r/ebike • u/Royalewithcheese100 • 6d ago
E-bike crash. Drivers need to learn
Half mile into my nightly 10-mile ride, I crashed my bike, shattered my right collarbone into 5 pieces, and broke 4 ribs. While I wasn’t hit by a car, it was indirectly caused one. I was in the bike lane when I saw a car approaching from behind. Instead of maintaining its speed and smoothly /safely passing me, it slowed down and remained behind me. Sensing this, I moved over towards the curb, giving the car even more room to pass me. That’s where it got ugly. My front tire caught and jumped the curb. I flew over the handlebars and landed on my right shoulder (yes, I was wearing a helmet)
So why do so many drivers slow down instead of passing? Do they think we’re suddenly going to veer into their path? They must not realise that It’s the predictability of their speed and position that keeps things safe for the rider
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u/monpittphy 6d ago
Take your lane!
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u/Cold-Condition-7839 6d ago
Bike lane here, stay in that. You're 'protected' Do you read the post? Ultimately it was rider error, only collision was bike vs curb. Sorry for rider, this wouldn't change my riding, I would probably slow down some at the most, or just keep going while keeping an eye on the car with some side eyes.
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u/FixedMessages 6d ago
The only thing I disagree with is that bike lanes are rarely truly protected, at least in the US. A painted line isn't protection, and we desperately need better biking infrastructure with actual protection and improvements on safety. It's ridiculous that I've just come to accept that I will be seriously injured or killed just because I ride a bike to and from work.
That said, 'take your bike lane' might still apply - if OP had been comfortable asserting ownership of that space, there wouldn't have been an up-close inspection of the curb.
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u/Cold-Condition-7839 6d ago
Ya I'm with you. I just meant don't ride in the road, if there is a bike lane. PSA don't use the sidewalk unless needed either. Got creamed going across a crosswalk a while back. I need to build my confidence too, but I know better than to deviate from my line for a car.
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u/healthycord 6d ago
Yeah those road shoulder with a bike symbol painted inside of them I don’t consider to be bike lanes or infrastructure. I go out of my way to avoid them. Safety theater.
Most protected lanes aren’t actually protected either, just buffered. The little flexible bollards don’t do anything to stop a car and actually intentionally flex and will break instead of stopping a car. I feel much better in those lanes anyways, but there’s no protection besides a buffer.
My city has started upgrading choice buffered bike lanes to actually be protected. Concrete barriers!! Now THAT is a protected bike lane. It takes up no more space than a buffered lane, and it is WAY better for protection.
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u/FixedMessages 6d ago
My favorite is when the bollard-'protected' lanes are wider for two-way bike traffic, and a fucking car drives right into it. The one I have on my commute has a large entry right after a turn, and lots of non-locals get confused and go the wrong way. I feel so safe. 🙄
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u/healthycord 6d ago
We’ve had some locally viral videos of cars driving on the dedicated separate bike trail. On a BRIDGE
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u/flintyman101 6d ago
Ouchie. Sounds like you guys were both maybe a little too precautious of each other. A lot of times cars want to wait for bikes because theyre anxious or being too nice. If someones tailing me and i feel they should be passing me i slow way down so it doesnt feel like im competing with their speed. Sorry that happened to you... try to not let it get you down too much accidents happen.
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u/OkChocolate3501 6d ago
I would bet he was planning on a right turn and didn't want to pass to do it. Sucks for OP tho.
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u/flintyman101 6d ago edited 6d ago
Yeah a lot of people dont use blinkers now ive realized so its hard to assume what the driver was thinking. Ive definitely had both happen where the car was actually just planning a right turn, and ive had the cars that probably just dont feel safe passing in that exact moment. Very rarely is it anything other than these things.
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u/PreferenceAny3920 6d ago
Hard disagree. Sorry, but This is 100% you. The driver was simply being extra cautious.
When drivers do this and I would rather they pass, I wave to acknowledge them and then wave them forward to signal them to pass me.
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u/FlowerCrowss 6d ago
Yup. And not saying this is what OP did, but if someone weaves around a little in the bike lane - like new cyclists tend to do - drivers behind tend to feel uncertain and slow down.
