genec
Some folks think this a humorous subject, but really have you ever been hit by a car? Not near misses, but actual hits. Was it your fault? Were you on a sidewalk or in a driveway, or perhaps in a bike lane.
Have you been hit by a car?
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Gus Riley
I got right hooked while riding in a town north of Houston, TX. :mad:
MattP.
Nope
my58vw
Hit intentionally from behind riding on a street with 2 lanes each side no bike lane. Guy in a large truck took out my back wheel sending me into a telephone pole. I do not think it is a funny topic, this is a serious problem. Many cyclists are hurt, disabled and killed by this. I am still recovering some 2 months later.
MichaelW
I was knocked off by a guy inching out of a sideroad on the offside (in US terms, the left)!! I was in clear view but I think I was concealed behind his window pillars (which get thicker with each new model).
iowarose
I've almost been hit a couple of times by careless drivers. In both cases, they were making sharp turns way too fast onto the road where I was riding. It was in full daylight and the weather was perfect. They didn't see me at all, and were clearly at fault.
I had a boyfriend in college who worked part time as a messenger. He was hit twice by cars. It's been too long and I don't remember the details. At any rate, the collisions happened before I met him.
I had a boyfriend in college who worked part time as a messenger. He was hit twice by cars. It's been too long and I don't remember the details. At any rate, the collisions happened before I met him.
nycm'er
I got hit, and it was my fault. I think there are many times car freaks are at fault because they don't care or are stupid. I have had near misses that were no worse because I had a better view or was quicker than the docile driver. This time I was stupid. I was crossing an intersection about to enter a one way street the wrong way, just as the light turned. The driver absolutely punched it while not looking forward and T-boned me. I dodged a bullet by not being hurt, because I ended up wiping the grime off the roof of his car and landing next to it. The bike was bent in half and my handlebars were wrenched open like a cardboard tube. My point in bringing this type of accident up is that while there are certainly many crashes (I want to say most) that are the drivers fault, we as bikers need to be responsible for our actions. Relying on a driver to do what you want, to read your mind, where your physical being is concerned, is just nutty.
CRUM
I was hit. My fault. I was being a bonehead.
closetbiker
3 times.
2 times ridiculously the drivers fault. Both even admitted it.
1 time sort of 50/50. A driver turned right into a parking lot when I was at his rear quarter panel (in the blind spot) just past an intersection. He should have looked before turning, but I had enough experience to know I was in a dicey area and should have anticipated the move and either stayed back a bit or got up front into his line of vision.
2 times ridiculously the drivers fault. Both even admitted it.
1 time sort of 50/50. A driver turned right into a parking lot when I was at his rear quarter panel (in the blind spot) just past an intersection. He should have looked before turning, but I had enough experience to know I was in a dicey area and should have anticipated the move and either stayed back a bit or got up front into his line of vision.
genec
OK I myself have been hit 3 times.
Once, early in my biking "career" by a right hook as a driver passed me in a bike lane and then cut into shopping center. The driver insisted it was not her fault. Score one Nishiki International.
The other two times I was hit by drivers leaving stop signs... in both cases the drivers were clearly at fault, and their insurance paid.
Second hit involved both of us on residential streets at stopsigns, I was in the middle of my side of the road (hey, residential street... ) the driver was stopped across from me. No turn signal or any other indications. We both took off, he then left turned into my rear wheel and stays. Score one Nishiki Superbe.
The last event put me into the hospital for a day, and taught me to always wear a helmet. I was on a main 4 lane boulevard zipping along at about 22 MPH, the driver was at a stopsign on a residential side street. Broad daylight (as all these were) and I was taking the right lane... (narrow older boulevard). I saw the driver, and I swear he looked right at me. Just as I was going past the residential street corner, he left the stop. I plowed into the drivers side fender and splatted on the hood. I was out from banging my head on the hood. Ambulance took me to the hospital and they took X-rays and stitched my face. Police later that day visited me in the hospital and asked how fast I thought I was going... I said "about 22." Cop said I did some pretty good damage to the fender... they were quite surprised. They also ticketed the driver for failing to yield right of way at a stop. I needed some chiropractic work on my back for the "jackknife" effect. I also had headaches for weeks. Crunched a Trek.
The "joke" to the last accident was the insurance company... they could not, in 1984, believe that anyone would ride a $900 bike and wanted "salvage rights." I have no idea what they were thinking... I did not own a car... that bike was my transportation. I of course gave them the pile of crunched metal.
Once, early in my biking "career" by a right hook as a driver passed me in a bike lane and then cut into shopping center. The driver insisted it was not her fault. Score one Nishiki International.
The other two times I was hit by drivers leaving stop signs... in both cases the drivers were clearly at fault, and their insurance paid.
Second hit involved both of us on residential streets at stopsigns, I was in the middle of my side of the road (hey, residential street... ) the driver was stopped across from me. No turn signal or any other indications. We both took off, he then left turned into my rear wheel and stays. Score one Nishiki Superbe.
