Nearly wiped out!

[Steve B]

On a short ride yesterday, just to spin the legs, I was almost taken out by a car turning right at a cross junction. Riding down Bishopsford rd, between Rose Hill and Mitcham, I was following cars at about 30 mph as the road is slightly down hill and the wind was behind, and as I got towards the traffic lights I noticed the cars waiting to turn right. As usual I looked to see if the driver had noticed me, which it looked like he had, but as I got there he just turned right across me . There was no way I could stop in time as I was already in the junction, so super avoidance tactics came into play. Quick decision - right or left? - right would have hit the rear of the car - left was the correct decision. Slamming on the anchors while veering sharply to the left and shouting my head off, I ended up going in front of the car and on to the kerb on the other side of the road. Close call!

I learnt a lesson yesterday. Never take anything for granted when it comes to car drivers. They just don't look for bikes

Take care out there guys

Steve

[Alan M]

Close scrape Steve - glad you are ok - was there a discussion?

[Steve B]

Well, there were words from me but they were all swear words shouted as loud as I could towards the car, but all I got back was a dirty look.

As usual they make out its your fault - unbelieveable!

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

Similar today on the way back towards Mitcham, a car suddenly pulled out from the same side of the road as I was on but facing towards me (tobacconist shop at roadside). At about 22mph, I sweved violently to the right to avoid going into the side of it, only to realise that I was now heading straight for an oncoming car, so an almost 90 degree left turn immediately, calling for all my bike handling skills and more. I turned round and the car driver was yelling at me that I shoudn't have been there. I just rode off, not wanting to argue the case.
I spent the next few minutes trying to work out exactly how I had managed to react so quickly, and going over what night have been....
Paul

[Steve B]

Glad you are ok Paul.

What is it with car drivers in Mitcham?

Good job you got good bike handling skills

I say again, "Be careful out there guys"

Steve