Terrifying close call yesterday
Had a really close one yesterday evening... I escaped being run over by just a hair. I would probably still be shaking if it didn't happen at such low speeds.
A semi trailer had stopped at an intersection, waiting for left turn (his turn signal blinking, I specially paid attention to that). As I also needed to turn left (aiming for the sidewalk diagonally across the intersection, so I wasn't really going to be next to the semi), I passed the semi on the right and stopped a few meters in front of it to let the opposing traffic pass, just like the semi was doing. At some point the driver of the semi must have changed his mind and decided to go straight ahead instead of turning left (allowed option there). I realized I must still be in his frontal blind spot as I heard the roar of his engine right behind me and coming nearer...I probably hadn't ever pushed my pedals this hard from a standing start, as I realized my only option was to get going and slip back to the right. Of course, my chain skipped under the load (I was in a fairly tall gear, one step below my usual cruising gear), and split second later I felt a nudge on my rear wheel. Luckily enough the semi changed gear then which allowed me to increase the distance a little bit and get off his path. No physical harm done to me or the bike. The semi driver probably at no point realized I was there at all. Moral of the story: ALWAYS keep safe distance from large vehicles, in any direction, even if they're not moving at the moment. |
It sounds like a tough spot being in an optional left turn lane. And, a reason why lane splitting and filtering to the front isn't always the best. Nonetheless, make sure wherever you put the foot down, you are visible.
In many cases, I like to pull forward to the middle of the crosswalk if I'm not in the way of pedestrians. Anything to give a little more visibility. Oh, also keep in mind, vehicles may not turn on turn signals, or forget theirs are blinking. Or, even if he had turned the signal on, he may have realized he was a block off from the destination, or turning at that spot was problematic. |
Holy crap glad you are ok! There's no way he would've known you were there, and two meters infront is not far enough up to see you, especially on the passenger side! Always stay behind a tractor trailer or other large truck.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...62c2af05f7.jpg |
None of us were there to see it, but maybe his turn signal was blinking because he had just changed lanes.
As cyclists we all need to be alert all of the time, and do whatever we need to do to stay safe. |
subgrade Glad you're okay.
Originally Posted by GrainBrain
(Post 21343250)
...Always stay behind a tractor trailer or other large truck.
Originally Posted by alo
(Post 21343270)
...maybe his turn signal was blinking because he had just changed lanes.
As cyclists we all need to be alert all of the time, and do whatever we need to do to stay safe. This post reminds me specifically of the first left turn of my commute home. It's at a light and the left-turn lane is separated from the through-lanes by lines that make a bike-sized gap. I have seen other riders use it, but I am always worried about a left-turning driver swinging wide to the right while looking left. On the other hand, I have been behind a truck and been a surprise to an oncoming car who jumped the green. |
Originally Posted by subgrade
(Post 21343203)
my chain skipped under the load (I was in a fairly tall gear, one step below my usual cruising gear), and split second later I felt a nudge on my rear wheel
yeah, stay away from trucks & buses, they're killers |
Originally Posted by rumrunn6
(Post 21343434)
thanks for sharing but I don't understand, what caused this nudge? the truck striking you? the bike's drive train?
yeah, stay away from trucks & buses, they're killers |
Originally Posted by subgrade
(Post 21343509)
Yep, the truck touched my rear wheel :twitchy:
|
Originally Posted by subgrade
(Post 21343509)
Yep, the truck touched my rear wheel :twitchy:
|
Originally Posted by rumrunn6
(Post 21343535)
yikes!, better go buy a lottery ticket!
Wow, glad you're OK. Semi v bicycle has a pretty predictable outcome. |
I'm confused on why you pulled up beside the semi. Where weren't you behind him waiting to turn after him?
|
This might be a helpful video based upon my understanding of events https://www.bikeleague.org/content/intersection-positioning
|
You are very fortunate. what I have taken to doing most of the time these days is to just take the lane and get in line like any other vehicle. Not in any kind of a hurry to make the light. Whenever it' my turn, it's my turn.
|
Originally Posted by debade
(Post 21343698)
This might be a helpful video based upon my understanding of events https://www.bikeleague.org/content/intersection-positioning
Tip: If you need to cross over railroad tracks, be sure to do so at a 90° angle, to prevent puncturing your tire. |
reminds me of this one from last year (warning - no happy ending)
https://www.bikeforums.net/advocacy-...-reported.html |
Thanks for the reminder. I'm taking bad risks lately.
|
Pulling up beside a tractor trailer is not a good idea, in any situation. Glad you escaped unscathed.
|
Originally Posted by Mitkraft
(Post 21343590)
I'm confused on why you pulled up beside the semi. Where weren't you behind him waiting to turn after him?
