TALKING ABOUT BEING HIT BY A CAR
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- čas přidán 7. 06. 2024
- Didn't plan to speak about the crashes on this ride but felt like it so here we go. Cycling on the road is dangerous and I've been unlucky with cars, but I've got so much love for cycling that I'm not letting it put me off. Hopefully the more of us out riding the safer the roads will be.
If you or anyone you know ever needs it :
CAMS - c-ams.co.uk
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Remember even in the daytime, use very bright blinking lights front and rear.
You mentioned Pheasants and that’s what I worry about. Whilst 50% of car drivers are irrational I find 100% of pheasants are irrational and I constantly worry they’ll decide to run in front of me.
The smart phone was the worst invention for road cycling safety ever.
Nothing wrong with being anxious about cars, that experience will keep you switched on and give you good road craft skills. Always look for eye contact at junctions, roundabouts and treat everyone like a kamikaze idiot. Stay safe and glad you are still cycling and making all of us smile.
You are not the only one. I am apprehensive just before a ride. Ive been knocked off three times. Two by car and once by a cat ! They were right about the helmets the first crash smashed my helmet but it saved my life. I only ride now with bright clothing and run front and rear lights during the day and will avoid "A" roads at all costs due to close passing.
Garmin varia is a game changer for me to be a bit more confident on the road. And I still put good lights even on a daylight just to get the driver’s attention.
Sorry to hear about your accident Amy. The cycling group I run is almost exclusively off-road, gravel tracks and quiet country lanes. Roads are too dangerous and unforgiving these days.
We try and avoid major roads - riders on their own seem to be more vulnerable.
Feel the same lately. People's visceral hatred for cyclists and lack of patience seems to have got worse since pandemic. Class myself as a confident rider, but find myself opting to run on Bank hols etc when I know the roads will be busy. I've even started using a front light on flash mode on in day, as well as the back light and always try to wear bright clothes to be seen from side, to avoid what happened to you at junctions. It's annoying because I feel if there was a horse, there would not be an issue and much more respect (rightfully so) given, despite causing more of a delay. Always feel better once I get on the bike though. Keep up the good work, you're inspiring me to try and do longer rides! 🙈☺️
Yesterday I put my GoPro on the back of my bike (first time I've done that), I checked the footage when I got home and there's a random middle aged Woman who turns as I pass her on a forest fire road and she starts ranting and raving at me while I ride away.
At the time I had no idea but as you say, some people have got a real serious problem with anyone who rides a bike.
That's why I'm MTB only. After living in Thailand and seeing people get taken out left and right I just can't stand to share the road with cars. Now living in the mountains of the black forest with far more trails than roads, so it works out well. Stay safe!
There must be easier ways to keep upgrading your bike, Amy 😊
I recently bought front and rear Cycliq camera-lights. So many close passes and thought it would be wise to have a way to capture evidence if something happened.
Stay safe, Amy.
I understand. I've also been hit by a car 3 different times. Twice I rolled over the hood and unto the ground. 3rd time was more damage done to the bike than to me. I do think about the accidents every now and than but it hasn't kept me off the bike. Getting back on the bike is my therapy, both physical and mental. Glad to see you have recovered well!
I completely understand how you feel the roads and being nervous before a ride. Agree being in a group can help, but some folks really struggle with riding in a group due to lacking bike handling skills. For where I live (Alabama USA) stray dogs are the thing that make me nervous as well.
I got wild bees by me(The Bahamas).They literally attack my head for no reason.
I'm glad your with us. Your videos are very interesting. You stay safe
I’m so sorry to hear about your accidents. Stay safe & ride on!!!
Pulling up next to stationery vehicles on my bike, I am astonished by the amount of motorists staring at the mobile phone in their lap. Recently I was nearly hit by a car on a roundabout, and I could see he was distracted by his phone. I was wearing a hi-viz jersey you could see from space, yet when confronted he said he did not see me!
In 2016 I had 2 crashes with cars within 3 months, the 2nd one involved a lawsuit for my damages and 6 months of physical therapy. It was enough that I didnt want to ride anymore, it took a few years but I've found a home in Gravel Cycling but I don't want anything to do with public roads anymore, too dangerous. Props to you for bouncing back quick and not losing your love for it.
