Originally Posted by
Slaninar
I think you are taking my writing too literally.
Legally, it's a driver's fault (when I respect the traffic rules and laws).
However, both when riding, and when driving, I've avoided many accidents by compensating for other people's faults. I think one should always do their best to avoid traffic accidents.
I don't ride in driver's blind spots and would consider being hooked in that scenario my fault as much as drivers.
I'm aware bicycle is not nearly as visible as a larger, wider vehicle, so I always expect people not to give me right of way. If I know there's a chance of driver not giving me right of way, but don't correct my speed so I can stop in time if that happens - I consider it my fault.
Not legally, but I'd still consider such behaviour reckless and contributing to getting hit. I've been riding bicycles for over 30 years, all year long, as a main mean of transport as well as sport. Been hit by a car four times so far. It's always been driver's fault from the traffic law point of view, but I've learned from experience how to stay more visible, be predictive and what driver's blind spots are, when they are distracted etc. If I just followed the traffic law without considering driver's limitations, I'd get hit by a car on a daily basis. Yes, most are distracted, not paying attention etc, but I can't change them.
I suppose I was too literal. What you seem to be describing is more of a "defensive riding" position, which I absolutely agree with, and practice during every ride. I definitely don't rely on motorists to do the right thing, which is exactly why I control the lane when the lane is relatively narrow, and never ride in the door zone. And I try to recognize and pay special attention to places where motorists might not see me right away, like in a parking lot coming around the corner of a building or something. IMHO that's absolutely the best way to ride.