Advocacy & Safety - Got sideswiped by a car today (Comm Ave--Boston)

I know these stories are pretty common, so this probably be won't be all that interesting. But I thought I'd share anyway.

Riding east on Commonwealth Ave this morning, approaching Mass Ave, I got sideswiped by a silver SUV cutting across multiple lanes. I wasn't hurt, but I was a little shaken up by it. This is only the second time I've ever gotten hit, touched, or whatever by a car.

As you head toward Mass Ave, there's an underpass that allows you to avoid the lights if you are continuing straight on Comm Ave. In the picture below, Comm Ave runs horizontal, Mass Ave. vertical (forgive the crudeness of the picture). I'm the green arrow. I always take the lane early and assertively here as I go into the underpass. I was positioned in the center of the lane, traveling 18 to 20 mph:

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i257/richardsull/screen02.jpg


The silver SUV (red arrow) then performed this stunt:

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i257/richardsull/screen03.jpg

I'm guessing the driver realized too late that he needed to get onto Mass Ave, and therefore cut across at the last second. The side of the car hit the back of my left hand (riding in the drops). The back of my gloves got scraped up a little, and the car pushed me to the side. I tottered a little bit, but I regained my balance and I didn't fall.

Right about then I was in "WTF!?!?!?" mode, yelled something, and my momentum took me past the part where the road splits (I was still heading toward the underpass, the SUV toward Mass Ave.) I just kinda stared dumbly at the SUV which had stopped at the red light ahead with its left signal on, and rolled slowly into the underpass. I briefly thought about turning around and chasing him, but I decided against it.

By the time I got to the other side, I decided to turn around and see if the SUV was still there at the light (that red light is pretty long). That involved going against traffic (as in the next picture), but I think the situation warranted it.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i257/richardsull/screen04.jpg

By the time I got to the intersection though, the SUV was gone.

I'm now wishing that I did turn around right away so I could get a look at the SUV's plates. Traffic wasn't too heavy at that moment, and I probably would have been okay. Might have pissed off a motorist or two... but it would have been worth it to get the license plate number.

So sorry for Yet Another Hit By Car thread.

The ride home was thankfully uneventful :)

shouldn't have made the illegal turn-round
-------------------
ok ...one bad move, and one ....
I dunno I never go in the underpass
cuz drivers suck

shouldn't have made the illegal turn-round
-------------------
ok ...one bad move, and one ....
I dunno I never go in the underpass
cuz drivers suck

Respectfully disagree. There was no oncoming traffic, it was only like 150 feet, and the possibility of getting the plate number would have been well worth it.

Edit: Actually, I'm not sure if you're talking about the illegal U-turn I did make, or the illegal reversal I considered making.

Respectfully disagree. There was no oncoming traffic, it was only like 150 feet, and the possibility of getting the plate number would have been well worth it.

Edit: Actually, I'm not sure if you're talking about the illegal U-turn I did make, or the illegal reversal I considered making.

I am not sure myself. drivers suck

especially there because they are in an
extreme hurry to get stuck at the next light. I hate that spot.

that spot, and then trying to leave harvard Square and get to Porter square on a bike
and go under the chunnel there. 2 worst spots evar. you have to be in top form
and spit through at 30 or get hit like happened to you. no respect for bikes

One brush-by and one horn-and-gas-pedal-buzz in a quarter mile this morning. By two different Mercedes sedans. Caught them both at the next red light.

It was just one of those mornings.

yeah, it's a bit of a split decision to do that tunnel. It's usually a fight to get down there and then the traffic seems punishing at times- like what are you doing here?

I had a cabbie the other day come right up on my rear wheel in that tunnel, literally less than a foot behind me. I take the full lane in there- only way to do it and the cab had the full left lane to move into- there was no other traffic. He stayed right on my butt until I crossed over where you did your u-turn (I'd have done the same thing most likely BTW).

