For the second time in as many days I nearly was squished by a motorist...
Yesterday I just narrowly avoided getting "doored" by a woman as she opened her door into my lane-I try to ride at a safe distance from cars parked at the side but I had just been passed by a car and had moved over to the right when it happened. Thankfully, there was not another vehicle behind me as I swerved to miss hitting her door.
Today I got up a little late so I didn't go riding until 10 am and there are more cars around. I was on the bike trail, at an intersection of a busy 4 lane street...I unclipped one side, pushed the button to cross...waited until the light changed and started to ride across. I was going pretty fast because I know that signal doesn't last long and I had 4 lanes to cross...when I see a car coming in the last lane ahead of me...she did not slow down and I tried to hit the brakes and turn away and somehow we managed to not hit each other by a matter of inches. I nearly went over the handlebars and onto her hood! I got a very close look at her and made eye contact as she had her window down and she shouted, "SORRY!" at me...I yelled, "You idiot!" back at her (ok, ok, not one of my finest moments-but hey, I had just missed being splattered on her windshield).
I understand the risks entailed in cycling. I wear as much protective gear as I can and I know that I have to be more alert and make sure I am visible at all times but it is frustrating when you are doing all the right things (crossing with the proper signal, in the crosswalk) and someone runs the red light and almost nails you.
Sorry for the venting but thanks for listening!
Hope your miles are safe ones!