Ahh I’m so sorry to hear that!! I don’t blame you for switching to gravel! Enjoy your rides and stay safe ☺️
Another one of your truly inspirational videos, I keep them coming.
Thanks very much for sharing that with us. There are LOTS and lots of people who deal with that anxiety, with becoming certain of all the bad things that will happen before they ever do, that fight to just see what’s right in front them and take that as it is. We rob ourselves of so much joy, and yet all that anticipating disaster doesn’t always prevent it. So important to recognize and celebrate the good, so thanks for sharing that with us.
Another vote for CAMS. I was hit by a driver last year (on a Pelican crossing, of all places) and went through CAMS. They handled everything and I got a cheque for the replacement value of my bike three months later. The personal injury claim is still ongoing over a year later (only minor injuries, fortunately).
When riding solo now , I always run front and rear cameras with flashing lights in daytime.
I find I time my regular local rides to try and avoid the traffic - unfortunately that means setting out at 6am, so that I’m home before the traffic builds up. Where I live, not even Sundays are quiet now……..I even plonk the bike in the car sometime and drive out somewhere quiet so that I can ride without being anxious about the other road users.
Got a panic on when I saw the title, glad you’re ok. Also frightened of riding on busy roads, particularly roundabouts, luckily I live on a cycle lane to start my ride, then onto quite country lanes, although I choose my times for minimum traffic. Had a couple of near misses, one my wife & one for me, bright daylight, country lane, car stopped at a juction on the left, in both cases the driver looked straight at us, then when we were 20-30 feet away, pulled right across us, are they not registering what they’re seeing, or misjudging the speed?
It can be dangerous out there, we can only do the best we can to make ourselves visible & assume motorists may do something unexpected.
Love your videos, stay safe.
Hi Amy, just love your channel. There is so much of happiness in bike riding. Your PBP series - probably the best VLOG that i have watched.
Sorry to hear about your accident. Keep riding and making this great content.. !
Ahh thank you so much! Last video from France out later today ☺️ glad you’ve enjoyed them 🙌
Thanks for sharing. You are not alone as many of us here have been hit at some time in their cycling lives.
Stay safe Amy always expect the unexpected
Been cycling 50 years but recently the one thing that is even more of a menace is being close passed by unrestricted E Bikes that are totally stealth and ridden by people who probably have never been on a proper bike and have zero road craft. Had another last night . must of been doing 30 plus up hill when it brushed past between me and a passing car .
Sorry to hear about your accidents Amy. I have to say I can entirely relate to everything you said. I have had two accidents in close succession resulting in a broken hip and 14 months later a broken wrist that need surgery too. The mind plays awful games with us about ‘what if’ but like you I have a wrestle with it and then just try and ride into the fear anyway! Look after yourself and stay safe x
I, along with thousands others, really admire you, Amy! Inspirational!🚴🚴🚴
Old fart in Toronto here - enjoying your videos.
I've been hit three times but each time I was lucky to escape with very minor injuries. Your accidents seem worse than mine...let's hope there are no more for either of us, or for anyone else for that matter.
The worst injuries I've had are from solo crashes - broken femur due to oil on the road and a broken collarbone and cracked ribs when my steerer tube broke and I flipped over the bars head first.
Other minor crashes and so many other close calls that I can't even remember them all. I even once had a motorcycle switch to my side of the road and drive right at me - sent the police after that guy because his mirror clipped me as he went by. Geeze.
I now ride with bright lights on my bike during the daytime and I feel a lot safer because of it, and I also go with groups fairly often. I think that helps too. The lights would not have helped for any of the three times I've been hit, but I think they give the drivers more advanced warning that I am up the road than otherwise.
Safe riding.
Very glad you're so resilient, Ames. Have you considered using daytime running lights? I *_always_*_ use at least a bright blinky rear light_ on every ride. (Really enjoy all your videos.)
Great video and really admire your courage to keep going, especially talking about it which massively helps and also encourages others to be as resilient and not let hiccups stop us doing the things we enjoy.
Love all your videos, you really bring smiles to the party.
Could I ask about the bike insurance? I am new to cycling and haven’t given it much thought but watching this video has brought a few things to mind.
