today's close call

[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!

[DDH]

That is so scary!!! I don't think I know what I'd do if someone hit me. I'm afraid I would be a real be-atch out of shear shock!!
That is if I was in good enough shape to still act that way.

I'm glad you are okay. Like everyone else I try to watch out and follow the rules, but you just never know when someone else isn't doing the same.


We all make mistakes, I am sure the driver was mortified about hitting you. I just hope if a driver, or myself makes a mistake when I am riding that it is a smaller one and not a great big OWIE one.

[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