Advocacy & Safety - How can cyclists defend themselves?

Wow, too many posts about killed cyclists are making me feel vulnerable! Can we do anything to protect ourselves? The cars are not only bigger, but faster than us as well. I started thinking how animals protect themselves: Some can run fast, some can fight, some have hard shells, spines, etc. Some travel in schools or herds - Hey, that's it. Strength in numbers. Seems to me most if not all the reported fatalities happened to lone cyclists.

Are cyclists less likely to get hit by a car while riding in a group? When I overtake someone while commuting, I always try to ride with them rather than pass them, especially when it's dark. Must be my survival instincts.
Tom

using your brain is the best defence. remember your smaerter then the average driver. (G) your not in a car.

I also think that riding in a pack is safer because you are more likely to be seen my motorists. But you still need to ride safetly and put yourself in the drivers shoes and try and think what they would do in a situation.

pretend that you are invisible

Actually, cycling is safer then driving. I know it does not FEEL that way but it is true.

What you are seeing is people reporting just about any account of a cycling fatality. If you look in the papers, people are killed in cars all the time. It is so common as to be part of the background noise and it ceases to be newsworthy unless it is local news.

I think a large part of the reason why cycling is safer then driving is the inherent difference between cyclists and motorists. A very large fraction of motorists killed, die because they were drinking and driving (not really feasible for cyclists - you fall down too often), going to sleep at the wheel (most cyclists go riding when they are reasonably well rested, and just going way too fast for conditions (cyclists have a hard time riding fast enough to add to their risk).

Also a close call in a car does not have much psychological impact. After all, your bumpers are some distance from you and it is not that horribly scary. However, a miss that is not nearly as close feels dreadful in a bike because the car comes close to your flesh. This situation encourages defensive driving in cyclists.

If you examine the statistics, about 800 people on bicycles are killed in the USA per year. Interestingly about half of these are killed at night and I suspect that these riders were riding without lights (not the greatest idea). Of the 400 fatalities remaining, it seems that most of them are inexperienced riders often not obeying the traffic laws.

Forester found that the more experienced the cyclist, the lower the accident rate they had. Forester found in his study that cycling commuters who rode in the most adverse conditions on busy roads during rush hour had the lowest accident rates of any group of cyclists Forester examined. The rates were so low that Forester was unable to estimate them accurately because his sample size of commuters was too small.

Pat is right. Cyclists who follow the rules have a miniscule injury/death rate. That's part of why I started this (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=71011) thread.

You don't need to ride in a pack, but you do need to be visible and predictable. As Forester showed, you are generally safer taking the lane than hugging the curb.

It's the fear factor that keeps you alive. Knowing that you can easily get bumped off by cars let's you stay on your Q's: keeping alert to your 360 surroundings at all time, paying attention to what can happen every moment of the ride esecially for park cars with someone in them, driveways that have a blind spot, a car behind you passing by, and looking ahead for whatever is taking place by the time you get there, and being prepare for a unleashed dog: by having a mace spray available, or water bottle at hand and open ready to wet it if you have too; practice this to see how it works. A friend of mine rides with a left rear mirror when he rides, but I think you can see behind you just by turning your head back quickly for a fast glance. My theory is look for what can happen and be ready to do something before it happens to you.

Pat is right. Cyclists who follow the rules have a miniscule injury/death rate. That's part of why I started this (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=71011) thread.

You don't need to ride in a pack, but you do need to be visible and predictable. As Forester showed, you are generally safer taking the lane than hugging the curb.

iIt does happen. I got hit two Fridays ago and it was pretty much unavoidable. I was going along not too fast as there is a little bit of grade starting. A woman pulls up to the road on the right. She stops then starts and stops again. I had brakes when the did that but when she stopped again I thought she had seen me. But he foot slipped on the gas and it was too late to stop then. I tried to go around her and she hit me in the side. We both were going pretty slow then. I did a belly flop and did not get any road rash. My leg got cut from the front derailleur and my knee was a bit out of whack.
So it can still happen but it far more rare if your are careful.

