Almost hit by a car last night

Could have been on purpose but I do see cars all over the road from drivers texting, looking for a radio station, trying to get something out of the back seat and generally doing anything but actually paying attention to their driving.  The number of times I have watched a car in front of me slowly drift out onto the shoulder strait at a big tree and only pull it back quickly when the tire actually leaves pavement is incredible!  Never assume a driver has any idea where their car is going.

... and if only he knew what you are when you're not being a biker dude.

A scary story indeed. This is among the reasons why I (i) wear a bright yellow jersey when I ride outside, (ii) ride indoors 99% of the time. I changed my riding habits after a collarbone break in an incident with a car that was going to fast on a narrow lane.

I feel the same and want to yell and curse and flip someone off but the fact of the matter is this....

If they are that 'stupid' to ride you then they are "this close" from being ticked off into hitting you, pulling a gun, pulling ahead to stop and swing a bat or tackle you off your bike etc. You've got a 4000 lb car up against a 20lb bike (give or take). Regardless of what you do outside of this sport there is always someone crazier than you out there. And those people are even more apt to do something if there is someone else in the car with them saying,"Did you hear what he said??? You gonna let him get away with that????"

Sadly there was a story a few years back when a young girl struck and killed four people on bikes in Monterey.  Plenty of room on the road but she was leaning down looking for some music and drifted into the bikes.

Four people killed and the girl was a complete wreck.  In fact the DA opted to not charge her.  He said sending her to prison would serve no purpose plus it was clear she would be dealing with it for years to come.

The point is I would not rule out malice but I think it far more likely sheer stupidity.  Glad you are OK.

This ^^ Glad you are safe!  

Intentionally running a bicycle off the road = assault with a deadly weapon

I was hit head on last August by some jackwad with no license or insurance. A week before this ride I competed in a triathlon and took my fore and aft lights off my bike. I forgot to put them back on before this ride and I strongly feel that if they were on my bike and flashing away, the accident would have never happened. This was during the daytime, but that flashing light attracts attention to drivers not paying attention. Its subconscious. I dont know why I rarely ever see another cyclist riding during the daytime without lighting equipment. All that money on batteries wont equal what your medical expenses will be when you get hit! Think about that...

Funny Story:

Last May I competed in the Morgan Hill Sprint Triathlon. 2 miles into the bike I was riding in a small pack and we could hear a car approaching and blasting its horn. We looked back to see a PT Cruiser playing chicken with bikers on the race course. I immediately had a great idea...I said to the other folks in the group "hey, watch this". I pulled ahead slightly and waited for the car. Honking away, this jerk decided to turn his wheels into me. I unclipped my left foot and buried by size 11 cleat and carbon soles into the passenger door. I dont mean like a toe-tap, I mean a full on Jackie Chan move. I must have caused irreparable damage to this guys door. I also exclaimed how he should fornicate with himself. I got a nice little cheer from the others around me and the car stopped honking and drove off, disturbing noone else.

Every time you ride on the road, you are trusting each driver to being paying attention, controlling their vehicle and aware of you.  Your lights help.  You paying attention helps.  Etc.  But ultimately it just takes one driver to screw up and you are toast.  Comforting isn't it.

Jim

Note above...this is what NOT to do.

Haha - yeah, assuming you were OK, can you imagine the guy's joy when he found out he just ran over a police officer?