Advocacy & Safety - Got hit this morning.

I'm still pretty new to cycling, although I've spent many years doing various forms of exercising and training. Running, racing motocross, backpacking, etc. This morning I decided to commute the 15 miles to work on my bike. About 1/2 way there I got clipped by a girl in a black chevy cobalt. Her passenger mirror hit my left hand and cut it very badly and my knee got banged up. She turned around and rode me to the emergency room where I got about 14 stitches ( I haven't counted them yet) in my wrist. Luckily I wasn't severely injured, but I still can't believe it happened. I was going with the flow of traffic and was glued to the white line, she just never saw me. It was a well traveled road with a 55 mph speed limit. I figure she was going 60 when she hit me.

The police said that bicycles do not have the right of way and that I would have to handle the insurance company myself. Anybody got any suggestions?

Was there a bike lane involved?

I love that comment by the police... at some point you were in front of the motorist, at that point you had Right of Way. Perhaps the officer should get a clue.

Was a report made? If not you still can have one made and should. Contact her insurance company asap. Oh, and heal up good.

I was going with the flow of traffic and was glued to the white line, she just never saw me.

What state are you in? In most states, bicycles do have the right to ride on the road. However, you were in probably the most dangerous spot. Even if you weren't allowed out there as the cop said, the driver should have at least gotten a ticket for an unsafe pass.

If you're going to get into the traffic lane, you need to get in far enough that traffic has to change lanes to go around you. If you give them room to pass without changing lanes, well, you found out what happens. The other alternative is to go well onto the shoulder, but that can be worse because inattentive drivers sometimes wander onto the shoulder, too. If you're squarely in the traffic lane (at least as far as the right tire track), you are squarely in the field of vision of drivers and they know they have to deal with you. When you're all the way to the right, they pretty much ignore you.

Also, you need to make yourself as visible as possible. If you didn't have a red flashing tail light (like a Planet Bike Super Flash), even in daylight, you probably should get one for future riding. If you want a good education on how to ride a bike in traffic, check out CommuteOrlando (http://commuteorlando.com/wordpress/). They have lots of great information there including videos and animations to show how a bike should ride in traffic.

Glad you weren't hurt worse.

Thanks for the replies. Yes, there was a report made that stated that I was riding along the white line when I got struck from behind by the car. There wasn't a bike lane and the white line was the edge of the pavement. I still can't believe that they wrote it up as no fault. If you get hit from behind its their fault, unless you are on a bike?:bang: :mad: That's pretty dumb to me. Also, their was no car coming in the other direction so she had two full lanes to pass me in, instead she rode the white line and nearly ran me over. Probably texting or playing with the radio.

Not trying to :deadhorse2: but the road was as flat as a pancake and the sun was out at about 10:30 this morning so their was no glare or anything to worry about. Simply a case of a driver that wasn't paying attention. Unfortunately for me I shouldn't have gotten in the cars way.:rolleyes:

The thugs in blue recruit largely from former high school bullies. Never expect them to know the law, understand the law they do "know", or apply it with common sense.

You don't know how badly your wrist will heal. Contact a personal injury lawyer ASAP before you say anything more to her insurance company (who wants any reason not to pay) or on this BBS (her insurance company can find your words and use them to deny you damages).

See the lawyer first thing TOMORROW morning. Don't wait. BTW, as the vehicle (a bicycle IS a vehicle with the same right as any other) in front YOU had the right of way. The burden was on her to safely overtake you. So, she is at fault. That's why you need a local personal injury lawyer's advice ASAP.

IAAL

Thanks, I think I'll take your advice.

BTW, this happened in Donalsonville, GA, where I live. I was told that it is a "courtesy" for cars to move over for cyclist according to GA law. Which means they can run over you if you're in the way and they're perfectly inside the law.

Thanks, I think I'll take your advice.

BTW, this happened in Donalsonville, GA, where I live. I was told that it is a "courtesy" for cars to move over for cyclist according to GA law. Which means they can run over you if you're in the way and they're perfectly inside the law.

I would certainly check GA law and find out.

This site seems to indicate that cyclists sure got the short end of the straw in GA... http://www.bicyclegeorgia.com/galaw.html

I don't see any declaration in GA law (as posted in link above) that grants cyclists the rights of other vehicle users in the state of GA... this seems to be something of a shortcoming in Georgia.

