I'm a human being
04-20-19, 05:21 AM
#76
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FWIW I ride with Tom in NYC and I assert that that he is a VERY aware cyclist...
Thank you, Andy. I didn't think to say it, but I really am more aware than most people. Every time something happens, I add it to my repertoire of things to check.
When I come to an intersection, for example, I check for so many things that I couldn't verbalize them all. The same is true for a huge number of situations.
When I come to an intersection, for example, I check for so many things that I couldn't verbalize them all. The same is true for a huge number of situations.
I have posted to several threads about my “Safety Aphorisms”:
I liked these posts by @berner (also from the Northeast Megalopolis) about the fundamental use of mirrors, furthermore of the safety mindset I employ:
conguent with my post earlier:
I'm a firm believer that experience is the best teacher and it does not have to be your own experience. Just as much can be learned from evaluating how others may have screwed up.
With this in mind, learning of the misadventures of others, as in A&S, can be valuable provided we really pay attention.
Now really paying attention is a large category. Part of it is not only being visible but how our visibility changes depending on clothing worn and shade...
With this in mind, learning of the misadventures of others, as in A&S, can be valuable provided we really pay attention.
Now really paying attention is a large category. Part of it is not only being visible but how our visibility changes depending on clothing worn and shade...
Anticipating is one thing to work on to improve our safety but the act of paying attention is equally important…
I believe I know how to keep myself safe, or safer, on a bike but I don't know how that might be taught. Being hyper alert is not a characteristic we are born with. It is a characteristic to work on improving.
I believe I know how to keep myself safe, or safer, on a bike but I don't know how that might be taught. Being hyper alert is not a characteristic we are born with. It is a characteristic to work on improving.
…I was hit from behind by a “distracted” (? inebriated) hit and run driver on an otherwise seemingly safe and peaceful route. By good fortune, I’m alive and relatively unimpaired.
Over the past few months I have come to realize that my safety aphorisms, collected over the years by personal or vicarious experience, are my way of actively aligning the stars in my favor, to anticipate those unseen and otherwise unanticipated dangers.
FWIW, for my own information at least, my other aphorisms beside those above are:
Over the past few months I have come to realize that my safety aphorisms, collected over the years by personal or vicarious experience, are my way of actively aligning the stars in my favor, to anticipate those unseen and otherwise unanticipated dangers.
FWIW, for my own information at least, my other aphorisms beside those above are:
- Make yourself as visible as possible,and assume nobody sees you.
- …[follow this link]
- Jim’s Law of the Road: “No matter how well-paved and lightly traveled the Road, a vehicle is likely to pass on the left as you encounter an obstacle on the right.”…my argument to wear a rearview mirror.
In my mind, anticipation is a major component of “paying attention," especially facilitated by a mirror. Visibility is my first aphorism, but obviously also depends on the mindset of someone else (the motorist).
FWIW, my posts to Bikeforums are what they are worth as a decades-long year-round lifestyle cyclist, including urban commuting, but I have been cited as a good source:
FWIW, my posts to Bikeforums are what they are worth as a decades-long year-round lifestyle cyclist, including urban commuting, but I have been cited as a good source:
My experience is that people drive differently in every city and treat cyclists very differently. The best advice often comes from cyclists that live the closest to you …
The exception here would also be Jim from Boston--anyone that can successfully commute around Boston has my full respect and probably knows how to deal with about every intersection imaginable!
The exception here would also be Jim from Boston--anyone that can successfully commute around Boston has my full respect and probably knows how to deal with about every intersection imaginable!
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 04-20-19 at 05:39 AM.
04-22-19, 11:23 AM
#78
Junior Member
When I got passed too close, I chased the guy down to a fresh red light and gave him a very high-volume lecture on what would happen if he hit me. All about damage to his truck, and the blood and guts and bones in his wheelwells - just as gross as I could get. I kept an eye on the cross caution, to finish up with "and that's not to mention the PAPERWORK." He really looked ill.
04-22-19, 12:25 PM
#79
Senior Member
Just now realized I've not heard anyone honking at me in a very long time. Can't possibly be because drivers all recognize my superior skills on a bike. I still see incredible ridiculous traffic mayhem and nonsense daily. But I don't hear the honking. Must have tuned it out. Not losing my hearing either. Still hear what's important. It must be I tuned it out. Cannot tell you how to achieve same result.
04-22-19, 01:13 PM
#80
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Wait but did he even honk? Road rage doesn't have to be pure aggression. Passive-aggression can get a person further, with more plausible deniability. Think of it as road rage for the embittered middle class. Some people, particularly taxi drivers, seem to like to play mind games with others on the road. The mention of a honk and the opportunistic blame-point could be gaslighting, and it's far from the worst road-gaslighting I've seen in the Boston area.
The typical game is such: Boston/Cambridge/Somerville drivers conveniently have such horrible short-term memories that in a traffic dispute on the street, no matter who references some past event, it might as well be fake news to the other person. Cheap shots and passing blame ensue. The amnesia is just a strategy to make the other person in a traffic dispute feel petty. Usually they're unnecessarily aggressive and provoke responses, and then follow with a sarcastic response when you get upset. "Oh I'm so sorry I've offended you, I had no idea I've upset your frail sensibilities" seems to be the message they give off around here. But cars dehumanize people.
