worriedcyclist

Thanks- I've always felt I rode this way, assuming the worst, but with each incident that assumption of worst intentions increases! Wt metal and bikes, such a no brainer in hindsight and wish I hadn't learned the hard way.

Thanks for the thought out response. "Glorified pedestrian" is a good way of thinking about it. Legal rights are not the same as perceived rights.

Getting off topic but I always ask folks what are some more examples of unexpected things to look out for?

I’ve become a bit disillusioned with cycling after 2 fairly bad crashes in about 6 months.

I didn’t have a fear of metal drawbridges, having gone over a variety of them numerous times. Then I hit one that was slick from rain earlier in the day. Tires swerved like I was on ice and I did not fall gracefully. Broke my elbow, nose, and needed many many stitches.

Recently I did all the “right” things- riding in daylight, in a bike lane, in bright clothing with a helmet, and still got right hooked by a careless driver. Walked that one off but limped for a week. after.