I just bought one of those palestinian suicide bomber packs -- now if anyone runs over me its MAD (mutually assured destruction). That should hold them off.

only if you have I carry a bomb or some such on your back (G) but I doubt it would stop anyone.

Guns. Lots of guns.

using your brain is the best defence. remember your smaerter then the average driver. (G) your not in a car.

Good point. I know I sure FEEL smarter than the average driver. :) We also have unobstructed vision and can hear better. I try to use everything to my advantage.
Tom

iIt does happen. I got hit two Fridays ago and it was pretty much unavoidable. I was going along not too fast as there is a little bit of grade starting. A woman pulls up to the road on the right. She stops then starts and stops again. I had brakes when the did that but when she stopped again I thought she had seen me. But he foot slipped on the gas and it was too late to stop then. I tried to go around her and she hit me in the side. We both were going pretty slow then. I did a belly flop and did not get any road rash. My leg got cut from the front derailleur and my knee was a bit out of whack.
So it can still happen but it far more rare if your are careful.
Sorry about your accident. But also note, you were not rear-ended. The real threat to cyclists comes from the side. Where the lane is too narrow for a car to pass you safely (i.e. most lanes), taking the lane is generally the safest way to ride.

only if you have I carry a bomb or some such on your back (G) but I doubt it would stop anyone.


Why should I let them know? H*ll, if they f*ck with me, they're dead. Its set on a hair trigger, any little jolt and they're gone along with anything else in the block. That's what those palestinian suicide bomb packs can do for you. Driver beware. (I just hope that I don't fall off my bike by accident.)

Guns. Lots of guns.


Why don't you get a palestinian suicide bomb pack? That way you wouldn't miss and you wouldn't have to worry about whether you can get the gun out in time after the car hits you.

pretend that you are invisible

I learned this from riding a motorcycle for 10 years. Even though a motorcycle is huge compared to a bicycle, motorists don't see you. Pretending you are invisible really works!

I commuted by motorcycle for 6 years, 35 miles each way and split lanes between the cars (legal in California). I used to wait for another lane-splitter to pass me, then I would follow, letting the other bike assume most of the risk. People in cars react to a motorcycle passing close by them by saying "Oh s**t!" and moving away slightly after it has passed. I used to ride in this "wake" behind the other bike as if I were invisible.
Tom

I just bought one of those palestinian suicide bomber packs -- now if anyone runs over me its MAD (mutually assured destruction). That should hold them off.

Ha! Back when I rode a motorcycle, I used to muse about mounting a 16 lb. bowling ball under my headlight so it would take out anyone who pulled out in front of me. At the last moment I could aim right at the driver. I know this dates me, but that was before the invention of the suicide bomber.
Tom

Wow, too many posts about killed cyclists are making me feel vulnerable! Can we do anything to protect ourselves? The cars are not only bigger, but faster than us as well. I started thinking how animals protect themselves: Some can run fast, some can fight, some have hard shells, spines, etc. Some travel in schools or herds - Hey, that's it. Strength in numbers. Seems to me most if not all the reported fatalities happened to lone cyclists.

Are cyclists less likely to get hit by a car while riding in a group? When I overtake someone while commuting, I always try to ride with them rather than pass them, especially when it's dark. Must be my survival instincts.
Tom

Riding in a pack......Critical Mass. Safest ride ever.

pretend that you are invisible
I see your point, but it is a bad idea. It could lead you to do relaly studip things, like hugging the curb. You need to learn to follow the same rules as other traffic. You are generally safer taking the lane than hugging the curb.

Ha! Back when I rode a motorcycle, I used to muse about mounting a 16 lb. bowling ball under my headlight so it would take out anyone who pulled out in front of me. At the last moment I could aim right at the driver. I know this dates me, but that was before the invention of the suicide bomber.
Tom

That is a great idea -- maybe I should attach a bowling ball by some loose, easy to break system under the back of my seat. That way, if I get hit from the side or back, the bowling ball will come loose from its attachment and roll up the car's hood until it hits the windshield and goes right though into the driver's face. The attachment has to be easily breakable in a crash so that the bowling ball comes loose, but not so easy to break that the bowling ball comes loose bunny hopping off curbs. And, the drivers might even see it and stay far away (which gives it an advantage over the idiot who wants to pack a gun or palestinian suicide bomber pack).