I’m insured with British cycling and cycle plan for if my bike gets stolen or anything like that and then I went through CAMS when I was hit by a car, they just get involved if an accident happens they’re free & my British cycling membership meant I kept 100% of my injury compensation ☺️
I know every feeling you describe Amy . I got hit on a roundabout.. resulted in a broken back . Was off the bike for 6 months . Was determined to get back on as it gives me so much pleasure . I think how lucky I am , as could have been so much worse.
Again I get flash backs with sound triggers . I'm a really confident biker , but hearing a engine behind sometimes spooks me . As I was hit from behind.
Such an inspiring young lady you are .. love your vids
Ahh no :( I'm glad you managed to get back on the bike ☺️ stay safe and thanks!
I always say, Risk/Reward, when I'm out on the bike. Quite an Omen, I just got sideswiped by an Auto, this week in a parking lot. I had the right-of-way. Unfortunately, the driver had no awareness of the rules, with no compassion. Needless to say, I was heated!
The hardest part, is jumping back on the saddle. As you know, cycling is everything.
Glad you received some compassion. We have every right to be on the roads. I contend, that as Cyclists, we see more, we do more, and most importantly, we handle our Machines just as good, or better.
Thanks for the amount of work you put in, to make these productions.
Glad you bounced Amy. Your made of strong stuff. A real inspiration 😊
Just seen your video about being hit by a car two times. I've been hit by a car twice, and it is not a nice experience. But I think that you finding a positive out of the first crash, was great.
I suffer from anxiety, and I'm taking tablets to help, but cycling is the thing that helps the most.
Keep being yourself.
I remember that video about your Canyon crash - you were pretty shaken up at the time. Really glad that you are able to talk about it now. ❤
Tougher sentences for bad driving.
AMEN!
I'm so sorry 2 hear how sad u were at one point. I understand it's much more than "sad". I know unfortunately how that really is. I'm genuinely really really pleased 2c you enjoying yourself and how far you must have come 2b doing this. Absolutely fantastic
B
you have the positive attitude, after i nearly killed myself not noticing a metal barrier, i defied the doctors orders to get back on my bike after a week getting released (was supposed to wait 6 weeks), had to do it to prove to myself. Still have nervous days out alone in case anything happens but focus on the ride. 100 days after discharge i managed to do 1165 miles in total, never be as good as you but love the riding. Keep up the great videos
You probably won’t like this but wear bright orange, pink or yellow tops during the day and use bright flashing lights and reflective clothing during dusk and beyond. I know that’s not very cool. However as a cyclist who also drives I can tell you blues and subtle colours don’t really stand out whereas bright colours, reflective clothing and flashing lights really do. It’s almost painful! Be as visible as you can is my advice. I know it’s a driver’s responsibility to look out for cyclists but if they don’t see you, it’s you that gets hurt. Stay safe Amy.
Love your enthusiasm. subbed
Always make sure you've got a very bright flashing front light as well as rear light, even in a sunny day. It helps drivers see you especially as you go towards a junction. Also also ride with the expectation that a car driver will not see you, so anticipate at all times.
I headed out for an early ride this morning so took my flashing front light. I did feel much safer, didn’t realise people do it in the day time. I’m going to start
@@RXP91 Drivers can have a blind spot, especially at junctions. It happened to myself when driving once, didn't see the cyclist as he came around the roundabout. Never hit him as my son next to me pointed him out just in time! Phew. I'm doubly careful these days. But it can happen to anyone. So it's good imo to have something bright and flashing to attract extra attention. All the best Amy.
Lights, lights, lights. Bright strobe lights. All the time. Glad you have recovered so well.
I stay on the bike trails as much as I can. And turn on the lights when I need to use the road.
Thanks for sharing what happened.
I was hit by a car myself last year. About 6 months out of work, was essentially demoted on my return, claim ongoing & injury while better than it was, still persists.
When I was well enough to get back out on the bike again the thought of cars didn't bother me as I chalked it up to being one of them things. How it has changed me though is I'm more cautious going down hill & taking corners post-accident which surprised me a bit.
As for lighting, I've found the Garmin Varia RTL515 radar the best thing I've ever bought for my bike. Has given me way more confidence.
Ahh I'm sorry to hear that, I'm the same with descents and corners!
