The Twilight Zone - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

D_Klein · 05-16-2007, 02:26 PM

Most riders know that crap can happen pretty easily in a parking lot, which is why I traverse them with utmost caution. Yesterday I was out to get lunch when a girl in a black car was making a U-turn in a three-way intersection within the parking lot. She paused after making the turn, at which point I approached the intersection with the intention of passing through. I had the right of way (which is a dangerous assumption for any motorcyclist), and the girl was essentially making a right-hand turn into the path I was traveling. I anticipated that she'd be turning in front of me (the smart assumption for any motorcyclist), and sure enough... she did. I blasted my horn and hit the brakes; she slammed on her brakes and I ended up right next to her. At that point, I executed my signature move of pointing to my eyes with my first and second fingers as if to say "watch what the hell you're doing!" I then directed her to proceed in front of me.

After parking, I looked around the lot to see if she'd be around so I could give her a brief education; but the car was gone. I went into Subway to order my lunch. After paying, I saw her walking into the restaurant. She approached me immediately.

"I'm sorry! I didn't see you. My dad rides a motorcycle, so..."
"I knew you wouldn't see me, which is why I didn't crash into you."
"I'm sorry."
"It's alright. As long as you remember to look next time, don't worry about it."

Usually I'm not so nice when giving someone an education on what NOT to do (i.e. interrupt the flow of traffic without making sure that there are no vehicles coming), but considering that she apologized immediately, there was no need for me to be offensive about it. After all, I've never received an apology before from someone who almost ran into me!