Forester found that the more experienced the cyclist, the lower the accident rate they had. Forester found in his study that cycling commuters who rode in the most adverse conditions on busy roads during rush hour had the lowest accident rates of any group of cyclists Forester examined. The rates were so low that Forester was unable to estimate them accurately because his sample size of commuters was too small.

Sample size was so low as this is the least pleasurable type of riding... this type of riding requires high concentration, is noisy, not relaxing at all and there is "no wind in your hair."

The kind of riding I know I enjoy the most is spinning fast on an isolated country lane swooping up and down gentle grades along tree lined roads.

pretend that you are invisible

I go into Casper mode... and do just that... it is both quite amazing and somewhat scary to see drivers suddenly realize you are there with that "oh sh*t" look on their faces just as they were about to pull a right turn into you.

Hey on the flip side of the coin... total visibility... what would happen if we all rode naked? Think cars would see us then?

"Why don't you get a palestinian suicide bomb pack? That way you wouldn't miss and you wouldn't have to worry about whether you can get the gun out in time after the car hits you."

I heard those Israeli sucide bomb packs are more powerful..........

"Why don't you get a palestinian suicide bomb pack? That way you wouldn't miss and you wouldn't have to worry about whether you can get the gun out in time after the car hits you."

I heard those Israeli sucide bomb packs are more powerful..........

But they always go off after the palestinian suicide bomb.

This is just my opinion, but the last thing this thread (or this forum) needs is a non-bike-related discussion of the Israeli Palestinian conflict. Could y'all please take that to the Political Forum?

Dont mind me, I could give a rat's @SS about either one of those two countries.
Seriously though, I think riding in large numbers is a good idea... riding in large numbers and taking down an SUV or truck like a pack of hiyenas and ripping it to shreds... good ol peloton fun!

I go into Casper mode... and do just that... it is both quite amazing and somewhat scary to see drivers suddenly realize you are there with that "oh sh*t" look on their faces just as they were about to pull a right turn into you.

Hey on the flip side of the coin... total visibility... what would happen if we all rode naked? Think cars would see us then?

Hahahaha, nice. I gotta try that sometime. bet it's a nice way to pick up the chicks.

Hahahaha, nice. I gotta try that sometime. bet it's a nice way to pick up the chicks.

Not if you have a hairy @ss.

OK, this could get silly...

There seems to be a consensus that it is safer to ride in a group than to ride alone. But it's never convenient to find a riding partner for every ride. Now there's a solution!

Introducing the Inflatable Riding Partner! The Inflatable Riding Partner is never late, never makes stupid comments, never half-wheels you, and will never, ever ride away from you, even on the steepest hills. He will always stay with you, protecting you by increasing your visibility to drivers.

Cars coming too close? Mount the Inflatable Riding Partner on the left side of your bike, between you and the cars. Let him get sideswiped! Make him "Take the Lane" when necessary without putting yourself at risk!

Let the Inflatable Riding Partner "draft" behind you while protecting your rear. If some idiot in a car throws a soda bottle at you, let The Inflatable Riding Partner take one in the back of the head!

Problem with dogs? Mount the Inflatable Riding Partner on the right side of your bike and let him deal with the dog!

Weather turning bad? Put him up front and let the Inflatable Riding Partner "pull" you along while you stay warm and dry in his draft!

Better yet, surround yourself with a full set of 4! You'll have the presence of a peloton while enjoying the security of state-of-the-art air bag protection.

I warned you :D
Tom

oh, must get one then

Will it take a shower with you after the ride?

