just needing to vent a little, and maybe get some advice?

[momof4greatkids]

Today while I was riding, solo, a car did something dangerous that scared me.

We are blessed to have a really awesome bike trail nearby http://www.loraincountymetroparks.com/ncit.htm When I don't ride w/the club, I like to ride there, for safety reasons.

There is approx 1/4 mile stretch that traverses a road and this section of road has a dedicated bike lane. Then you have to take the lane and turn left to re-enter the path. There is a double yellow line along this stretch, so there is no passing. Beyond the spot where I turn back on to the path, there is a S-curve on the road, it's hard to see ahead.

Well, like a good little cyclist, I checked behind, it was clear so I took the lane preparing for my left hand turn. Well a car came up behind and I was still about 20 yards from where I needed to turn left, in the lane, and CLEARLY signalling a left. Well the DODO motorist decides he can't wait the 10 seconds or so it would take for me turn, so he passes me on the left just a few feet before I was to turn!

I just spewed out of my mouth before I had a chance to catch myself "I was turning you idiot!"

Now I am thinking I probably took the lane too early, but even so, that guy should not have passed me on the left while I was in the lane and signalling a left turn, especially with a blind S-curve right ahead.

Well the good news is I turned over 2,000 miles for the year today! I'm the first female, so far, in the 2,500 mile on Bikejournal (tooting my own horn, please forgive me)

Colleen

[Jiffer]

Yay for you on your 2000 miles! That's AWESOME!!! I toot my own horn all the time, by the way.

As for your incident with the moron motorist. It sounds like there wasn't a whole lot you could have done differently. Like you said, maybe wait a little longer to get into the lane, but no matter when you get into the lane, motorists are supposed to yield to you. I'm glad you're okay.

[solobiker]

I am glad you are okay. I think what you did was right, the motorist should not have passed you like that. You signaled you intention to turn so you were in the right. When ever people do that to me I just think "They are jealous because they can't ride a bike" hehe . Congrats on the milage too, that is awesome.

[momof4greatkids]

Thank you for your replies and affirmation. Dang cagers! We've got to always be vigilant, it's just too risky.

What gets me is the attitude and ignorance of many motorists who don't realize we have as much right to be out there on the road as they do.

Be safe out there

Colleen

[Mr. Bloom]

I've struggled with this issue, but I've determined that it is safer to take the lane earlier rather than later.

[Running Mommy]

Mom of 4- You absolutely did the right thing. THEY were in the wrong! Esp since you were clearly signalling! I wish they made helmets with cameras that we could hit a button and snap a picture of the cars when they pull that crap! Now THAT would be a worthwhile invention!!