It's Not a Bike Accident When a Car Hits a Rider

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Originally Posted by dan_pdx

I mean, if you proceeded like you were supposed to because you didn't see the dickhead running the stop at full speed (or saw him but expected him to stop), and shit went south, no one would hold it against you. You might not be able to recover any money for your bodywork though, which would suck. There's a difference between being a flagrant asshole and riding where / how the law requires; it's the second case where I think many drivers need to improve. Having said that, around here, 95% of drivers coexist well with cyclists, it's just that last 5% tends to make an impression, sometimes literally.

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All true, but: although I was in a car at the time, my reaction was that of a pedestrian (my favorite mode of locomotion, after skiing). While not entirely the same regarding mass/physics, cyclists getting munched by cars and being upset about it is similar to pedestrians getting munched by bikes (or cars, of course), thereby making a few self-righteous cyclists that ignore pedestrians but scream at cars rather hypocritical.

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Originally Posted by PB

skateboarders

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That's pretty funny given who you were responding to.

Small number of; unpossible he's one of 'em.

At least spell ketamine correctly.

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Originally Posted by MakersTeleMark

At least spell ketamine correctly.

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A-l-u-m-i-n-i-u-m?

And props for adding the e to ketamin in USrican. It really ties the word together.

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Originally Posted by PB

...making a few self-righteous cyclists that ignore pedestrians but scream at cars rather hypocritical.

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Yeah, that gets my goat too. You don't get to give pedestrians the brush by and then complain when a driver does it to you.

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Originally Posted by subtle plague

A-l-u-m-i-n-i-u-m?

And props for adding the e to ketamin in USrican. It really ties the word together.

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You are losing the war in your own mind. Take heed and administer special K at your discretion.

Another near miss in the roundabouts of Bend yesterday. Boomer as per usual never looked, until he nearly took me out with his right front bumper. At least his reflexes were not too bad for an old guy, and his brakes worked. I've taken to riding in the center of the lane in the roundabouts. Too far left and they definitely never see you. Too far right and you have less margin for error. Had I been to the far right in the lane, I would be in the hospital right now with a bunch of broken bones.

I've actually started going on to the sidewalks and going through the crosswalks these days. Still not a sure thing you won't get hit. But I have seen two fender benders where a driver has hit the brakes last second to avoid hitting someone in the crosswalks next to the roundabouts, and the car following too close has rear ended the person stopping short because, well because no one pays attention while driving.

I have actually reduced the amount of time riding around town because of the traffic and stupidity of drivers here in Bend. Might just switch to the mtn bike and get off the road. It's patently obvious that motorists at least around here suck at driving. I have noticed that the few TX plates I see are the absolute worst drivers I have ever encountered. They apparently must not have to take a drivers test down there to get a license. Maybe they just hand out DL's when they are at the gun store.

Traffic returning to normal has been noticeable on my rides around here

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Originally Posted by Toadman

I have actually reduced the amount of time riding around town because of the traffic and stupidity of drivers here in Bend. Might just switch to the mtn bike and get off the road. It's patently obvious that motorists at least around here suck at driving. I have noticed that the few TX plates I see are the absolute worst drivers I have ever encountered. They apparently must not have to take a drivers test down there to get a license. Maybe they just hand out DL's when they are at the gun store.

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Did you have to get a license to ride your bike on the roads and roundabouts of Bend?

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Originally Posted by ml242

The other day I am getting my better half comfortable with how to drive stick in the country since she's been riding the subway for ten years and we have to make a right from a 55 to a pothole infested sandy uphill local road. There's very little shoulder to speak of while crossing a river so she has her blinker on early and is over almost as much as possible. When she goes to finally make the turn the driver behind just lays into the horn for the slight inconvenience of having to slow down for a few seconds so someone could make their turn. She was pretty freaked out and asking me what she did wrong but it wasn't her fault that people are just fucking assholes. Now imagine being on a bike and having that happen, fuck.

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Really weird shit happens psychologically when people are in cars. Inconsequential losses of time enrage people. I am certainly not immune, either.

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Originally Posted by dan_pdx

Having said that, around here, 95% of drivers coexist well with cyclists, it's just that last 5% tends to make an impression, sometimes literally.

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Yeah. There's even a rather large percentage that are niceholes who cause problems by being overly courteous.

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Originally Posted by ill-advised strategy

…it should be way way harder to get and keep a drivers license and way easier to use transit, cycle, motorcycle, or moped/scooter.

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This.

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Originally Posted by Toadman

I've taken to riding in the center of the lane in the roundabouts.

