Started commuting to work yesterday, knocked off my bike this evening

[2Loose]

I don't see that the two are mutually exclusive.

 

[pshore]

In a way, its a wake up call for me and I'm glad a relatively minor incident like this has happened so I can change my style of riding before something really bad happened. Taking the positives.....

2pies, have a read of the Essential Guide to Commuting PDF in that thread. It's a quick and easy way to digest a lot of tips, including a section on Filtering.

 

[2pies]

2pies, have a read of the Essential Guide to Commuting PDF in that thread. It's a quick and easy way to digest a lot of tips, including a section on Filtering.

I've just read that and its very useful. I'll also try to pick up CycleCraft at the weekend. Thanks for that and to all the other posters who have offered sympathy, advice and constructive criticism.

As an update, I'm a little sore today but otherwise fine. I went to the local Police Station to register the incident, called the council to ask about CCTV cameras on the road in question (there is one that may be useful) and took the bike to my LBS who will do a crash assessment. Just by looking they didn't think the damage was significant and estimated a £100 repair.

The Tricross will be in the shop until the weekend but I've decided to heal up for one day and then ride to work on Friday on my old, heavy, cheap and ugly MTB. It is slow but safe (no clip pedals) and will give me a chance to ride more carefully, using the theory that has been suggested, and maybe look at a fewer quieter roads. Once I'm more confident cycling through these busy areas I will get back on the Tricross, though there's no hurry.

I'm still pretty down about the whole thing but am determined to learn from it and get back to commuting in a safe, but hopefully still enjoyable, manner.

Thanks again, its been great to share the whole episode with a helpful forum like this. Without it I would have probably just have blamed the driver and continued riding in the same way.

 

[2Loose]

"There are no mistakes in life, only lessons" as my grandfather used to say.

Glad you are ok, shame about the damage to such a new bike though.

Still, onwards and upwards!

 

[Norm]

"There are no mistakes in life, only lessons" as my grandfather used to say.

My similar but not quite the same adage is "it's only a mistake if you do it a second time."

 

[MrHappyCyclist]

That's the spirit. I've often thought that with the benefit of hindsight I could avoid all left hooks and anticipate all close passes more effectively.

(Sorry, it was actually an old Two Ronnies joke.)

 

[Brains]

I think it took me something like 3 years of regular commuting eradicate the 'emergency stop' on a daily basis.

Riding a bike is like driving a car, any fool can get it moving in a straight line, however it takes many thousands of miles of experience to become a good driver/cyclist

No wanting to get involved in the blame game I'd put this one in the 'experience' pile and ensure next time you are involved in a collision with a vehicle you are geared up to at least get the number plate

 

[the reluctant cyclist]

I'm really confused as to whether this was a left hook or somebody turning right in front of the OP?

If it was a left hook they are hard to avoid I think - especially with lack of indicators but I remember when I first read cyclecraft he actually said (I so hope I get this right now from memory) that if somebody does turn left in front of you don't try to just slam on the brakes you will go into the side of them - turn with them as they turn left - it's saved me a couple of times!

I would be really mad about this - £100 repair bill is significant to me!

Glad you are more or less okay though! You live and learn don't you?!

I agree with you re the "other" brakes - cross top levers or something are they called? I've got them on my bike - absolutely invaluble in traffic I think! Gives you a nice traditional "shopping bike" view of everything when you want it!

 

[Tynan]

default riding position is the hoods surely? in which case you can work the brakes, almost like they're designed to be like that

anyone riding on the tops, not suggesting OP was but he does mention suicide levers, in traffic is rather asking for trouble imho, I almost never do it as I don't feel like I have proper control, and the brakes are a long way away

 

[Norm]

anyone riding on the tops, not suggesting OP was but he does mention suicide levers, in traffic is rather asking for trouble imho, I almost never do it as I don't feel like I have proper control, and the brakes are a long way away

... is your opinion but riding on the tops in traffic sits you taller which might improve your visibility and presence and the control thing is, IMO, nothing more than perception.

And your comment about the levers being a long way away is nullified with the addition of cross-top levers. Those also, IMO again, give me all the power and modulation I get on the 'normal' levers.

Thus, I believe that I get better visibility & presence when riding on the tops, with no loss of control or braking.

 

[kedab]

glad you're ok 2P - keep your chin up

 

[postman]

Pick your self up.Dust your self down and start all over again.All the best for your future rides.Its a bit of a pain when you have to think for people around you.But thats what we have to do.Don't let it put you off.