The weird thing is a cab or some cars will challenge a cyclists right to the lane on Comm AVe but think nothing of stopping mid-lane anywhere to drop off a passenger, double park or simply change lanes to avoid a double parked vehicle. But they seem to resent a cyclist moving along even when going at a pretty good pace.

Maybe the problem is the ramp-like look of that underpass -- it makes people feel like they're on an interstate highway. Of course Comm Ave wasn't like that when Frederick Law Olmsted designed it. He always provided for multi-modal transportation -- meaning carriage road, bridle path, and promenade in his day.

I still haven't figured out the best way to get through the Sears Rotary, which is another *******ized Olmsted-designed roadway. I took the lane in that rotary the other day (lane 2 of four was correct for my destination). While I was stopped at a light, a guy in a pickup truck rolled down his window to tell me how "brave" I was. "Foolish" was implied but not spoken. At least he didn't sideswipe me!

Maybe the problem is the ramp-like look of that underpass -- it makes people feel like they're on an interstate highway. Of course Comm Ave wasn't like that when Frederick Law Olmsted designed it. He always provided for multi-modal transportation -- meaning carriage road, bridle path, and promenade in his day.

I still haven't figured out the best way to get through the Sears Rotary, which is another *******ized Olmsted-designed roadway. I took the lane in that rotary the other day (lane 2 of four was correct for my destination). While I was stopped at a light, a guy in a pickup truck rolled down his window to tell me how "brave" I was. "Foolish" was implied but not spoken. At least he didn't sideswipe me!

As an Olmsted fan I'm not sure if you're implying his designs are at fault. In any case, so many of the issues around what's wrong with Comm Ave has much more to do with the abhorrent politics that caused Storrow Drive to be pushed down the throats of the City of Boston. Olmsted imagined a combination of green and living space between Comm Ave and the Charles River.

And yes, the Sears Rotary is, can we say it here?*-a *******ized road design that leaves everyone confused.

*:lol: I guess we can't! it seems to have "self censored" in preview!

Maybe the problem is the ramp-like look of that underpass -- it makes people feel like they're on an interstate highway. Of course Comm Ave wasn't like that when Frederick Law Olmsted designed it. He always provided for multi-modal transportation -- meaning carriage road, bridle path, and promenade in his day.

I still haven't figured out the best way to get through the Sears Rotary, which is another *******ized Olmsted-designed roadway. I took the lane in that rotary the other day (lane 2 of four was correct for my destination). While I was stopped at a light, a guy in a pickup truck rolled down his window to tell me how "brave" I was. "Foolish" was implied but not spoken. At least he didn't sideswipe me!

That rotary can be tough. I don't go through there much; I use an alternate route if possible. But hopping from sidewalk to sidewalk via crosswalks and traffic lights takes just about forever so I do wind up just taking a lane there and hope for the best. The worst part is how the cars just sort of drift between lanes as if the lane markers aren't even there. It can be a unpredictable sometimes.

I am not sure myself. drivers suck

especially there because they are in an
extreme hurry to get stuck at the next light. I hate that spot.

that spot, and then trying to leave harvard Square and get to Porter square on a bike
and go under the chunnel there. 2 worst spots evar. you have to be in top form
and spit through at 30 or get hit like happened to you. no respect for bikes

One thing I hate about that spot near Harvard Sq. is the poor quality of the pavement. After you complete the left turn, the asphalt goes to hell, and since you're probably booking it as fast as you can through that spot, it feels like your teeth are going to fall out. (Well, unless you have a MTB or something.)

I know these stories are pretty common, so this probably be won't be all that interesting. But I thought I'd share anyway.

I went out on the snorkelling tour from Key West recently and I asked the captain, "Why is it the big fish always eats the little fish?" And he replied with a smile, "Because they can!" ;)

So why the SUVs do this all the time may be related to the Law of the Jungle. The big fish and little fish don't mix. :rolleyes:

Perhaps, upon reflection, you will decide it was not worth the effort/risk to try for the license number.