I go into Casper mode... and do just that... it is both quite amazing and somewhat scary to see drivers suddenly realize you are there with that "oh sh*t" look on their faces just as they were

Your missing the point of the comment. Riding like your invisible means that you have to make your presence known. You're to ride with the mentality that the drivers can't see you, hence you must make yourself seen by riding away from the curb, by illumination, by getting in the lane where feasible and warrented. It also mean getting the hell out of Dodge when neccessary. Why take the risk when an alternative path may be safer, even if somewhat longer. I'll trade time for lifespan.

Your missing the point of the comment. Riding like your invisible means that you have to make your presence known. You're to ride with the mentality that the drivers can't see you, hence you must make yourself seen by riding away from the curb, by illumination, by getting in the lane where feasible and warrented. It also mean getting the hell out of Dodge when neccessary. Why take the risk when an alternative path may be safer, even if somewhat longer. I'll trade time for lifespan.

Dobber I do just that... I ride as if they do not see me (metally I figure I am Casper... hence the "Casper mode") Physically I get large. I wear one of those bright green vests, I am tall in the saddle and sometimes up out of the saddle in traffic to make me larger. I make lots of gestures, pointing to where I want to go and clown it up a bit to be really obvious. I take lanes when I need to. I have lots of bright and flashy lights at night. I wear clashing colors during the day. I make my presence known.

But believe me, I still take the attitude that in spite of all my efforts, drivers are blind to bikes... therefore, no matter what, I am still invisible.

I look right in the eyes of drivers... drivers I swear are looking right at me... and I still see that "oh sh*t" expression when it finally sinks in that they were pressing on the gas, looking right at me, and still not seeing me. Often I am close enough to then tap on their hoods to remind them how close we were. :D

I also follow the rule to be nice to cars even when they are obviously pissed at the world... and want to take it out on me... I wave and smile no matter what the words or gestures are that have come from them. (sometimes it takes a lot of self control).

But by the same token... being in Casper mode, means you can also ride anonomous... you can slip in between cars that are crawling along, you can go up and around on the sidewalk past the cars waiting to make a right turn while in your bike lane. You can go through walls when you need to. Yeah, and I even cruise an occasional light or sign... lights, because they don't change, signs because there is no one around... I do NOT jump lights or signs to piss off drivers... (I will not do it because there is a break in traffic as some bikers do... that is just rude) but simply because in some cases there is no reason to stop... and being Casper, no one can see me.

I know that last part is controversial... I even posted somewhere here that I have been stopped (by da man) and signs mean stop... but just this last weekend... there I was, new corner... cruising up to a sign... not a soul in sight. Com'on... you would too. I also know of places on my commute where the lights simply do not change. There I treat the light as a stop sight and proceed safely.

I read somewhere that the reason cyclists are hard to see is that they look "vertical", and blend in with trees, signposts, telephone poles, vertical lines on buildings, etc. The article stated that drivers learn to ignore "vertical" lines and concentrate on "horizontal" lines, i.e., other cars. As a part-time car driver, I think this is mostly true. Several years ago, I nearly turned left into the path of a motorcycle because I did not see him until the last second. Man, he cussed me out good! Now, looking back at that intersection from my vantage point, there was a tall chain link fence and many trees in the background. The background was sort of dark as well, which blended nicely with his bike and leather jacket.

So...Most cyclists wear bright colors, which is good, but can we do anything to appear more "horizontal"?
Tom

I read somewhere that the reason cyclists are hard to see is that they look "vertical", and blend in with trees, signposts, telephone poles, vertical lines on buildings, etc. The article stated that drivers learn to ignore "vertical" lines and concentrate on "horizontal" lines, i.e., other cars. As a part-time car driver, I think this is mostly true. Several years ago, I nearly turned left into the path of a motorcycle because I did not see him until the last second. Man, he cussed me out good! Now, looking back at that intersection from my vantage point, there was a tall chain link fence and many trees in the background. The background was sort of dark as well, which blended nicely with his bike and leather jacket.