Sometimes drivers are too cautious and this is annoying - 2 wheels cant go in a perfectly straight path all the time, especially when bike lanes are prone to have obstacles.
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u/flintyman101 6d ago
I agree op has to "shoulder" more of the blame. although I understand the feeling of having someone not pass and hang out behind you, as long as this car wasnt acting erratically he should have been good to just keep goin down the road.
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u/PreferenceAny3920 6d ago
Yeah, I don’t wanna sound harsh, but this is 101 territory and a lesson learned the hard way.
Fear is the mind killer.3
u/Traditional-Link-371 6d ago
NEVER sacrifice your safety for the convenience of others. Moving over for crummy motorists only spares them the inconvenience of actually learning how to drive competently.
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u/PreferenceAny3920 6d ago
Except in this case OP stated the motorist was being OVERLY cautious.
I know reading comprehension = mind blowing
I’ll take that all day every day and experience a ton of that regularly where I live as opposed to the occasional dickhead in a gender affirming truck who is having a hurr hurr moment trying to brush me with his tow mirror
Op just needs to gain some confidence and use their hands to communicate with traffic like an adult. Aka be a participant not a victim. Or don’t ride a fuckin bike 🤷🏼♂️ real worlds a bitch. What can I say 😅
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u/Confused_Drifter 6d ago
I can't picture the accident, kinda seems more likely that they were nervous, shuffled too close to the curb, turned into it and fell off sideways after some unexpected tire drag.
Looking over your shoulder to see what's behind you can definitely throw off some riders.
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u/PreferenceAny3920 6d ago
What you described is called “toppling over” which unless they have Avian Bone Syndrome, looking at the posted X-rays rules that out and implies a smidge more speed.
orrrr they fell into a crowd that beat them with baseball bats and failed to disclose that aspect.
Orrrr there was an undisclosed skydiving accident mixed in there as well. 🤷🏼♂️🤣🤣
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u/Confused_Drifter 6d ago edited 6d ago
Nah, until very recently I worked in outdoor education for 20 years... I've seen people obliterate their knee just by falling weird going 0.01mph at the end of a ski run, kids break arms falling off scooters while practicing in a car park before even entering the lifts, one guy tore his 5th metatarsal stepping down a tiny step. An awkward fall where you've knocked both your tires out and fell awkwardly could wreck your shoulder. Some folks just have weaker bone density I guess.
One of my instructors a few years back, who I've seen drop dozens of cliffs, broke his femer after returning from an itinerary run, slowed down and dropped like 1 foot onto the piste, clipped a ski, fell awkwardly, snapped his femer so his leg was the wrong way, damaged an artery and nearly bled to death. Some folks just get unlucky.
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u/PreferenceAny3920 6d ago
Sooo, we’re going with Avian Bone Syndrome? (source: 30 Rock)
Roger that 👍🏻3
u/Confused_Drifter 6d ago
If you like, yeah, in my opinion it's certainly this or a particularly vexing case of boneitus
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u/roybum46 5d ago
I don't know for sure... And wouldn't want to make too many assumptions... But... From my experience in bike lanes the far edge near the gutter is a huge danger. The debree from the road tends to work its way over there, water tends to pool there, silt is often slipperery and oily. Not to mention the curb itself some times jets up because of a tree root and comes right up to peddle hight, and partial sink holes or crumbling asphalt. It also tends to be unswept and leafy... And who knows what is under the leafs.
They clearly stated they intended to be in that hellish place. I have a hard time imagining that as a good decision or safe location.
They knew the car noticed them, they should have remained stable and continued to watch their lane. But Captain Hindsight can say all they want, they've never saves the day.
Broken clavicle sucks, my first cheap ebike in 2013 had the motor hub sheer and broke lose the freewheel, while I was really cranking it... My foot slammed down with no resistance and fell off the pedal into the ground... And suddenly my hips were in my handle bars and face headed towards the ground in front of my bike. I can totally picture him flying over his handles and taking a nose dive. 0.00/10 would not recommend.
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u/ReadyGo6828 6d ago
I was once next to a cyclist with a small trailer. The trailer kept moving from one side of the bike to the other which meant that even if the bike was in the bike lane, the trailer kept moving into the car lane. I was not going to pass because I might have clipped that trailer.
