Bike Forums - When drivers aren't paying attention

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I had a guy almost take me out in broad daylight on a low speed street. I followed him to his condo just down the street and stood there and he never saw me behind his car. He was a real old guy and was struggling just to get out of the car and I thought saying something to him would do no good as he was in bad shape. One week later found out he died. I am sure he never saw me - scary to think you can be as visible as you want, but there are drivers out there that just don't see you.

Also, another time I just finished gassing up my Ducati (was waiting for someone that was riding with me to come out of the gas station) and was sitting with helmet on ready to go, but bike off. Was looking down for some reason and saw a truck fender under my right arm heading towards me (2 feet away). I looked up and yelled LOUD and the guy looked up from whatever he was unwrapping and jerked the wheel back to the right - missing me by about 6 inches. Friggin' IDIOTS. That would have been a bummer, ride thousands of miles in all types of weather, terrain, traffic, night and day - and get taken out in a gas station while I'm just sitting there!

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlmostTrick (Post 13426854)

I agree, this driver probably seen you just fine but wanted to "teach you a lesson" or "show you who's boss". When I see this behind me I move even farther left. Then as the JAM is just about to overtake me I'll move right into my buffer zone. Pedal On!

I do something similar. If I don't see them start to move over I wobble and move into the lane more. They usually scoot over to get around. Then I drop back to the tight right and straight line.

Quote:

Originally Posted by woodway (Post 13428526)

+1. Dinotte tail lights are expensive, but worth it. They are very visible from far away, even in bright sunlight.

Properly-aimed Cygolite Hotshot trumps it. $40. They're a good value. And for daytime, also go with the ANSI neon-lime outer layer, whether that's a jacket or a $5 vest or whatever. That color's hard to ignore in daytime.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DX-MAN (Post 13428534)

Maybe a paintball gun mounted on the rear of the bike, pointing at the offenders.

j/k

I know you are, but I'd love to do that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by daredevil (Post 13428785)

What kind of vest are we talking about here and are these lights daytime visible? The only daytime visible light I'm aware of is the Dinotte. Maybe you aren't as visible as you think.

It's a standard orange safety vest, it has LEDs in it, but the first one(s) or so have been burned out. They're Cateye TL-LD130-R. I also have the Cateye TL-LD150-R taillight now.

This was just after sundown.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mechBgon (Post 13429201)

ANSI neon-lime outer layer, whether that's a jacket or a $5 vest or whatever. That color's hard to ignore in daytime.

An example of that is next time you're watching a professional ball game, look for the bright neon green shirts, it's the vendors. They stand out like a sore thumb. Orange or yellow won't do that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfchild (Post 13428623)

Based upon what I see everyday, I think that going through intersections is the most dangerous part of cycling.
I've had too many close calls with red light runners.. and the only reason why I am still alive is because of extreme awerness of what's happening around me. You can have the best most expensive lights in the world, but they won't help you when somebody nails you running a red light. If a driver is not aware of an intersection with a red light,then they won't see you, no matter how much lights and reflective clothing you have.

Agreed!! "Extreme Awareness" especially at intersections will keep us alive.

Cateye LD1000 on the seatpost and on the rack a home meade flasher. It uses a section taken from an old highway patrol rooftop flasher. It has forty amber LEDs. Overkill? Maybe. I use the ANSI lime green shirts and/or a vest with reflective stripes as well. Had close calls before I used the extra lights and safety colors.

Quote:

Originally Posted by daredevil (Post 13428785)

What kind of vest are we talking about here and are these lights daytime visible? The only daytime visible light I'm aware of is the Dinotte. Maybe you aren't as visible as you think.

I've had coworkers and cyclists comment on how far away my PBSF Turbos are visible in flash mode even on sunny days. And seeing a cyclist going in and out of shadows on a sunny day while wearing a yellow safety vest is why I added one of those to my wardrobe. I was surprised how everything except the vest "disappeared" when he went into shadow. I will say the standard 3 or 5 LED blinkies are nearly worthless except in really dark conditions and then only if mounted properly.