So...Most cyclists wear bright colors, which is good, but can we do anything to appear more "horizontal"?
Tom


Wow good question... I have on my panniers when I commute... so that adds volume, but beyond that, without having things sticking out the side, which would make it hard to snake through traffic, we are rather vertical in nature.

Wow good question... I have on my panniers when I commute... so that adds volume, but beyond that, without having things sticking out the side, which would make it hard to snake through traffic, we are rather vertical in nature.


Get a recumbent with a palestinian suicide bomber pack.

"Casper mode" and "invisible mode" are unhelpful descriptions. It makes it sound like you're trying to be hidden. Saying you ride like you're invisible makes no sense, unless you mean you're going to cower in gutter or on the sidewalk, which is dangerous.

"Casper mode" and "invisible mode" are unhelpful descriptions. It makes it sound like you're trying to be hidden. Saying you ride like you're invisible makes no sense, unless you mean you're going to cower in gutter or on the sidewalk, which is dangerous.

Sorry... my terminology. "Casper mode" means I have to think and be aware that I am invisible to cars. Unlike daily living where one can go walk about and get a wave or head nod from folks you meet.

I say this because I have looked right at drivers' eyes, who were looking right at me... and I know they did not see me... until (sometimes) I see the surprise in their eyes and see them mouth the words "oh sh*t" or "oh my God." I have seen both expressions and that look on their face. I know they were looking right at me... and DID NOT SEE ME. Therefore, I have to assume I was invisible.

"Casper mode" may not translate well on the web... Casper is a cartoon ghost... hence my use of the term... because folks that suddenly saw me always had that look of surprise on their faces... I've seen it too many times.

So bottom line is I work to try to make myself visible, but I assume that no one sees me. So actually I can clown around, make big pantomime actions and gestures, and not personally even feel embarrased about it. For instance, one would not typically jump up and down on a street corner waving their arms... others would think the action quite odd. Yet riding a bike... I might do such actions in order to gain drivers' attention... "hey... I am turning left at this intersection and I want you to know so you don't do something you aren't even signaling for."**

I will and have gotten two way communications, with a driver of a car, using gestures, so they fully understand my intentions. Stupid drivers have a hard time even using turn signals to let each other know what is going on.

** get my point? :)

Now the flip side of this... which I alluded to, is that I am invisible... and if I wish to get around some traffic situation, I can easily, by discreetly riding between cars and hazards and the like... 'cause the dummies still don't see me.

This is where the confusion comes in, I think, in what I was saying.

Old Joke:
A bicyclist robs a bank.
Police arrive and ask the witnesses which way the robber went.
Witnesses reply: "don't know... he was on a bike."

***************
Duh! He must have been invisible then... eh?

Casper mode. Make yourself seen or take advantage of it! Its a state of mind.

A very dangerous situation is when you approach a car trying to enter the road you are riding on from a side road.

If there are cars passing you, the car will stop for them and you as well.

If you are the only traffic on the road, the driver may not see you. Drivers tend to look for other cars. Cyclists and even motorcycles will often not register.

In this situation, I always raise an arm and wave to get the driver's attention, then I try to make eye contact.

This is in addition to always wearing bright yellow jerseys. The last think you want to wear is something that blends into the background.

Sorry... my terminology. "Casper mode" means I have to think and be aware that I am invisible to cars. Unlike daily living where one can go walk about and get a wave or head nod from folks you meet.

I say this because I have looked right at drivers' eyes, who were looking right at me... and I know they did not see me...


Looking into their eyes was your first mistake, and perceiving they did not see you was your other mistake. They saw you alright, but because you were looking right into their eyes, they perceived that you saw them, and they automatically assumed that you would just get out of their way. I know because I used to make that same mistake.

Now I only make eye contact with drivers if I'm wearing dark glasses, and even then it's only after looking at their vehicle to guage their intentions. Often I don't bother making eye contact at all if it's a situation that happens a little quicker. Funnily enough, since I stopped relying on eye contact, the incidence of drivers "not seeing me" has fallen dramatically, and driving standards on the roads I ride on haven't improved.