The last event put me into the hospital for a day, and taught me to always wear a helmet. I was on a main 4 lane boulevard zipping along at about 22 MPH, the driver was at a stopsign on a residential side street. Broad daylight (as all these were) and I was taking the right lane... (narrow older boulevard). I saw the driver, and I swear he looked right at me. Just as I was going past the residential street corner, he left the stop. I plowed into the drivers side fender and splatted on the hood. I was out from banging my head on the hood. Ambulance took me to the hospital and they took X-rays and stitched my face. Police later that day visited me in the hospital and asked how fast I thought I was going... I said "about 22." Cop said I did some pretty good damage to the fender... they were quite surprised. They also ticketed the driver for failing to yield right of way at a stop. I needed some chiropractic work on my back for the "jackknife" effect. I also had headaches for weeks. Crunched a Trek.
The "joke" to the last accident was the insurance company... they could not, in 1984, believe that anyone would ride a $900 bike and wanted "salvage rights." I have no idea what they were thinking... I did not own a car... that bike was my transportation. I of course gave them the pile of crunched metal.
Bekologist
Twice. Once, tagged from behind by a taxicab. Riding on the side of the lane, uphill, moving slow. Taxi ran right into me, luckily he was going maybe 20-25. I was on crutches for over a month, took maybe four months to get back on the ride. Taxidrivers fault. Also, A mid intersection collision, with me turning left, but snow and ice contributed to this one, me coming down a hill and skidturning, too much downhill inertia. The car coming uphill had stopped to let me turn, but I slammed right into the front end sideways.
Plus, I've been swiped or jostled by cars a few times, usually cars trying to cruise past to a stop light on a four lane. My left pannier has some paint marks on it.
Plus, I've been swiped or jostled by cars a few times, usually cars trying to cruise past to a stop light on a four lane. My left pannier has some paint marks on it.
bassplayinbiker
I was on the street riding along, when this B!@#$ in a mercedes floors it out of a gas station. She broadsided me, and i got knocked into traffic. Luckly she hit the brakes when she hit me. I had 2 broken ribs, and 8 deep puncture wounds in the back of my right leg, from chainring. The traffic all stopped, and let me get scraped off the road , and once i got my bike out from under the lady's car, she just peeled off.
The moral to this story is that No matter How safe you are being, you should expect the unexpected. theres always a idiot out there.
The moral to this story is that No matter How safe you are being, you should expect the unexpected. theres always a idiot out there.
zonatandem
Hit 3 times: once by a car, twice by a pickup truck
1. New 16 YO old driver failed to see us after he stopped at stop sign as we were making a legal turn in front of him. Hit us broadside and dead-center on our tandem; crashed to the pavement. Result $2,000 worth of damage to bike + medical. He got ticket.
2. Drunk pickup driver struck me from behind at 45 mph on my single racing bike, while climbing a hill. Got big speed boost! West coast mirror hit me in lower back; mirror ripped off the car, bolts and all. Never fell down; 3 months of chiro work on the back. Drunk got ticket and 3 months license suspension.
3. On our tandem: struck from behind by pickup truck; driver in mid-70s with restricted driver's license (glaucoma) and, of course, NO insurance. Almost same scenario as hit on my single. Reflex tells you to veer to the right . . . but ditch did not look inviting. Kept bike upright. Break-away mirror on truck hit stoker in the back and busted mirror and hurt her back. Emergency room. Uninsured driver's fund paid for hospital visit. Driver lost his license.
With over a quarter million of cycling miles under our tires, we consider ourselves fortunate to be still out there mixing it up with traffic.
Be safe, be aware, follow the rules of the road and wear a helmet.
Pedal on!
1. New 16 YO old driver failed to see us after he stopped at stop sign as we were making a legal turn in front of him. Hit us broadside and dead-center on our tandem; crashed to the pavement. Result $2,000 worth of damage to bike + medical. He got ticket.
2. Drunk pickup driver struck me from behind at 45 mph on my single racing bike, while climbing a hill. Got big speed boost! West coast mirror hit me in lower back; mirror ripped off the car, bolts and all. Never fell down; 3 months of chiro work on the back. Drunk got ticket and 3 months license suspension.
3. On our tandem: struck from behind by pickup truck; driver in mid-70s with restricted driver's license (glaucoma) and, of course, NO insurance. Almost same scenario as hit on my single. Reflex tells you to veer to the right . . . but ditch did not look inviting. Kept bike upright. Break-away mirror on truck hit stoker in the back and busted mirror and hurt her back. Emergency room. Uninsured driver's fund paid for hospital visit. Driver lost his license.
With over a quarter million of cycling miles under our tires, we consider ourselves fortunate to be still out there mixing it up with traffic.
Be safe, be aware, follow the rules of the road and wear a helmet.
Pedal on!
Poguemahone
Once. I was eleven, riding my bike to school. A woman, desperate to get her son to class on time at a different school, lost control of her car, came into my lane and hit me head on. I flipped completely over the car and landed on my feet. Needless to say, I was a bit stunned. The driver, who stopped, picked me up, drove me to my house, and left, never to be heard from again.
I wound up with no other injuries but for the broken middle finger on my right hand. For six weeks, I got to walk around school giving everyone the finger. What heaven!
I was not wearing a helmet, no one had them at that time. In retrospect, I really have absolutely no idea how I survived with such minor injuries.
I wound up with no other injuries but for the broken middle finger on my right hand. For six weeks, I got to walk around school giving everyone the finger. What heaven!
I was not wearing a helmet, no one had them at that time. In retrospect, I really have absolutely no idea how I survived with such minor injuries.
