I got hit (right hand turner)

[DebTX]

I'm so glad you're okay - and I CANNOT believe that this man did not get ot of his vehicle horrified that he'd hit someone. I'd be hyperventilating if it were me behind the wheel. Even if the cyclist was ok, which thank god you were, my mind would run amuk with what-if scenarios.

So I think he's an absolute jerk!

Ditto what everyone's said on filing a police report. See if it's possible to file one now. The purposes are many - first, it's useful if you later have to file an insurance claim for your bike. Also, who's to say this guy doesn't do this twice a week? With no reports on file, the police could never see the pattern. We've got some wierdos in Austin who I swear are looking for opporutnities to hit cyclists.

Bottom line - thank god you're ok. It's a big deal to get hit, so allow yourself time to settle down. If you feel frazzled, it's normal and it will pass.

I'm so sorry this happened to you!
Deb

[pardes]

It's completely outrageous that many motorists consider bikers and pedestrians as almost subhuman things there to make their life difficult and that all fault lies with anything but a big metal container on the road hurling itself through space and demanding to be recognized as the ultimate thing with any rights.

The guy is a jerk and his photo should be posted in the dictionary as defining the word, "JERK."

I'm so glad you are not hurt in a serious way but that doesn't mean that the spirit of all human beings hasn't been injured by this atrocity of human idiocy. I suppose all we can do is continue to ride the roads in a lawful, polite way and hope our positive energy is contagious to all vehicles.

[suzieqtwa]

Thanks for everyone's concern.
Susan , obviously I don't know my rights as a cyclist. I guess if I commute in such bad traffic all the time knowing my rights should have been something I knew. I will get on that sight ,and get the book sent to me. Thanks
Lisa...ya ,for as old ,and skinny I as I am, I'm sure lucky that I haven't been hurt more seriously in all my accidents.
Biker Jo...as far as the blinker ,and him passing me ,I'm not sure he did, as the traffic really gets backed up. I was just thinking right before I got hit ,that I would probably be getting home quicker on a bike than if I drove. Plus it was twilight (not dark ,and not light)...the worst time to see someone.
Yes, there is a false sense of security when you are in your bike lane. I have had so many close calls where the driver didn't even know that he almost ran into me.
I could always file a report with the police ,but it was dark ,and the only info I have is the piece of paper on which the guy un willingly gave me his address ,and #. He didn't even come close to me...mostly stared ,and when I asked for his information he just stood there. I do wish I could have done things different ,but Ill just chalk it up to experience. Its done ,and there is no damage to the bike ,or me. I'm not going to beat my self up about it anymore.

[Grog]

I'm SO glad there's no serious harm done to you.

Definitely do NOT beat yourself down for that.

How pathetic: "I had my signal on." Based on what he said after ("So I have to look to the right even if I have my signal on?!"), I'm thinking it's totally possible that the signal was not even on but he thought it was a good defense for himself. "I had my signal on." So?

Not that it would have helped with this air-head, but in the near future I would encourage you to have lights on your bike and to have them pretty much at all times in the winter, especially here in the PNW. And a lot of reflectors. It seems that we're taken more seriously by law-enforcement personnel if we are pushing diligence to new limits.

Heal well and take it easy...

[Trekhawk]

Sorry to hear about your accident. The girls are right dont beat yourself up about your reaction after the accident Im sure you were in shock I know I would have been.

Glad to hear you are ok but take things easy for awhile and get plenty of rest.