Make of that what you will.

Looking into their eyes was your first mistake, and perceiving they did not see you was your other mistake. They saw you alright, but because you were looking right into their eyes, they perceived that you saw them, and they automatically assumed that you would just get out of their way. I know because I used to make that same mistake.

Now I only make eye contact with drivers if I'm wearing dark glasses, and even then it's only after looking at their vehicle to guage their intentions. Often I don't bother making eye contact at all if it's a situation that happens a little quicker. Funnily enough, since I stopped relying on eye contact, the incidence of drivers "not seeing me" has fallen dramatically, and driving standards on the roads I ride on haven't improved.



Make of that what you will.

Whoa... the Chinese method of right o' way. Recently when I visited China, while crossing the street I was told the same thing... don't look at the drivers' eyes, cause then they know you have seen them.

Hmmmm... So you are saying I should just ride as if I am a car and not look at anyone that might be sqeezing my right of way. Interesting. I usually get into these staring contests when it is an auto on my right trying either to turn right or enter from a drive or side street. They must not understand that I do have the right of way and they are just assuming I won't be there when they want to move. I mean this stuff happens when I have a green light and they are turning against a red (legal in CA)... they obviously feel that "bikes don't count."

I guess I better get dark glasses... that way I can at least see if they are gonna be stupid without giving away my hand.

Xenon strobe flasher in the back. Plus the defensive skills already mentioned in this thread.

I bought my strobe from all electronics as mentioned in several websites, $9 for 12V version. I wouldn't ride without it now, it makes a huge difference, nobody can not see you with one. In addition I have a front 20W halogen, a cateye 3LED blinker on the helmet, a 5LED red blinker in the back, a truck red marker reflector on the back, and scotchlite on the helmet and panniers.

I actually started running the strobe during the daylight as well. It is easily noticable then and makes a difference.

It's the fear factor that keeps you alive. Knowing that you can easily get bumped off by cars let's you stay on your Q's: keeping alert to your 360 surroundings at all time, paying attention to what can happen every moment of the ride esecially for park cars with someone in them, driveways that have a blind spot, a car behind you passing by, and looking ahead for whatever is taking place by the time you get there, and being prepare for a unleashed dog: by having a mace spray available, or water bottle at hand and open ready to wet it if you have too; practice this to see how it works. A friend of mine rides with a left rear mirror when he rides, but I think you can see behind you just by turning your head back quickly for a fast glance. My theory is look for what can happen and be ready to do something before it happens to you.

With all due respect, i don't think it is the fear that keeps you alive. Basically you either have common sense or you don't. There are a lot of factors that contribute to how much and if you have any. Reading a bunch of threads on here about killed cyclists isn't going to help those that don't possess the ability to make good decisions already.

Common sense and good cycling skills also won't guarntee that you won't be killed. There are no guarantees. Common sense and good cycling skills only puts the odds in your favor that you won't be the reason for your death.

Whoa... the Chinese method of right o' way. Recently when I visited China, while crossing the street I was told the same thing... don't look at the drivers' eyes, cause then they know you have seen them.

You know, it's funny. Here in Australia (and quite possibly in the US for that matter) people take great delight in mocking the traffic situation in some of the major cities in China, the perception (real or otherwise) of cars all over the road, of about five lines of traffic trying to squeeze into three lanes, and so on. Actually, the same thing happens in Surfers Paradise every afternoon. At least in China they can use their population density as an "excuse" of sorts.


Hmmmm... So you are saying I should just ride as if I am a car and not look at anyone that might be sqeezing my right of way.

<snip>
I guess I better get dark glasses... that way I can at least see if they are gonna be stupid without giving away my hand.

That's the key. Keep a subtle eye out, don't let a driver think you've "seen" them, because they will automatically assume you're giving up your right of way. Remember, drivers are remarkably patient creatures when it's forced upon them, they are, after all, the same people who sit in gridlock for as much as two hours at a time.

