Close Call

[Arcrist]

So im riding along at about 35mph when a school bus stops ahead. A few cars in front of me stopped fast and I had to really apply the brakes hard and use the engine to slow down fast. The guy tailing me (in his four door) locks the brakes and skids to a stop inches from my back tire. A cloud of smoke flys by and I realized I could have been sent for a flight lol. I wanted to "brush" the dust off my back fender but the guy might not have liked that. It wasnt my fault though, he was too close, i stopped just fine.

[DOGBONE]

Glad your OK, safe riding!

[SuzukiBD]

I could see where this type of scenario happens a lot. Car drivers don't realize how fast we can stop, especially using the engine to help brake. As soon as I heard him lock up, I would have tried to pull off to the side (not so gracefully I'm sure.)

Glad to hear all is well with you.

[Arcrist]

Originally Posted by SuzukiBD

I could see where this type of scenario happens a lot. Car drivers don't realize how fast we can stop, especially using the engine to help brake. As soon as I heard him lock up, I would have tried to pull off to the side (not so gracefully I'm sure.)

Glad to hear all is well with you.

Yeah but it happened so fast, I was already at a stop if i remember correctly when the guy behind me locked the brakes. I suppose it would be easier to just jump off the bike and dive schwarzenegger style.

[robertc729]

It's rough when you get into an quick stop situation and someone is traveling too closely behind you, glad you weren't hurt.

[Alex13]

That sucks. A school bus hit me in my car once like that. My head jerked and I looked back, and thought, "did that really just hit me?"

[05HDRAM]

That's why you need to stay in gear and watch the mirrors. More than one time I took a quick trip onto the shoulder to save my butt. If the driver in the car panics and get's tunnel vision, they will drive into what they are watching. I think being a good cycle rider improves your general driving skills, cause you tend to pay more attnetion than the avaerage joe.

[pinky44]

It also helps if you feel that the vehical behind you is too close, to use the front brake lightly every once in a while, Tends to make them back off.

[Don M50limited]

Whenever I've been in quick stop situations like that, I aim for the side of the cars in front of me. Not that I need the extra room for stopping but it gets me out of the lane more in case those behind me can't get stopped fast enough.

Glad you're alright.

[tricker]

Originally Posted by pinky44

It also helps if you feel that the vehical behind you is too close, to use the front brake lightly every once in a while, Tends to make them back off.

and i thought i was just paranoid when i did something similar to that...

[Arcrist]

i usually do that when im expecting a stop shortly ahead, but in this case, i didnt have time, atleast i used both brakes and the engine to slow down, I read that most people only use one brake when they are in panic.

[SNAFU]

Originally Posted by Arcrist

So im riding along at about 35mph when a school bus stops ahead. A few cars in front of me stopped fast and I had to really apply the brakes hard and use the engine to slow down fast. The guy tailing me (in his four door) locks the brakes and skids to a stop inches from my back tire. A cloud of smoke flys by and I realized I could have been sent for a flight lol. I wanted to "brush" the dust off my back fender but the guy might not have liked that. It wasnt my fault though, he was too close, i stopped just fine.

I'm sad to say this probably won't be the last time this happens. I've also had a few close calls with cagers pulling out right in front of you, cutting you off, running red lights etc.

I thought it was just a saying but it's true. "Ride like they don't see you." or was it "Ride like they are trying to kill you."?

[profane]

Originally Posted by Arcrist

i usually do that when im expecting a stop shortly ahead, but in this case, i didnt have time, atleast i used both brakes and the engine to slow down, I read that most people only use one brake when they are in panic.

Should be using both.

I'm sad to say this probably won't be the last time this happens. I've also had a few close calls with cagers pulling out right in front of you, cutting you off, running red lights etc.

I thought it was just a saying but it's true. "Ride like they don't see you." or was it "Ride like they are trying to kill you."?

I ride like Im trying to be killed. It's reverse psychology. Nothing goes wrong this way, other than a few tailgaters. They hate me when it's said and done!

[digitalbroccoli]

this idea of "using the brakes and the engine" to stop confuses the heck out of me. The binders will stop the bike a heck of a lot faster than the engine braking will, and pulling the clutch avoids the potential if stalling in a situation where you may need to get back on the gas quickly. (i.e. when darting onto the side of the car in front of you might avoid being rear ended)

I would think that in that same situation it would be safer to grab the brakes, and the clutch and get downshifted in case you need to move out of the way..wouldn't it?

[tolsten82]

I agree with Digi, thats what I was taught in my safety course. Grab the clutch, use both breaks and down shift when you get the chance in case you need to move out of the way fast.

[SuzukiBD]

Originally Posted by profane

Should be using both.




I ride like Im trying to be killed. It's reverse psychology. Nothing goes wrong this way, other than a few tailgaters. They hate me when it's said and done!

I'm the same way. For the tailgaters, if they don't back off after a couple taps on the brake, I pull over and let them go by. I'll be the first to admit I'm not the fastest rider out there. Speed is not the reason I'm on the bike. I'm trying to learn the fine line of being hyper-alert at all times for the "killers" out there but also relaxed enough to enjoy the ride. So far, the relaxing part is not there. If it's not traffic, it's the wildlife and if it's not wildlife it's the crappy road surfaces.

[profane]

Yeah downshifting would be a touch important.