Near Collision with other roadie today
Almost had an accident on the bike today. I was on a solo ride on the bike path outside of town when I saw a group ride coming toward me. As is normal, I moved to the right and most of the group moved to the left. No big deal. The last two riders, though, were riding side-by-side and taking up pretty much all of the path.
I had my eye on the two riders, getting ready to wave hello, and realized the rider on my right wasn't merging over. "Well, he obviously sees me," I thought. "He'll move over in a second." So I kept pedaling, moving further right until I was almost on the edge of the paved path. Still the rider wasn't moving over, and I could see he was talking to the rider next to him. I kept assuming he would look in front of him, see me and move over. Or maybe the person next to him would tell him to watch out. I kept pedaling, but fingered the brakes. I got closer and closer and then realized the two riders were looking at each other and chatting away, oblivious to the fact that I was right in front of one of them. At the last second I had to slam on my brakes and veer off into the grass, yelling "HEY!" right in the guy's ear as he passed. It was only then, when they heard me yell and my brakes lock up, that they realized I was even there. They both let out scared little screams, and I got back on the path and kept pedaling. I knew if I stopped my adrenaline would get me saying things I shouldn't. It did add a little boost to my workout, though, which is nice. |
Yet another incident which reminds why I ride on the road. Cars, being much heavier and dangerous than bicycles, I am ever vigilant toward. Bikes, on the other hand, are easier to take for granted.
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Which is why I usually tend not to use bike paths. I'm guessing this was one of those multi use trails type of thing and not a bike lane on the road.
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MUTs are usually alot of fun, but I have one incident like this and remember why I stick to the open road.
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i hate MUTs and having to slow down to get ppl to move out of the way when they're blocking the whole path
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To ASSUME is to make an ASS out of U and ME - Never assume nuffink!
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I do most of my riding on the road, too, but I wouldn't be so quick to pish-posh bike paths. The section of the one I was on is outside the city limits and usually pretty empty, save for the occassional bikes. To turn one's nose up on this one would be to miss out on some great riding---it runs along the Chippewa River, winds through beautiful farmland and countryside, goes on for miles and miles without seeing a big town, etc. Very peaceful, aside from the occassional near-death experience. :)
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I always speak up when there is even a chance of being close. If they are a long way away I yell early and loud to see if they hear me. That way there is enough time to see if they react and notice me. I normally yell "heads up" in that situation. If I feel rude that day or they are making me angry with incredible lack of attention I might yell "Wake up". Sometimes if it's kids I yell "look out". It works every time if you anticipate far enough in advance. Assume they WILL hit you, until you get a clear and understandable reaction. Think faster, ride slower, as they get closer.
Unless they have headphones on and can't hear and are not looking, in that case, just plow into them at full speed and "brace for impact". |
Shields Up!
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Solve this problem the old fashioned way.... ring a bell.
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Indeed. I am amazed at most of the reactions (or lack thereof) I encounter on my MUT. I'm pledging to be loud and obnoxious so these folks can hear and get out of my way. Maybe I should get a 'honka-honka' horn.
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Or a whistle!
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WWhistles are illegal for bike use in Massachusetts, except by bike cops. I don't know about other states, but use caution.
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Originally Posted by demoncyclist
WWhistles are illegal for bike use in Massachusetts, except by bike cops. I don't know about other states, but use caution.
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Get a bell, really comes in handy! Where I live its illegal to ride a bike without one :/
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The other guys in front of the oblivious pair should have yelled out "rider up" or some such. They must have been noobs.
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Originally Posted by clausen
MUTs are usually alot of fun, but I have one incident like this and remember why I stick to the open road.
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Originally Posted by Moonshot
The other guys in front of the oblivious pair should have yelled out "rider up" or some such. They must have been noobs.
But heck. At least they were out riding. |
Originally Posted by Dr. Moto
Shields Up!
"I'm givin her all she can take captain,...... she won't take anymore!" :D |
Originally Posted by demoncyclist
WWhistles are illegal for bike use in Massachusetts, except by bike cops. I don't know about other states, but use caution.
And also Rhode Island.... Bell's don't work very well either unless you are close enough. You need to have adjustable volume when you need it and give information if needed,you don't have to take your hands off the brakes to yell, and your voice is free and weighs nothing. Loud horns confuse people and are unreliable. Good for the occasional cardiac arrest though, if you want peds to just keel over and die. |
I was on a solo ride on the bike path outside of town when I saw a group ride coming toward me. |
Originally Posted by lala
Indeed. I am amazed at most of the reactions (or lack thereof) I encounter on my MUT. I'm pledging to be loud and obnoxious so these folks can hear and get out of my way. Maybe I should get a 'honka-honka' horn.
In fact people tend to not know what the sound is, they look up at the sky, down to the pavement, under their armpit and then, wow! They look behind and goodness gracious there's a cyclist :eek: and for some reason it's like a moth to light, they veer towards you... |
Glad to hear you're okay. I've generally found, however, that two things scare me more than adult bikers (since, even when they're not paying attention, tend to ride in a relatively straight line, and hence are somewhat predictable).....little kids on bikes (often staring back at Mom/Dad and weaving all over the bike path) and horses (very large and very unpredicable).
The latter I give a wide berth and try not to do anything erratic. The former, on the other hand, are generally handled best by a gentle but firm "hello" followed by a "look at me" (so they don't turn back around to find Mom/Dad....this approach also tends to freeze them in place until you've passed them). |
How about yelling "Killer Bees are after me!" Gets attention and they all will get outta your way.
Also explains your riding @ 25 mph on a MUP...hallucination or not, killer bees are pretty scary. |
Originally Posted by jeff williams
How about yelling "Killer Bees are after me!" Gets attention and they all will get outta your way.
Also explains your riding @ 25 mph on a MUP...hallucination or not, killer bees are pretty scary. Then where would you be? |
We have some nice MUT's here which once you get through all the goose sh*t are pretty nice not too many people. There are times when a group of 3 or 4 are walking (side by side) towards you oblivious to the biker traveling 20mph hello! My favorite is passing someone yelling "on your left" and watching as they try to figure out which side is their left, "no your other left".
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Originally Posted by Peek the Geek
But if you do that too many times, no one will come to your aid when there really are killer bees after you.
Then where would you be? Other cyclists I'll spare the push...unless side by side, in my way...... those I would ride off the trail for, and say nothing about the bees around the bend. How about a small plastic megaphone and a radio hooked up together? 90 decible burst of Halen will do anyone. I'M HOT FOR TEACHER! Nod, pass. |
I'm still tempted to clamp an air-horn canister to my handlebars....
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Originally Posted by catatonic
I'm still tempted to clamp an air-horn canister to my handlebars....
Been there done that....the air rushing in from the front keeps the fron from working well or at all and when it does they think it's on a nearby road. |
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