Whoa... the Chinese method of right o' way. Recently when I visited China, while crossing the street I was told the same thing... don't look at the drivers' eyes, cause then they know you have seen them.

Hmmmm... So you are saying I should just ride as if I am a car and not look at anyone that might be sqeezing my right of way. Interesting. I usually get into these staring contests when it is an auto on my right trying either to turn right or enter from a drive or side street. They must not understand that I do have the right of way and they are just assuming I won't be there when they want to move. I mean this stuff happens when I have a green light and they are turning against a red (legal in CA)... they obviously feel that "bikes don't count."

I guess I better get dark glasses... that way I can at least see if they are gonna be stupid without giving away my hand.

Are you kidding??!!! Drivers in California apparently feel that since they CAN turn right on red, they have the right of way over everyone else. Believe me, this doesn't just involve bikes and pedestrians. Itseems like they think they can even turn out in front of an 18 wheel semi. I've noticed the average speed on a "Right turn on red" is now about 10 mph without stopping.

Looking into their eyes was your first mistake, and perceiving they did not see you was your other mistake. They saw you alright, but because you were looking right into their eyes, they perceived that you saw them, and they automatically assumed that you would just get out of their way. I know because I used to make that same mistake...

What??? Don't make eye contact? This doesn't fit with my experience at all. When cars can cross in front (or over) me, I have always used a combination of eye contact and watching the driver's head and the car's front wheels. Car "body language" if you will. I have ridden 68,000 miles on motorcycles and over 29,000 miles on bicycles and this system has never failed me yet. I don't think it is luck.

You used to make eye contact, but then realized your mistake? I'm trying not to be skeptical, but I am curious as to the circumstances that led you to believe eye contact with drivers was a mistake. Care to share?
Tom

I like the strobe idea! I'm picking one up at REI very soon.

What??? Don't make eye contact? This doesn't fit with my experience at all. When cars can cross in front (or over) me, I have always used a combination of eye contact and watching the driver's head and the car's front wheels. Car "body language" if you will. I have ridden 68,000 miles on motorcycles and over 29,000 miles on bicycles and this system has never failed me yet. I don't think it is luck.

Perhaps not good luck in the sense you're thinking of, but maybe it's good luck in the type of people you get to deal with. Watching the driver's head is one thing (although it doesn't provide an assessment anywhere near as accurate as watching their front wheels does if you're in a split-second situation), but the main thing here is not to let them think you're doing it.


You used to make eye contact, but then realized your mistake? I'm trying not to be skeptical, but I am curious as to the circumstances that led you to believe eye contact with drivers was a mistake. Care to share?


People looking right into my eyes and proceeding through regardless -- in situations where the law told them they were the ones who had to give way -- even when they were at red lights and I had the green. It happens. They assumed (probably after observing a heap of footpath cyclists) "he's only on a bike, he's seen me, he'll get out of my way regardless". As I related above, since I concentrated on the wheels of the car (what people intend to do and what they're actually capable of doing are often two completely different things), and only looking at their face through dark sunglasses, I don't seem to have this problem anywhere near as much.

Given that I've had over 120,000km of cycling to experiment with this, I don't think I'm wrong.

Pat is right. Cyclists who follow the rules have a miniscule injury/death rate. That's part of why I started this (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=71011) thread.

You don't need to ride in a pack, but you do need to be visible and predictable. As Forester showed, you are generally safer taking the lane than hugging the curb.
DITTO!!!!

Another thing to add, is that, drivers, either, don't know the law pertaining to cyclists or, just don't care. Here in Minnesota, of all places, the state has one set laws, via the Minnesota State Drivers Manual and, they have another set, via the Minnesota State Statutes :mad: with a lot of ambiguity thrown in for good measure :rolleyes:

I see your point, but it is a bad idea. It could lead you to do relaly studip things, like hugging the curb. You need to learn to follow the same rules as other traffic. You are generally safer taking the lane than hugging the curb.

This is exactly why you should NOT preach the "you are invisible" line that everyone so likes to quote.