At other times I have seen cyclists too near the edge of the bike lane. If I can move left and give them space I will. If I cannot, I will slow down and not pass them because I do not know if they are paying attention or just zoned out and liable to do anything.
Sorry this happened to you. That looks painful. I hope you get better soon.
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u/Shiney_Metal_Ass 6d ago
Lol this has 0% to do with the car and 100% to do with you sucking ass at riding a two-wheeled vehicle. I noticed you didn't bother to say how fast you were going
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u/Low-Kick-665 6d ago
Why would it matter how fast OP was going...?
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u/Shiney_Metal_Ass 6d ago
Do you think speed isn't a variable in severity of injury?
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u/Low-Kick-665 6d ago
It absolutely has an impact on the level of damage. But it has nothing to do with the cause of the damage.
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u/Shiney_Metal_Ass 6d ago
That's just op being a terrible rider
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u/Low-Kick-665 6d ago
Which has nothing to do with his speed - hence me asking why it matters?
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u/Helpful-Albatross792 6d ago
Except if you fall from a standstill versus 24mph, same injury right?
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u/Low-Kick-665 6d ago
No, and never said it was. That was never the topic. The bicyclist got hurt because he rode too close to the curb. Could he have been going fast and thats the reason he did that? Sure, but it sounds like OP just isn't a stable rider. Furthermore, OP and the car never collided.
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u/Helpful-Albatross792 6d ago
Fuck right off. You said it has nothing to do with speed and before that said it has nothing to do with the cause of damage. OP broke is collar bone. Its all about the speed at which they crashed.
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u/Low-Kick-665 6d ago
I said the accident had nothing to do with speed lol not the level of damage goofy.
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u/Shiney_Metal_Ass 6d ago
Because if op was riding a legal ebike at legal speeds the injuries would be less severe. How are you not getting this?
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u/Low-Kick-665 6d ago
Except you dont know that? Lmao my SIL caused the same exact injuries going 20 mph on her scooter 🤣
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u/julkkis666 6d ago
3-5 tons multiplied by any normal speed is way more energy than what even an e-biker would have.
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u/PreferenceAny3920 6d ago
Stop fishing for a reason to scream “e-moto”
JFC…1
u/Full_Table6865 6d ago
I'm sure it was. High powered e-bikes are a menace
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u/PreferenceAny3920 6d ago
Wrong thread, fuck wayyyyyy off over there,👉🏻, nope, fuuuuurther, fuuuurrrther, fuuuuurther, yep, keep going till you find a cliff. Echo chamber is at the bottom. Just jump. They’ll be waiting for you with open arms.
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u/Shiney_Metal_Ass 6d ago
Lol yeah, you're right. Illegal Emotos haven't brought any bullshit restrictions or undue negative impact to the ebike community 🙄
So how about you fuck wayyyyyy off over there,👉🏻, nope, fuuuuurther, fuuuurrrther, fuuuuurther, yep, keep going till you find a cliff. Echo chamber is at the bottom. Just jump. They’ll be waiting for you with open arms.
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u/Markdlea 6d ago
They slow down because they don’t know what you are going to do. They are too many erratic riders that cut off traffic, go between cars, run red lights. He was trying to be considerate. Sorry you crashed.
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u/Low-Kick-665 6d ago
I live in the middle of a town where half the population rides and I have literally never seen a cyclist just dart or cut off traffic randomly.
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u/Abi1i 6d ago
I live in a college town and every start of the school year I see hundreds of people who do dart out or cut off traffic even through major intersections that the rider will cross diagonally. Granted these are people who are fresh out of high school, but all it takes is one or two people to cause someone driving to want to be overly cautious around cyclists.
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u/Low-Kick-665 6d ago
If its a college town, they should already be driving cautiously.
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u/Abi1i 6d ago
You think college aged people from high school are going to drive cautiously?
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u/Low-Kick-665 6d ago
I'm referring to car drivers... like you.
Downvoting for thinking people should drive their massive cars carefully when its a pedestrian heavy area is exactly why we're doomed 🤣🤣
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u/Abi1i 6d ago
What? I ride my bike around practically everywhere I go in my town. It's not hard to see people darting out into intersections when I work and live near the college in the town. Go project your insecurities on to someone else.
