Originally Posted by
WorldPax
Speaking from very recent experience, i would have to disagree. Still nursing the road rash and sprained ankle from being rear ended. Obtain and maintain a full 360 degree awareness. Don't trust that they will respect or avoid you.
hope you're on the mend!
despite your personal experience, the fact remains that being rear-ended on a bike is statistically much less likely than being hooked. a lot of people think that being rear-ended is high on the list of likely crashes, and they ride too close to the curb to avoid this less likely crash, and in doing so they make it more likely they'll be hooked.
in any case, yes, 360° situational awareness at all times is a good thing. mirrors help with this but mirrors are NOT a substitute for shoulder-checks/life-savers. follow noglider's advice and practice holding a straight line while looking behind you. practice with a friend, and count each others fingers while looking backwards.