This morning, right near the end of my ride (at the West Falls Church Metro, for the DC area cyclists), I had what I thought was a bizarre experience with a motorist. I was in the left turn lane, behind two cars, but very much in the lane. As I began my left turn, a car turned with me, immediately on my right, squeezing me even further to the left, and causing me to have to adjust quite quickly in terms of where I was going to go so as not to eat the median. Because the metro station is a low speed environment, and because I had a pretty good Mad on, I caught her before the next turn, and as her window was open, I admit to shouting at her ... probably not the best thing for cager/cyclist relations.

I had thought she just figured she could go faster, and I was small, so heck, she'd go around, like the rude motorist I took her for. Her response was almost more disturbing -- she said she didn't see me. Is it really possible not to see a bike in the middle of your lane, in full daylight? I don't think I was tucked in behind a car, or anywhere other than fully in the lane when I began the turn (a protected left with the left turn arrow). I admit that I am not huge on conspicuity gear; my helmet has reflective strips, my backpack and shirt both wear some reflective stripes, the bike has reflectors, etc... but no blinky in daylight, no reflective vest, etc...

I guess I might need to reconsider my visual cues, esp. as autumn approaches, and more of my riding is likely to be in less bright situations.

But honestly -- is it really possible that she didn't see me? (And yes, I know the answer is 'sure!' -- people apparently can't see my big red van sometimes, either) But honestly -- she had to have been right behind me, with her window open, as we both started from the light. Had to have been. How come she didn't mow me down in the left turn lane?

Sorry -- I just needed to vent to folks who have been there.