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Dude, always claim the lane in a roundabout. Advisory speed limits for roundabouts are usually 15-20 mph and on a road bike you're usually going that fast. Anyone that takes offense to you claiming the lane in a roundabout can fuck right off. Getting honked at is way preferable to getting creamed.

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Originally Posted by ::: :::

Traffic returning to normal has been noticeable on my rides around here

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around me and probably lots of other cities, traffic has been way worse since about may last year. no one wants to get on the bus or ride the train with the plague in the air and the streets have really suffered.

Ridership has really not come back entirely in NY but this gives an idea of the ghost trains last year:

https://64.media.tumblr.com/0834e632...8c3258e449.png

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Originally Posted by Dantheman

There's even a rather large percentage that are niceholes who cause problems by being overly courteous.

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+++

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Originally Posted by old goat

Speaking of motorcycles--at what point do ebikes need to use the traffic lanes.

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In CA - class 1 and 2 (assist up to 20mph) can use bike paths, class 3 (assist up to 28mph) can use bike lanes. If it goes faster than 28mph it's considered a motor vehicle.
https://currentebikes.com/ebike-classes-california/

There are self-entitled asshole cyclists and self-entitled asshole drivers, they both suck. As a cyclist it pisses me off to see other cyclists unsafely running stop signs and red lights (putting themselves and others at risk) or unnecessarily blocking traffic. Cyclists have the right to take the lane for safety but if there are a bunch of cars piled up behind you, find a place to pull over and let them by. You may have a legal right to just keep riding (though check minimum speed laws in your jurisdiction) but by ignoring the impact you're having on others you're just being an asshole. I quit doing big group rides because people tend to ride like assholes in a group (safety in numbers or something) and I didn't want to contribute.

Plenty of asshole drivers as well, like the guy yesterday who passed me when I was riding on the shoulder going 30mph and immediately pulled in front of me and hit the brakes. I had to slam on my brakes and swerve into the road to avoid hitting him. Looked over and he was taking a picture of the view with his phone so I guess it was an Instagram emergency.

The difference is generally that asshole cyclists are annoying and cause drivers to get where they're going a few minutes later. Asshole drivers send people to the hospital or the morgue. (Yes, I know about that one pedestrian killed by a cyclist in SF - compare that to the number killed by drivers.)

I'm also kind of impressed by the guy apparently able to ride 200 miles (including Turnagain Pass I assume) with a kid in a trailer. Though riding Seward Highway during summer tourist season seems terrifying to me, with or without a kid.

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Originally Posted by Toadman

Another near miss in the roundabouts of Bend yesterday. Boomer as per usual never looked, until he nearly took me out with his right front bumper. At least his reflexes were not too bad for an old guy, and his brakes worked. I've taken to riding in the center of the lane in the roundabouts. Too far left and they definitely never see you. Too far right and you have less margin for error. Had I been to the far right in the lane, I would be in the hospital right now with a bunch of broken bones.

I've actually started going on to the sidewalks and going through the crosswalks these days. Still not a sure thing you won't get hit. But I have seen two fender benders where a driver has hit the brakes last second to avoid hitting someone in the crosswalks next to the roundabouts, and the car following too close has rear ended the person stopping short because, well because no one pays attention while driving.

I have actually reduced the amount of time riding around town because of the traffic and stupidity of drivers here in Bend. Might just switch to the mtn bike and get off the road. It's patently obvious that motorists at least around here suck at driving. I have noticed that the few TX plates I see are the absolute worst drivers I have ever encountered. They apparently must not have to take a drivers test down there to get a license. Maybe they just hand out DL's when they are at the gun store.

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I appreciate many leave their lives to chance riding in traffic or with it around them. Me, no fuckin way am I riding with cars around. Ya, I don't really ride the bike much anymore. Bitching about cars is like bitching there are Grizzly's out there. Both are bigger than you, so use caution around them or don't go. Hell, even using caution, they can still fuck you up, so keep your eyes and ears on a swivel.

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Originally Posted by liv2ski

I appreciate many leave their lives to chance riding in traffic or with it around them. Me, no fuckin way am I riding with cars around. Ya, I don't really ride the bike much anymore. Bitching about cars is like bitching there are Grizzly's out there. Both are bigger than you, so use caution around them or don't go. Hell, even using caution, they can still fuck you up, so keep your eyes and ears on a swivel.

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Yeah, after about 100k bike commuter miles these past 22 years, I am getting to the point where my luck is running out. But, I'm still going to bitch.