Good work on taking the swipe without damage to yourself or your bicycle. It shows my own prejudice, certainly, but I think confident riding like yours prepares us to cope with bad situations.

Do you think the motorist saw you? (not if they should have)

Seems they were very likely focused on executing a really stupid maneuver too quickly and may have not looked sufficiently, probably just a very quick glance to see if anything big was to their right.

I am also curious the reasoning (which I am sure is good) for being in the inside underpass lane instead of outside.

Al

Do you think the motorist saw you? (not if they should have)

Seems they were very likely focused on executing a really stupid maneuver too quickly and may have not looked sufficiently, probably just a very quick glance to see if anything big was to their right.

I am also curious the reasoning (which I am sure is good) for being in the inside underpass lane instead of outside.

Al

Don't know if the driver saw me. I wouldn't be surprised either way.

If you're continuing straight on that road, you'll save usually a minute or more (over just a few hundred feet) by taking the underpass rather than going through the intersection. The light there is pretty long, and even if the light is green, traffic often gets backed up enough that you have to wait while the cars make their turns (the cars are often waiting for jay-walking peds to clear the intersection). It's a very bustling sort of intersection. The underpass is used by many (most?) cyclists going through there.

Perhaps, upon reflection, you will decide it was not worth the effort/risk to try for the license number.

Good work on taking the swipe without damage to yourself or your bicycle. It shows my own prejudice, certainly, but I think confident riding like yours prepares us to cope with bad situations.

Confident riding does help, but it's also sobering to realize that you are at the mercy of motorists at times, even if you do everything right. It was a little scary to be pushed aside like that. There's no resisting a large motor vehicle that has decided to occupy the space that you're in.

If you're continuing straight on that road, you'll save usually a minute or more (over just a few hundred feet) by taking the underpass rather than going through the intersection. The light there is pretty long, and even if the light is green, traffic often gets backed up enough that you have to wait while the cars make their turns (the cars are often waiting for jay-walking peds to clear the intersection). It's a very bustling sort of intersection. The underpass is used by many (most?) cyclists going through there.

I was more curious as to why the green line path instead of the red line path the SUV started on at far left of drawing. It seems (from thousands of miles away only looking at a rough sketch) like the one way street kinda layout where riding left can often be better than right.

Al

I was more curious as to why the green line path instead of the red line path the SUV started on at far left of drawing. It seems (from thousands of miles away only looking at a rough sketch) like the one way street kinda layout where riding left can often be better than right.

Al

I take that green route because I've already started on the right side of the road, and it's easier to merge one lane over instead of moving over two lanes. That can be difficult if traffic is dense. Also, the cars are typically faster than the bikes on this particular stretch of road (the underpass), so as the slower moving vehicle, I stay to the right.

I was more curious as to why the green line path instead of the red line path the SUV started on at far left of drawing. It seems (from thousands of miles away only looking at a rough sketch) like the one way street kinda layout where riding left can often be better than right.

Al


apricissimus took the logical route here. to even take the route under the overpass is often a split decision since many drivers, particularly cab drivers, see this "tunnel" as a chance to floor it over to the other side of Mass Ave. I've found the center of the right lane to be the best location to take this underpass.

You can see my route in the youtubevideo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zz7M3muj4ek) at 5:36-6:04 you'll see me ride the section in apri's sketch. You'll also see a van sitting at roughly the place he was sideswiped stopped while going the wrong way on this stretch of road. Hate to say it but typical Comm Ave/Boston BS.

BTW it's rare to go under that bridge with so little traffic- just lucky the day I did the video.

apricissimus took the logical route here. to even take the route under the overpass is often a split decision since many drivers, particularly cab drivers, see this "tunnel" as a chance to floor it over to the other side of Mass Ave. I've found the center of the right lane to be the best location to take this underpass.

You can see my route in the youtubevideo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zz7M3muj4ek) at 5:36-6:04 you'll see me ride the section in apri's sketch. You'll also see a van sitting at roughly the place he was sideswiped stopped while going the wrong way on this stretch of road. Hate to say it but typical Comm Ave/Boston BS.