John E
In November 1976 around 4:30 p.m., I was riding downhill at 25mph/40kph on a 2-lane residential street in west Los Angeles, on my way home from my job in Santa Monica. A motorist turned left into her driveway, across my path, evidently without signalling and without seeing me. I don't recall the incident, but I appear to have struck the side of the car while trying to execute a quick right turn emergency maneuver. The head tube of my 1960 Capo was forced back, my left clavicle was broken in two places, I had a moderate concussion, and I required several stitches over my left cheekbone. I was wearing a heavily padded version of the traditional leather "hairnet" helmet.
I received an out-of-court settlement of $2700 from the driver's insurance company. I avoided surgery on the clavicle, which actually healed in 2.5 weeks (let's hear it for fitness and youth; I was 26 at the time), and immediately bought one of the new-fangled Bell Biker hard shell helmets.
I received an out-of-court settlement of $2700 from the driver's insurance company. I avoided surgery on the clavicle, which actually healed in 2.5 weeks (let's hear it for fitness and youth; I was 26 at the time), and immediately bought one of the new-fangled Bell Biker hard shell helmets.
Mars
Once, walking aross the street, with a walk signal, in the cross walk.
perbert
I just got broadsided today while crossing at a crosswalk (people and bikes in crosswalks generally have the right-of-way in Portland). A car stopped for me to cross (and no traffic in the other direction) and after I started going someone behind her switched lanes and floored it right into me.
Funny (well, relatively funny) thing was that I had almost no injuries and the car was trashed. The front windshield was completely smashed, at least. Fortunately I was wearing a helmet.
Of course, now I'm out of a bike and need to get it replaced by the insurance people.
Funny (well, relatively funny) thing was that I had almost no injuries and the car was trashed. The front windshield was completely smashed, at least. Fortunately I was wearing a helmet.
Of course, now I'm out of a bike and need to get it replaced by the insurance people.
slvoid
I slammed into the side of a cab, moron had a right signal on, slowed down, pulled to the right, so I went left to pass and he proceeded to make a left, I slammed into the side and elbowed him in the face.
I've also hit cars a few times following too close.
And my litespeed, urg. Fresh out of the LBS, 2 blocks away, a cab clipped me, went down, fortunately it skidded on the left side of the bar and the rear QR lever and everything was fine.
I've also hit cars a few times following too close.
And my litespeed, urg. Fresh out of the LBS, 2 blocks away, a cab clipped me, went down, fortunately it skidded on the left side of the bar and the rear QR lever and everything was fine.
AndrewP
I cant recollect being hit in the past 20 years (in Montreal). In the previous 10 years I can remember 4 times (in Toronto). Twice being right hooked as cars were passing me, once a car coming in the opposite direction turning across me, once a car pulling out of a recreation area onto the road in front of me after stopping and looking (but not for bikes).
Guest
Some folks think this a humorous subject, but really have you ever been hit by a car? Not near misses, but actual hits. Was it your fault? Were you on a sidewalk or in a driveway, or perhaps in a bike lane.
I was riding on the street and a pickup truck hit me while I was waiting at a stop sign. It was turning and whammo! It turned into my lane and knocked me off my bike onto the ground. I guess I was knocked out because I was laying on the ground and suddenly, people were standing over me. It took me a minute to figure out what happened, although I don't really remember EVERYTHING that happened. Witnesses contributed to the police report, so I didn't have to remember anyway.
I was lucky... I had no concussion or broken bones or even sprains. I just felt like I'd been hit by a truck for a few weeks! It was frustrating because I could only walk for a few minutes at a time, and then I had no energy to walk anymore. It made me mad that I had no stamina for a while.
Koffee
I was riding on the street and a pickup truck hit me while I was waiting at a stop sign. It was turning and whammo! It turned into my lane and knocked me off my bike onto the ground. I guess I was knocked out because I was laying on the ground and suddenly, people were standing over me. It took me a minute to figure out what happened, although I don't really remember EVERYTHING that happened. Witnesses contributed to the police report, so I didn't have to remember anyway.
I was lucky... I had no concussion or broken bones or even sprains. I just felt like I'd been hit by a truck for a few weeks! It was frustrating because I could only walk for a few minutes at a time, and then I had no energy to walk anymore. It made me mad that I had no stamina for a while.
Koffee
GeezerGeek
Once some young guy matched my speed and then pushed me into a curb. He was staring at me while he did it. I went over the handlebars, did a somersault, and landed on my feet unscathed.
I wasn't so lucky one winter day several years earlier when a woman hit a patch of ice, went off the road, and hit me going 65 mph (105 kph). That one nearly killed me. But, it doesn't count because I wasn't on a bike at the time.
I wasn't so lucky one winter day several years earlier when a woman hit a patch of ice, went off the road, and hit me going 65 mph (105 kph). That one nearly killed me. But, it doesn't count because I wasn't on a bike at the time.
poululla
I was hit by a drunk driver towing a trailer behind his pick up. The trailer was much wider that his own vehicle, so his pick up missed me, but the trailer took me out. The *****hole kept on driving and was luckily apprehended by another motorist who saw this all happen. Nothing happened to my bike, but I was a wreck. The driver was charged with drunk driving etc. but has since fallen off the face of the earth. My travel assurance paid for my hospitalisation, but not for my physiotherapy.
sbhikes
Once some young guy matched my speed and then pushed me into a curb. He was staring at me while he did it. I went over the handlebars, did a somersault, and landed on my feet unscathed.
