Almost bought the farm today
 

My commute seemed to be going smoothly until I approached an intersection which I didn't have the stop sign. I saw the car slowing to a stop, but instead of stopping the driver accelerated. Then I learned something about my carbon fiber 16.5 lbs bike --it can do a really cool skid. I yanked my handlebars away from the path of the vehicle and unclipped my right foot narrowly avoiding impact. I came to a stop and just as fast as car crossed the road it sped off after it's own screeching halt. I am certain the driver couldn't have known if I were hit me or not. The ironic thing is I made my first commute with a new and brighter light this morning.

So how are you liking the new light?

Never trust a driver to do the right thing. If they'd stopped, they would have had to lose maybe 15 seconds of their precious time just to accommodate you.

Yep cars, PUs, trucks, pedestrians, and cycles all run stop signs and lights. So you really have to watch it out there.

Oh, I am loving the new light. Before I had a simple click light and I was oblivious. I know not to trust motorist at intersections, but this driver surprised me. I will probably need this paranoia for my bike trip/vacation this weekend in San Francisco. My wife and I are going to travel both the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges and eat some really good food.

Glad you saw it in time and made it out ok!

So how are you liking the new farm?

I am not liking the new farm because I almost bought it.

"Bought the Farm
Meaning


To die, particularly in an accident or military action"

i had to look it up.

Glad to hear you're OK.

It's just amazing the things we see. And while I too now hardly ever trust a driver or most bikers for that matter I am consistently surprised on just how close I come when I take all the precautions I can. Last night I was tooling up a fairly quiet road, had to make a left turn, moved from the center of the lane towards the middle stripe, stuck my hand out to make a left turn, I heard the PU truck behind me suddenly accelerate and then pass me on the left, my arm was still sticking out and I brushed the mirror as he went by. I watched him as he passed, he through up his hands in a "whaddya-expect-me-to-do" expression. He just HAD to pass me before I made my left hand turn and actually made him slow down. There was no oncoming traffic so I didn't even need to stop or slow down much to make the turn, he probably wouldn't of needed to even brake, just pull off the accelerator (if that even).

So be safe folks, trust no one, take all precaution and you'll mitigate SOME risk, but there are still a lot of people out there making some damn foolish decisions and remember WE will always lose when it comes to a collision.