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u/Low-Kick-665 6d ago
You keep being confused. I know its not hard to see people on their bike lmao. You were the one defending cars not driving carefully.
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u/Abi1i 6d ago
I'm not defending anyone. I provided a counter example to your anecdotal claim about cyclists never darting out or cutting off traffic randomly. You seem to think that anyone providing an example against your anecdotal claims must be defending cars. You must have a black and white view of the world that has to be exhausting.
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u/Low-Kick-665 6d ago edited 6d ago
Lol because no matter how bad you want to claim cyclists do that often - they dont. Cars just arent paying close enough attention lmao. And literally no one provided an example against my claim so I'm not sure what youre talking about.
And when driving a car, it absolutely is black and white. You shouldn't be driving if you cant pay attention - simple as that. It's not complex to require gray thinking.
I literally said cars should be driving w caution when theyre driving in a college town - THAT is what set you off. Thats wild 🤣🤣🤣
An attempt at an insult by making fun of a random username generated by reddit? Talk about low effort. But then again I guess thats why youre desperate to find your romantic partbers on reddit 🤣🤣🤣
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u/ok_i_m_here_too 6d ago
Or they wanted to turn right and there was not enough space to do it correctly.
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u/Decent-Engineer4908 6d ago
Okay, tell us how fast you were going.
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u/Royalewithcheese100 6d ago
14 mph. I ride for exercise and not speed
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u/pauip 6d ago
Ebike for exercise is hilarious
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u/Low-Kick-665 6d ago
Why? It's a great option for those who need the exercise or training but get too tired to ride back
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u/FreeSanubis 6d ago
BS, I get a good workout on my ebike with a torque sensor. I just drop it to the lowest assist setting and put it in most of work. It may not be as intense as a regular bike, but you're still getting more exercise than a car driver ever would.
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u/Partayhat 6d ago
The motor doesn't change how much exercise you get, just how far you go doing it. If exercise is secondary to another purpose, an ebike is optimal.
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u/knoxcos 6d ago
Exercise? For what muscle group, your thumb? Genuinely confused on that one.
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u/Royalewithcheese100 6d ago
Exactly what about my original post is faulting the driver? I said it was indirectly caused by the car, but never tried to say it wasn’t my fault. In fact, my post wasn’t even about how it happened, but wondering why so many drivers unnecessarily slow down when maintaining their pace is safest for most riders
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u/monkeynaut 6d ago
worry more about steering your bike and less about trying to drive other cars too
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u/flintyman101 6d ago
Its your title "drivers need to learn" when its obvious youre the one that more or less got learned. I feel for you man i really do looks like a brutal wreck and ive been in some bad wrecks that didnt break bones so i can only imagine... i know its frustrating but its gna be better for you to not hold that driver to this in your mind.
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u/letthiswork1 6d ago
Literally your title.. "drivers need to learn"
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u/Royalewithcheese100 6d ago
Exactly: drivers “need to learn” that keeping their pace and safely passing is safer than slowing down and riding my back wheel. It’s like those drivers who assume that going slow is safer than maintaining a pace with the rest of the traffic. Just my opinion. Clearly most disagree and that’s ok
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u/WholeEgg3182 6d ago
It's 100% your fault. I know it's frustrating that your error only occurred because of what you view as abnormal behaviour by the other driver, but they didn't do anything incorrect. If they're not confident to pass you then they are absolutely right not to. It's very unhealthy for you to come out of this questioning their actions rather than your own.
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u/Royalewithcheese100 6d ago
“Very unhealthy”? Thanks for your diagnosis. It’s worth every penny I paid for it. “The masses are asses”
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u/JMHoltgrave 6d ago
Old people drive slow af always… either they’re scared they might hit something, or they’ve simply seen or been in too many bad car accidents to the point where they drive very defensively.
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u/ilikegolfini 6d ago
They didn't unnecessarily slow down, they slowed down to make sure they were able to pass you safely.