My son just moved to At;lanta from the bay area and seems baffled by the road arteries there. You almost have to ride on highways to get anywhere. He 's joined some group rides to try to find shortcuts and mostly rides his cyclecross because of the options of road or no shoulder. At 55mph, I really think the "share the road" idea is out the window. You need some kind of shoulder.

Doohickie is right. Take the lane. You are allowed to take the lane in GA and it is the only way to avoid these sort of "accidents". Let the carcissists honk, curse and wave their hands (usually with one finger extended indicating that they think you're number one), but do take the lane.

40-6-294.
(a) Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, except when ...the lane is too narrow to share safely with a motor vehicle...

If there is no shoulder and the lane is too narrow for a hummer to safely pass you while fully in the lane, put yourself just to the left of the right tire track and ride on.

Good luck getting the responsible party to pay. I hope you heal well and quickly.

Doohickie is right. Take the lane. You are allowed to take the lane in GA and it is the only way to avoid these sort of "accidents". Let the carcissists honk, curse and wave their hands (usually with one finger extended indicating that they think you're number one), but do take the lane.

40-6-294.
(a) Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, except when ...the lane is too narrow to share safely with a motor vehicle...

If there is no shoulder and the lane is too narrow for a hummer to safely pass you while fully in the lane, put yourself just to the left of the right tire track and ride on.

Good luck getting the responsible party to pay. I hope you heal well and quickly.

Yeah that "take the lane" stuff works so well at freeways speeds... NOT

This site seems to indicate that cyclists sure got the short end of the straw in GA... http://www.bicyclegeorgia.com/galaw.html

I don't see any declaration in GA law (as posted in link above) that grants cyclists the rights of other vehicle users in the state of GA... this seems to be something of a shortcoming in Georgia.
Don't really see a problem with the Georgia statutes although the responding officer certainly seems to have had an odd interpretation of them. By the link above, all of the statutes that apply to "vehicles" also apply to bicycles with the exception of the few specific penalties cited there. That grants bicyclists the same rights and responsibilities as other vehicle operators - again with a few specific exceptions.

As to the collision of the OP, that occurred while the motorist was passing and therefore the following statute applies:
"§ 40-6-42. Overtaking and passing generally


The following rules shall govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction, subject to those limitations, exceptions, and special rules stated in this article:

(1) The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle; and

(2) Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle and shall not increase the speed of his vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle."

Seems clear that the motorist did not obey the part about "pass to the left thereof at a safe distance."

I think I may start riding into the flow of traffic. I definitely don't want to get hit again. If she would have been a few more inches to the right, I would have caught her front bumper and the outcome would have been much worse. I would also like to add that it completely broke off her passenger mirror. It was laying in the ditch beside me. It was strange to see my blood splattered on her window as she was taking me to the emergency room.

Prath, Thanks for pointing out the applicable law. I hope you are correct as you should be. I have a feeling I'm about to learn all about it.

Yeah that "take the lane" stuff works so well at freeways speeds... NOT

So, you ride in the ditch? Hugging the white line is a recipe for serious injury or worse; I gave that up in the early '70s. I do what I can to avoid shoulderless, two-lane highways, but sometimes there is just no other way from A to B. The only way I have found to deal with these types of roadways is to ride as fast as I can, take the road and look for safe places to allow for passing by the car-bound. I would like to hear your solution. I may be an old dog, but I think I can learn a new trick or two.

So, you ride in the ditch? Hugging the white line is a recipe for serious injury or worse; I gave that up in the early '70s. I do what I can to avoid shoulderless, two-lane highways, but sometimes there is just no other way from A to B. The only way I have found to deal with these types of roadways is to ride as fast as I can, take the road and look for safe places to allow for passing by the car-bound. I would like to hear your solution. I may be an old dog, but I think I can learn a new trick or two.

Nope my solution is the same as your's... avoid them if at all possible. 90% of the time I find that there is usable shoulder... more than just a white line... And I am quite willing to use shoulders... unlike some cyclists. But when such a shoulder does not exist, I do take the lane... there is no other option. However, when doing so I also understand that I am riding directly in harms way... In front of distracted, sleepy and even errant, motorists.

Years and years ago it didn't bother me much... but then the national speed limit was 55MPH, and distracting cell phones (DVD players, GPSs, MP3 players, or even cupholders) did not exist. These days, in spite of being a very experienced vehicular cyclist, and taking the lane, I find that I experience far more close calls than I like... or had experienced in years past (even when touring on narrow isolated country roads.)

