With all this talk about halloween parties and BroccoSprouts, I can’t believe I actually forgot that I got hit by a car this morning.
The incident was minor: I was sideswiped while taking a turn at the four way stop on Speedway and 31st, just north of the Crown and Anchor (I am resisting the urge to see any symbolism in this). I actually stop at this particular stop sign because it’s on a hill and the visibility is crap. But the car didn’t budge, so I assumed that the driver was letting me go (as most drivers do). But as soon as I rolled away, coming down fast off the hill, the driver decided to make a pretty fast turn, right into my path. I yelled “Hey whoa holy fucking shit.” I didn’t fall off my bike, but dude: cars are heavy. I dismounted my bicycle, yelled at the driver, “Well are you going to pull over?” Then quickly gathered my cool, got his info, and rode on to work. Me and my bike survived unscathed. His wing mirror was folded over and he had some pedal scratches on his car door.
In retrospect, that was pretty fucking scary. My instant reaction was to yell and curse. But after a few seconds I was totally calm. No shakes. No hesitation to get back on and ride. Just some adrenaline and extreme relief that my bike was still rideable and I that I was uninjured and thus physically capable of cycling.
I don’t know what I’m trying to say with all of this. Cars are giant heavy metal bullets. Defensive cycling is really really important. Cars suck. People who run into cyclists with their cars yet express no concern for the wellbeing of the cyclist have no souls. “Sorry, I didn’t see you” just doesn’t cut it. But I value my ride to work. Random lame ass shit happens all the time but I won’t let that stop me. Most risks in life - be it riding a bicycle or flying across the world to live in a foreign city - are totally worth it.
Now, let’s push the envelope a little further - how about I fly across the world to ride a bicycle in many foreign cities?
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I got hit by a car in Berlin. I was riding in the bikelane and he passed me and made an immediate right. I hit his car very hard with bike and shoulder.
As soon as I realized I was okay, I hightailed it out of there. I think the handlebars had really fucked up his mirror. I didn’t want to stick around for a heated German exchange.
(or at least not that kind of heated German exchange)
I’m glad you didn’t get hurt. Also glad your bicycle wasn’t damaged, either. Be safe.
Tommy