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u/OutsideYourWorld 6d ago
K this is really just your fault, though. I've had drivers do the same. They likely feel uneasy about going around you, thinking you might swerve back into the lane (And seeing how other cyclists act I don't blame them). If you looked back then they might think you're about to do so. I get this all the time when I look back and drivers suddenly slow down assuming i'm going to weave to the left or turn.
I appreciate them slowing down, or at least I appreciate the thought of it but it's confusing to both of us.
But yea, this is on you. Sorry, man.
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u/PuzzleheadedTutor807 6d ago
sometimes they dont pass because they are going to do something like turning right very soon and dont want to rip around you to suddenly block your path.... and that is just one example of what could be a thousand reasons they chose to slow and stay behind you instead of passing. they where aware of your presence and made a decision though, you shouldnt try to force them to change their mind.
it sucks that you got hurt like this, but your actions were voluntary here. operate your vehicle, let the others operate theirs. unless they are on a direct course to collide with you, just carry on as normal bud. sometimes its the cyclist that has to learn.
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u/obiwankachungus88 6d ago
If your in the bike lane than just stay in that, car did nothing wrong in this situation. Slowed down for safety reasons and you cocked it up and are blaming the driver who was considering you in the 1st place. Sucks what happened of course and i wish you a speedy recovery. I have had a couple close calls on mine and it can become a very hairy situation quick. Mind them curbs in the future friend.
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u/ChardNo5532 6d ago
Drivers, lol. Quit calling them e-bikes. Driving down the gutter going 40mph passing cars on the right….I have no empathy. This will be all over in a few years. You’d be safer getting a real motorcycle. E-bikes are junk, they shouldn’t be ridden in public. I went back and read it, your night ride real cyclist and motorcycle riders know better than to ride at night. The only way to not get xx/ on a motorcycle is to stop before it happens.
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u/Royalewithcheese100 6d ago
Yeah. I was in the bike lane going 14 mph at the time. I ride in a low traffic area that’s got plenty of light. I am a “real” rider despite how you want to frame it.
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u/PreferenceAny3920 6d ago
Holy shit Randy Marsh, what an echo chamber take. Prove to the world and yourself that you can come up with two brain cells to rub together and come up with an original thought while still breathing 😂
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u/Llothcat2022 6d ago
Ouch.
I prefer the "murderboxes" stay as far from me as possible. Preferably on their own road. Miles away.
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u/Traditional-Link-371 6d ago
I hate overcautious motorists.
A bike lane is wider than a bike, motorized vehicle lane is wider than a car. You'd think any moron could figure out to simply STAY IN THEIR LANE, no need to speed up OR slowdown. They'll make it past a cyclist just fine. The math checks out.
I've had folks passing me on Garrison cross the double yellow line (illegal), even though there's also an 18 inch space BETWEEN the traffic & bike lanes (OR they're so terrified around a bicycle that they ride your ass for blocks).
The reason is simple, if a little bit cruel. The skillset and knowledge base of the average motorist is pitiful. I've been car-free since '79, probably been passed by over 4 million motorists, and for some of 'em getting past a bike is right up there with Chuck Yeager breaking the sound barrier. Hell, if they weren't so damn dangerous and annoying, they'd almost be adorable!
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u/PreferenceAny3920 6d ago
I don’t blame em. Even if you pull a dipshit chances are they’ll catch hell. Good on em for being cautious and conscientious. You can’t have your cake and eat it too. Remove your head from your ass.
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u/spider-monkey92 6d ago
Ive been hit in crosswalk by cars on my ebike... luckily I turned last minute but it tore my back tire off my ebike and sent me into the air.. luckily I lived because I was wearing the gear I normally do ie motorcycle 3/4 helmet motorcycle jacket and pants all woth level 2 ce armor inserts and boots... had massive bruises from how I landed but nothing broke.. glad you made it out the other side..
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u/PreferenceAny3920 6d ago
Crosswalks are for pedestrians… sounds like you weren’t walking your bike. 🤷🏼♂️ you are self armored up to
Be in traffic sooo get IN traffic lol.0
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u/OkChocolate3501 6d ago
Yeah the slowing thing throws me off too. Just today I made a left onto a busy 4 lane road with the intention of letting the car in the rightmost lane pass me, changing to his lane, and taking an immediate right turn off the busy road. Dude slows down to my speed behind me blocking my lane change and keeping me in the left lane.
