Originally Posted by
merider1
I feel it was less a misquote, Brian, than what you thought you read (interpretation). The author (cyclist) wrote it so that it was more hyperbole than truth. He wrote that his left hand touched the bus in lieu of just saying, "the bus was so close, I could touch it." This leads the reader to believe his hand came into contact with the bus as if there was no choice, when in fact, if you really read it, HE (who owns the hand connected to his arm) touched the bus. I had to go back and re-read it myself.
that's actually a standard move in a tight back or around any moving obstacle approaching you from the side. It lets you manage your distance from the object or other rider a lot better and reduce the chance of an impact while possibly steering along with whoever or whatever is coming down on you.