And yeah I do ride in the ditch... I purchased my first off road bike 2 years ago... in an effort to stay off of crowded 55MPH arterial roads with idiot motorists.

As a general rule however I don't believe Take the Lane is an adequate "solution" for cyclists on high speed roads.

Sorry this old dog doesn't have any keen new tricks either.

Like Genec said-there just isn't any safe way to ride on a 55 mph road.
Riding as far right as possible on the shoulder is your best bet
No shoulder?? Ride in the ditch or on the turf.
Can't do the above, then as far right as possible in the lane is an option, but wtih cell phones,I-pods and other electronic crap-well, ask the OP.
Take the lane-same problem as above- you are counting on electronically distracted drivers doing 60 mph to not run you over.

The taking a lane stuff is ok in cities with 35 mph limits and lots of bike traffic, but it just is too dangerous on 55 mph highways.

You can split the difference-get a MTB-and be prepared to bail to the right if you hear a vehicle preparing a too close pass. This relies and having suitable tires, and excellent hearing-and relatively low traffic levels.

-take the ditch, or make your own shoulder is the order of the day on 55 mph roads.

Contact Georgia Bikes (http://georgiabikes.org/) and have them at least contact the police department involved.

I'm really not sure the take the lane advice would have worked. First of all, I'm 6' tall on a mountain bike. Second, the road was completely empty when the incident happened, no other cars and as flat as a board. How could they not have seen me?

It reminds me of a year or so ago a woman plowed into a cattle trailer that had stopped in the road waiting to turn. It killed her instantly. She never even hit the brakes.

jcross- cell phone/texting and other electronic crap is why you got hit(probably).
It is just too dangerous to be in a lane on a 15 mph vehicle when the speed limit is 55 mph.
The main reason is distracted drivers. They literally will look down for 5 seconds(450 feet) at a time while they are overtaking you at 70 feet per second.

The take the lane stuff is fine in cities, but not so good on 55-60 mph highways. The lower the traffic the more these drivers think they can safely text, talk, fool with IPOD radio whatever.

[QUOTE=Jcross312;11767259... I got clipped by a girl in a black chevy cobalt. ... she just never saw me. [/QUOTE]

Have the police subpoena her phone and texting records. Since visibility was good, she must not have been looking where she was going.

Avoid this section if you prefer, but taking the lane does work, even on high speed roads. The key is to make it blatantly clear to the motorist as early as possible that there is no way for them to squeeze by you in the same lane. The best way to do this is by getting all the way out there in the middle of the lane. Hi vis clothing and a bright flashing tail light also help a lot.

Even texters have to look up every few seconds or they couldn’t stay on the road for long. Seeing a cyclist smack in their path WILL jolt them back to the task of driving... seeing a cyclist on the narrow shoulder (where you were clipped) is less likely to do so.

Get used to using a mirror and monitoring overtaking traffic. You will see driver after driver react to your presence. If someone doesn’t, you will be prepared to bail. 5 years of this and I still never had to.


It reminds me of a year or so ago a woman plowed into a cattle trailer that had stopped in the road waiting to turn. It killed her instantly. She never even hit the brakes.

Not comparable. At casual glance a stopped cattle trailer looks like any other motor vehicle traveling the speed limit even though it's not moving at all. No one seeing a cyclist will assume they are traveling 50 mph. But since they are actually moving 15-20 MPH this lengthens the closing time between vehicles, giving more time for the driver to react.

Get used to using a mirror and monitoring overtaking traffic. You will see driver after driver react to your presence. If someone doesn’t, you will be prepared to bail. 5 years of this and I still never had to.
Bingo.

If you take the lane while using a mirror, it's easy to monitor overtaking traffic, especially at times like this where there is no other traffic. The only time I actually had to use that maneuvering space to my right was when someone actually attempted to door me with their passenger side door. I noticed in my mirror they were moving further right (towards me), and so I moved right. Had I not had that space, and had I not been able to see them moving towards me, I'd have been nailed. Other than that, I've never once had to "bail" to avoid being hit (though I will often move to the right as they begin their pass to help facilitate things, and as a sign of good faith, of sorts - additionally you can move a little right if you feel their passing too close).