I guess this was pre-recumbent days?
I've never been hit by a car while riding my bike. (I was hit by a bike once.) A friend of mine was by a car near a big box shopping center (mustn't stand in the way of American consumerism) and hit his head. He's not quite "right" anymore.
I was once hit on my motorcycle. Obviously I was in the street when it happened. A lady pulled out of a shopping center. She was impatient and could not see the lane I was in because another car to my right put me in a blind spot in relation to her as it was slowing to make a turn. I flew over her van and landed smack on top of my head. This was before the helmet law and I had just said to myself--should I wear my helmet? It's only a couple blocks. Good thing I did. I was pretty proud of my bruises and blood blisters. Badges of courage.
I guess this was pre-recumbent days?
I've never been hit by a car while riding my bike. (I was hit by a bike once.) A friend of mine was by a car near a big box shopping center (mustn't stand in the way of American consumerism) and hit his head. He's not quite "right" anymore.
I was once hit on my motorcycle. Obviously I was in the street when it happened. A lady pulled out of a shopping center. She was impatient and could not see the lane I was in because another car to my right put me in a blind spot in relation to her as it was slowing to make a turn. I flew over her van and landed smack on top of my head. This was before the helmet law and I had just said to myself--should I wear my helmet? It's only a couple blocks. Good thing I did. I was pretty proud of my bruises and blood blisters. Badges of courage.
genec
I've never been hit by a car while riding my bike. (I was hit by a bike once.) A friend of mine was by a car near a big box shopping center (mustn't stand in the way of American consumerism) and hit his head. He's not quite "right" anymore.
This is one of my issues with those that cite various statistics on bikes and bike accidents... apparently one must be dead before the numbers mean anything... inspite of the very real issue of severe injuries that can take place and are often not recorded in any way.
I really wonder how often a cyclist is injured to the point where they either cannot or chose to no longer ride again... and how does this effect our views of biking.
This is one of my issues with those that cite various statistics on bikes and bike accidents... apparently one must be dead before the numbers mean anything... inspite of the very real issue of severe injuries that can take place and are often not recorded in any way.
I really wonder how often a cyclist is injured to the point where they either cannot or chose to no longer ride again... and how does this effect our views of biking.
chicharron
I got hit, and it was my fault. I think there are many times car freaks are at fault because they don't care or are stupid. I have had near misses that were no worse because I had a better view or was quicker than the docile driver. This time I was stupid. I was crossing an intersection about to enter a one way street the wrong way, just as the light turned. The driver absolutely punched it while not looking forward and T-boned me. I dodged a bullet by not being hurt, because I ended up wiping the grime off the roof of his car and landing next to it. The bike was bent in half and my handlebars were wrenched open like a cardboard tube. My point in bringing this type of accident up is that while there are certainly many crashes (I want to say most) that are the drivers fault, we as bikers need to be responsible for our actions. Relying on a driver to do what you want, to read your mind, where your physical being is concerned, is just nutty.
very well put, there are enough accidents involving cars and bikes,however a lot of them could have been avoided if the bicyclist was more careful
very well put, there are enough accidents involving cars and bikes,however a lot of them could have been avoided if the bicyclist was more careful
chicharron
If you all will indulge me, I will proceed to relate to you a series of unfortunate events. If you are looking for something pleasent, I suggest you move on to another post.
1) the first incident, I was about 21 years old, and riding my Italia 10-speed road bike and moved into the left turn lane in an attempt to execute a left turn from one boulevard onto another, at a traffic light. In a car, going the other way, were four teenagers who yelled out the window "hey, give me that bike" This was years before anyone had heard of the phrase "road-rage." I promptly took my right hand off my handle bars, and gave them the finger. As I proceeding down the boulevard,which was a long sloping hill, I noticed the same care was now next to me, going the same way as I was,along side of me, about 20 to 30 mph, and at that same moment, I saw the passengers door open, and I was struck by his door, and I went flying over the handlebars. No witnesses, and the cops acted like they could care less. I have since learned a lot about not responding to *******s in a car when you are outnumbered.
2) I was about 18, and riding the same Italia 10-speed road bike. I was in 10th gear, going about 25-to-30 mph. and I noticed ahead that a man in a construction type hard hat was stopping traffic in order for a cement truck to back out onto the street. I didn't feel like stopping, and instead passed between the man and the truck. I then heard the hard hat yell "****ing little *******" ( or something like that) Again, I used the middle finger salute. Well, about two or three blocks later, I noticed a car driving next to me, and the hard hat was driving the car, and I then am forced off the road up into a chain link fence. Again, no witnesses, and the police would not respond to the scene, no licence plates, no help from the police. Again, do not respond to *******s in vehilces, esp when you are on a bike, and they are in a care, do not respond to road rage. And always , alway carry pepper spray.