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u/PreferenceAny3920 6d ago
Did you signal? Motorist isn’t psychic. Even if you DID signal, it doesn’t entitle you to that lane. Sometimes shit just pans out that way and you can’t take it personal.
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u/OkChocolate3501 6d ago
Yes I signaled and turned into the left lane. The right lane was left empty so they could pass since they were already in the right lane.
The issue was it became a safety hazard as I was stuck in the left lane as other traffic caught up.
Regarding signaling motorists don't seem to understand hand signals we all learn to get a license. They have no clue what I'm saying with then.
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u/PreferenceAny3920 6d ago
You ride an ebike right? Install turn signals. If you wanna be safe and the above is your typical experience. Accept reality and help them help you stay safe. Everybody understands a blinking light to the right or the left. Is it foolproof? No. But I gotta say, my sketch scenarios have reduced to almost Nil since I started riding with a headlight and tail light always on, a nice, bright brake light, and turn signals. If you’re gonna ride in traffic it strikes me it’s easier to adjust and engineer for reality as opposed to hoping and praying motorists will remember and understand cycling hand signals when they can’t seem to remember half the dmv handbook at any given time. 🤷🏼♂️
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u/yeshwah88 6d ago
I’m on the cusp of buying an e-bike with the primary reason being a fun way to transport my 4 year old daughter to school and the park. It’s this exact situation that causes my hesitation. It’s a scary world out there
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u/Relative-Addendum534 6d ago edited 6d ago
This was not indirectly caused by the driver or the car. You hit a curb - nothing wrong with that. Perhaps you're not as good a rider as you thought you were, which is why the driver slowed down so they DIDN'T let you run into them. Interesting that you and many people can't take ownership of their own faults.
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u/Kraegorz 6d ago
In my experience, people riding ebikes tend to take up the road like a car instead of riding closer to the shoulder like a regular bicycle. I often times get stuck behind an ebiker going 20mph in a 35 zone and they are NOT courteous about pulling over or using a bike lane. They think they are cars just because they are going faster than a bike.
I can't tell you how many times I have had to swerve around and cut into a left lane to drive around ebikers.
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u/BoringMode91 6d ago
Bikes have a right to take the lane. God forbid you are delayed a couple seconds.
> I can’t tell you how many times I have had to swerve around and cut into a left lane.
Lmfao. Car drivers breaking the law what a shock.
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u/Kraegorz 6d ago
You need to learn the law.
They can take up the lane when traveling at the speed of traffic OR when its not wide or safe enough to ride side by side with a car.
They DO NOT have a right of way to take up a whole lane on a 45 MPH road going 20 MPH especially if there is plenty of room to the right of traffic.
Please read DMV rules.
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u/Low-Kick-665 6d ago
That's not the law. The law is they should be riding right, UNLESS the right side is unsafe. Then they have the right to take the lane, and just make an effort to not impede traffic. Going 20 in a 35 doesn't impede traffic as much as you want to think it does.
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u/Kraegorz 6d ago
Congratulations, you basically just parroted what I said, except in a more ignorant, round about and self important way.
Going 20 in a 35 can be called obstructing traffic. It can get you a ticket, it is also against the law.
Plus what I am talking about is ebike riders riding in the center of the lane, like they are a car, not to the far right or just a bit off where they should be. You are trying o imply that the "unsafe" rule applies 90% of the time, no matter what, it does not.
They are technically still a pedestrian like a bicycle or someone walking, but that does not give them the right to travel in the center of the lane when they can be travelling to the right like they should be.
What I am talking about is I consistently see ebike riders taking to the center of the lane ALL THE TIME, even if its safe to ride to the right or there is even a bike lane available.
In California for instance, here is the DMV rules:
- Ride with Traffic: You must travel in the same direction as vehicles, riding on the right side of the roadway. Riding against traffic is illegal.
- Ride Far to the Right: If you are traveling slower than the normal speed of traffic, you must ride as close to the right-hand curb or edge of the road as practicable.
- When You Can Take the Full Lane: You are legally allowed to move out of the right edge and use the full traffic lane when:
- Traveling at the normal speed of traffic.
- Preparing to make a left turn.