I think it's very important at times like this to leave maneuvering space to your right, and monitor traffic behind you. It can work, even on high speed highways. Not optimal, obviously... but if it's unavoidable, it can be done, providing you give yourself an out and a way to monitor to know when you need to utilize it.

http://www.gahighwaysafety.org/docs/gabicyclelawenforcementguide.pdf

I found this which clearly states that a bicycle is a vehicle and should be treated as one. I've got my lawyer working now to help educate the sheriff that wrote up the ticket as "no fault"

http://i462.photobucket.com/albums/qq347/jcross312/384.jpg

http://i462.photobucket.com/albums/qq347/jcross312/383.jpg

I think I may start riding into the flow of traffic. I definitely don't want to get hit again.
Riding against the flow of traffic will drastically increase your chances of being hit by a motor vehicle. Give this a read: http://www.bikexprt.com/streetsmarts/usa/index.htm


I'm really not sure the take the lane advice would have worked. First of all, I'm 6' tall on a mountain bike. Second, the road was completely empty when the incident happened, no other cars and as flat as a board. How could they not have seen me?

It reminds me of a year or so ago a woman plowed into a cattle trailer that had stopped in the road waiting to turn. It killed her instantly. She never even hit the brakes.
In all likelihood, she did see you. You just got filed into that part of her brain filled with unimportant stuff she could ignore. You want to be in the "things that require immediate action" part of her brain. Riding well into the lane will get you noticed and make it clear that overtaking drivers will have to go around you. If you want to see what it looks like from a driver's point of view, watch the video here: http://commuteorlando.com/wordpress/2010/02/05/mythbusters-on-highway-535/
A person on a bike has one really good advantage over stopped vehicles when it comes to getting rear ended. Bikes are recognizable nearly instantly as something going slow. A distracted driver glancing up at the road every few seconds will not notice that they are overtaking a motor vehicle until they are almost on top of it.

Avoid this section if you prefer, but taking the lane does work, even on high speed roads. The key is to make it blatantly clear to the motorist as early as possible that there is no way for them to squeeze by you in the same lane. The best way to do this is by getting all the way out there in the middle of the lane. Hi vis clothing and a bright flashing tail light also help a lot.

Even texters have to look up every few seconds or they couldn’t stay on the road for long. Seeing a cyclist smack in their path WILL jolt them back to the task of driving... seeing a cyclist on the narrow shoulder (where you were clipped) is less likely to do so.

Get used to using a mirror and monitoring overtaking traffic. You will see driver after driver react to your presence. If someone doesn’t, you will be prepared to bail. 5 years of this and I still never had to.



Not comparable. At casual glance a stopped cattle trailer looks like any other motor vehicle traveling the speed limit even though it's not moving at all. No one seeing a cyclist will assume they are traveling 50 mph. But since they are actually moving 15-20 MPH this lengthens the closing time between vehicles, giving more time for the driver to react.

No one driving should be making "casual glances" at things directly in front of them. That is a FAIL right there.

Guys Im getting scared. Some motorists are yelling at me and stuff. I start cussing back at them at traffic lights lol. :rolleyes: But its intimidating me. And some are getting too close to me. I think most give me some space but some get too close even with my light. I feel less safe on the far right.

http://www.gahighwaysafety.org/docs/gabicyclelawenforcementguide.pdf

I found this which clearly states that a bicycle is a vehicle and should be treated as one. I've got my lawyer working now to help educate the sheriff that wrote up the ticket as "no fault"

GOOD!
I'm so glad to hear that you were not hurt more seriously. Please keep us posted. She was clearly in the wrong. The real shame was that the officer either had no clue or didn't care or was biased. He should be "educated". You might also get the local paper to do a write up or story to raise awareness of drivers in the area.

No one driving should be making "casual glances" at things directly in front of them. That is a FAIL right there.

Of course, but we all know that's what sometimes goes on out there. I figure it's my job to make sure that when a texting driver does come up for air, I force bells and whistles to go off in their head, so they don’t just dive back in.

Jcross, that injury looks nasty. Are you expecting a complete recovery? I hope so.

Now go get her!

Of course, but we all know that's what sometimes goes on out there. I figure it's my job to make sure that when a texting driver does come up for air, I force bells and whistles to go off in their head, so they don’t just dive back in.

Jcross, that injury looks nasty. Are you expecting a complete recovery? I hope so.

Now go get her!

I hear you loud and clear... the problem is the closing speed of a distracted driver to a cyclist when the motorist has only glanced and failed to notice the cyclist (who in rear profile can be nearly as narrow as a telephone pole).

