Hit by another cyclist

[phantasmagoriana]

On my way home tonight, I was cycling down a quiet road with quite a few parked cars on each side of the road, riding out of the door zone (so probably in the middle-ish of the road). However another cyclist came out from behind a parked car (out of a driveway, I presume), hitting my front wheel. I hadn't seen them approaching due to cars on the road and driveways, and they didn't see me - presumably hadn't looked before setting off. I didn't see whether the other person fell off (I was trying my hardest to stay upright, somehow didn't fall off, and carried on).

However I've now realised I should have at least stopped and checked the other cyclist was ok - I didn't think of this until I was far away as I was pretty shaken up (I think my natural instinct is flight when faced with something "dangerous" - the the only time I've been in a collision before was a few weeks ago when a football hit my front wheel hard enough to knock the handlebars out of line on a fairly fast/busy road, which was scary). I'm wondering whether I should go round to the house the person came out of (if I can work out which one it is) and apologise for not stopping, or just let it go and be extra careful next time.

(Apologies for the self-indulgent whinge - just not a great way to start the weekend...)

 

[Angelfishsolo]

If you were both in cars it would be classed as an RTC. No idea what the legality is when two bikes are involved. You could go around to the house but the guy might want to punch you (even though it was his fault).

On my way home tonight, I was cycling down a quiet road with quite a few parked cars on each side of the road, riding out of the door zone (so probably in the middle-ish of the road). However another cyclist came out from behind a parked car (out of a driveway, I presume), hitting my front wheel. I hadn't seen them approaching due to cars on the road and driveways, and they didn't see me - presumably hadn't looked before setting off. I didn't see whether the other person fell off (I was trying my hardest to stay upright, somehow didn't fall off, and carried on).

However I've now realised I should have at least stopped and checked the other cyclist was ok - I didn't think of this until I was far away as I was pretty shaken up (I think my natural instinct is flight when faced with something "dangerous" - the the only time I've been in a collision before was a few weeks ago when a football hit my front wheel hard enough to knock the handlebars out of line on a fairly fast/busy road, which was scary). I'm wondering whether I should go round to the house the person came out of (if I can work out which one it is) and apologise for not stopping, or just let it go and be extra careful next time.

(Apologies for the self-indulgent whinge - just not a great way to start the weekend...)

 

[cyberknight]

If you were both in cars it would be classed as an RTC. No idea what the legality is when two bikes are involved. You could go around to the house but the guy might want to punch you (even though it was his fault).

Yup i should not bother if they came out of a drive it was their responsibility to make the road was clear, as for running off it was probably not the thing to do but it was a fight /flight response and any amount of hindsight will never stop someone reacting in a certain way when the hormones kick in.

If you go back it is an admission of guilt in their eyes and they will either thump you or sue you for damages ...

 

[phantasmagoriana]

Well, I did actually go back (had to go out anyway) and tried to find the house, but couldn't work out which one it was, and knocking on every door would make me look even more stupid.

Turns out my memory was wrong - there weren't parked cars on the road, but parked on the pavement (it's very wide, with grass verges - I don't know whether the concrete bits between the verges and between the pavement and road are technically pavement, but I suspect they are). The other person must have been behind the parked car on the pavement as I approached, hence me not noticing.

I guess there's not much i can do now. Hindsight is a wonderful thing...I hope that if I'm ever in a similar situation again, I'll react better.