Suzie,

I'm so sorry you had a bad experience, and hope you heal up soon!!

There are very few "accidents". This was a collision, caused by a motorist who failed to yield the right of way to another road user, namely YOU. The driver could have been cited for failure to yield to a cyclist in a bike lane, at a minimum.

I'd suggest you get a copy of Ray Thomas' book explaining your rights as a cyclist in Oregon. Contact the BTA (Bicycle Transporation Alliance - bta4bikes.org) and they can get you a copy. Ray also does periodic FREE legal clinics for cyclists down at the BTA office. You DO have rights, and it's important for you to know them (as well as your responsibilities).

Finally, even though it's after the fact, please call the Beaverton Police Dept and report the incident. Even though you are not injured (or at least you think you aren't) traffic and collision data is critical to the police and community activists when trying to assess the safety or danger of our streets. If these types of collisions do not get reported, our streets appear safer than they are, and fools like this get away with this sort of maneuver repeatedly.

One last thing - this wasn't your fault. Don't beat yourself up over it.

Susan
(BTA Board Member)