Close calls and the consequent reactions
11-08-16 | 02:38 PM
#76
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,720
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From: North of Boston
Bikes: Kona Dawg, Surly 1x1, Karate Monkey, Rockhopper, Crosscheck , Burley Runabout,
Those types of people are exceedingly rare. We think it's common because there are always videos posted of such encounters on the internet. But statistically it almost never happens. In my 12,000+ miles of riding (80% of that commuting) in the last few years, I have not once come across someone so psychotic that they were intentionally trying to hit me.
11-08-16 | 04:40 PM
#78
Banned.
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,287
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Those types of people are exceedingly rare. We think it's common because there are always videos posted of such encounters on the internet. But statistically it almost never happens. In my 12,000+ miles of riding (80% of that commuting) in the last few years, I have not once come across someone so psychotic that they were intentionally trying to hit me.
I had three serious encounters where someone in a car tried to hit me/hurt in my first year riding as an adult.
- As mentioned above, a drunk passenger in a car tried to hit me with their door as I was riding along, missed by inches.
- High school male passed me very closely, slowed ahead of me so we were going the same speed and then slammed on the brakes as he swerved in front of me going down hill.
- Driver sped up to pass me after having to yield at a controlled intersection, stopped his car on the shoulder, opened his door and tried to hit me as I rode by.
Same time period a guy on a motorcycle snuck up behind me, gunned his engine and passed me close enough that I'm pretty sure I felt the leather of his jacket. I think this one was to scare and not hurt so it's not above.
Anyway, I wouldn't dismiss this as statistically unlikely. Better to recognize it happens, even if rarely and prepare appropriately. Get off the road and away from cars, observe and decide if a call to 911 is warranted.
