When drivers aren't paying attention
10-29-11, 06:14 PM
#26
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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!
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!
10-29-11, 06:18 PM
#27
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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.
10-29-11, 07:16 PM
#28
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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.
10-29-11, 07:38 PM
#29
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10-29-11, 07:48 PM
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This was just after sundown.
10-29-11, 07:59 PM
#31
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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.
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10-29-11, 09:43 PM
#32
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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.
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.
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10-30-11, 02:35 AM
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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.
Last edited by Blues Frog; 10-30-11 at 02:40 AM.
10-30-11, 12:10 PM
#34
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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.
