Fat Boab Posted February 28, 2018 Posted February 28, 2018 +1 These days I tend to ride more defensively, slowing down at intersections even if its green as motorists often misjudge the speed of a bicycle thinking that its coming on at a slow speed when in actual fact we doing around 40km/h plus. Another thing that I also do is take up the turning lane when going straight as it prevents cars from squeezing past and turning in infront of you. Was typing the same thing...
lechatnoir Posted February 28, 2018 Posted February 28, 2018 +1 These days I tend to ride more defensively, slowing down at intersections even if its green as motorists often misjudge the speed of a bicycle thinking that its coming on at a slow speed when in actual fact we doing around 40km/h plus. Another thing that I also do is take up the turning lane when going straight as it prevents cars from squeezing past and turning in infront of you. Was typing the same thing... Own the lane. Takes a bit of courage and getting used to. I've taken to putting out a hand showing my intention to move to the right when I'm aware that there's a car approaching from behind on left turns and blind left hand corners. An oncoming car will invariably cut the apex squeezing a passing car into me. Heal up coachshane
ChrisF Posted February 28, 2018 Posted February 28, 2018 Glad you are okay !! I have had two very close calls on my commute. Both on the same stretch of road, Bloemhof road. 1) About 100m from the robot I sat up and slowed down. The is a side-junction about 50m from the robot .... low and behold mommy is arguing with the kids on the back seat and goes straight over the stop street !! Barely made the turn before going onto the pavement on the other side - she had NO idea of the stop sign or what was happening around her !! My bike was drifting sideways to not hit her vehicle .... 2) there is a nice downhill section as I join Bloemhof street. I was close to 40km/h when a car pulled in next to me. At the speedhump the car drifted closer to me, I sat up and slowed just a bit ..... car drifted a bit more and then a 90 degree turn into the Bloemhof complex. No indicators nothing. Female driver busy talking to her passenger, blisfully unaware of driving next to me and turning in front of me..... again locked brakes to not hit the car. frankly, dont exceed 30km/h if there is a car anywhere close by that could turn into or in front of you. If there is any doubt, slow down and wave them past ... at least that is what I do now.
Patchelicious Posted February 28, 2018 Posted February 28, 2018 Glad you are okay !! I have had two very close calls on my commute. Both on the same stretch of road, Bloemhof road. 1) About 100m from the robot I sat up and slowed down. The is a side-junction about 50m from the robot .... low and behold mommy is arguing with the kids on the back seat and goes straight over the stop street !! Barely made the turn before going onto the pavement on the other side - she had NO idea of the stop sign or what was happening around her !! My bike was drifting sideways to not hit her vehicle .... 2) there is a nice downhill section as I join Bloemhof street. I was close to 40km/h when a car pulled in next to me. At the speedhump the car drifted closer to me, I sat up and slowed just a bit ..... car drifted a bit more and then a 90 degree turn into the Bloemhof complex. No indicators nothing. Female driver busy talking to her passenger, blisfully unaware of driving next to me and turning in front of me..... again locked brakes to not hit the car. frankly, dont exceed 30km/h if there is a car anywhere close by that could turn into or in front of you. If there is any doubt, slow down and wave them past ... at least that is what I do now.Losing a mirror or two tends to people to start using them....
Letum911 Posted February 28, 2018 Posted February 28, 2018 Another thing that I also do is take up the turning lane when going straight as it prevents cars from squeezing past and turning in infront of you. I'm not this brave. I usually lane split properly on the line down where it's "safe". This morning I did the complete opposite and tried to take up the turning lane, had a PUTCO bus push in on my left with his left front wheel on the pavement just so that he did not have to be behind a bicycle.
Chingy182 Posted February 28, 2018 Posted February 28, 2018 I'm glad that you are okay. I can't help but think every time I read your guys' experiences and think to myself when it will be my turn...this is so sad. Just the other day I was taking the right exit in a roundabout and the car straight ahead on the other side starting driving forward as I was making my right turn. I just shouted "Whoooaaahh" then I get the response from the driver "I did see you". Doesn't matter that I was busy taking evasive action and what could have happened as a result of that... But I've seen it so many times where cars drive and overtake you right on an intersection and turn in front of you. I've come to the conclusion that they believe because they overtook you, they now automatically have right of way and you need to keep a safe distance or slow down.
Longbarn Killer Posted February 28, 2018 Posted February 28, 2018 Been down that road twice. Was hit from behind by an old man in a bakkie. Ended up with a cracked pelvis and my first ever night in hospital. The second time was a woman who accelerated from a stop street and hit me side on. I went over her windscreen, her roof and her boot and landed on the road behind her. Nothing broken except my bike. She was in a state of panic and was sobbing her eyes out. I'm the one in pain and she is crying. Ironically, her son-in-law was on the committee of EP Cycling.
Tatt Posted February 28, 2018 Posted February 28, 2018 That car door opening thing is a biggie - I'm super scared of that one. My riding partner has been off a couple of times as a result of car doors being opened.. Second time it occurred, he burst the pepper spray canister in his bibs pocket, and burnt his butt... Tom
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.