unixpro
03-21-08, 09:31 AM
I haven't had a commute this dangerous in quite a long time. Within the span of 14 miles, I was turned in front of twice (both right turns off side streets into my lane), had one SUV almost rear-end me (on a completely empty 4-lane road), was buzzed so closely by a van that the wake turbulence actually caused me some instability, and had to come to a complete stop at one point so the guy on my tail would be forced to go around me. Did somebody leave the door to the asylum unlocked again?
Granted, I ride a recumbent so my profile isn't exactly that of a traditional rider, but I've got a bright lime-green trunk bag with a Super Blinkie on the back, a blinkie on the back of my helmet, a helmet headlight, and a very bright (200L) headlight on the front of the bike. In addition, I was wearing my bright yellow jacket and have reflective tape on my pants. I really don't know what I could have done to make myself more visible. Most people didn't seem to have a problem seeing me.
I hope this isn't a portent for the rest of the day. We just hired a new manager for my team and I don't think he's done with his "improvements" yet.
Granted, I ride a recumbent so my profile isn't exactly that of a traditional rider, but I've got a bright lime-green trunk bag with a Super Blinkie on the back, a blinkie on the back of my helmet, a helmet headlight, and a very bright (200L) headlight on the front of the bike. In addition, I was wearing my bright yellow jacket and have reflective tape on my pants. I really don't know what I could have done to make myself more visible. Most people didn't seem to have a problem seeing me.
I hope this isn't a portent for the rest of the day. We just hired a new manager for my team and I don't think he's done with his "improvements" yet.