witnessed 1st bike collision last night

[sime]

Strange, I have been riding 11 yrs and last night, for the 1st time with my own eyes, I saw a rider go down (well over a car and then down).

1st up: the rider was ok. In shock, along with the car driver, but unhurt. Put that down to the fact he wasn't speeding, and had washed off some speed by the time he impacted. And he T-boned the car on the rear quarter, not the other way 'round thank god. Plus, he had protective gear on.

2. It was a crash scenario more experienced riders would be aware of. Stationary cars facing a green light but keeping the intersection clear, rider comes through the middle, car turns into his path (failing to give way to oncoming traffic). If he was really concentrating, he'd have stopped his bike in time (an RGV 250 - 140kgs with twin discs up front). I know that sounds harsh but it never ceases to amaze me how unfamiliar some riders are with their bike's braking abilities. In any case, the braking he did do probably saved him an injury.

3. The driver used the old chestnut: "i didn't see him..." Err, that would be because YOU WEREN'T LOOKING (hard enough)....

Well anyway, always look out for that situation. I have a mate who lost his leg in almost the same scenario.

Winter is almost over here . Ride safe everyone....

[LayinLo]

good reminder

[SDSUsnowboards]

I saw the EXSACT same scenario some years ago. Same situation, same collision place... The guy flew up 8 verticle ft at least, and landed hard. He only suffered a broken nose, collar bone, and something else I forgot but otherwise doing well. Full safety gear but wearing denim pants. Freaked me out for the longest time about bikes.

[sime]

I hate riding in traffic. It seems every second morning I wake up and hear that a motorcyclist is injured or killed on the way to work.

I reckon drivers in Melbourne have become worse. I blame mobile phones, cup holders and all those safety features that car drivers use an an excuse to drive like there's no tomorrow.

Reminds me of a great quote from a driving instructor in a doco I once saw: "Imagine if there was a huge spike sticking out from your steering wheel instead of an airbag. I bet you wouldn't follow the car in front to closely then...."

[007]

I agree, traffic in a big city is a rider's nightmare. So many rude and stupid people driving big SUVs... For a rider, it's like warzone. I actually changed my commuting hours, so I can avoid the biggest part of the rush hour traffic.

[87gsxrnut]

Welcome to the club.

- Nut

[KatanaMatt]

I actually thought that was going to be the case as well. Living in Dallas especially, where every other night on the news is a story of somebody killed in a case of road rage. But I've actually found that riding in the big city is no different than riding out in the country. I always make sure to have a safety cushion on all four sides of me when I'm riding. I flash my brake at the lights. I wear a bright colored jacket and have a bright helmet. I haven't had a single problem riding in the city. There's morons all over the world, but I find that if I keep my distance from them, they leave me alone. If there's not space around me, I create it.

[stevie c]

On the plus side it is always better to be taught a lesson that you can get up and walk away from.

Better than a lesson that kills you!