Sorry...mini vent

[Medianox]

BleekerSt_Girl:
The only reason I think I was in the "zone" in the door incident was that I unconsciously moved over a bit to the right when I heard the vehicle behind me, and stayed in that area of the lane after he passed. I don't believe I was trying to be any safer or more courteous than usual. The sound of a truck coming up behind me can still make me nervous and I moved over slightly-an act of inexperiance, and now I know first hand, a dangerous one at that.
Please let me state that, yes, I am pretty new to riding in traffic (only having been on the road on my bike for 6 months now) but I am cautious and alert. I ride an average of at least 4 days a week 8-20 miles each time so I am out there on the road. I am an ICU RN and have seen the effects of bike vs car accidents many times and have no desire to become a statistic. In my town (Manteca,pop. 60,000 near Modesto, CA.-good size but not particularly bike friendly) drivers are not used to people riding bikes in the street-they would much prefer to have them on the sidewalk-so it is a matter of education for everyone. I use hand signals, wear a helmet and gloves and have lights on my bike and helmet. Dismounting and walking through intersections-I do that too, though not this specific time. Why? Not sure, but the signal is short there and I wanted to get all the way across since there was more traffic than usual there and I didnt want to be partway across when it changed. I try to be visible at all times wear bright clothing and I *do* expect cars to do the wrong thing...I just didn't expect to have close calls two days in a row.
Thanks for the links and the words of wisdom. There is always something to be learned from situations like this, by being alert, avoiding accidents and educating others one small part of the world can become a safer place for everyone.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Medianox,
I'm glad you are alert to such safety issues.
Here's to us all getting better and better at keeping ourselves safe!
Even if you knew the defensive biking techniques already, hopefully someone else who doesn't yet might learn something from reading this thread too.
Thanks for letting me put it out here.

[salsabike]

BleekerSt_Girl:
The only reason I think I was in the "zone" in the door incident was that I unconsciously moved over a bit to the right when I heard the vehicle behind me, and stayed in that area of the lane after he passed. I don't believe I was trying to be any safer or more courteous than usual. The sound of a truck coming up behind me can still make me nervous and I moved over slightly-an act of inexperiance, and now I know first hand, a dangerous one at that.
Please let me state that, yes, I am pretty new to riding in traffic (only having been on the road on my bike for 6 months now) but I am cautious and alert. I ride an average of at least 4 days a week 8-20 miles each time so I am out there on the road. I am an ICU RN and have seen the effects of bike vs car accidents many times and have no desire to become a statistic. In my town (Manteca,pop. 60,000 near Modesto, CA.-good size but not particularly bike friendly) drivers are not used to people riding bikes in the street-they would much prefer to have them on the sidewalk-so it is a matter of education for everyone. I use hand signals, wear a helmet and gloves and have lights on my bike and helmet. Dismounting and walking through intersections-I do that too, though not this specific time. Why? Not sure, but the signal is short there and I wanted to get all the way across since there was more traffic than usual there and I didnt want to be partway across when it changed. I try to be visible at all times wear bright clothing and I *do* expect cars to do the wrong thing...I just didn't expect to have close calls two days in a row.
Thanks for the links and the words of wisdom. There is always something to be learned from situations like this, by being alert, avoiding accidents and educating others one small part of the world can become a safer place for everyone.

What a nicely said post, Medianox.