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Originally Posted by Toadman

Another near miss in the roundabouts of Bend yesterday. Boomer as per usual never looked, until he nearly took me out with his right front bumper. At least his reflexes were not too bad for an old guy, and his brakes worked. I've taken to riding in the center of the lane in the roundabouts. Too far left and they definitely never see you. Too far right and you have less margin for error. Had I been to the far right in the lane, I would be in the hospital right now with a bunch of broken bones.

I've actually started going on to the sidewalks and going through the crosswalks these days. Still not a sure thing you won't get hit. But I have seen two fender benders where a driver has hit the brakes last second to avoid hitting someone in the crosswalks next to the roundabouts, and the car following too close has rear ended the person stopping short because, well because no one pays attention while driving.

I have actually reduced the amount of time riding around town because of the traffic and stupidity of drivers here in Bend. Might just switch to the mtn bike and get off the road. It's patently obvious that motorists at least around here suck at driving. I have noticed that the few TX plates I see are the absolute worst drivers I have ever encountered. They apparently must not have to take a drivers test down there to get a license. Maybe they just hand out DL's when they are at the gun store.

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As the local sidewalk nazi, even I would not blame any cyclist for SWalking it around a turning circle. I have panic attacks in my care when dealing some of the car Morans .

Former Senator from Wyoming dies in bike accident near his home. RIP.

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Originally Posted by ml242

Former Senator from Wyoming dies in bike accident near his home. RIP.

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was it an accident, or did he get hit by a car. I couldnt find that.

he was old so may have just hit something.

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Originally Posted by Woodsy

was it an accident, or did he get hit by a car. I couldnt find that.

he was old so may have just hit something.

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Latest I heard was that they think it was a solo accident and when they found him he was alone and no evidence of another vehicle being involved, but I don't know if that's official.

That is what I read also. Two of my older/retired neighbors fell off/crashed solo on their bikes and fucked themselves up. At 62, that is when I said fuck it, water and snow don't hurt like asphalt.

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Originally Posted by teledad

I'm also kind of impressed by the guy apparently able to ride 200 miles (including Turnagain Pass I assume) with a kid in a trailer. Though riding Seward Highway during summer tourist season seems terrifying to me, with or without a kid.

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Good on them for thinking to bring Pedialyte too. And for having the selflessness of spirit to share it with the kid.
They're so awesome.

Had to step back as I went out the door onto the sidewalk last night to avoid delivery guy flying past (battery assist for him I'm pretty sure to achieve max sidewalk speed), of course the usual number of cyclists blowing through lights (at least one doing so while riding uptown on a downtown avenue), and while I was driving the rare running of a red light from the sidewalk (coming down on the wheelchair accessible curb part) forcing me and another car to slow down (I was in the curbside lane and kind of knew the guy was going to do it so no real danger, but it was just the same disregard they always show for cars counting on drivers to give way--if I'd been some cabby playing with his phone the guy coulda had problems). Not to mention the pack of City Bikers I saw while walking home all going south on northbound 3rd Ave. Just funny to think of the people who somehow don't believe any of this happens around here. Usually all this kind of shit is just background noise for me, but since this thread I've been noticing.

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Originally Posted by Dexter Rutecki

Just funny to think of the people who somehow don't believe any of this happens around here.

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I 100% believe all that and more happens in NYC, and probably to a lesser degree in downtown SF, Portland and a few other cities. It's just not the norm in the vast, vast majority of cities and towns in America.

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Originally Posted by Dantheman

I 100% believe all that and more happens in NYC, and probably to a lesser degree in downtown SF, Portland and a few other cities. It's just not the norm in the vast, vast majority of cities and towns in America.

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Well, there were a few people posting here who didn't seem to get that and wanted to 'prove' it wasn't the case. And I am aware most places aren't like NYC in any number of ways, but I don't understand the people in this thread who were intent on telling me that I'm delusional about what everyone knows is the case here. (I mean, when I'm in some other cities I find it hard to believe when I see cyclists, and even pedestrians, waiting for the light to change, even when there isn't a vehicle in sight.)

I actually never really care about any of this (otherwise I'd spend all day raging out) and think a lot of it (breaking traffic laws) is acceptable/understandable (riding the wrong way down an empty street late at night, for example--why should anyone be bothered by that?). But some cyclists take it too far and just don't care about how they impact others or aren't aware, just as too many drivers are clueless and worse, which sometimes endangers cyclists.

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Originally Posted by Dantheman

I 100% believe all that and more happens in NYC, and probably to a lesser degree in downtown SF, Portland and a few other cities. It's just not the norm in the vast, vast majority of cities and towns in America.

