Recumbent bicycles · Public discussion

Close Call...

Started by Dana · · Last activity · 5 posts · 554 views

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Recumbent bicycles
Published
6 August 2005
Last activity
13 August 2005
Original author
Dana
Posts
5
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Public discussion
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  1. Original post
    Dana
    Archived post
    #1

    Hi All,

    I've been lurking for a few weeks, researching bents. My bod will no
    longer tolerate a DF and a few weeks ago bought an '03 Burley HepCat at
    my LBS.

    Even though I've done many years of long distance cycling, the bent is
    like learning to ride all over again. No question though; it is
    comfortable and fun!

    Today while riding through a small town with light traffic, an SUV came
    from behind (didn't hear or see it in mirror) and made a right turn as
    though I wasn't there!

    I was only aware of the hard braking (no screech) and the right front
    fender about 1' from my left shoulder, which prompted a very loud yell
    from me.

    I don't know if the driver was on the phone, putting on mascara,
    shaving, reading the paper or adjusting the radio.

    Clearly, the driver didn't see me until the last second.

    Very scary.

    Report
  2. bentbrian
    Archived post
    #2

    Dana,

    That same thing probably would have happened even if you were on your DF. All bicycles seem to be invisible. However, generally I'm treated far better by traffic on the 'bent as opposed to being on the DF. Make yourself as visible as best you can. I fly a flag about SUV driver eye height.

    Report
  3. Jeff Grippe
    Archived post
    #3

    Also, since I ride a trike, I ride in the middle of the lane when I'm riding
    in traffic. I don't want cars thinking that they can get around me in the
    lane I'm in. This is probably a good strategy to use on two wheels as well
    when there is a lot of traffic. A few drivers get annoyed but better visible
    and safe.

    Jeff

    "bentbrian" <[email hidden]> wrote in
    message news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:


    Dana,

    That same thing probably would have happened even if you were on your
    DF. All bicycles seem to be invisible. However, generally I'm treated
    far better by traffic on the 'bent as opposed to being on the DF. Make
    yourself as visible as best you can. I fly a flag about SUV driver eye
    height.

    --
    bentbrian

    Report
  4. Slugger
    Archived post
    #4

    In article <[email hidden]>, Jeff Grippe

    Quoted message said:

    Also, since I ride a trike, I ride in the middle of the lane when I'm riding
    in traffic. I don't want cars thinking that they can get around me in the
    lane I'm in. This is probably a good strategy to use on two wheels as well
    when there is a lot of traffic. A few drivers get annoyed but better visible
    and safe.

    Jeff

    "bentbrian" <[email hidden]> wrote in
    message news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:


    Dana,

    That same thing probably would have happened even if you were on your
    DF. All bicycles seem to be invisible. However, generally I'm treated
    far better by traffic on the 'bent as opposed to being on the DF. Make
    yourself as visible as best you can. I fly a flag about SUV driver eye
    height.

    --
    bentbrian


    I totally agree Jeff. Take a lane if you need a lane. I go as fast as
    everyone else downtown and in many cases faster. I can't bring myself
    to muss up my bike with an orange contruction flag so I'm extra
    vigilant. I'm always looking over my shoulder.

    Remember the bike lane is only the bike lane until you are going to
    pass someone. Its far safer to pass someone on the left side of the car
    than on the right side where the car could declare a turn without
    stopping too much. I've learned my lesson more than once. Thats when
    the center of the road is best.

    Report
  5. Dana
    Archived post
    #5

    Good points to be sure.

    I'm generally watchful and generally own more of the road to keep
    drivers from squeezing past and doing stupid things.

    Last night there was a car going in the same direction making a left
    turn. I could see a car coming up from behind and feared he'd try to
    squeeze between the left turning car and me. So I moved left and
    closed the gap.

    At some point I'm going to return to the scene of the prior close call.
    The side street where the driver was turning could have been a Y
    intersection. If so, I should have been more to the left to make the
    driver wait.

    I got an 18" red LED traffic baton that blinks; great for dusk/night
    but useless in daytime.

    But then again, it's the oblivious driver that's of major concern. No
    amount of lights, strobes or flags could make them see. Add cell
    phones and you've got real trouble.

    Dana

    Report

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