hear them coming, and turned around over my left shoulder just in time to see them flying out of my blind spot. Not even calling out a warning. I was furious, but no sense trying to catch up to them.Which was really frustrating because I had some choice language for them. You'd think that with nice bikes (both had marinonis) they'd be a bit more careful? I mean, if you have no regard for others, at least think of your bike. Of course, small consolation if your bike is fine but your collarbone is broken. Generally, likeminded roadies are better than that. In the meantime, every time I'm on that path I keep looking over my shoulder for those two shnooks.

This is one of the many reasons I continue to use roads in preference to "paths" under any and all circumstances.

[velocipedio]

Originally posted by Pete Clark

I've found my purple Barney suit get plenty of attention.
What? Your Blue Djinn suit wasn't enough?

[velocipedio]

Originally posted by Chris L


This is one of the many reasons I continue to use roads in preference to "paths" under any and all circumstances.
Yes and no. Things like this happen on the road, too. I remember being out with a couple of guys on a 100 km ride; on the way back [at about 80 km] we passed a guy in full Festina kit [no helmet!] on a red Specialized. We passed on left at about 37 km/h, with a clear warning. Festina mutters something obscene and attacks up a hill, weaving in and out of our group [poor form for a roadie, for those of you don't know, you attack on the side]. We pull togetjer and blast by him at 45 km/h, and he yells something obscene. We drop him and ease off [it's about 85 km at this point] and we pass through a village area with denser traffic. All of a sudden, Festina comes screaming though, yelling something; village ends and we pick up, but not before Festina grabs my wheel. This guy has never ridden in a paceline and bumps my wheel not once but twice. I'm amazed that we didn't crash. Me? I'm tired, and shaken by the fact this moron almost pitched me into oncoming traffic, so I sit up and let him go by.

On the way past one of my buddies he says something unintelligible, but probably offensive and attacks on a descent. My buddies catch him, box him and teach him a lesson by bringing the cruise speed up to 45 km/h for five km. Festina was physically wrecked after 5 km. [I simply didn't have the legs at this point to go over 35.]

The point of all of this is that there are morons on the road, too. Sometimes, the morons drive SUVs. But that's another story.

[Chris L]

Originally posted by velocipedio

The point of all of this is that there are morons on the road, too. Sometimes, the morons drive SUVs. But that's another story.

That's true. I just like the additional space you have on the road. On a path, you just don't have that.