Close Call

[V18]

shjoe didn't take too long for the victim blaming to start in true Bikehub style.

 

#2 post must be a record

Plot twist. Pseudovictimblaming victim blaming in true bike hub style. Blameception.

[Dirkitech]

While riding circuits in Durban this evening, I had a close call with an idiot driver who either had his eyes closed or thought he could beat me while turning at an intersection.

 

Boy, was I mad at him!

 

Glad you missed being involved in an accident there Neville, super close call!

Off the top of my head, this is my biggest issue with road users, second only to drivers passing dangerously close. My first car was written off when someone pulled the above stunt and last year almost the on the bicycle too - though that lady was so shook up after a 6ft+ dude scolded her.

The disregard for others is like the top priority for most of these rubbish za drivers.

 

keep safe ... 

 

remember this happens to motorcyclists as well - most drivers only see large blobs (not two wheel objects) ... 

 

This is why gaming should be mandatory to improve reaction time for most drivers 

I've tried the gaming approach with a girlfriend before... it only caused me grief and no improvement for them. Gave it up for lent.

[DJR]

3 most common close calls I keep having:

 

1. Oncoming car turning in front of you at intersection. Mostly because they underestimate your speed or simply did not see you

2. Cars pulling out in front of you at side streets or driveways. Mostly because they did not see you.

3. Traffic circles. All the time, every possible way of trying to kill you. Mostly because drivers are stupid idiots who should be walking. 

[Jase619]

shjoe didn't take too long for the victim blaming to start in true Bikehub style.

 

#2 post must be a record

 

I believe the record is safe as their was no victim-blaming going on. If you look hard enough you will see anything the way you want to I suppose.

[Jase619]

3 most common close calls I keep having:

 

1. Oncoming car turning in front of you at intersection. Mostly because they underestimate your speed or simply did not see you

2. Cars pulling out in front of you at side streets or driveways. Mostly because they did not see you.

3. Traffic circles. All the time, every possible way of trying to kill you. Mostly because drivers are stupid idiots who should be walking. 

 

Living in a City/Town that has about 300 of these, my experience is exactly the same. It's actually gotten worse in the last few years with people taking chances everywhere, heaven forbid that they actually have to slow down to go a quarter way around the circle. We are super cautious when we ride through circles as we have had more close calls than anywhere else on the road.

[DieselnDust]

Umm no. There was no blame.

 

He said "but I think at an intersection you always need to expect that"

 

Implying that at any intersection you need to expect that. Not that it is his fault.

 

OK I can see it that way too.

 

 

Neville I feel your pain. This morning I'm standing at the pedestrian crossing in lakeside main road. I push the button, it goes red.

Five cars run the red light and one cyclist (some old goat in a w2w top). Total tjop because the light was red for quite a while but he figured he'll roll with the cars. Eventually I cross but by now it's flashing red and I'm still crossing. The cars that did eventually stop simply gunned it. Didn't give a @:/R. Society is broken. I give up hope that we'll change

[Jewbacca]

My favourite is when these guys pass you, then slam on anchors, indicate and turn left or try parking....

 

Seriously?! 

 

Glad you're ok. Cars are dangerous...

[Paul Ruinaard]

Neville, did you have lights on the front of the bike ?

 

After a few close calls similar to yours I put a flashing light on the front and the number of incidents has gone to zero.

I cant tell you how many times i have seen people pull out and then stop because they seem to see my strobing front light on the bike. Big fan of a front strobe now. Makes people notice you....

[DJR]

I cant tell you how many times i have seen people pull out and then stop because they seem to see my strobing front light on the bike. Big fan of a front strobe now. Makes people notice you....

I've used one for a few years now but am having trouble with it's battery. Just yesterday bought a new one with an irregular flashing mode. It seems that an irregular changing flash pattern is more noticeable than a steady flash. I'll see if it makes a difference.  

[Dadbod Racing]

OK I can see it that way too.

 

 

Neville I feel your pain. This morning I'm standing at the pedestrian crossing in lakeside main road. I push the button, it goes red.

Five cars run the red light and one cyclist (some old goat in a w2w top). Total tjop because the light was red for quite a while but he figured he'll roll with the cars. Eventually I cross but by now it's flashing red and I'm still crossing. The cars that did eventually stop simply gunned it. Didn't give a @:/R. Society is broken. I give up hope that we'll change

 

Flippen hate this, I use a few pedestrian crossings in my area and sadly I have to actually step onto the crossing for people to realise they need to stop or else they'll just keep on driving through. The lights on the corner of Durban rd and Liesbeeck Parkway is also really ****, when it flashes for a pedestrian to cross then some chop rolls over effectively cutting you off. 

 

On a side note, the amount of times I've almost been rammed from behind cause I've stopped to let someone walk over a pedestrian crossing is something crazy. On a side side note, I have lost my sh*t with people who stand at the pedestrian crossing NOT wanting to cross and I come to a stop, hoot and wave them over only for them to shake their heads and indicate that they not wanting to cross..... 

 

We need more education about roads at schools. Pedestrians need to know how cyclists/motorists think for EG: If your Uber driver wants to stop on a corner to drop you off that's not cool, tell him to stop where it's safe or don't stand on a corner for your uber to pick you up stand where it's safe etc 

[Dadbod Racing]

While riding circuits in Durban this evening, I had a close call with an idiot driver who either had his eyes closed or thought he could beat me while turning at an intersection.

 

Boy, was I mad at him!

 

 

@Neville Bailey, glad you're ok. 

 

That's an awesome circuit you guys have up in Durbs, I'm super jealous. 

 

PS I didn't like your post cause I don't like what happened to you or nearly happened to you! ;-) 

[Patchelicious]

"It always a poos is a white bakkie" - Patch

[Dadbod Racing]

"It always a poos is a white bakkie" - Patch

 

LMAO you'll say it once and you'll say it again?? hahahahahahahahah

[Chingy182]

Best advice I read here on Le Hub was someone saying to always try make eye-contact with a driver (when possible).

 

What I've learnt from this is if eye-contact has been established, I know they acknowledge that they've seen me.

 

If eye-contact is not made, I go ahead and assume I was not seen and prepare myself for defensive riding

[Neville Bailey]

Thanks for all the support and advice guys.

 

I’ve done the circuit nearly 300 times and this was a first for me. It’s an amazing 5km circuit and great for pushing yourself to the limit. Cycle lane all the way and left turns only.

 

I must confess that I was not riding with a front light, so I am partially to blame I suppose, even though I had right of way.

 

Can anyone recommend a decent flashing front light, preferably rechargeable?

[devocean]

shjoe didn't take too long for the victim blaming to start in true Bikehub style.

 

#2 post must be a record

 

Just saw this now. Really had no intention of victim blaming, I just mean that cyclists need to stop being surprised by bad driving and need to assume that the driver can't see them or is going to do something stupid. That's the only way to stay "safe".