Yeah, ditto.

Also, the guy who commented that you're partly to blame because you didn't use hand signals - he's almost more ridiculous. *hand signals*...sheesh. What's next, blaming you because you didn't have rear brake lights on your bike? lol

There's no possible way to use hand signals for a quick stop because 1. You need both hands for both brakes 2. You need both hands to keep your bike stable while stopping quickly.

Unless you're in a paceline, it's the guy in back who's responsibility it is to pay attention and make sure there's plenty of stopping distance between the 2 of you. The light turned red, he was to close, wasn't paying attention, or expected you to run it - it's his fault entirely.

These scenarios get micro-analyzed to the point of absurdity.

Based on his description, the OP was rear ended by an inexperienced rider.
Who said anything about drafting?
Regardless, why would you draft someone unannounced?
And what is the point of drafting in downtown DC amid traffic lights, (unless you've got 30mph headwinds)?
Any why is it the responsibility of the OP to "signal" his stop at a red light, for the benefit of said potential unannounced and unknown drafter?

Unless additional information is presented otherwise, the OP was unfortunately on the receiving end of a senseless noob, and an arrogant one at that.

That's a darn good idea to signal slowing and stopping. I've never seen that done in many, many years of riding, but it makes sense. I have trouble seeing the OP as having contributed to the collision by not signaling, but maybe we can all learn from this and start indicating braking. I sort of need both hands on the bars to maintain control under hard braking though, when signaling would be most useful. Still I plan to try adding the left hand pointing down to my repertoire of riding gestures.

jhoghe, while it's exciting to see the surge in bicycling in DC, there are a lot of very inexperienced riders out there now. Be careful.

For commuting, a good mirror can help to prevent that sort of "surprise".

With one, I'm always aware of what's behind me. When approaching intersections, it also helps me to avoid right hook scenarios.

I recommend the glasses-mounted Take a Look.

Since when, and on what planet, are bicyclists expected to use cryptic hand signals to indicate that they are stopping at a red light or stop sign? On that planet, what do those bicyclists use to indicate a stop during hours of darkness?

But the problem is that if you do it it's almost worse - you end up signaling when you're carefully and deliberately stopping, but you don't signal for the emergency stops (because you need both hands on the brakes).

I think you are mistaking people laughing at your anal behavior as "respect."

You better re-read what you wrote: "if you failed to use the hand signal for stopping, you have part of the blame as well. Just like a car driving with no brakes lights."

Good luck with that. I'd be surprised if one in a hundred motorists will have a clue what you are trying to indicate.

Also consider that most bicycles (in north America, anywhay) are set up with the left brake lever operating the front brake, which represents the majority of the stopping power. Any time spent signalling with the left hand reduces your ability to brake. This is largely true in the UK as well, where everything tends to be reversed (right brake lever for front brakes, right hand for signalling - if memory serves).

I was wondering where the OP claimed the inexperienced cyclist was a "Ninja" cyclist? Or where any mention was made of his attire or lighting equipment or even the visibility conditions. Or is "Ninja" the new buzz word like "salmon" to label those cyclists who may be less than perfect specimens of cycling technique?

For all intents and purposes, following closely behind = drafting. I agree that you shouldn't "draft" unannounced but many people don't feel that way. Go on to the road cycling forum and ask "do I have to ask to draft another rider?" and you will get lots of interesting responses...

I don't know if it's the new buzzword... I heard it once before and I think it is an appropriate description of someone who is drafting unnanounced. They are essentially "hiding" behind you. I was hit by someone in a similar situation who didn't stop at a stop sign when I did. I knew they were there because I had passed them, I signaled, slowed and stopped, and they ran into me. There were cars in the intersection anyway, so if they had ran it they would have hit the car. I can't stand people drafting unnanounced so I will just ride away but sometimes stop signs and lights keep things together a bit longer.

This is why one should always run reds.

Are hand signals required, legally? (Obviously this would vary per jurisdiction, just curious if it's required)

In some jurisdictions yes, but not for a stop (at least not in VA). But were you cited for it you could undoubtedly call on the "Must be in controlof vehicle at all times" law as superceding it.

I thought the word Ninja was used in cycling primarily to describe people who, like Ninjas, wear dark clothes at night, making them difficult to see. For someone whose invisibility is the product of his or her positioning, regardless of the time of day, as when someone drafts without being visible to the person being drafted, I prefer the term "stealth"" cyclist.

I'm the OP, and I never mentioned "ninja", "lighting equipment" (mid-morning?), or "inexperienced" (how would I know?). From my point of view, I stopped at a red light that was clearly visible and was hit from behind. Admittedly, I did not hand signal the stop. I do consider the twit cussing at me for "stopping right in front of him" to be uncalled for, regardless.

Mostly, I was wondering about the etiquette of calling the police on another cyclist -- my injury is superficial.

I don't ask for or expect "perfect specimens of cycling technique"; that would exclude me from the roads too.

I've seen it used both ways but it's really besides the point.

Really? For a bicycle stop? Where?

My comment was meant for the other posters who fabricated all sorts of bad traits for the other cyclist. Apparently hitting you from behind you then mouthing off about it wasn't sufficient for them so he morphed into a Ninja Drafter Cycling Evil Doer.:roflmao2:

I think it was pretty clear he didn't know the guy; it wasn't a group ride. "I don't pay attention" isn't a defense.
Uh, yeah you did...I believe the following was yours: "if you failed to use the hand signal for stopping, you have part of the blame as well."

Sheesh, at least pay attention to what *you* write.

Looks to ME like you DID say the hit cyclist was (partly) to blame.

I just love holier-than-thou's who try to spin their own faux pas.

BTW, the red light IS sufficient signal; and it IS the responsibility of the trailing road user to be aware and react appropriately.

Given the fact that you, OP, were checking your cut, I don't imagine you were standing at the time; so it would have been tough for you to kick the guy's back wheel out from under him, which is what he had coming.

dunno

+1 This is the one thing that annoys the hell out of me and the other cycle instructors I am with and that is the stop hand signal.

Hardly anyone knows what it means, there are two of them, the "arm bent downwards" and the "arm bent upwards". Both confuse drivers and put the cyclist at risk, ok maybe not a huge risk, but you still need to take a hand off the handlebar.

Hopefully soon we can do away with it but it is still in our highway code at present.

I use the slow signal when I'm pretty sure a motorist wants to pass me and they can't see an oncoming vehicle. It does work sometimes. I wouldn't use it at a stop sign or red light, that's crazy talk.