Cycling on the road is scary, I’m quite new to cycling and live in the city. The amount of times I’ve been closely over taken by SUV’s or mini buses is insane! In one of the last rides i was filming over close overtaken 2 in the space of a couple of minute. One when the lights were on red and I just overtook them back anyway into the cycle space so their was really no need. Lucky I was recording and submitted both incidents to the police, but yeah people in cars think they own the road.
Hello Amy!!! Me gusta esa libertad q da la bici y me encanta ver como disfrutas en tu bici, q por cierto....era azul, y ahora verde, 😅😅.... cuántas bicis tienes? En carretera todo cuidado es poco. Hay q ir con mil ojos y varios de ellos a la espalda. Oye, la grabación se debe hacer complicada con el brazo extendido y cansada. Ay el idioma...q no te entiendo😩 y me encantaría. Comentas muchas cosas y deben ser interesantes. Q carreteras más guapas y sin tanto calor como en España. Bueno Amy. Hasta el próximo video. 😘
Great video once again Amy, It looks so beautiful up your way. Both my parents were from Manchester and we used to live in Cheadle Hulme many years ago before we moved to Devon. The roads can be a nightmare I had a very close shave on a roundabout some motorists just don`t look for bikes. It`s good to talk about it, I think if you loose your confidence you become more nervous and that makes it worse. Love your bubbly nature, but understand the anxiety I get like that often about a lot of things but like you the best thing is to face it and recover. My therapist tolled me once that fear can stand for Fuck Everything And Run or Face Everything And Recover. Keep on cycling your doing great.
That's a great way to look at Fear!
Thanks for sharing Amy …👏👏👏👏..kudos for your bravery and courage to move forward .. 🍀 🍀🍀🍀..
yes it certainly leaves its mark being hit .. I had a car accident where a car ran into me on my bike .. 3years later and surgery I am still struggling with the pain and discomfort..and yea I do feel uneasy / weary if drivers most times out on my bike .. but like you say .. I too just get on with it ..the only way 🙂👏👏🍀🙃🚴♀️🚴♀️🚴♀️🚴♀️🚴♀️
Again bravo 🙌 to you 😊..appreciate your content ..glad your okay 👌 😎🙃🙂🚴♀️👏
Interesting topic amy,I'm off the bike currently with a injury to my brain(which I will recover from I've been told by doctors)so determined I ll be back on the bike again and back to how I was for a sport/hobby I love
Glad you are okay and still cycling, great that you take some positives from it too!...I've never been hit, it's all anecdotal but I don't put it down to luck. I put it down to making eye contact with the lead driver at every junction or round about, even behind me if I'm approaching a junction. If I don't make eye contact then I assume they haven't seen me, in the past when I've been on a couple of stupid roundabout's I've even shouted at drivers looking right while I'm on their left to get their attention. Golden road cycling rule, look after number 1!
I always cycle with a front and rear lights set to flash mode in daytime. The rear goes to something like 200w. Stay safe and keep the content coming, enjoyable watch each time 👍
I've found suburban riding compared to distance for me personally is way more dangerous. I did an 80 miler a few weeks ago when on annual leave & found motorists quite respectful when I headed up to Bury St Edmunds. I've been knocked down 7 times so am very cautious but there's no plan for when a motorists slams into me as there's no contest between metal & skin. Take care out there Amy & your loved ones.
Sometimes when I feel paranoid about the cars, I put an extra light on my bike.
Lol I do the exact same. I look like a christmas tree i
some evenings....but hey, no one runs over christmas trees, right?
I did that yesterday funnily enough. Day light rear flashing light for me.
I’d like to say it works. But it dont. I used to run (high power) 3 front 5 rears… you still have numptys not see you
Thank you for sharing 👍
Well done for getting back in the saddle and doing solo rides. I'm a right leg above knee amputee and just started road riding again but have no confidence full stop. At a bit of a point where I don't know what to do.
Be strong Paul, try to find a group to ride with and try to organise rides that on really quiet roads or cycle paths away from the mayhem. Zipping along on two wheels is such an amazing feeling - you deserve to have that in your life! All the best.
@@greghart6310 Thanks Greg, slowly getting there.