If motorists fail to see and notice that things as large as stopped trash trucks, and amish buggies are "taking the lane" how in the heck do we expect them to see and register a cyclist up ahead? Taking a lane is no guarantee of visibility.

Well, 2 things here.

Individual police officers often have extremely inaccurate ideas of what the traffic laws are. The officer on the scene was obviously one of those.

Secondly, if one vehicle hits another vehicle from the rear, the overtaking vehicle is nearly always judged to be at fault.

You might want to contact a personal injury attorney to represent you. Many attorneys will give you the first consultation free or for a reduced rate. However, I believe that Georgia is a no fault state. So if the damages are below "x", your insurance company will pick up the tab.

I hear you loud and clear... the problem is the closing speed of a distracted driver to a cyclist when the motorist has only glanced and failed to notice the cyclist (who in rear profile can be nearly as narrow as a telephone pole).

If motorists fail to see and notice that things as large as stopped trash trucks, and amish buggies are "taking the lane" how in the heck do we expect them to see and register a cyclist up ahead? Taking a lane is no guarantee of visibility.

This is where the mirror comes in, to make sure people are moving over properly. If not, you bail, or at least utilize that space you now have to your right. So far, I've never once had to do that, except for the one time someone tried to purposely hit me (and I wasn't even taking the lane at the time! :(); everyone has always seen me and moved over.

http://i462.photobucket.com/albums/qq347/jcross312/000_0005.jpghttp://i462.photobucket.com/albums/qq347/jcross312/000_0004.jpghttp://i462.photobucket.com/albums/qq347/jcross312/000_0003.jpghttp://i462.photobucket.com/albums/qq347/jcross312/000_0002.jpghttp://i462.photobucket.com/albums/qq347/jcross312/000_0001_1.jpg
http://i462.photobucket.com/albums/qq347/jcross312/383.jpg

Here are a few more pics. I got a souvenir from the scene. The whole mirror actually got torn off. :injured:

I hear you loud and clear... the problem is the closing speed of a distracted driver to a cyclist when the motorist has only glanced and failed to notice the cyclist (who in rear profile can be nearly as narrow as a telephone pole).

If motorists fail to see and notice that things as large as stopped trash trucks, and amish buggies are "taking the lane" how in the heck do we expect them to see and register a cyclist up ahead? Taking a lane is no guarantee of visibility.
I agree - particularly when the speeds are that high. I take the lane on roads where the speed limit is 45 or below, but 55 is highway speeds. Many drivers are likely running 65-70. If there's a slight hill or curve, the time they have to notice you and react can be pretty short. I would do it in a group, but not alone. I generally avoid such roads and look for alternative routes if at all possible. If you absolutely have no other route, I would light up the back of my bike (and myself) like a Christmas tree. This is a case where its risky to take the lane and risky to drive to the right.

This is where the mirror comes in, to make sure people are moving over properly. If not, you bail, or at least utilize that space you now have to your right. So far, I've never once had to do that, except for the one time someone tried to purposely hit me (and I wasn't even taking the lane at the time! :(); everyone has always seen me and moved over.

Believe me I use a mirror, when commuting I also wear a bright colored vest. For this woman not to have seen him on a clear day and being the only other thing on the road says to me that she was likely distracted.

There are some high speed arterial roads I use from time to time and even with 3 wide lanes it amazes me that motorists chose to stick to the right lane... When platoons of motorists come by and I have had to take a lane (due to obstructions in the BL for instance... such as parked service trucks) I have watched in my mirror as each lead vehicle peels off and the next driver becomes aware of me as an obstruction to the lane they are in... each following car is closer and closer before they also peel off. I have often wondered what would happen if the "platoon" were longer or the last motorist is texting or something else distracting.

I agree - particularly when the speeds are that high. I take the lane on roads where the speed limit is 45 or below, but 55 is highway speeds. Many drivers are likely running 65-70. If there's a slight hill or curve, the time they have to notice you and react can be pretty short. I would do it in a group, but not alone. I generally avoid such roads and look for alternative routes if at all possible. If you absolutely have no other route, I would light up the back of my bike (and myself) like a Christmas tree. This is a case where its risky to take the lane and risky to drive to the right.

55+ MPH roads are typically designed with wide curves and hills that only have gentle peaks, leaving much longer sightlines than many lower speed roads. The end result leaves drivers about the same amount or more "time" to react to a cyclist.

The road the OP posted looks nice for riding to me, even with 60 MPH motorists, especially if traffic isn't heavy.

