today's close call

[mimitabby]

I'm just glad I was wearing my helmet, like I always do; and that it was a low-speed, low-impact crash. Nam myoho renge kyo!

I am glad you are okay, too! what does Nam myoho renge kyo mean?

The other day I was approaching a red light... I could see that the opposing traffic light (a highway offramp) was turning from green to amber ... to red. I had the choice to keep slowly rolling (into the intersection) so i didn't have to stop to get off the bike. I chose to stop. Just then a gravel truck came barreling up the ramp and right across MY path, and the light was red. I would be dead. No doubts.

The moral of the story: you are on a 20 pound bike. DO NOT EVER ASSUME THEY SEE YOU.

[chickwhorips]

glad to hear your ok and the gentalman was resposible.

have fun bike shopping!

[momof4greatkids]

I am glad you are okay, too! what does Nam myoho renge kyo mean?

The other day I was approaching a red light... I could see that the opposing traffic light (a highway offramp) was turning from green to amber ... to red. I had the choice to keep slowly rolling (into the intersection) so i didn't have to stop to get off the bike. I chose to stop. Just then a gravel truck came barreling up the ramp and right across MY path, and the light was red. I would be dead. No doubts.

The moral of the story: you are on a 20 pound bike. DO NOT EVER ASSUME THEY SEE YOU.

I'm so glad you're OK!

"nam yoho renge kyo" I first heard in the Beatles tune "nothing's gonna change my world". I think it's some type of gregorian chant?

I don't even take for granted anymore that cars will stop at a red light when I'm crossing in the crosswalk. A motorist screeched to a halt halfway through the intersection and smiling real wide, looked at me and said "I didn't even see the light"...........I mumbled something very unkind under my breath. Gotta make that eye contact and make sure they actually see you!

Colleen

[kellichou]

nam myoho renge kyo is a Buddhist chant. It's the title of the Lotus Sutra, a text considered by many to be an ultimate Buddhist teaching. It also means, "I dedicate my life to the mystic law of cause and effect through sound [chanting]." In my Buddhist practice, chanting this phrase is a way to raise one's life condition, and get in rhythm with the universe/life.

Because I'm so grateful I wasn't badly injured, it's my little "thank goodness!" and thanks to the universe.

I am surprised--I always thought that bike path riding was safer than riding on the street.

Although now that I think about it, perhaps it would be safer to ride down this street "like a car" and proceed directly with the light and flow of traffic to the state park's entrance!

I wish I wasn't so scared to ride in the street! Any words of wisdom? Thanks, Ladies!

[Grog]

I wish I wasn't so scared to ride in the street! Any words of wisdom? Thanks, Ladies!

Here is THE best source:

http://bicyclesafe.com/

Good luck, and hang in there.

[Artisan]

These are always the hardest threads for me to read. I contemplate whether or not to read them because I have such a fear of auto/bike accidents. I for the most part do end up reading them because I know I can always learn from others experiences. I'm so glad to hear you are ok and that the motorist is being responsible.

[Kathi]

Kellichou,

Do you have a DBTC (Denver Bicycle Touring Club) map? If not you can pick up one at your local bike shop. The map shows low traffic streets, bike lanes and paths around the Denver area.

My experience in Denver has been that motorists are used to seeing bicyclists in bike lanes and are more courteous. They may or may not be aware of you when you are crossing from a bike path.

However, this does not excuse the motorist who hit you. Colorado law requires motorists to yield to those in crosswalks.

Regardless, I still wait to make sure the motorist sees me before I enter the intersection.

[Duck on Wheels]

A ton or two of steel always makes me a bit nervous, whether I'm on my bike, on foot, or driving that ton. My route to work goes mostly on bike paths that are a marked section of the sidewalk. I tend to do the crossings on foot, because that lets me stop quicker when drivers look straight at me and keep on going. Eye contact is a must, but still no guarantee! Luckily, most of the instersections I go through have bike and pedestrian underpasses, so I don't have to dismount all that often.

Good to hear you're only a bit scraped and bruised. Good that the driver took repsonsibility (too late, but still ...) and will cover your repair costs. Good that you're able to get back in harmony with the universe (and back on your new bike without being overly nervous). Stay safe out there!

[kellichou]

Kellichou,

Do you have a DBTC (Denver Bicycle Touring Club) map? If not you can pick up one at your local bike shop. The map shows low traffic streets, bike lanes and paths around the Denver area.

Yes, Kathi, I do have a DBTC map, and it's the best! It was my most helpful tool in planning my commute route.

I was following the posted route for bike & ped traffic to the state park (to keep peds/bikes away from a very congested part of a busy intersection). There's bikes there all the time!

Great advice, though (and one that I typically follow) is stopping and making absolutely certain the motorist is stopped. I was in a hurry that morning, and look where it got me. :P