@paulheron6815 You CAN get your mojo back😊 Your heart wants to be out on the roads, so you will find a way to get back out and rev that confidence back up. It may be hard at first but the rewards and smiles will be huge😁
I hope you manage to get your confidence back and enjoy your rides! x
Despite the proper bad luck, you still ride. That says a lot about you. Respect🤟
I was hit from behind by a pickup truck in April of 2020. It resulted in an open lower leg fracture. I needed three surgeries and wasn’t able to walk or ride for 17 months. I’m riding now and just finished a ride in Iowa that lasted 7 days and 520 miles. The ride is called RAGBRAI.
You are so right Amy ! Wish vehicles didn’t see us as just a nuisance 😢… may you stay safe out there and I can’t wait till your next “yippee “😊
Thank you for sharing 😬
Brave lady 😊
The accidents sound awful but glad all ok. My anxiety gets the better of me, I never used to be nervous going out but it's getting worse. I tend to use cycle paths more than roads now but then sometimes they are a hazard 😂 keep doing what you're doing love the videos 😊 xx
👏👏 Brave and honest as always. I recently got a rear radar light Magene L508 which links to my Karoo. Gives me so much more piece of mind. Your pals at Garmin should be able to fix you up a superstar like you. 😂👍👍😆
I've been taken out by cars, 5 times but I've been cycling 50+ years. Nowadays if I have to negotiate a busy roundabout, I will get off the bike and walk thro, they are far too dangerous. I've been hit in exactly the same manner as you have but over the years I have changed the type of riding I do and the overall approach is to stay off busy roads especially A class or trunk roads, seek out paths, trails and country lanes but always expect the unexpected.
That was quite a big Eccles cake. Those lanes between Appleby Magna and the Bosworth battlefield used to be quiet. There is a descent like a ski jump, I think from Bilstone, where I used to see how far I could free wheel. A great cycling area. Cars change our behaviour. Nice people, me, I hope, become impatient behind the wheel. Everything gets annoying. I have to lecture myself. Thankfully, I’m in an area now, Caithness, where most drivers are lovely but, if I was down in Leicestershire still, I’d include plenty of gym work. I think we bounce better when fit.
Frick'n heck I'm glad I'm not the only person who overthinks their rides, have some ptsd from fast accident myself sometimes...im glad you beat your fears and had a nice safe ride Amy 🙂✌️! I Ttfn,
Glad it didn’t put you off cycling, Amy.
Yep, I got bumped by a car that was crossing a separated-off cycle lane near Blackfriars’ Bridge in central London, watch out for it at the bottom of the hill by the Tesco Local on the Tudor St junction heading south towards the bridge - it’s the only one without traffic lights to stop that happening.
Better cycle lanes and infrastructure particularly at junctions is the long term answer. More cyclists is one way to force that, London has been transformed by new cycle lanes and simple changes like low traffic areas with residential areas blocked using beautiful planter boxes of flowers so only cyclists can get through.
Always respect and look out for pedestrians, even if they routinely wander into the street without looking like numpty lemmings, and watch out for cars. Every cyclist on the road is one more reminder to motorists to slow down, use their eyes, and allow space when passing cyclists and crossing junctions.
Reclaim the streets! ❤
Sorry to hear about your crashes....
Very brave to keep going out on bike though...
Well done for that!!!👍👍...
Totally random question but I've noticed that, I think, you wear SUNGOD sunglasses...
If they are them, are they worth getting a pair ( bit expensive??)
You're a legend m8!
Great Video, i live only a few miles from the Bosworth battlefield centre, where was that off road cycle trial you went down in this video, I did not recognise it..?
If i die doing something i love mission accomplished. Love your vids amy ! :)
Sorry to hear that. Glad you weren't too hurt m.d.
I've now removed the brakes from my bike in order to stay safe ;-)
I like your accent, it's not from Derbys is it?
Try Whitemoors antiques centre at Shenton nice cafe just around the corner from Bosworth and you don't have to go up Ambion hill
Went for a 60k ride today and at just 17k in i entered an island and bang a car came from my left cleaned me up. A few cuts and bruises bit otherwise okay, broke the gear drop down and bent the chain, thankfully just like your experience the driver was a good guy and is paying for repairs. So glad you recovered well and still enjoying your riding, it really is the best medicine. Keep up the good work Amy 👏
Oh no so sorry to hear this! Glad you’re okay!
