When I lived in Arizona there were nice bike lanes and even nicer canal trails so I could bike recreationally about 10-60 miles in relative safety. But I discovered nothing angers a motorist more than having to yield to a bicyclist, even for one second of braking.
My last incident I was struck from behind by a negligent driver while traveling in the bike lane, and dragged along the street. The driver stopped and tried to assault me laying helpless in the street, but bystanders intervened. Cops investigated. They tried to say it was my fault because of lighting, until I pointed out my bike's two powerful headlights, taillights, reflectors, and that the street lighting for a hundred yards in any direction was bright enough to read by. The damage to my bike and his car was consistent with my story. I got a free attorney consult and discovered auto insurance normally would pay approximately 3 times my medical expenses. My suggestion is to record all expenses, maybe some future compensation will help. It is in many ways a PTSD type of injury with lasting effects. I got $3500 and a new bike - paid from his policy. It wasn't enough, but better than nothing. After a couple of years the nightmares of being helplessly dragged finally went away. And to all of us, please remember no cyclist can possibly cause a substantial delay, so keep a cool head and a sharp eye. Now I still use horns, lights, reflectors, bright apparel, cell phone, etc. I've added pepper spray (dog and human strength), a small steel object designed to destroy auto windows (in case I have to rescue a motorist)... and much more. All legal and backed by proper training, of course. Don't Mess With Texas -- Happy Trails, Texdance -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
