It seems to happen once every riding season, someone pulls right out in front of me and almost sends me to the promised land. This time is was some old geezer who probably shouldn't be driving anymore. Gosh it's annoying. If i hadn't been anticipating it (it's a fairly dangerous intersection) i probably would have gone down and been down hard, since the road has a 50mph speed limit. I had already slowed to about 35 mph and had my thumb hovering over the horn button so i was prepared. If you haven't taken a defensive riding course, i highly suggest it. They really help teach you how to read other drivers and anticipate things before they happen on top of the evasive riding techniques they teach.

Sorry guys, had to vent. Keep your eye out for the teenage girl driving-while-texting!

I had a close one recently as well. I pulled up to a light with a guy sitting in the left lane with his left turn signal on. I entered the right lane and signaled to turn right. After a couple of cars passed I started to turn just as the guy in the left lane decided he had waited long enough and turned right forcing me onto the tree lawn to avoid a collision.

I usually rev my engine a bit in traffic so people know I'm there but in this case I didn't. Lesson learned.

Now most people are quite apologetic when they almost hit me, but this butthole just sneered at me. I decided it wasn't worth getting pissed about and moved on.

next time that happens try putting a foot into the quarter panel as he drives by...I find riding boots are great for leaving a message...

markey said:

Yup because pissing off a person in a cage is always a good idea. One turn of the wheel and you're a gonner. You just never know how people are going to react, so starting a road rage battle is just plain stupid on a bike.

I'm sorry but while riding you kind of need to swallow your pride and be thankful it didn't turn out any worse.

Every time you throw a leg over your street bike get in the habit of saying to your self "I am now invisible" and you may survive another riding season.

I agree with Spicler -- don't let your anger allow you to become a hockey puck knocked into a guard rail. Live to ride another day.

[quote name='KWJams'] "I am now invisible"

There's tons of details to staying safe, but that is the one "major" principle that would keep a lot more riders alive if everyone practiced it.

Last thought of too many a deceased rider, " but he's looking right at me!!!!!" as the car turns into them.





[B]I agree with Spicler -- don't let your anger allow you to become a hockey puck knocked into a guard rail. Live to ride another day.[B]

True that. You wouldn't think you should spit on a guy that's leveling a gun at you, why would you think you should throw the "first punch" against 4-7,000 lbs of steel cage??????? :banghead:

it was a joke guys, relax...

be aware of everyone i almost got hit by a young town cop and yes he was texting...

Visibility!!! I try to wear my high Vis. construction coat or vest whenever possible. When wearing them, my close calls seem to be cut down by 75%.
May not be cool looking, but it does help. Pedestrians even notice me, even when they are on the sidewalk!!!!

piedralone said:

Yeah I really want to go ahead and get a high vis vest, along with a head light modulator. I think those two things will help out quite a bit.

markey said:

Well there is always someone who chimes in on one of these near miss threads with suggestions like ball bearings, marbles, confronting the person. So I will always reply with my opinion on starting road rage incidents.

I'm glad you were joking though...

piedralone said:

Very true, but also consider making the bike more visible. I had two dual sport bikes, and one was very problematic with people pulling out in front (nearly every ride!), and the other I never had it happen a single time over 15k miles on it.

Headlight is important, 45W minimum. Also try some reflective tape along your swingarm and the fork guards, you can get it in just about any color, and it makes the bike ultra visible in twilight.

I prefer to cover my bike in camo graphics...

I agree with the "pretend you are invisible" comment. Sometimes riding turns into nothing more than looking for the next hazard.

I like the driver that blows the red light by 5 seconds.

I saw one of those late red runners in front of me yesterday! :foul:

Install a headlight modulator - the one that pulses the high beam light bright/dim. It will greatly improve your visibility.

Ride assuming every other vehicle WANTS TO HIT YOU. You can do what you want to make yourself more visible, it helps but bottom line, you have to be ready. I have close to 40 years on road riding under my belt, 30 years were in the NYC metro area. I never even came close.
It is when you are complacent, enjoying the ride and assuming other people are being conscientious. Every single vehicle, moving or not, is planning to turn me into road pizza. I am always ready.