55+ MPH roads are typically designed with wide curves and hills that only have gentle peaks, leaving much longer sightlines than many lower speed roads. The end result leaves drivers about the same amount or more "time" to react to a cyclist.

The road the OP posted looks nice for riding to me, even with 60 MPH motorists, especially if traffic isn't heavy.

I ride roads like that all the time on weekends with light traffic, with no problems. But I dislike riding such roads if traffic conditions are such that drivers must often wait for oncoming traffic to clear before passing. I ride far enough into the lane to discourage same-lane passing; it's politically tiresome to have to do that in heavy two-way traffic for a long distance.

55+ MPH roads are typically designed with wide curves and hills that only have gentle peaks, leaving much longer sightlines than many lower speed roads. The end result leaves drivers about the same amount or more "time" to react to a cyclist.

The road the OP posted looks nice for riding to me, even with 60 MPH motorists, especially if traffic isn't heavy.

And yet the OP was hit by a motorist... who apparently thought she could share the lane with the cyclist rather than moving over... if she even saw the cyclist.

http://i462.photobucket.com/albums/qq347/jcross312/000_0005.jpghttp://i462.photobucket.com/albums/qq347/jcross312/000_0004.jpghttp://i462.photobucket.com/albums/qq347/jcross312/000_0003.jpghttp://i462.photobucket.com/albums/qq347/jcross312/000_0002.jpghttp://i462.photobucket.com/albums/qq347/jcross312/000_0001_1.jpg
http://i462.photobucket.com/albums/qq347/jcross312/383.jpg

Here are a few more pics. I got a souvenir from the scene. The whole mirror actually got torn off. :injured:

I'm actually somewhat surprised you still have the attitude you have at least in regards to making yourself more visible.

This part of why I don't ride in rural areas anymore:

-Lower population density, less development which ius a facor in the other factors below
-greater distances to be traveled in conjunction with
-Higher speeds
-usually one lane + narrow or no shoulder (and or plenty of rocks/gravel on shoulder)

Visibility

Also, a reason why I make an attempt to make myself more visible is because from a driver's point of view (I drive), and cyclist's point of view (I ride my bike), I realize that a cyclist is not all that visible, compared to a motor vehicle. Also, I have had my first close call with an accident with a driver making a left hand turn in front of me as I was going through an intersection. I now wear a visibility vest and use my headlight duing the day and also a taillight at times too.

Also, part of why I decided to post is because I notice that where you were apparently riding, yes there is sun in the picture, but do you notice how much of a difference there is between where there are shadows in the road and where there aren't? Especially at higher speeds, that is a factor. I don't know where you got hit, but it would seem that the shadows were likely a factor in visiblity.

Don't underestimate the factor of visiblity and controling what you can control as others have given their input here suggesting or implying as much.

Of course, but we all know that's what sometimes goes on out there.

Yep; I nearly got left-crossed by a doofus on the phone in a Honda yesterday. Maybe I need to add something else for front visibility; any ideas?

Here's what I had at the time: http://kd5nrh.smugmug.com/photos/636333929_DxjxW-M-1.jpg (http://kd5nrh.smugmug.com/Art/Extras/5995301_WQtzv#636333929_DxjxW-A-LB)

I wonder if there's an Airzound kit for it...or just a cowcatcher so his car bits won't crack the grill.

Riding against the flow of traffic will drastically increase your chances of being hit by a motor vehicle.

I'm not really gonna start doing that. I was just shaken up and not sure what to think. Now that I've given it some more thought, I'm gonna get one of those mirrors so I can watch cars behind me. Also, I admit that I did not have a bright vest on, although I was wearing a white shirt, white shoes, light colored shorts. Wasn't like I was wearing pavement camo. From now on, tho, I will be wearing one.

I'm actually somewhat surprised you still have the attitude you have at least in regards to making yourself more visible.



What? I haven't even said anything about not trying to make myself more visible. Where did you get that?

What? I haven't even said anything about not trying to make myself more visible. Where did you get that?


