Long term bikers...

Most everyone I know believes that it's only a matter of time before a biker gets hit by a car.  If you bike long enough, you'll get hit- that's the belief.  Thoughts?  After 15 years of biking I was hit last summer...  I think there's a good chance the driver was texting or using a cell phone, as I've seen it countless, countless times while out and about.  I was in the bike lane, moving in the direction of traffic.

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Permalink Reply by Thomas Pakenas on March 1, 2012 at 8:01am

If it does happen:

1. Call 911 and make a police report.

2. Simply state the facts, do not admit fault.

3. Gather witness information.

4. When in doubt, seek medical attention.

5. Contact an attorney familiar with bicycle litigation. www.illinoisbikeattorneys.com

Permalink Reply by tmacz on March 1, 2012 at 8:12am

i like to assume motorists don't see me, and would rather pretend to not see me, that way I am on high alert mode...I have averted being hit since; however, in my younger years I hit cars multiple times due to my wreckless behaviours...

Permalink Reply by Vilda on March 1, 2012 at 8:23am

It's an inevitability. We share the road with HUGE pieces of metal and plastic that are being navigated by 15-100 year old sacks of flesh that usually have the attention span of hummingbird, the anger issues of an abused pit bull, and the driving skill of a manic hyena (sloth for the really old folks.)

Try and be safe, and have fun. Life is to short to worry about this.

Permalink Reply by djm on March 1, 2012 at 8:31am

Although it could happen on the way home tonight, I have not collided with a car in 40+ years of riding.  You dont control all the variables but I think you can maximize your safety by staying alert, riding carefully and minimizing assumptions about what other vehicles will do.

Permalink Reply by Tim S on March 1, 2012 at 10:15am

There is a chance every time you climb out of bed in the AM you will not get back into it ever again.

I was hit once 25+ years ago guess I have had a few close calls in the past but if you ride appropriate for conditions like driving you should be pretty safe.


Tackle Montrose Ave again, when you feel up to it.

Permalink Reply by Zoetrope on March 1, 2012 at 10:24am

2 questions:  How long is 'long enough'?  What's the point of this thread?  

  

Permalink Reply by Karen Soderlind on March 1, 2012 at 10:36am

I've had 3 close calls...I had the right of way and all 3 were on their cell phones.

Permalink Reply by Active Transportation Alliance on March 1, 2012 at 10:41am

It's also worth calling our Crash Support Hotline 312.869.4357 (HELP) www.activetrans.org/crashsupport.

We're there to help in dealing with crashes.

Thanks,

Ethan Spotts, Active Trans

Thomas Pakenas said:

If it does happen:

1. Call 911 and make a police report.

2. Simply state the facts, do not admit fault.

3. Gather witness information.

4. When in doubt, seek medical attention.

5. Contact an attorney familiar with bicycle litigation. www.illinoisbikeattorneys.com

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on March 1, 2012 at 12:25pm

+1

iggi said:

#4 is the key in all this.

Kevin C said:

1. I absolutely believe that it can happen. 

2. I don't believe it's inevitable.

3. If someone believes it's inevitable, I'd question why they do it.

4. Because of 1. above, I try to minimize risks within my control.

5. I've never been hit by a car.

Permalink Reply by Mike Zumwalt on March 2, 2012 at 5:44am
Probabilty? Does riding more increase your chances (of being hit) or make you a better rider?
Permalink Reply by Melanie K on March 2, 2012 at 6:25am

+1

Anne Alt said:

+1

iggi said:

#4 is the key in all this.

Kevin C said:

1. I absolutely believe that it can happen. 

2. I don't believe it's inevitable.

3. If someone believes it's inevitable, I'd question why they do it.

4. Because of 1. above, I try to minimize risks within my control.

5. I've never been hit by a car.

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