First commute of the year.....

[Nigeyy]

I'm back for the first time since this:

http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/oh-no-got-hit-last-night-rear-wheel-toast.88328/

No doubt about it, my behaviour has changed -my being hit experience has definitely influenced how I'm cycling now. I certainly feel I am more acutely aware that none of us has this invisible force field around us to protect us from errant drivers, and that it can happen -in retrospect I now believe I had become blase and immune to the risks (though I certainly don't believe I was careless at all).

I walked up on the opposite side of the road where I was hit; I really don't think that I'm scared per se, just that I'm thinking things through to where I'm figuring out whether it's worth taking certain risks. I also cycled on pavement* for a time -the difference here is that in the past when I was on this stretch, I thought "it's the road, it's easier, I have as much right to be here, cars aren't going to hit me" whereas now I'm thinking "I'm not slowed down or inconvenienced that much, I might as well, plus it will reduce chances of being hit by a car". I've also -at least for the time being -sworn off night commuting due to a belief that cars where I am just aren't looking for a cyclist at night.

Again, it's not that I've become a nervous Nellie or I even feel scared (and trust me, if I felt scared, I wouldn't be afraid to i. admit it, and ii. I'd think I would have had some moments of hesitation before cycling in today, but I had none at all), it's just now I think I'm thinking more about how to reduce probabilities -and if it's not insufferably inconvenient, I'll do it -including walking sections or cycling on pavement. Anyway, looking forward to doing much more cycle commuting again in day light hours!

And safe commuting to all.

*should add, it's not illegal in the town I'm in.

 

[Miquel In De Rain]

Welcome back nigeyy,takes some guts after your bad luck.I do change my commute now,taking in back streets when I can to give me a rest from the main roads.

 

[jonny jeez]

Welcome back. Something about your post struck a cord with me, so ...thank you.

I run about the place a lot on the bike, especially in town. I've become a little addicted to city riding and find cycling in the sticks a little dull (and much harder work), and consequently less rewarding

I am the type of rider that is at risk of becoming complacent, worse, its possible I am the type who is at risk of treating riding in town a little like a game...or a sport. I don't want to be hit by a car, to be reminded that its not.

As far as the contemplation is concerned, I know how you feel as I've had a couple of "offs" on my motorcycle and took a lot of time reviewing it in my mind trying to make sense of it and assure myself that there was nothing I could do (actually for the last off, there was a lot I could do... and have done... to improve my riding).

So, I don't think you are scared or a nervous nellie, I think you are fortunate to be aware.

Happy trails

 

[Nigeyy]

Thanks for the comments -it's hard to think things may happen to you when you get over confident (as I was) but sometimes the only way is a rude awakening. I think I had one that fortunately didn't really cost me anything....

Back to cycling!