Used to ride all over Sydney including motorways. Thought I was too good a rider to be hit until I was and only took one error. Should have been much worse - unconscious in the back of an ambulance but in the end only two small breaks and the concussion. Since then about 98% of my city riding is on car free cycleways. I drive or train to the start point and go from there. In the country will use roads a bit more but again drive to a base point and I also try to look for gravel. Takes a bit longer but worth it. Some of the roads you use look pretty quiet so maybe dodge the busier ones. Agree with post below about Garmin radar. Never ride without it. At least you know something is coming and can take care. Stay safe.
Lovely Amy TTFN to you too and Yippee!
Sometimes the 'Whatifs' define you if you let them, but you have to move past them. Cycling and Walking have been a godsend as they clear the mind.
We have all been there.
If riding solo I always have front and rear flashing lights for added visibility! Be seen be safe. : )
Inspiring young lady
I try and plan my rides where I’m always turning left onto roads whenever possible or I go out as early as possible so less traffic. Touch wood I’ve never been knocked off by a car. Fell off a few times because couldn’t unclip at roundabout 😭 Great video 👏👏👏
If too many cars pass close to me I adopt the control position on the road which is in the middle of the lane, forcing them to cross to the other lane to pass me. It’s a brave stance to take but it works. I only take this action as a last resort.
There is nothing worse than being hit by a car. however, it's an honour you're still here riding your bike. unless we're dead or crippled when we get fit after injury guess what we're on it again coz that's where joy and satisfaction come from.
Horrible situation. I get the random anxiety for no reason also. I crashed my bike when I was 13. It was enough to put me off being on a bike until 38. And today I randomly got thoughts that I’m going to crash into random polls. I do have anxiety which I’ve worked on. I also don’t ride on the roads. You live in a great part of the country to do cross country riding! That’s what I mostly do and my garmin Varia makes me feel safer on the small amount of side roads I do have to use
Sorry to hear that. I had one myself luckily nothing serious happened. I won't go out without rear and front day flushing lights. It makes a massive difference, I can really tell drivers slow down a bit as soon as the see my lights. Always assume that the drivers haven't seen you. Even at traffic lights or stops. I might see you guys at PBP. Safe riding.
Thank you! Hope you enjoyed PBP!
glad you survived guy in a lorry nearly made me part of the road today passed on a bend car coming other way ,the devils own invention the car.
Sorry to hear about your accidents, riding here in Cape Town, South Africa is terrifying, inattentive drivers are bad enough but here we have people who will literally aggressively drive you off the road! Just this morning I had some impatient idiot first try to squeeze through a non-existent gap to pass us who had been waiting for a lady to reverse out of her driveway, then get all uptight because a bicycle was quicker than him and swerve at me twice squeezing me against the sidewalk. Ive had people overtake other cars, see me and just keep coming straight at me, been ridden off the road by mini-bus taxi drivers and attacked by one of their doormen who grabbed my helmet and threw me off the bike, it took 6 months for my shoulder to recover. There needs to be some serious reform of drivers in this world!!!
Hint: After setting your seat height, bash the seat (fairly hard) back and forth and side to side then retighten the bolt - it will turn in another quarter of a turn easily and won't ever slip down again.
Cars freak me out so much that i drive a few hours from home to get so where i can ride peacefully. Though the BOSS just asks if i paid up on the life insurance just in case.
You inspired me this morning after watching this video, I kicked my butt into gear and went out for a ride , 12 milones later I had to make my way back due to rain but at least I got out 😄😄🙏🚴 xx
Ha! I just got back from my ride cause of the rain too (in London) 😊
Ended up with 3 cracked ribs when it happened to me. Ever get to the states in the summer there is a great rid even through Garmin Gravel Worlds in Lincoln NE. They've got different challenge levels for what you think you are up to from 50 to 300 mi. The 150 is their main event. Lots of men and women riders there. Fair amount of videos from the event online too.
