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10-06-08, 04:52 AM
This morning, driving to work in the dark, I almost was the driver in one of those classic left turning vehicle hits bike accidents. I didn't see the rider, who had no lights and no retroreflective clothing other than his helmet, until I had turned more than 45 degrees. I stopped before I would have crossed his path, and he countersteered into the street I was turning into, so there was no harm, but there easily could have been. Had he been lit, I think I would have seen him earlier.
I also realized that I ususally see pedestrians from a greater distance, even when they have dark clothes, and I think it is their gait which somehow is easier to identify, while the bicycle glides neatly, and does not appear to move against the background, when viewed head on. This is all the more reason to seek greater visibility.
I am quite upset at the near miss. I am glad it was a miss, but sickened at the thought of what nearly happened.
I also realized that I ususally see pedestrians from a greater distance, even when they have dark clothes, and I think it is their gait which somehow is easier to identify, while the bicycle glides neatly, and does not appear to move against the background, when viewed head on. This is all the more reason to seek greater visibility.
I am quite upset at the near miss. I am glad it was a miss, but sickened at the thought of what nearly happened.