A Narrow Miss
Funny. I was nearly struck by a car making a left turn (they obviously weren't paying attention) while on my bicycle last night. The reason it's funny is, despite how close of a call it was, the only emotion left after I escaped was rage, unstoppable rage. This was most likely triggered by the fact that the idiot honked their horn afterward, as though implying their short sightedness was entirely my fault.
I'm not an idiot cyclist. I keep my senses on full alert and I scan sidewalks and streets alike as I ride. I've had far too many people/vehicles/other cyclists dash out thoughtlessly in front of me. I also have bright lights on my bicycle, a rather large high powered headlamp (goes through SO MANY BATTERIES) and a flashing tail light to make me visible. I stop at all intersections and obey traffic laws. I do not "hog the lane" and I ride on the correct side of the street, and I also signal to turn, in addition to watching the signals/brake lights of motorists. My hands are always on my brakes should I need to stop suddenly. However, despite this, trouble seems to follow me, intent on injuring me. Perhaps because I'm not fast or agile enough to whip myself out of these near misses like so many reckless cyclists. Perhaps this happens to spite me and my careful attempts to avoid trouble. Whatever it is, I'm sick of it.
I could go into further detail on the incident. But that might be overkill. I'll tell you they didn't want to stop, and that I was squeezing my brakes for all they were worth when I realized they were turning at the last minute, with virtually no warning, as I was right on top of them. How am I supposed to know that you are going to turn, if you do not let me know? I can only prevent so much, and swerving away is the best I can do after a certain point.
I desperately need a change of mood right now... I'm tired of spewing this endless frustration and anger. Though I assure you I am well aware that I should be grateful I left unscathed. The last thing I need right now is a mauled leg!
Good news for the day: I'm really really going to try to start filing my taxes today. And possibly work on commissions some more. My jaw is feeling a tad bit better, my TMJ disorder was in overhaul last weekend, I was afraid to eat! Stupid little aches and pains are driving me absolutely mad. I'm such a hypochondriac. *is ashamed*
I'll try to be happier later, I promise!
I'm not an idiot cyclist. I keep my senses on full alert and I scan sidewalks and streets alike as I ride. I've had far too many people/vehicles/other cyclists dash out thoughtlessly in front of me. I also have bright lights on my bicycle, a rather large high powered headlamp (goes through SO MANY BATTERIES) and a flashing tail light to make me visible. I stop at all intersections and obey traffic laws. I do not "hog the lane" and I ride on the correct side of the street, and I also signal to turn, in addition to watching the signals/brake lights of motorists. My hands are always on my brakes should I need to stop suddenly. However, despite this, trouble seems to follow me, intent on injuring me. Perhaps because I'm not fast or agile enough to whip myself out of these near misses like so many reckless cyclists. Perhaps this happens to spite me and my careful attempts to avoid trouble. Whatever it is, I'm sick of it.
I could go into further detail on the incident. But that might be overkill. I'll tell you they didn't want to stop, and that I was squeezing my brakes for all they were worth when I realized they were turning at the last minute, with virtually no warning, as I was right on top of them. How am I supposed to know that you are going to turn, if you do not let me know? I can only prevent so much, and swerving away is the best I can do after a certain point.
I desperately need a change of mood right now... I'm tired of spewing this endless frustration and anger. Though I assure you I am well aware that I should be grateful I left unscathed. The last thing I need right now is a mauled leg!
Good news for the day: I'm really really going to try to start filing my taxes today. And possibly work on commissions some more. My jaw is feeling a tad bit better, my TMJ disorder was in overhaul last weekend, I was afraid to eat! Stupid little aches and pains are driving me absolutely mad. I'm such a hypochondriac. *is ashamed*
I'll try to be happier later, I promise!