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During Peak Fixie out here, I saw a hipster on a fixie get pulled over by a cop for skitching on a car. That was the only time I've ever seen a cyclist skitch a car, and one of the few times I've seen police write tickets for cyclists (or really, any road user). So that was pretty much like seeing Bigfoot riding a unicorn. In general, the delivery bike shenanigans that I understand are a thing in Manhattan don't happen here, I think that's kind of unique.

I'm telling you, the very routine delivery guy maneuver here where they blow through a side street red light and merge into heavy avenue traffic is really something to watch. Complete lack of self-regard. It's an advanced move you fairly rarely see with non-delivery guy cyclists. They often don't even turn their head to see where the oncoming traffic is. I think it's considered a bit like using a turn signal is sometimes--just go and provide less opportunity for your move to be challenged.

Every now and then there used to police bike blitzes where they'd spend a few days ticketing at certain intersections, but I think DeBlasio took too much heat from the anti-car/bike lobby and dropped that. (I do think enforcement could help with some of this--during the pandemic cops stopped issuing traffic tickets and there was a noticeable effect in how many people would be going 30+ over the speed limit--but it's not going to happen.)

Stay tuned for next week when Dexter almost gets hit by a shirtless Mexican with a wet towel over his head, riding a Walmart bmx bike down the sidewalk.

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Originally Posted by Timberridge

Stay tuned for next week when Dexter almost gets hit by a shirtless Mexican with a wet towel over his head, riding a Walmart bmx bike down the sidewalk.

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Will that happen in upstate?

In my experience it's more a NYC thing.

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Originally Posted by Timberridge

In my experience it's more a NYC thing.

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I thought it happens everywhere in the US. Especially montana?

i had a good one the other morn going to work
3 identically team kitted rolling douchenozzles
pull off wasatch at the light by the gravel pit
and ride 3 abreast down the new i215 entrance lane
im in no hurry to work so i give em space but the dude behind me is honking so one of them flips us off
they blow by the sign clearly telling them the bike lane moves to the left still in the peleton formation
the smartest figures it out and pulls off right at the golf course
the second rides it out and stops to the left before blocking the other i215 entrance ramp
last defiant douche continues on and makes a big u turn almost gittin whacked by the 3rd turn lane traffic and has now blocked traffic on all 3 enterance ramps to a interstate hes not even fuckin allowed on and is defiantly cursing and flippin people off
but hey he never had to unclip his pedals or own his sad fuckin fail

^We're gonna need you to sketch this on some poster board using a few colored markers to figure this out.

Bunch of fucking babies over a few seconds.

Spending more time here demonizing douchebags in Lycra than those douchebags cost you IRL.

Good work Morans!

Yes, entitled road Freds are irritating / comical, but don't represent all cyclists anymore than the worst driver represents all drivers.

Speaking of worst driver, this happened pretty close to my house a few days ago - that compost bin never stood a chance

Attachment 380701

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Originally Posted by Timberridge

^We're gonna need you to sketch this on some poster board using a few colored markers to figure this out.

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oh they painted the road to say i125 entrance lane in several spots
maybe the were busy looking to see if any strava followers or fans chalked well wishes of inspiration instead

Looks like Enzi's accident was just that, sorry for jumping the gun.

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Originally Posted by dan_pdx

Yes, entitled road Freds are irritating / comical, but don't represent all cyclists anymore than the worst driver represents all drivers.

Speaking of worst driver, this happened pretty close to my house a few days ago - that compost bin never stood a chance

Attachment 380701

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Is that Belmont St?
I’m guessing alcohol was a contributing factor?

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Originally Posted by Dexter Rutecki

Had to step back as I went out the door onto the sidewalk last night to avoid delivery guy flying past (battery assist for him I'm pretty sure to achieve max sidewalk speed), of course the usual number of cyclists blowing through lights (at least one doing so while riding uptown on a downtown avenue), and while I was driving the rare running of a red light from the sidewalk (coming down on the wheelchair accessible curb part) forcing me and another car to slow down (I was in the curbside lane and kind of knew the guy was going to do it so no real danger, but it was just the same disregard they always show for cars counting on drivers to give way--if I'd been some cabby playing with his phone the guy coulda had problems). Not to mention the pack of City Bikers I saw while walking home all going south on northbound 3rd Ave. Just funny to think of the people who somehow don't believe any of this happens around here. Usually all this kind of shit is just background noise for me, but since this thread I've been noticing.

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You think that's bad. Just wait until all those Boomers with hip and knee replacements are bombing about on their battery powered mobility carts/scooters.