1) the first incident, I was about 21 years old, and riding my Italia 10-speed road bike and moved into the left turn lane in an attempt to execute a left turn from one boulevard onto another, at a traffic light. In a car, going the other way, were four teenagers who yelled out the window "hey, give me that bike" This was years before anyone had heard of the phrase "road-rage." I promptly took my right hand off my handle bars, and gave them the finger. As I proceeding down the boulevard,which was a long sloping hill, I noticed the same care was now next to me, going the same way as I was,along side of me, about 20 to 30 mph, and at that same moment, I saw the passengers door open, and I was struck by his door, and I went flying over the handlebars. No witnesses, and the cops acted like they could care less. I have since learned a lot about not responding to *******s in a car when you are outnumbered.
2) I was about 18, and riding the same Italia 10-speed road bike. I was in 10th gear, going about 25-to-30 mph. and I noticed ahead that a man in a construction type hard hat was stopping traffic in order for a cement truck to back out onto the street. I didn't feel like stopping, and instead passed between the man and the truck. I then heard the hard hat yell "****ing little *******" ( or something like that) Again, I used the middle finger salute. Well, about two or three blocks later, I noticed a car driving next to me, and the hard hat was driving the car, and I then am forced off the road up into a chain link fence. Again, no witnesses, and the police would not respond to the scene, no licence plates, no help from the police. Again, do not respond to *******s in vehilces, esp when you are on a bike, and they are in a care, do not respond to road rage. And always , alway carry pepper spray.
Paul L.
I have had a good run of near misses but no accidents lately. 12 years ago I was riding my Fila Taos Mountain at around 25 as I had just descended a sizeable hill. A person in an old Toyota Landcruiser coming the other way did not see me due to the sun. He made a left turn right into me scooping me up onto the hood. He hit the brakes and I flew off the hood and landed on both wheels maintaining balance and forward momentum amazingly enough. I stopped after hopping up onto the sidewalk. I managed to escape with only a crushed toe. I knew the person and we went up to his office (in the county building across the street) to calm down a bit and assess the damage. As it was just a mashed toe we called it good and he sent me a letter later making sure I was still OK. Oh, I think I had a scratch in the paint on the bike too but otherwise not much to show. Most of the times I have been injured on the bike were my fault. Luckily I have become a little less reckless with a few more years and a few less friends of the bragging variety.
nick burns
Years ago I was being an dumb*ss riding against traffic trying to save time. Got clipped at an intersection by a car turning left into my direction. Saw the driver looking the other way for an opening, but I thought I could time it and get across before they went. I was wrong. Driver just got enough of my rear wheel to knock me down. No damage to me or the bike. Freaked out the driver though.
eubi
This poll is frightening. I had no idea so many cyclists that watch this forum - presuming a higher than normal skill and awareness level - have been hit.
Or maybe the persons that haven't been hit just have no war stories to tell?
I'm post #29 and 66 people have voted.
Or maybe the persons that haven't been hit just have no war stories to tell?
I'm post #29 and 66 people have voted.
chicharron
Today, while riding in town in heavey traffic, I saw some bone head on a bicycle riding on the wrong side of the street, riding against traffic, and with no helmet. If he get hit, he will probably whine like a victim. (if he is alive)
wabbit
One thing I find frightening is how many people are deliberately hurt or rammed into by cars. I can't believe any one would be sick and sadistic enough to do that. I know people who have had that happen, as well as others who have been chased down and threatened. And I notice too that at least when it's our ault, we admit being stupid!
My only accident happened at an intersection; it wasn't so much anyone's fault as just my bad judgement. It was a bad intersection where it's really hard to see people crossing and i was hit by a truck as it was starting up. Because the vehicle was going slowly, most of the injuries and damage happened when I fell over. Nothing major, i hurt my back and broke my finger, the bike sustained a f***ed wheel. THe guy took off once he saw i wasn't dead.
My only accident happened at an intersection; it wasn't so much anyone's fault as just my bad judgement. It was a bad intersection where it's really hard to see people crossing and i was hit by a truck as it was starting up. Because the vehicle was going slowly, most of the injuries and damage happened when I fell over. Nothing major, i hurt my back and broke my finger, the bike sustained a f***ed wheel. THe guy took off once he saw i wasn't dead.
clausen
I got hit from behind while stoppped waiting to turn in a center turning lane and slid about 50 feet. Luckily only scrapes and bruises. Guy who hit me who happened to be my neighbor said he never saw me despite me wearing a bright yellow packsack. Cop said I was lucky and shouldn't be riding on the road at my age was 14 at the time. When I asked who was at faught cop just said "count yourself lucky. I'm not going to charge him." What BS.
closetbiker
This poll is frightening. I had no idea so many cyclists that watch this forum - presuming a higher than normal skill and awareness level - have been hit.
There is no reason to be frightened. You can see by the experiences here, that being hit does not always mean you are going to be seriously injured.
A study I read about car bike accidents in my province showed that the most common result in a car bike accident was no injury at all. A majority of times an injury was only minor.
There is no reason to be frightened. You can see by the experiences here, that being hit does not always mean you are going to be seriously injured.
A study I read about car bike accidents in my province showed that the most common result in a car bike accident was no injury at all. A majority of times an injury was only minor.
Mars
[QUOTE=wabbit]One thing I find frightening is how many people are deliberately hurt or rammed into by cars. I can't believe any one would be sick and sadistic enough to do that.