over the decades of running, skating, biking, and even driving i'v developed a certain mentality where i will do what my instincts tell me is safe even if it means breaking the law, of course at the same time not putting anyone else in danger. iv asked police who question me if theyll pay my medical bills or bring me back to life when i die. when riding i always assume the cars will do the worst or most dangerous thing so i try my best to avoid putting my life in their hands. for example if im parked and a car is parking or pulling out in my direction i will move out of the way in case their gas pedal gets stuck or maybe they have some sort of medical issue. its the same as having a gun pointed to your head but instead of a finger on a trigger its a foot on a pedal. this way of thinking literally saved me numerous times because even though drivers may do the right thing 99 percent of the time, that still leaves plenty of opportunity for severe accidents. its also important to be mindful of the time of day and environment, ppl driving tired from lack of sleep cause many more accidents than drinking and driving, but driving tired isnt illegal because it would really hurt the economy since ppl would have to work less hours. and for some reason i notice drivers in certain cities and towns are more cautious with cyclists while others like to take chances with ppl's lives. and certainly after a long ride i tend to make more mistakes too.
I know it wouldn’t have helped with your two accidents, but get a Garmin radar. They are fantastic. The best bike gadget I have bought. You wouldn’t use it to turn, but it is nice to know how many cars are coming.
You should try mountain biking! No cars there!
I'm glad you're still among the living. Your chatty personality is too cool to be blown out too soon.
My first crash from a car was on a mountain bike. I was coming from work, and I was riding at average speed. I was coming past an intersection on the left side when a SUV pulled up and stopped. The driver didn't see me so as I were passing the car, the driver accelerated pretty fast out of the corner and sent me at least 10 feet across the road, but by God's awesome grace I was barely injured! The SUV did struck the left crank arm (my feet was on it still) and bent the rear wheel. And you wanna know the crazy part, the driver was actually my manager! So she offered to pay for the damages which was about $150 (left crank arm, damaged bottom bracket, and bent back wheel).
I never had a crash on the vintage road bike I got right now (I had a few near misses). Hopefully, it never happens.
I to was hit by a car back in 2015 my upper back was broken but I did not know it until the next day. I had just lost my wife in 2014. So she never knew I was hit. She was always scared that I would get hit. I'm glad you are feeling good. It took me a while before I was ready to start riding again. I build my own bicycle.
I’m so so sorry to hear that. I’m glad you’ve been able to cycle again and hope you enjoy it
Well a bit of a sombre video but good to get it off your chest as they say
Good luck in PBP and I’m looking forward to the videos
Oh and I think I’ve just got the same top stone,in a different colour
Once i did have a look for a dash camera for a bicycle, but the ones i found were more adventure cameras like GoPro which only have about 4 hours of battery, which is not really enough.
If only someone could invent a bicycle dash camera that is recharged from the bicycles dynamo that would be perfect, or even a solar panel that fits on a pannier rack that would do the job.
Stay strong Amy.
I think we all go through periods of anxiety the funny thing is today I had 3 punctures and had to walk 5 miles back to my car didn’t see another cyclist till I was 2 hundred yards from my car then 2 stopped 🤣 any way I must admit I felt more vulnerable pushing my bike along the side of the road. Keep your pecker up and keep doing the videos love them 👍🚴🏽♀️
Of course these potential incidents could happen again, but I believe that each time a collision or near miss happens, it goes into the memory banks of a cyclist, so collisions and near misses will be prevented by defensive riding, looking for eye contact with car drivers and things like that.
I was car-doored when I was around 21 and since then I know it can happen so am more wary.
I have also had a car turn left in front of me at a fast slip road junction and literally miss my front wheel by probably one or two inches. I remember the look of horror on the random pedestrian's face as he looked on.
Those incidents are ingrained in my brain now.
Amy, I sometimes go riding with a chap who refuses to put lights on his bike. I've told him repeatedly that he'll be much more visible if he's riding with lights but he ignores me. And earlier this week he was hit by a car that didn't see him. A harsh lesson learnt.
I used to wear water wings when walking near the sea. My friend thought it was stupid, but one day he fell in and drowned. Who's stupid now?
A good way I stay out of accidents is I always blame myself. You have to stay aware and if you have your mind elsewhere you're bound to get hit. Nice and cute young lady like you. England has high hedges, high walls, narrow roads and car drivers drive like stupids. It's not their fault. It's always your fault. Zero accidents means zero tolerance and if your not looking ahead you're bound to get hit. Forgive me for criticizing you. No one wants to see a super inspirational rider like you get hurt ever. Bless you and God protect you. Wake up and maybe slow down.