Got rear-ended by a cab (minor)

[PamNY]

I was stopped in traffic and just coming off the bike today when a cab bumped me. It was a minor bump -- he was letting a passenger out, and I think his foot just slipped on the brake. Still, it was enough to knock me off the bike and I have two lovely skinned knees.

I don't think he realized he'd hit me, and he just drove away when I told him. I didn't have time to report it but I got his medallion number so I may check on what I can do after the fact. Note to self: add pen and paper to bike bag. I had to call a friend to write down the medallion number and location.

I've never been hit by a car before, and I wondered if I'd feel nervous coming home, but I didn't.

ETA: I was wearing tights which I normally don't, but I really felt like it protected my knees. If I'd been wearing my usual woven nylon, loose capris, I think there would be no skin left on my knees. Is this a reasonable supposition?

Pam

[Aquila]

I'm glad you weren't hurt worse. (I have no idea about how hard you hit to skin your knees, though.)

Take good care. And do call the police. Hit and run is serious.

[tctrek]

Wow - hard to believe he just drove away! You could have been seriously injured. So glad it's just skinned knees and you are ok!

[Tri Girl]

Wow- I'm glad you're OK. That's very scary! I can't believe he just drove away, but good for you for getting his medallion #. Definitely report it to both the cab company and the police. I don't know what, if any, action they'll take- but once you report it, it's out of your hands and you did the right thing.
Again- glad you're OK!!

[OakLeaf]

Yow! So glad it wasn't worse! Definitely report it!

And yes - lycra does protect your skin. That's why racers have to wear sleeves.

[sfa]

Wow! A tiny bit more force and that could have been much worse--I'm glad you weren't seriously injured. Good for you for having the presence of mind to get his medallion number! Definitely call and report it.

Sarah

[Trek420]

Wow. Both the driver and the passenger sped off? I'd see a Dr and replace the helmet. Even if you don't think you hit your head it might have touched the pavement.

[PamNY]

I called the city's non-emergency number to report the incident, and it will be handled as a reckless driving complaint through the Taxi & Limousine Commission.

I'm pleased about this -- TLC has a good reputation, and I will at least get something on record for this driver. I'm going to have my knees photographed in case there's a hearing. The taxi GPS system should have a record of the driver's location, which will corroborate my report.

The employee who took my complaint was a cyclist, and a literate one as well. He read back his report to me and it was perfect. We talked about Treks while his computer dawdled.

It's time for a new helmet anyway, and I'm now a big fan of biking tights. Oh, and gloves.

[bmccasland]

PamNY - how are your knees and other body parts? My "little bump" resulted in torn ligaments. I'm sure you'd know by now if you're really hurt - any uncooperative parts? Or more uncooperative than normal?

Glad you're OK and were able to report it. And glad to hear you were taken seriously. How lucky the person on the other end was a cyclist as well!

[PamNY]

Beth, all the body parts seem okay. I did an easy, flat ride of twenty miles yesterday, so I must be okay.

I have learned from reading here that injuries can be worse than they appear to be at first! Looks like I was lucky this time.

[PamNY]

Got the paperwork from the Taxi and Limousine Commission today.

It is so not a good idea for a taxi driver to hit someone who lives around the corner from the place where they hold the hearings.

[Biciclista]

good for you. keep us posted

[runningteach]

I'm glad you are OK.