Me too! It will be interesting to see, in the end, what percentage of the people who were hit were the result of a deliberate attack :eek:
Me too! It will be interesting to see, in the end, what percentage of the people who were hit were the result of a deliberate attack :eek:
Paul L.
It shouldn't be too surprising we have such sadistic people. Among the worlds nations (not counting third world nations who can blame this on extreme poverty and excessively corrupt governments) we are one of the ones with the highest murder and crime, as such, some of those people drive. I still think that the chances of running into one of those people who intentionaly run you down is extremely rare though. It just gets publicized more because of it's disturbing nature and shock value. There seems to be a lot of disturbed people living in the US though. Perhaps it is because of our inability to fund the mental health system?
GeezerGeek
I guess this was pre-recumbent days?
Good observation. It was in 1971, years before I even knew bents existed.
Still biking and have not been hit by a car since.
Good observation. It was in 1971, years before I even knew bents existed.
Still biking and have not been hit by a car since.
CrimsonEclipse
1 by drunk
1 hit and run
1 as a kid on sidewalk
Advocate of bike paths :rolleyes:
CE
1 hit and run
1 as a kid on sidewalk
Advocate of bike paths :rolleyes:
CE
chicharron
There is no reason to be frightened. You can see by the experiences here, that being hit does not always mean you are going to be seriously injured.
A study I read about car bike accidents in my province showed that the most common result in a car bike accident was no injury at all. A majority of times an injury was only minor.
Lottery: a tax on people who can't do math. LOL
A study I read about car bike accidents in my province showed that the most common result in a car bike accident was no injury at all. A majority of times an injury was only minor.
Lottery: a tax on people who can't do math. LOL
chicharron
1 by drunk
1 hit and run
1 as a kid on sidewalk
Advocate of bike paths :rolleyes:
CE
Urban bike paths are great, and I use them frequently. However one should be able to ride the public streets without being targeted by sadistic psycopaths in cars. Lets build bike paths, AND enforce the law.
1 hit and run
1 as a kid on sidewalk
Advocate of bike paths :rolleyes:
CE
Urban bike paths are great, and I use them frequently. However one should be able to ride the public streets without being targeted by sadistic psycopaths in cars. Lets build bike paths, AND enforce the law.
CrimsonEclipse
I agree, but I'm not waiting for society. :(
CE
CE
Ceiliazul
I got right hooked by a kid on a cell phone. I was in the bike path.
holicow
Yep.
Richoceted off a stopped car, July 31. 6 broken vertebrae. Don't ride now. Wish I did.
Be careful. Trust no car.
Richoceted off a stopped car, July 31. 6 broken vertebrae. Don't ride now. Wish I did.
Be careful. Trust no car.
chicharron
I agree, but I'm not waiting for society. :(
CE
Me neither.
CE
Me neither.
robbomann
Yes, four times. Each time was because the motorist would miss judge my speed and try to make a right turn by cutting in front of me.
Once I got hit pretty hard by a guy running a red light on his beach cruiser. As we both were laying in the intersection a motorist was honking his horn yelling at us to get out of the way.
Once I got hit pretty hard by a guy running a red light on his beach cruiser. As we both were laying in the intersection a motorist was honking his horn yelling at us to get out of the way.
wabbit
Once, in the fall of 2002. It was a total accident caused by a really bad intersection. The driver didn't see me and he started up from the stop light and hit me. He wasn't going fast of course. I was right in the middle of this busy intersection at rush hour and I just misjudged how bad it could get. It really wasn't anyone's fault. The driver took off. I had a damaged wheel, broke my right hand pinky and hurt my back where I landed. It was late october so it pretty much ended the season for me. Grrrr. EVer since then I try to avoid that horrible intersection at peak hours; everyone hates it.
molten
I got hit, and it was my fault......... My point in bringing this type of accident up is that while there are certainly many crashes (I want to say most) that are the drivers fault, we as bikers need to be responsible for our actions. Relying on a driver to do what you want, to read your mind, where your physical being is concerned, is just nutty.
Well, you say that about us bikers. making those of Us guilty before anything is proven. What about those pedestrians? They are continously abusing it. Crosing the streets. In front of motor vehicles AND ME/MY BIKE. They ENJOY looking for trouble; I'm just waiting to see one failing his/her abuse in this "right-of-way." In which that person will get run over by a motor vehicle. And once that happens, I will laugh, as I pass by on My bike.
Well, you say that about us bikers. making those of Us guilty before anything is proven. What about those pedestrians? They are continously abusing it. Crosing the streets. In front of motor vehicles AND ME/MY BIKE. They ENJOY looking for trouble; I'm just waiting to see one failing his/her abuse in this "right-of-way." In which that person will get run over by a motor vehicle. And once that happens, I will laugh, as I pass by on My bike.
molten
Yes, four times. Each time was because the motorist would miss judge my speed and try to make a right turn by cutting in front of me.
Once I got hit pretty hard by a guy running a red light on his beach cruiser. As we both were laying in the intersection a motorist was honking his horn yelling at us to get out of the way.
Without MY looking at Your location, robbo, I knew immediately that You're from California. I first thought that it/Your location be soCal, where I'm from. Add the part that You and/or the other biker were injured: AND the motorist would leave you w/o giving a da.n . That's a qualification for PURE southern California. (Even more hard-core, if he'd stolen one/both of the bikes, meantime.)