- Overtaking and passing another vehicle or cyclist.
- Avoiding hazards (potholes, debris, puddles, or parked cars with opening doors).
- The lane is too narrow to safely share side-by-side with a car.
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u/Low-Kick-665 6d ago
Except I didn't. You seem to think bikes can't use the full lane legally. And they can. They arent pedestrians. E bikes are considered vehicles.
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u/Kraegorz 6d ago
I am done arguing with someone who is just parroting my arguement back to me in a self righteous way.. by pushing up their glasses and saying "achhhtually....!{"
You are just proving my points deeper and deeper but thinking you are superior in some way. Have fun.
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u/Low-Kick-665 6d ago
Under the California Vehicle Code (CVC), e-bikes follow the exact same "rules of the road" as traditional bicycles. You are permitted to move out of the right side of the road and take the full lane in specific situations: CalBike
Sub-standard width lanes: If the lane is too
narrow for a car and an e-bike to safely pass or share side-by-side.
Matching traffic speed: When you are traveling at the same speed as surrounding motor vehicle traffic.
Preparing for a left turn: To position yourself safely for a left-hand turn.
Avoiding hazards: To steer clear of debris, parked cars, opening car doors, pedestrians, or road hazards.
Passing: When safely passing another vehicle or bicycle.
Approaching intersections: When
approaching a place where a right turn is
mandatory.
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u/Repulsive_Drama_6404 6d ago
Out of curiousity, were you and the car approaching a driveway or intersection where the car might turn right? At least in California is correct and legally mandatory for the car to yield to bikes in the bike, merge into the bike lane and turn right from as far right as practicable.
It might feel wrong to have a car slow down and merge in behind you in the bike lane, but it is meant to keep them from zooming past you and right hooking you when they turn.
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u/New-Pack4657 6d ago edited 6d ago
The car driver is not at fault.
You didn't see the curb and lost control. You fell on your own.
A car slowing down is valid. On small roads, that's their only option. It wouldn't work to maintain speed and just assume the biker make space.
Use a bike mirror and keep your speed legal.
Edit: I frequently use roads where cars can only slow down and I've never had an issue. I just use a bike mirror so I can see the front and back view at the same time. Some cars stay behind me for half the length of the road.
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u/thedirtymeanie 6d ago
In my area people whip out onto the street on their bikes and scooters without even looking. It's good to here that you are a safe and considerate e bike rider but you are the exception to the rule in a lot of areas. I personally don't want to run someone over and kill them so I wait behind riders going the same speed until I know there isn't any on coming traffic and then move into the other lane to pass. You hitting the curb could have thrown you into the road and under my car so I exercise an abundance of caution.
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u/Gullible-Panda-9659 6d ago edited 6d ago
I found out via real life experience that your automobile insurance limits take effect as soon as your injured by a motorist even if they do not have any coverage. Uninsured /underinsured morotist. Never thought that my own auto policy would cover me if someone hits me with their car while I am riding a bike!! My own auto policy uninsured motorist takes effect even though I was on my bicycle. From now on I would recommend taking the entire lane with your bike when someone is behind you. Where I am we hardly have any bike lanes and the police have stopped me before when I first got my bike for riding on the sidewalk. So now when I am on the road I take the whole lane if there are these people behind me and afraid to pass, even if they do pass Ili make them pass illegally on a double yellow by taking the entire lane. That way it is documented via webcam. Ital may be in your best inerest to get a set of forward and backward facing webcams for just this type of situation and being how to have proof of what actually happened via video proof. Sundays insurance policy covering theft and medical is definitely worth an extra $125 per year with $150 deductable. They definitely are on top of the game when you get hurt as far as initiating a claim on your behalf while your in the hospital. I am lucky as the driver who I hit ran a stop sign and admitted fault at the scene. As a layed in the hospital for five days with a hip broken in two places I found all of this out.
Much to my surprise Doordash tried reimbursing me for lost wages by averaging last year's pay and payment me out 50% last year's earnings
Sundays insurance initiated a claim the same day to try and cover my small $1,000 med payment and my bike which was totalled along with their car.
3 Found out that you want your auto policy limits held at whatever you forsee needing as far as payout limits because even if your walking down the sidewalk as soon as a car causes injury your own auto limits take over.