If the semi would indeed have been making the left turn, we both would start simultaneously (with the likelihood of me doing a slight jump start), and I'd have completed my move long before him - that's why I pulled up in front of him. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0614776ff8.png |
I wonder how @joeyduck is doing
|
Yeah, that's kinda what I thought from what you were describing. You had absolutely no business being beside that vehicle regardless of what type it was. You were another vehicle, on the road, turning left. Unless there is a double turn lane the only appropriate place for you is in the turn lane behind whatever vehicles are in front of you. Just because you intended to enter the sidewalk after making the turn does not give you the right of way to jump into the intersection in any manner other than what would be appropriate for another vehicle. Otherwise you should have been in the crosswalk on the left side of the road and proceeded through based on the pedestrian signal.
Originally Posted by subgrade
(Post 21344730)
Hope this schematic helps. I'm the thingy inside the blue circle.
If the semi would indeed have been making the left turn, we both would start simultaneously (with the likelihood of me doing a slight jump start), and I'd have completed my move long before him - that's why I pulled up in front of him. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0614776ff8.png |
I agree with Mitkraft . Mixing travel modes tends to make you unpredictable for other road users. Unpredictable road users cause accidents. I'm glad you didn't have to pay more than a pair of underwear for this one.
|
Similar threats to motorbikes
Defensive driving makes one aware of the unpredictability of others at all times I ride Like I am James Bond Everyone in the movie is trying to kill me |
Originally Posted by bikebikebike
(Post 21345673)
Similar threats to motorbikes
Defensive driving makes one aware of the unpredictability of others at all times I ride Like I am James Bond Everyone in the movie is trying to kill me https://i0.wp.com/huntingbond.com/wp...72%2C320&ssl=1 |
I am not promising that I am going to sit at #6 from the corner in that situation, I'll definitely filter forward if time permits, but if I am turning left I am going to be on the left side of the lane and in the #2 position. I never line up with the #1 car even if I KNOW they are turning. I am going to use them as a shield as I make my turn behind them. The #3 car has definitely seen me because I have been just in front of them for some time. It doesn't matter what the #1 car/truck/bus thinks. There is often a handy bicycle symbol to the left side of a mixed use lane like that for when there aren't any other cars around. I used to think that you put your front wheel on it but actually you position your bottom bracket so it goes over the edge of the sensor loop. Works everytime now that I know to position the BB over the line and not the wheel rim.
|
Why exactly do you believe its ok to "filter forward" and basically cut in front of a bunch of cars waiting at a light only to have them get frustrated at the need to pass you (after already having done so in many cases)? The cars aren't going to be in your way if you wait behind them but you sure as heck are going to be in theirs if you cut in front. I can see the case for not coming to a complete stop at stop signs in deserted intersections but I just can't see the mentality that thinks filtering forward is anything other than being a jerk.
Originally Posted by Leisesturm
(Post 21345699)
I am not promising that I am going to sit at #6 from the corner in that situation, I'll definitely filter forward if time permits, but if I am turning left I am going to be on the left side of the lane and in the #2 position. I never line up with the #1 car even if I KNOW they are turning. I am going to use them as a shield as I make my turn behind them. The #3 car has definitely seen me because I have been just in front of them for some time. It doesn't matter what the #1 car/truck/bus thinks. There is often a handy bicycle symbol to the left side of a mixed use lane like that for when there aren't any other cars around. I used to think that you put your front wheel on it but actually you position your bottom bracket so it goes over the edge of the sensor loop. Works everytime now that I know to position the BB over the line and not the wheel rim.
|
All times are GMT -6. The time now is 08:56 AM. |
Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.