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Because I honestly have no idea how many times I've crossed the street, but I've never been hit. Just a fortnight ago, a driver undertook (should not in highwa
by TheAnimus 13y ago
Because I honestly have no idea how many times I've crossed the street, but I've never been hit.
Just a fortnight ago, a driver undertook (should not in highway code) a right turning van (UK) entering a bus lane during restricted hours (must not in highway code) and directly pulled in to my immediate path (must not in highway code). I had to take some avoiding action, it was a choice between his van, or trying to squeeze to the left of him between the pavement. I choose the pavement. I hit the ground with a total speed of at most 4mph. My rucksack hit the ground first, this is what happened to my phone: http://imgur.com/a1jqN9T.JPG http://imgur.com/a1jqN9T.JPG . Keep in mind this nokia had happily survived worse injuries. Hell see their youtube channel for the stress tests. The point is the angle of the accident and force I had were a perfect storm, my dlock moved and smashed everything, my washkit was demolished, even the metal anti-perspirant can was crushed.
The driver didn't even stop.
I am not an unsafe cyclist, I follow the rules of the highway code, I'm head to toe in good commuting clothing, my idea of a bank holiday is 200 miles of cycling on the continent or wales. I never have headphones in, always wear corrective vision sports glasses, I have an advanced driving license, rather than just the standard british one, I also have a pilots license. I have good spatial awareness and do not take unnecessary risks. In the last 4 years, I have been knocked off 3 times. I have bailed off (ie jumped voluntarily because I can't stop to avoid hitting someone) 5 times, once, cutting up my face rather badly, ruining the helmet completely, I've no idea what would have happened if I wasn't wearing it. Same goes with my shorts, 15mph on tarmac is not good.
I have also had to crash into a very kind mans car, because someone "couldn't see me", they then left the scene of the accident, the police didn't do anything as I only had a partial number plate.
When I cycle in London, and I'm doing 30 miles a day, I'll wear a helmet, I'll consider anyone who has headphones in which is sadly now a common site, a complete idiot (its illegal in some countries, but not UK).
I have also first responded to two accidents involving bikes.
So lets re-cap. Amount of times spent walking the streets, lots. Amount of accidents, 0. Amount of time spent cycling, lots. Amount of accidents, too many.