Once I got hit pretty hard by a guy running a red light on his beach cruiser. As we both were laying in the intersection a motorist was honking his horn yelling at us to get out of the way.
Without MY looking at Your location, robbo, I knew immediately that You're from California. I first thought that it/Your location be soCal, where I'm from. Add the part that You and/or the other biker were injured: AND the motorist would leave you w/o giving a da.n . That's a qualification for PURE southern California. (Even more hard-core, if he'd stolen one/both of the bikes, meantime.)
molten
If you all will indulge me, I will proceed to relate to you a series of unfortunate events. If you are looking for something pleasent, I suggest you move on to another post.
1) the first incident, I was about 21 years old, and riding my Italia 10-speed road bike and moved into the left turn lane in an attempt to execute a left turn from one boulevard onto another, at a traffic light. In a car, going the other way, were four teenagers who yelled out the window "hey, give me that bike" This was years before anyone had heard of the phrase "road-rage." I promptly took my right hand off my handle bars, and gave them the finger. As I proceeding down the boulevard,which was a long sloping hill, I noticed the same care was now next to me, going the same way as I was,along side of me, about 20 to 30 mph, and at that same moment, I saw the passengers door open, and I was struck by his door, and I went flying over the handlebars. No witnesses, and the cops acted like they could care less. I have since learned a lot about not responding to *******s in a car when you are outnumbered.
2) I was about 18, and riding the same Italia 10-speed road bike. I was in 10th gear, going about 25-to-30 mph. and I noticed ahead that a man in a construction type hard hat was stopping traffic in order for a cement truck to back out onto the street. I didn't feel like stopping, and instead passed between the man and the truck. I then heard the hard hat yell "****ing little *******" ( or something like that) Again, I used the middle finger salute. Well, about two or three blocks later, I noticed a car driving next to me, and the hard hat was driving the car, and I then am forced off the road up into a chain link fence. Again, no witnesses, and the police would not respond to the scene, no licence plates, no help from the police. Again, do not respond to *******s in vehilces, esp when you are on a bike, and they are in a care, do not respond to road rage. And always , alway carry pepper spray. reading that 2nd incident, My understanding === that YOU looked for the trouble to come to YOU. That takes time, effort, concentration to take that mind from the bike controlling to put Your mindset in giving Your owrd to the flagman. When I get in this type of area/situation to occur, I always ask Myself: What's more important? The value of My bike/life, OR telling that person in what I feel/think of Him?? You wouldn't be able to live here in soCal, they'll call You a real "*****." The streets are warfare out here. That's everyday life out here. And You have to have a special license to carry that pepper spray.
1) the first incident, I was about 21 years old, and riding my Italia 10-speed road bike and moved into the left turn lane in an attempt to execute a left turn from one boulevard onto another, at a traffic light. In a car, going the other way, were four teenagers who yelled out the window "hey, give me that bike" This was years before anyone had heard of the phrase "road-rage." I promptly took my right hand off my handle bars, and gave them the finger. As I proceeding down the boulevard,which was a long sloping hill, I noticed the same care was now next to me, going the same way as I was,along side of me, about 20 to 30 mph, and at that same moment, I saw the passengers door open, and I was struck by his door, and I went flying over the handlebars. No witnesses, and the cops acted like they could care less. I have since learned a lot about not responding to *******s in a car when you are outnumbered.
2) I was about 18, and riding the same Italia 10-speed road bike. I was in 10th gear, going about 25-to-30 mph. and I noticed ahead that a man in a construction type hard hat was stopping traffic in order for a cement truck to back out onto the street. I didn't feel like stopping, and instead passed between the man and the truck. I then heard the hard hat yell "****ing little *******" ( or something like that) Again, I used the middle finger salute. Well, about two or three blocks later, I noticed a car driving next to me, and the hard hat was driving the car, and I then am forced off the road up into a chain link fence. Again, no witnesses, and the police would not respond to the scene, no licence plates, no help from the police. Again, do not respond to *******s in vehilces, esp when you are on a bike, and they are in a care, do not respond to road rage. And always , alway carry pepper spray. reading that 2nd incident, My understanding === that YOU looked for the trouble to come to YOU. That takes time, effort, concentration to take that mind from the bike controlling to put Your mindset in giving Your owrd to the flagman. When I get in this type of area/situation to occur, I always ask Myself: What's more important? The value of My bike/life, OR telling that person in what I feel/think of Him?? You wouldn't be able to live here in soCal, they'll call You a real "*****." The streets are warfare out here. That's everyday life out here. And You have to have a special license to carry that pepper spray.
Dchiefransom
Although we keep hearing on these forums how rare the being rear ended by a car is, it's amazing how many of the accidents described here are either plain rear end collisions, or the proverbial "right hook", which I consider a rear end collision also.
Bruce Rosar
Although we keep hearing on these forums how rare the being rear ended by a car is, it's amazing how many of the accidents described here are either plain rear end collisions, or the proverbial "right hook", which I consider a rear end collision also.
The statistics gathering model for the folks that collect collision data specifies that a rear end collision should be given a FARS CODE of "01" because the front of one vehicle hit the rear of another. Right hooks don't involve the rear of either vehicle and so do not fall into that category.