I read these two posts in order, and bolded the parts that stuck out to me, which yours seemed like an implied response to the previous post by Doohickie



What state are you in? In most states, bicycles do have the right to ride on the road. However, you were in probably the most dangerous spot. Even if you weren't allowed out there as the cop said, the driver should have at least gotten a ticket for an unsafe pass.
If you're going to get into the traffic lane, you need to get in far enough that traffic has to change lanes to go around you. If you give them room to pass without changing lanes, well, you found out what happens. The other alternative is to go well onto the shoulder, but that can be worse because inattentive drivers sometimes wander onto the shoulder, too. If you're squarely in the traffic lane (at least as far as the right tire track), you are squarely in the field of vision of drivers and they know they have to deal with you. When you're all the way to the right, they pretty much ignore you.
Also, you need to make yourself as visible as possible. If you didn't have a red flashing tail light (like a Planet Bike Super Flash), even in daylight, you probably should get one for future riding. If you want a good education on how to ride a bike in traffic, check out http://commuteorlando.com/wordpress/"]CommuteOrlando (CommuteOrlando). They have lots of great information there including videos and animations to show how a bike should ride in traffic.
Glad you weren't hurt worse.




Thanks for the replies. Yes, there was a report made that stated that I was riding along the white line when I got struck from behind by the car. There wasn't a bike lane and the white line was the edge of the pavement. I still can't believe that they wrote it up as no fault. If you get hit from behind its their fault, unless you are on a bike?:bang: :mad: That's pretty dumb to me. Also, their was no car coming in the other direction so she had two full lanes to pass me in, instead she rode the white line and nearly ran me over. Probably texting or playing with the radio.

Not trying to :deadhorse2: but the road was as flat as a pancake and the sun was out at about 10:30 this morning so their was no glare or anything to worry about. Simply a case of a driver that wasn't paying attention. Unfortunately for me I shouldn't have gotten in the cars way.:rolleyes:



You say you didn't want to over do it by beating a dead horse, and said that the road conditions indicated there wasn't an issue with visibility, because of factors you said were favorable for visibility, namely:

-The road was flat
-Sun glare was not a problem (though you did not say one way or another anything about there being enough sunlight)

Then you said after that, that "Simply a case of a driver that wasn't paying attention"

That message to me at least, communicates that visibility was not a major factor, but rather the driver not paying attention. I believe there is a good chance visiblity may have been a considerable factor. Take no offense by my previous post. I just interpreted your posts as what I said and thought I'd recommend you consider taking a simple yet very valuable precaution of making yourself more visible.

Hope you are feeling better and heal up.

OK, I see what you're saying. No offense taken. Trust me, I will become more visible in the future! I wasn't trying to come across as, "I couldn't have done anything else to make myself more visible" That's not the case at all. I learn something new everyday. I thought I was visible enough not to get hit, and for the past 1,000 miles or so (the brief experience that i have) I have not been hit, until now. I was simply stating that conditions were optimal for vision. Clear skies, sun out, no other vehicles around. Just me and the motorist and empty pavement. On the other hand, I'm sure somewhere somebody's been hit while wearing yellow vest with lights flashing. I guess you just can't be too careful. I think the main lesson that I've learned is to get a mirror and monitor traffic coming behind me. I will also move out a little further in the lane to be more visible and wear a yellow vest. I guess thats the best I can do?

Believe me I use a mirror, when commuting I also wear a bright colored vest. For this woman not to have seen him on a clear day and being the only other thing on the road says to me that she was likely distracted.

*shrug* All I can say is that in years of commuting, it's never been an issue (except for the one incident I noted). I'm not saying it's perfectly safe, and I would certainly plan away from such a route if at all possible; my point is simply that with planning and preparation, I think it's far more safe to travel firmly in the lane while watching overtaking traffic than to tempt motorists to squeeze by by hugging the line, especially on one as tight as the pictures indicate.


There are some high speed arterial roads I use from time to time and even with 3 wide lanes it amazes me that motorists chose to stick to the right lane... When platoons of motorists come by and I have had to take a lane (due to obstructions in the BL for instance... such as parked service trucks) I have watched in my mirror as each lead vehicle peels off and the next driver becomes aware of me as an obstruction to the lane they are in... each following car is closer and closer before they also peel off. I have often wondered what would happen if the "platoon" were longer or the last motorist is texting or something else distracting.

In theory, you'd have to bail. In practice, never been an issue, as I said.

I guess thats the best I can do?

