Originally Posted by Totoro
I've been on both sides of the fence. Basically, in traffic and at intersections, bikes are hard to sort from all the other moving objects. Then there is the problem of judging speed. I hate slowing down as much as the next guy, but I need to start.
The other day I had a close call and yelled WOE to the guy who pulled out into the intersection to cut me off. I braked hard, but the guy never even turned his head. I think he was using peripheral vision and since he didn't see any car sized objects coming his way, just went out into my right of way. Completely oblivious.
The problem is worse when I am commuting because there is more traffic and I am wearing my work clothes that are harder to see. When I am fitness cycling, I wear yellow and red clothing, which seems to help drivers to see me and act appropriately.
On the other hand, last year I cut off a couple of cyclists who happened to be behind some cars that made them difficult to see. As they swerved to miss me, they started yelling obscenities. All I could do was feel bad about cutting them off. I certainly didn't do it to be the f'n a$$ they made me out to be. Sometimes we just need to try and put ourselves in drivers shoes and anticipate the unanticipated.
BTW: A great book for increasing awareness of these problems is Effective Cycling: 6th Edition by John Forester. Almost half the book is devoted to cycling safety and issues with traffic.
I agree with your comment on bikes being hard to see... I wear bright jerseys now... have worn that bright screaming yellow in the past.
RE Forester... have the book (can't stand his "ego-based writing"), have taken Road 1 classes, have well over 30 years cycling experience...
But sometimes in the heat of getting a good spin... we forget to watch out for those that never watch for us. Hence "I caught myself being stupid."
That is a sad fact of commute cycling... unlike running (which I do not enjoy) in a park, where the runner can experience a runner's high and allow themselves to mind drift... cycling in traffic does not allow that. This is one reason I swim; I can let my mind clear and enjoy the moment of pure physical nirvana while exercising. Hard to do that while focusing on traffic. I have however enjoyed such moments on long bike tours well away from the hustle and bustle of the city. I have also enjoyed that feeling while climbing local mountain grades.