Ref. Diagram Showing the Manner of Collision
http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/nrd-30/NCSA/MMUCC/2003/AppHtoS.html#I
Paul Schimek, Ph.D, posted some very interesting information about the health risks and benefits of bicycling in the MassBike group at Topica.
http://lists.topica.com/lists/massbike/read/message.html?mid=809958702
I found Paul's post fascinating, so I'm quoting an excerpt below in the hope that some other readers of this thread will also find it worth reading.
BTW, Dr. Schimek is the former Bicycle Program Manager for the City of Boston and is the author of "The Dilemmas of Bicycle Planning"
http://www.massbike.org/info/dilemma.htm
Bruce Rosar
-----------
* In Mass., 90% of bicyclist emergency room visits are NOT related to
motor vehicles and 70% of bicyclist hospital admittances are NOT
related to motor vehicles. Motor vehicles ARE involved in 80% of
bicyclist fatalities. However, fatalities recently averaged 10 per
year, hospitalizations 500 per year, and emergency room visits 13,000
per year(per Mass DPH).
* About 75% of child car-bike collisions and about 50% of adult
car-bike collisions occur when the bicyclist fails to obey the rules
for drivers of vehicles (e.g. failing to yield or riding on the wrong
half of the road) (my tabulations from NHTSA GES data)
* Experienced cyclists have a lower crash rate than beginners. The
more miles of riding per year, the lower the risk of a crash per
mile. A lot of the reduction in injuries is due to the lower rate of
falls.
* The injury rate per mile is much higher on sidewalks and sidepaths,
and somewhat higher on paths in their own alignment (like the
Minuteman), than on roads.
Conclusions from the above:
* Although motor vehicles are the most important factor in bike
fatalities, falls and collisions with other things (peds, bikes,
dogs) are the predominant things to watch out for in avoiding
injuries, which are vastly more likely.
* Follow the rules of the road to avoid hitting motorists (and
bicyclists).
* Learn cycling skills (including how to avoid falls) by riding with
more experienced cyclists, taking a class, or reading Street Smarts.
* Get off the sidewalk.
I don't know of any good numbers directly comparing the risk of
motoring and the risk of bicycling. The best educated guess is that
for an experienced cyclist, the risk is not that different. Of course
the bicyclist is more vulnerable, but this is partly compensated by
lower speed and greater ability to avoid a collision. And
importantly, regularly cycling has great health benefits which will
make you healthier and live longer. These benefits almost certainly
outweigh any additional risk, at least for those who follow the above
advice.
--Paul Schimek
The statistics gathering model for the folks that collect collision data specifies that a rear end collision should be given a FARS CODE of "01" because the front of one vehicle hit the rear of another. Right hooks don't involve the rear of either vehicle and so do not fall into that category.
Ref. Diagram Showing the Manner of Collision
http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/nrd-30/NCSA/MMUCC/2003/AppHtoS.html#I
Paul Schimek, Ph.D, posted some very interesting information about the health risks and benefits of bicycling in the MassBike group at Topica.
http://lists.topica.com/lists/massbike/read/message.html?mid=809958702
I found Paul's post fascinating, so I'm quoting an excerpt below in the hope that some other readers of this thread will also find it worth reading.
BTW, Dr. Schimek is the former Bicycle Program Manager for the City of Boston and is the author of "The Dilemmas of Bicycle Planning"
http://www.massbike.org/info/dilemma.htm
Bruce Rosar
-----------
* In Mass., 90% of bicyclist emergency room visits are NOT related to
motor vehicles and 70% of bicyclist hospital admittances are NOT
related to motor vehicles. Motor vehicles ARE involved in 80% of
bicyclist fatalities. However, fatalities recently averaged 10 per
year, hospitalizations 500 per year, and emergency room visits 13,000
per year(per Mass DPH).
* About 75% of child car-bike collisions and about 50% of adult
car-bike collisions occur when the bicyclist fails to obey the rules
for drivers of vehicles (e.g. failing to yield or riding on the wrong
half of the road) (my tabulations from NHTSA GES data)
* Experienced cyclists have a lower crash rate than beginners. The
more miles of riding per year, the lower the risk of a crash per
mile. A lot of the reduction in injuries is due to the lower rate of
falls.
* The injury rate per mile is much higher on sidewalks and sidepaths,
and somewhat higher on paths in their own alignment (like the
Minuteman), than on roads.
Conclusions from the above:
* Although motor vehicles are the most important factor in bike
fatalities, falls and collisions with other things (peds, bikes,
dogs) are the predominant things to watch out for in avoiding
injuries, which are vastly more likely.
* Follow the rules of the road to avoid hitting motorists (and
bicyclists).
* Learn cycling skills (including how to avoid falls) by riding with
more experienced cyclists, taking a class, or reading Street Smarts.
* Get off the sidewalk.
I don't know of any good numbers directly comparing the risk of
motoring and the risk of bicycling. The best educated guess is that
for an experienced cyclist, the risk is not that different. Of course
the bicyclist is more vulnerable, but this is partly compensated by
lower speed and greater ability to avoid a collision. And
importantly, regularly cycling has great health benefits which will
make you healthier and live longer. These benefits almost certainly
outweigh any additional risk, at least for those who follow the above
advice.
--Paul Schimek
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cycling jerseys, shorts, socks, shoes and bike equiptment selection.