Pretty much. The thing to keep in mind is that there's only so much you can do. You can be riding a unicycle while juggling with sparklers attached to the pedals and still be hit by someone not paying attention. That's not to sound too fatalistic - I think the greater the visibility, the less likely someone is not going to see you. But, at a certain point, you've just gotta accept you've done all you can. Just by being on the road we put a certain amount of faith in other road users. Do the best you can to make things easier for others to cooperate (and hence make things easier on yourself), and don't sweat it past that. :)

A rear view mirror is a good idea,
But it does distract you from keeping your eyes on what is in front of you.
In a car going roughly the speed of everyone else you aren't too concerned with being run down from behind, so you don't spend 5 seconds watching what is happening behind you since it really isn't too much of a concern (except at redlights).
On a bike if you are watching this driver close on you at 70-80 ft/sec- you aren't watching the road.
Once again in a car it is no big deal if there is a pothole, piece of debris 100 feet up the road.On a bike that pothole can dump you.

There just isn't any free lunch when riding on a high speed road with texting drivers. I generally stay right-listen, and pray-and mainly avoid these non shouldered roads, since there isn't any way I want to mix it up with distracted idiots closing at 80 fps.
Our roads-NOLA- generally have plenty of potholes and construction debris, so you have to keep a close watch in front of you.

No good solution to texting drivers.

A rear view mirror is a good idea,
But it does distract you from keeping your eyes on what is in front of you.
In a car going roughly the speed of everyone else you aren't too concerned with being run down from behind, so you don't spend 5 seconds watching what is happening behind you since it really isn't too much of a concern (except at redlights).
On a bike if you are watching this driver close on you at 70-80 ft/sec- you aren't watching the road.
Once again in a car it is no big deal if there is a pothole, piece of debris 100 feet up the road.On a bike that pothole can dump you.

I think the trade-off is well worth it. It is worth noting though, that especially if you've never used one before, that first "novelty period" probably has you checking too often. But, in my experience, once you get used to it, you learn to "scan" like you would driving a car or flying an airplane, and it in no way effects your forward vision. Occasional, quick glances usually gets the job done. It's simply a matter of using the tool correctly, as with anything else.

sudo bike- makes sense.
I think it is a good trade off .
Years ago I had s rear view mirror that I attached to my glasses. I need to sweep back thru this post an see where yours is mounted.
I only ride about 1 mile per day on a no shoulder 25 mph road. It is a suburban fairly busy street-worse at rush hour of course.
I have wide lightly lugged tires Michelin 40mm 700c and Keeenda Kozmek lite 1.95, so I can bail to the grass if I "feel" a really close pass coming.
Of course by the time you "feel" the close pass you are usually feeling the rear view mirror wapping you. We have lots of big pickups with tow type mirrors.

Yeah,I need to reconsider the mirror. When I used to commute-70's 80's- I did use the mirror. Now I ride for fun exercise, so I can choose where I ride, and I avoid the types of highways like the OP got hit on.

OP- that is a fairly nasty wound. You were lucky. The mirror was spring loaded?? But broke anyway?? Or it wasn't spring loaded? Should have looked more carefully at the picture. Maybe the mirrors on a base Cobalt aren't spring loaded? Seems kinda dangerous to cheap out on something like that.I would guess all mirrors are spring loaded now

This has been a surprisingly civil thread. I don't post here as much as I have in the past, so I forget who my usual "enemies" are. I suspect I sometimes agree with my enemies. I'll have to keep a list of them from now on, so this doesn't happen in the future.
We need another "I'm an athletic adult male scared of dogs instead of the careless drivers who will actually kill me thread" I guess.
JUST KIDDING JUST KIDDING!!

sudo bike- makes sense.
I think it is a good trade off .
Years ago I had s rear view mirror that I attached to my glasses. I need to sweep back thru this post an see where yours is mounted.
I only ride about 1 mile per day on a no shoulder 25 mph road. It is a suburban fairly busy street-worse at rush hour of course.
I have wide lightly lugged tires Michelin 40mm 700c and Keeenda Kozmek lite 1.95, so I can bail to the grass if I "feel" a really close pass coming.
Of course by the time you "feel" the close pass you are usually feeling the rear view mirror wapping you. We have lots of big pickups with tow type mirrors.

Yeah,I need to reconsider the mirror. When I used to commute-70's 80's- I did use the mirror. Now I ride for fun exercise, so I can choose where I ride, and I avoid the types of highways like the OP got hit on.

I could see in your case choosing to go without. A mile is probably pretty doable without. Heck, I used to for a long time without, so I know it's doable! :D But I'm definitely more comfortable with. It is fair to note that at first you tend to focus on it too much, though, and it's something to be aware of for sure.

(I have a glasses mirror, FWIW)