I couldn't take it, the third year I was here I started cracking at their provocation and engaging with them, and that's why I started listening to music and using a "Take-A-Look" rear view mirror on my commute. Music helps me stay detached and calm in the face of these mind games and the mirror gives me a calming sense of omniscience, not to mention the added safety benefit. High quality rain gear and an expensive handlebar bag also make me a lot less annoyed. Basically my ride wasn't a treat, so I made it into one.
The typical game is such: Boston/Cambridge/Somerville drivers conveniently have such horrible short-term memories that in a traffic dispute on the street, no matter who references some past event, it might as well be fake news to the other person. Cheap shots and passing blame ensue. The amnesia is just a strategy to make the other person in a traffic dispute feel petty. Usually they're unnecessarily aggressive and provoke responses, and then follow with a sarcastic response when you get upset. "Oh I'm so sorry I've offended you, I had no idea I've upset your frail sensibilities" seems to be the message they give off around here. But cars dehumanize people.
I couldn't take it, the third year I was here I started cracking at their provocation and engaging with them, and that's why I started listening to music and using a "Take-A-Look" rear view mirror on my commute. Music helps me stay detached and calm in the face of these mind games and the mirror gives me a calming sense of omniscience, not to mention the added safety benefit. High quality rain gear and an expensive handlebar bag also make me a lot less annoyed. Basically my ride wasn't a treat, so I made it into one.
04-22-19, 07:12 PM
#81
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Perhaps the driver beeped you just to let you know he was passing you and so you would not move left whilst he was doing so? Sounds like he was concerned that you could not hear traffic sounds.
Cheers
Cheers
04-22-19, 10:55 PM
#82
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On my commute back home this evening through the pouring rain, listening to MIA (ya know that song with the guns and the cash register for percussion), I developed an opinion. I know I shouldn't fan these flames, but I think I should make a point from my perspective as an automotive gearhead as well as a cyclist. Headphone critics, hear me out.
My buddy Ian had a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow II, with double-glazed windows and other fancy sound-deadening from factory. It really did live up to the famous Rolls Royce advertisement, which stated that "at 60 miles an hour the loudest noise in the new Rolls-Royce comes from the electric clock." Cars have varying degrees of sound deadening. There are, to my knowledge, no laws about it. In Ian's Rolls, you needed to drive with your eyes only. This calls for extra vigilance and caution. Couldn't rely on your ears for anything, really. So if you're riding a bike with headphones, it's the same game. That's how I approach it. Conversely, Having a law against headphone use on a bike is like having a law that says if you drive a Rolls you have to have a window cracked.
My buddy Ian had a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow II, with double-glazed windows and other fancy sound-deadening from factory. It really did live up to the famous Rolls Royce advertisement, which stated that "at 60 miles an hour the loudest noise in the new Rolls-Royce comes from the electric clock." Cars have varying degrees of sound deadening. There are, to my knowledge, no laws about it. In Ian's Rolls, you needed to drive with your eyes only. This calls for extra vigilance and caution. Couldn't rely on your ears for anything, really. So if you're riding a bike with headphones, it's the same game. That's how I approach it. Conversely, Having a law against headphone use on a bike is like having a law that says if you drive a Rolls you have to have a window cracked.
04-22-19, 11:21 PM
#83
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If I had possessed a couple grand back in 1984 I could have owned a right hand drive Silver Ghost from the AMC/Jeep-Toyota dealership in Pendleton, Oregon and I would have been the baddest rural mail delivery driver EVAH. I am Postman, hear me roar.
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04-23-19, 09:27 AM
#84
incazzare.
Drivers definitely do this regularly here. It's not a good practice as we already know they are there. It is generally taken as being hostile since there is no real reason for it.
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04-23-19, 02:18 PM
#85
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Late to the party, scanned the top half or so of the thread...
Tom, which ear was your bud in? Curbside or streetside? When I have one broken bud, I listen curbside only, but even with two working buds, I always hear traffic fine -- in fact quite often my podcast is drowned out by a passing truck or brodozer.
Backing up though, did you write the OP in that way because it was kind of an out-of-body experience for you, like your adrenaline took over, and you didn't quite realize what all happened until after?
Tom, which ear was your bud in? Curbside or streetside? When I have one broken bud, I listen curbside only, but even with two working buds, I always hear traffic fine -- in fact quite often my podcast is drowned out by a passing truck or brodozer.
Backing up though, did you write the OP in that way because it was kind of an out-of-body experience for you, like your adrenaline took over, and you didn't quite realize what all happened until after?
04-23-19, 02:21 PM
#86
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Oh yeah...
I beep you.
04-24-19, 07:34 PM
#87
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I heard some amazing stuff said today, and now I realize, I was the one who said it. I can scarcely believe what I heard and what happened.
