Rec it up for us bikers.

[flamin lib]

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x5946062

Inspired because as I rode to work yesterday I stopped a a stop sign and like always moved to the far right hand side of the lane to allow an escape route in case somebody gets rear ended. The SUV behind me pulled up adjacent to me as if I were parked on the shoulder. I had to have a few words with the driver if ya' know what I mean . . .

[Haole Girl]

1. People are f*ing crazy...

as if we aren't even on the road. Yesterday, while slowing down to turn into my neighborhood, a truck came within 1 foot of me because they couldn't slow down for a couple of seconds. WTF is the matter with these people? :-(

[flamin lib]

2. Yeah, they are. Lane sharing is an issue that we all experience.

Ya' just gotta drive like a fighter pilot, always on the watch for bogeys left, right and on your six. Sometimes it interferes with just enjoying the scenery and the ride but it's a small price to pay to keep bike and body intact.

[MGKrebs]

3. I have noticed a distinct difference since I got a yellow jacket.

Not that there aren't still "incidents", but I used to wear black leather all the time, and I'm beginning to think a lot of drivers tune them out somehow.

[flamin lib]

4. Visibility is a good thing.

I've added a headlight modulator to flash the headlight in daylight hours and wear a silver jacket. I've also added LED accent lights for better night visibility.

The Hurt report says that the larger a bike's forward profile is the fewer accidents it is involved in. Things like fairings, windshields, bright colors and anything else that might attract attention helps.

[Lowell]

5. I got run off the road

in May by some moron texting in a two ton suv. Ended up in the ditch. Fortunately it was at an intersection and I was only traveling about 10 mph, but it still did a couple thousand in damages to my bike, not to mention a busted kneecap. The asshole didn't even slow down.

I've been on two wheels since 1963 and no matter how careful you are, you can't account for the other guy.

I put about 500 miles a week on my bike and see this nonsense all the time. I used to pull tight to the right at intersections, not any more. I sit dead center. If you don't some fucking idiot is going to try to muscle you to the side and turn you into a puddle of grease.

[Robb]

6. I just wouldn't move that far over, frankly.

Part of the process is coexisting. Stop in the middle of the lane and they'll know what you're up to.

You're more likely to have someone pull next to you, as happened, than need that escape route to the right. Stay in the middle and point your bike, if you want to be ready to get out of the way. Straighten out when you take off.

Just a suggestion to think over. I've never had anyone slip up next to me in a car, although on the rally bike my head's just a little higher than people in an SUV -- more so if I'm standing -- and with the metal cans on the side I take up a good amount of lateral space. :)