BTW it's rare to go under that bridge with so little traffic- just lucky the day I did the video.

(never doubted it was the logical as per my parenthetical remarks in above posts)
The right lane position makes even more sense now that I've seen the video. The diagram makes it look like a one way street, not a median divided two way.

(never doubted it was the logical as per my parenthetical remarks in above posts)
The right lane position makes even more sense now that I've seen the video. The diagram makes it look like a one way street, not a median divided two way.

It is a one way street! Don't be fooled by that white van in the video! (Must have been a truly catastrophic wrong turn onto Comm Ave by someone who doesn't know his/her way around.)

The impression you likely got from the sketch is the correct one.

I see noisebeam's point, though. I don't know the laws in MA or Boston, but in some places I know that it is legal to ride on the left side of a one-way street. Depends on how long you'll be on it, and how thick the traffic is. Maybe if you're on it for a while, and if there are some occasional gaps in traffic, you might do well to get all the way to the left anytime there is a gap before the split, then keep on the left afterwards until there's another gap to move back to the right. That gives you a bit more flexibility and relaxation in your merge. Big if's, of course, and I'm not familiar with the road.

I see noisebeam's point, though. I don't know the laws in MA or Boston, but in some places I know that it is legal to ride on the left side of a one-way street. Depends on how long you'll be on it, and how thick the traffic is. Maybe if you're on it for a while, and if there are some occasional gaps in traffic, you might do well to get all the way to the left anytime there is a gap before the split, then keep on the left afterwards until there's another gap to move back to the right. That gives you a bit more flexibility and relaxation in your merge. Big if's, of course, and I'm not familiar with the road.

Another thing to consider is that I'm going to be moving back over to the right again once I rejoin the main road. That whole road is one way, but the rightmost lane is significantly wider than the others. This is where a bike lane would be if there was one, so that's where I ride.

ugh I always skip the underpass and take the lane down comm ave all the way to arlington. Too many parked cars not to. And apricissimus you're getting better at those diagrams.



And yes, the Sears Rotary is, can we say it here?*-a *******ized road design that leaves everyone confused.

*:lol: I guess we can't! it seems to have "self censored" in preview!

I can't seem to spot this word in my comprehensive vocabulary. would you mind being a little more specific? I mean, you do have all these innocent letter $ub$t1tut10n$ are your disposal :p

I can't seem to spot this word in my comprehensive vocabulary. would you mind being a little more specific? I mean, you do have all these innocent letter $ub$t1tut10n$ are your disposal :p

I believe it starts with a b and ends with a d

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/*******)

ugh I always skip the underpass and take the lane down comm ave all the way to arlington. Too many parked cars not to. And apricissimus you're getting better at those diagrams.



I can't seem to spot this word in my comprehensive vocabulary. would you mind being a little more specific? I mean, you do have all these innocent letter $ub$t1tut10n$ are your disposal :p

a person born of unmarried parents.

Totally off topic but I am AMAZED this word was automatically censored. It is an archaic word, which has been in use since the middle ages, even, for some time, as a legal term. It appears in some of the best literature in the English language. Including several of Shakespeare's plays.

How do I suggest that you use a ******* file to file down something?

How do I say that certain bikes are a *******ized version of some other bike or style of bike?

*******S!!!:mad:

Buzzman -- I'm not dissing Olmsted, I'm also an admirer of his parks and parkways as he designed them. But they have indeed been *******ized (love those asterisks) in many places during the automobile era. None of the rotaries in his parkways are original, he designed them with intersections. (For the benefit of those reading this who are not from Boston, the rotaries keep cars moving at all times, so they are hell (did that get asterisks too?) for cyclists and pedestrians.)

And I agree, Storrow Drive is an abomination. It could have been even worse -- did you know that there was a plan in the early 70's to turn the Emerald Necklace parkways (both the Boston and Brookline sides) into a huge divided highway? and of course we almost got I-95 where the Orange line runs now.