Please, please be careful

[DeniseGoldberg]

This may sound a bit strange, but in these cases I am an advocate of taking the lane. Period...

I'm with you on that behavior Grog - thanks for reminding us! I ride as far to the right as I feel is safe, but there are situations - especially coming up on intersections - where I also will take the lane.

--- Denise

[SpinSis]

What a scary story (and set of stories). I hope that woman recovers well. Commuting on Boston city streets sounds like Auckland...I always have to be on the alert. But whether I am in the suburbs or city, I do just as Grog suggested. I own the lane that represents the direction I want to turn...especially if it is a left turn (or crossing traffic). I smile, I gester largely, and put on my best "I mean business" look. And on city streets where there are parking spots--I always ride well outside of them, even when there are no cars parked. I want to stay visible rather then suddenly pull pack out with each parked car.

On a related note, I am constantly amazed at this time of year by the college-student-summer-residents of the city who ride bikes with flip flops, no helmets, and ear phones. They seem to assume that the bike lanes in Cambridge mean they will be safe...even though those lanes are filled with debris, manholes, and opening doors. Does it always have to take an accident for people to learn?

-s