Originally Posted by
Dave Cutter
Traffic can be a scary place. I'd spend some time in retrospection to better understand why this event, at this time, caused a scare significant enough.... that it came home with you. I think most of us that bicycle in traffic [as well as those that drive in traffic] regularly have close calls. Just my guess.... but I'd say most such "scares" are discarded... with the next exhale.
Mirrors are good things. I ride with a mirror. I also ride with the knowledge that cycling most certainly does and will attract ouchies.
Actually, it didn't come home with me..posted this from work not that long after the commute. As the day went on I was fine with it and upon reflection realized that what got me was less that it was a close call and more the reaction of the driver - yelling and cursing at me when I was doing the proper and legal thing. Whatever his reason (caught of guard, defensive, natural a-hole, etc.) it doesn't really matter. You are right, these things come with cycling, and you need to brush them off and move on. The next thing in my mind is what can I do to better avoid that or to not get caught as off guard...so now I am thinking about mirror options and its reminding me the value of lights and hi-vis to be easily seen in day.