Peek the Geek

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.

SteveE

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.

operator

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.

clausen

MUTs are usually alot of fun, but I have one incident like this and remember why I stick to the open road.

Geoff326

i hate MUTs and having to slow down to get ppl to move out of the way when they're blocking the whole path

NZLcyclist

To ASSUME is to make an ASS out of U and ME - Never assume nuffink!

Peek the Geek

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.

2manybikes

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".

Dr. Moto

Shields Up!

H23

Solve this problem the old fashioned way.... ring a bell.

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.

lala

Or a whistle!

demoncyclist

WWhistles are illegal for bike use in Massachusetts, except by bike cops. I don't know about other states, but use caution.

DieselDan

Ilegal in SC too.

Deallean

Get a bell, really comes in handy! Where I live its illegal to ride a bike without one :/

Moonshot

The other guys in front of the oblivious pair should have yelled out "rider up" or some such. They must have been noobs.

Lonestar1

I had a near hit today with a dumbas* riding on the wrong side of the road. I yelled as he approached that he should be on the other side riding with traffic but he chose to ignore. Just yelled at me not to run over him. Not exactly his choice of words but I think you understand. I've seen the guy a bunch of times. Always the same rides facing traffic. Some people.

Peek the Geek

It was a very "casual" group ride, so they probably weren't up on much of the lingo. Don't get me wrong, though; they definitely looked the part. Their bikes were loaded down with any accessories you could imagine. I think every single bike was equipped with a mirror, though that didn't do much good as I had to yell "On your left" several times per person as I passed them on the way back.

But heck. At least they were out riding.

2manybikes

"I'm givin her all she can take captain,...... she won't take anymore!"

2manybikes

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.

closetbiker

Is it possible that you were riding on the wrong side of the road (even if it was on a bike path)?

Noif666

I have one and they get the same reaction as bells, bugger all.
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
and for some reason it's like a moth to light, they veer towards you...

BillK

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).

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.

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?