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| Why is This My Most Hazardous Commute Traffic Situation? |
The puzzle is, simply, why is this a hazardous, potential collision situation, calling for EXCEPTIONAL caution on the part of the cyclist?
I will give out one hint - the collision hazard is not any motor vehicle behind me, but it IS behind me, though you can see its evidence up ahead. Also, for any out there that think the hazard involves my position relative to the gutter, I will point out that my front wheel is visible in the far lower right hand corner of the photo. Yup, I pulled off to a side street, dismounted, and then went back to the edge of the arterial to take the photo. I'm really not coordinated enough to take photos in traffic while riding. I don't talk on the cell phone while driving either, in case you think this is a bike skill thing. I AM able to walk and chew gum at the same time, however.
The winner gets bragging rights for being the most observant one of all. One need not do more than THINK of the answer to enter. The prize? You get to pat yourself on the back for being clever and perceptive.
12 comments:
the busstop?? But I am unclear what the issue is. I mean for you. busses freak me out ever since my first and only attempt at cycling in NYC in 1998 when 10 feet onto second ave I came upon a bus in front of me and a garbage truck behind me. and I never rode my bike again ( after walking it all through the lower east side that afternoon.
so I vote for bus. I want to hear why.
There is no bus stop in the photo. There is no public bus transit within five miles of the photo. The sign, which isn't legible in the photo, alerts drivers that they have reached the END of a school zone and are free to speed back up to whatever speed they darn well think they can get away with. As I recall, the posted limit is 35mph, but I've been passed as if standing still while flying down that hill AT 35.
Cyclists on the path on the right darting into the traffic lane without checking first, up ahead just beyond the sign, at the crest of the hill. Pat? Pat?
Sun glare for oncoming traffic turning left.
I think all I ought to add at this point is that if a collision did occur. I'd unquestionably be in the right - but DEAD right. The other party would be startled, but probably uninjured.
However, being unable to resist adding more - If some dweeb idiot on a bike darted into the traffic lane in front of me and we collided, their injuries would probably be greater than mine since they'd be hit from the side. Such dweeb idiots are rare on that street, however. Also, the hill crest is behind the photographer.
Unpat, unpat...
The sun and shadows. Cars in one, bikes in the other. Hard for cars to see a bike in the shadows. Its not night so not lights on bikes.. normally!
and, W adds that the middle turning lane, drivers heading towards bikes have sun in their eyes and the bike will be in the shadow. ... are we close??
Signs on rt blocking sightline of car turning onto street at next intersection on rt.
Also a concern is the new raised pavement necessitating a wider than normal turn for your bike onto the street.
I have no idea...!! It's all on the wrong side of the road as far as I am concerned..! Ha Ha.
Are you talking about the sun being in the eyes
of oncoming traffic who might make a left turn?
Uphill lefthand turners underestimating the downhill speed of a cyclist.
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No Need for Non-Robot proof here!