I was riding my bike home on W 11 St. I was listening to audio in ONE earbud which is both legal in NY State and reasonable in my view. A taxi drove right by my elbow and could have shaved hair off my arm. I yelled HEY, and he did turn his face towards me, but he proceeded ahead of me. He got caught in traffic at the next block because a car was backing into a parking space. I yelled in his window, and he opened it. I said, "I'm a human being."
The taxi driver said, "You have to take the plugs out. I beep you."
I told him, "I can hear you fine," and pointed to my unobstructed ear. I guess he thought that beeping means I must move over for him and if I don't, he can endanger me.
I said, "I depend on you for my life. I'm a human being." He smiled and nodded. I think he understood. When I passed him at the next block, I waved thanks to him.
I was riding my bike home on W 11 St. I was listening to audio in ONE earbud which is both legal in NY State and reasonable in my view. A taxi drove right by my elbow and could have shaved hair off my arm. I yelled HEY, and he did turn his face towards me, but he proceeded ahead of me. He got caught in traffic at the next block because a car was backing into a parking space. I yelled in his window, and he opened it. I said, "I'm a human being."
The taxi driver said, "You have to take the plugs out. I beep you."
I told him, "I can hear you fine," and pointed to my unobstructed ear. I guess he thought that beeping means I must move over for him and if I don't, he can endanger me.
I said, "I depend on you for my life. I'm a human being." He smiled and nodded. I think he understood. When I passed him at the next block, I waved thanks to him.
04-25-19, 09:24 AM
#88
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Also: did he actually beep you? In your retelling your first experience was the close-pass.
04-25-19, 09:59 AM
#89
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Beep and Wave
For a time about a year ago, my inbound ride once on a military post corresponded to the routine passing of a metro commuter bus. The driver would give me a "toot" as he passed, and I would give him a "wave". We bonded over this.
I don't seem to be aligned with that bus route any longer, or the driver changed, or something.
I miss the good old days...
I don't seem to be aligned with that bus route any longer, or the driver changed, or something.
I miss the good old days...
04-25-19, 01:25 PM
#90
aka Tom Reingold
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Late to the party, scanned the top half or so of the thread...
Tom, which ear was your bud in? Curbside or streetside? When I have one broken bud, I listen curbside only, but even with two working buds, I always hear traffic fine -- in fact quite often my podcast is drowned out by a passing truck or brodozer.
Backing up though, did you write the OP in that way because it was kind of an out-of-body experience for you, like your adrenaline took over, and you didn't quite realize what all happened until after?
Tom, which ear was your bud in? Curbside or streetside? When I have one broken bud, I listen curbside only, but even with two working buds, I always hear traffic fine -- in fact quite often my podcast is drowned out by a passing truck or brodozer.
Backing up though, did you write the OP in that way because it was kind of an out-of-body experience for you, like your adrenaline took over, and you didn't quite realize what all happened until after?
Pretty much, yes.
The cab driver claimed he beeped me, and I didn't hear the beeps, so that is my fault.
Still, my point is that when someone does something wrong, that is not a reason to do something wrong back, especially when it endangers or frightens the person.
@greatscott, maybe he just placated me. But that's a good thing. He didn't call me any names or threaten me further. He took a peaceful stance, which was precisely what I was after.
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
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04-26-19, 02:10 AM
#91
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Just my 2p:
I also occasionally use a single earpiece on my commute in the curbside ear, that said I live in a suburban area where the roads aren't heavily congested and half of my route involves bridleway and cycle paths.
I generally also listen to spoken word podcasts at a sensible volume, I don't feel like this makes me unaware of my surroundings or inconsiderate, I can still hear other road users and everything going on in the time that I do spend on the roads.
I agree that two earphones blocking your hearing of others around you generally puts you at risk though.
Apologies in advance if this makes me an idiot.
I also occasionally use a single earpiece on my commute in the curbside ear, that said I live in a suburban area where the roads aren't heavily congested and half of my route involves bridleway and cycle paths.
I generally also listen to spoken word podcasts at a sensible volume, I don't feel like this makes me unaware of my surroundings or inconsiderate, I can still hear other road users and everything going on in the time that I do spend on the roads.
I agree that two earphones blocking your hearing of others around you generally puts you at risk though.
Apologies in advance if this makes me an idiot.
Last edited by RicePudding; 04-26-19 at 03:40 AM.
04-26-19, 11:35 AM
#92
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04-26-19, 12:54 PM
#93
Commuter
Seems like the solution you're looking for is Bluetooth speaker in a water bottle cage -
You can get your music fix and make drivers more aware of your presence. It's certainly an overlooked safety feature that's right up there with lights and high vis clothing. When a driver rolls up next to you, turn it up and say, "I can't hear you!"
Plus more useful features:
Cheers!
You can get your music fix and make drivers more aware of your presence. It's certainly an overlooked safety feature that's right up there with lights and high vis clothing. When a driver rolls up next to you, turn it up and say, "I can't hear you!"
Plus more useful features:
Cheers!
04-26-19, 02:43 PM
#94
incazzare.
I would not be at all surprised by this.
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04-26-19, 02:55 PM
#95
aka Tom Reingold
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I don't care that he may not have honked at me. It ended OK, as far as I'm concerned.
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
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