My Morning Commute

[dasgeh]

@vern 140955 wrote:

I got hit by a car this morning at the intersection of the WOD and Great Falls. The motorist stopped at the crossing, so I proceeded across, at which time he decided it was a good time to go. I’m ok, but my left front wheel is shaped like a potato chip. I haven’t inspected the frame or fork closely yet. I think the wheel took the brunt of it. Hilariously, he’s already called his insurance company and said he is not at fault. If you know the intersection, you know there are signs posted instructing motorists to stop for individuals crossing.

Glad you seem ok, but sorry to hear about this. Please report it, if you haven’t already. Not only will it help you, it’ll will add to the data that police and engineers use to decide how they do what they do. Thanks

[vern]

@dasgeh 140975 wrote:

Glad you seem ok, but sorry to hear about this. Please report it, if you haven’t already. Not only will it help you, it’ll will add to the data that police and engineers use to decide how they do what they do. Thanks

Yes, I am going to file a police report with FCPD. Unfortunately, they do not have an on-line form, so I won’t be able to do so until tomorrow.

[hozn]

@vern 140955 wrote:

I’m ok, but my left front wheel is shaped like a potato chip. I haven’t inspected the frame or fork closely yet.

Glad you are ok! Sorry this happened at all, though. Let me know if you need wheel-build help.

[vern]

Here’s a couple pics of my wheel from the wreck described above. Hopefully they are not gigantic.

[Crickey7]

Looks like the bar tape got scraped pretty bad, too.

[KLizotte]

At a minimum, get the driver to buy you a new bike plus reimburse you for time off work.

Bruce Deming, the bike lawyer, says insurance companies won’t settle without a police report so that is critical.

[vern]

@hozn 140986 wrote:

Glad you are ok! Sorry this happened at all, though. Let me know if you need wheel-build help.

Thanks…my plan is to get the motorist/his insurance to buy me a new wheel identical to what I had. I’ve got a spare to roll with in the meantime.

@Crickey7 140991 wrote:

Looks like the bar tape got scraped pretty bad, too.

Lol…that’s on me. It’s just tape that’s lived a long life.

[OneEighth]

Three thoughts from this morning’s extra special commute:
1. We are clearly not Dutch. Not even close.
2. No point passing/shoaling/being an ass if you can’t keep it up. Just sayin’.
3. The roads might be a safer option for competent cyclists than the Custis right now.

[Tania]

@OneEighth 141027 wrote:

Three thoughts from this morning’s extra special commute:
1. We are clearly not Dutch. Not even close.
2. No point passing/shoaling/being an ass if you can’t keep it up. Just sayin’.
3. The roads might be a safer option for competent cyclists than the Custis right now.

Truth. I saw several almost head-on collisions from bad passes this am (and I was only on the bike paths for about two miles). I was thankful to take the road route this am.

[huskerdont]

@Tania 141028 wrote:

Truth. I saw several almost head-on collisions from bad passes this am (and I was only on the bike paths for about two miles). I was thankful to take the road route this am.

I dropped on the trail behind a group of three. Was quickly passed by a recreational speedster who did fine, but then one of the three decided to pass one of the others right on the blind curve going over the 66 exit to Glebe. I am always nervous going westbound there because if someone passes blind eastbound, you’re likely to spill into a deep, paved ditch or hit a concrete lamppost. I can’t imagine thinking passing there is a good idea.

Still, as early as I go in, it isn’t too bad, and I’m glad to see folks out, even if I might use Lee Highway tomorrow.

[OneEighth]

A head-on almost happened right next to me on the blind corner leading up to where the Custis crosses the I66 off ramp to Glebe Road. Some idiot in a gray tee with a yellow backpack tried to pass me and the rider in front and almost hit a westbound rider. It was close. And pointless. Despite really being chill about when and where I passed slower riders and walkers, I still caught up with the idiot at the Intersection of Doom.

[DanB]

@OneEighth 141027 wrote:

Three thoughts from this morning’s extra special commute:
1. We are clearly not Dutch. Not even close.
2. No point passing/shoaling/being an ass if you can’t keep it up. Just sayin’.
3. The roads might be a safer option for competent cyclists than the Custis right now.

I’m trying to get going a little earlier in the morning, and today I actually succeeded! That way I don’t feel quite so rushed and (hopefully) will take more time in situations that could become dangerous. The added bonus was having a short conversation with Fast Friendly Guy as he passed me.

[baiskeli]

Three motorists in a row were too clueless or too much in a hurry to see me, or respect my right-of-way, as they made turns.

Two cyclists crossed against the red don’t walk signal at the Intersection of Doom.

One newb passed me on the left with no warning as I was about to turn left on the trollheim bridge on the Mt. V trail (I know he’s a newb because he later crossed to the Memorial bridge by cutting through the grass on the south side). At least he said “good morning.”

[dasgeh]

I had a meeting at Courthouse this am, so took Key. It was a proper bike boulevard, with tons of cyclists out! On the way in to DC after the meeting, I regretted my choice to Wilson – Lynn, as Lynn was just cra-cra.

[mello yello]

Plus: The weather system that was all stagnant humidity broke: what wonderful weather! Almost brisk!
Minus: Ugh. Crosswinds on Ohio and my deep profile wheels make it feel like riding a kite through soup.

Re: Passes & Trails. Streets streets streets. I’ve done MV + Custis + Veitch three times now and I’m happy with my surface road alternative. I’ll save the Veitch route for Tuesdays after CCCC.

[Author]

Posts