So I got hit again today...

This is the third time in the past year I've gotten a love tap from a car. Always on Milwaukee Ave... this one by Division... car just turned at the last moment from a parking spot and I swerved to avoid him then when I was in front of him I turned back into the bike lane and he came out of nowhere and hit me... not strong enough to do any damage.

I think the thing that pisses me off the most is when drivers aren't COMPLETELY beside themselves with remorse after a run-in. I HATE when they look at you and just kind of shrug their shoulders. If I ever hit a bike or a pedestrian I would immediately be out of the car and on my knees begging forgiveness.

A couple months ago I was riding and a guy "nudged" me into the curb trying to turn right in front of me - I finally stopped and he ended up running over my foot. Oddly enough no broken bones ... but again the driver was pissed that I tracked him down to yell at him.

I get so mad, but there's no where for it to go. I see other cyclists pounding on cars... but all I do is yell and flail my arms about I just wish they were more sorrowful. There's always that moment where I think "How much of a scene am I going to make here..."

Maybe after every time I get hit from now on I should get a copy/pic of their licence or threaten to call the cops - so I can publicly shame them here.

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Permalink Reply by Louie Louie on November 21, 2014 at 3:51am

Sorry to hear that.  I usually don't make a deal out of things but I've had to call the cops twice after being hit.  Both times there was damage to my bike so I had to get an accident report.  I guess you should always get their info if you can or at least like you said take a pic of their license plate.  Maybe it's time to start using a video camera for your commute?

Permalink Reply by Jaik S. on November 21, 2014 at 6:49am

I had a hit and run @ Milwaukee & Wood earlier this year. The turned into the back of my bike, snapping the clip on my Ortlieb pannier. After I reseated the bag as best I could, I chased him about eight blocks. He was weaving in and out of side streets to "avoid traffic". First thing I did when I caught up to him was take a picture of his plate. Second, got up to the side of the vehicle, and yelled at them to stop because they had hit me. They stopped, both yelled, and the driver got back in and drove off. His son stayed and berated me while waiting for the police. The cops basically tried to have us come to an agreement, possibly so they wouldn't have to do the paperwork. The guy wouldn't accept what I had requested, and since his father didn't return within the 45 minutes it took to do the police report, it was marked as a hit and run. The guys wife contacted me two days later and said she would like to take care of it without going through insurance. I accepted her offer.

From accidents of the past and from advice of the Bicycle lawyers, I've learned that if you're hit even if you think it doesn't matter...you should always file a report. Always.

Permalink Reply by Juan 2-3 or more mi. on November 21, 2014 at 7:12am

Cagers are super lame.

Permalink Reply by Maurice on November 21, 2014 at 7:37am

Car pounding cyclist here.  If I think they're going to hit me, and I can't get out of the way (trapped by a curb or parked cars), I absolutely will hit them first.  Yelling often is ignored or subject to a delayed reaction, but a "boom" on their fender always stops them dead in their tracks.

 

Again, I only do this to avoid a collision.  Better their fender than my life.

Permalink Reply by Tristan on November 21, 2014 at 7:43am

Having been hit by a car I am sympathetic to this - but 3 in one year? Perhaps you need to ride a little more conservatively...

Permalink Reply by Kevin on November 21, 2014 at 8:55am

Absolutely. I always thought in the back of my head I'd break my accident-free streak one of two ways - either getting doored or something to do with a cab. Naturally I got doored by someone hopping out of a cab right in the middle of the street. The only thing keeping it from a really tragic story is that I was coming up to a red light and was only going 5 MPH, the door jamb of the cab clipped my left hand and I went down somewhat controlled.

I was furious, but felt OK and wanted to get home so I left without seeking a report. When I got home and removed my gloves I figured out why I was having trouble making a fist - my pinky was a literal zigzagged mess. My glove even had paint from the cab at the impact point. Having insurance kept this in the expensive lesson category, and not a serious financial issue.



Jaik S. said:

From accidents of the past and from advice of the Bicycle lawyers, I've learned that if you're hit even if you think it doesn't matter...you should always file a report. Always.

Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on November 21, 2014 at 10:12am

I see nothing wrong with making a scene. Doing nothing emboldens them more, and they will continue their evil ways. A scene makes them realize that there are consequences to their actions.

Permalink Reply by Asper K on November 21, 2014 at 2:59pm

3 in one year??? I've been hit by a car never.  And ride all the time.  Buy a mirror dude.

Permalink Reply by Mike Zumwalt on November 21, 2014 at 7:15pm


Exactly! I banged on the window of a cab who decide that he was going to turn right from the thru lane, last minute without a signal but again I guess he didn't see my blinking strobe light in his mirror. 
Maurice said:

Car pounding cyclist here.  If I think they're going to hit me, and I can't get out of the way (trapped by a curb or parked cars), I absolutely will hit them first.  Yelling often is ignored or subject to a delayed reaction, but a "boom" on their fender always stops them dead in their tracks.

 

Again, I only do this to avoid a collision.  Better their fender than my life.

Permalink Reply by Mike Zumwalt on November 21, 2014 at 7:18pm

I think he's talking about being parallel with or having a car overtake you, pass then slam on the brakes to turn only to stop and wait for traffic, pedestrians then being squeezed into the curb. And a mirror on your bike will let you see behind you but still won't keep a driver from making a sudden maneuver next to you.

Asper K said:

3 in one year??? I've been hit by a car never.  And ride all the time.  Buy a mirror dude.

Permalink Reply by Tom A.K. on November 21, 2014 at 10:35pm
http://bicyclesafe.com/

How to not get hit by cars. - Good article - by Michael Bluejay
Permalink Reply by Asper K on November 22, 2014 at 12:41pm

I meant a mirror at home to take a look at yourself and consider if you're riding too aggressively.  Being right by the law not enough in car vrs bike scenario.  Just be careful anyways..Good luck

Mike Zumwalt said:

I think he's talking about being parallel with or having a car overtake you, pass then slam on the brakes to turn only to stop and wait for traffic, pedestrians then being squeezed into the curb. And a mirror on your bike will let you see behind you but still won't keep a driver from making a sudden maneuver next to you.

Asper K said:

3 in one year??? I've been hit by a car never.  And ride all the time.  Buy a mirror dude.

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