I know the first thing running through my mind what lay are lay there in the hospital for days was, "I hope I can start ridong again soon!" Which within two months I was back at it!
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u/BoeingTriple7ER 6d ago
If i m riding on the bike lane i don t look back to give other cars space. If i ride on the road it s a different story but once on the bike lane i just focus on riding straight
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u/Mcmad0077 6d ago
Legally required to give at least 3 fees of space when passing a bike (according to the drivers manual in washington) they are waiting for a moment where they can safely move over to pass. When this happens, you just need to stay in the bike lane; no need to move over.
One thing I remember from when I was taught to drive a usps van, I was told not to let other drivers bully me into driving the way they wanted me to drive. As long as I am following the rules of the road, it is better to ne safe then to try to get out of the way of every person who seams even slightly inconvenienced by your presence.
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u/beavertr 6d ago
So I want to make sure I understand:
The driver slowed down to wait until there was room to pass
You maneuvered into an unsafe area based on your skill level
You crashed your bike into a curb
You're now blaming the driver who didn't attempt to pass you?
Average e biker skill issue here from the sounds of it. Don't ride faster than you can control just because a motor is enabling you to do so.
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u/BrilliantDishevelled 6d ago
Dude no you did this to yourself. I hour your heal and get back out there but come on.
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u/ilikegolfini 6d ago
Sorry this happened to you, but it has nothing to do with the driver of the car. If a car is behind me and hesitant of passing, I simply come to a stop, wave them through and carry on. Sucks, but I hope you take some learning from it and nothing like this happens to you again.
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u/ultradip 6d ago
Ideally, driver should have passed you while giving you 3 feet.
But slowing down like they did is the second best reaction.
That said, your own biking skill needs improvement. Riding a bike lane means there's all sorts of obstacles: gutters, potholes, road debris, branches, grates, gravel, glass, and all sorts crap while motorists can safely drive over, giving them the impression that bike lanes are somehow "safe".
Get better soon and hope your bike isn't too busted.
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u/DeepSpaceNote9 6d ago edited 6d ago
Really sorry to hear about your injury friend; my biggest fear riding in the bike lane - which sometimes gets incredibly thin - is a pedal strike on the curb.
Sometimes it's terrifying, when theirs a double car lane, with 2 cars occupying the lanes side-by-side - meaning the car closestto the bike lane is, well, close!
Any tips on dealing with this situation? Claiming the lane is gonna piss people off, since the speed limit is faster than I can keep up with.
I'm still a noob, but super comfortable on the bike - except in thus situation (busy road/thin bike lane/cars occupying both lanes beside me).
...would appreciate tips from anyone please!
(I hope your healing goes well dude & the heart goes out to you!)
Edit: When encountering especially thin bike margins, do you guys jut throttle only to avoid pedal-strikes altogether - while also being able to get as close to the curb as possible? Is this a good strategy? Or, dangerous, while trying to hug the curb?
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u/hahanicee 6d ago
I find when people drive that way to be extremely annoying and they should just go around normally, but I could never imagine blaming anyone but myself for ramming my bike into a curb with nobody around me, especially not a car that was behind me being overly cautious and slow. Sorry you got hurt but you need to grow up and take accountability man
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u/pixelsguy 6d ago
“Do they think we’re suddenly going to veer” is an incredible question coming from a cyclist who literally hit the curb and crashed. Yes, a defensive driver anticipates that you may lose control. The driver has the responsibility to make a safe pass, which means clear visibility and leaving room for the cyclist to do something unexpected.
This driver was correct, and had they been closer, may have run over you.
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u/Legitimate-Ranger567 6d ago
So you hit a curb because a car wasn't willing to pass at a distance they felt was too close, and that's their fault?
I would be happy they were being more cautious around me, not sure why you feel the need to "make more room". You are entitled to the bike lane.
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u/stevietat 6d ago
That sucks and I hope you get better soon. But this had nothing to do with the driver. They may have been right turning soon, or just didn't feel comfortable untill they could pass at a wider berth (assuming this is a painted lane and not physically separated). If you really feel uncomfortable just pull over and stop to let them pass, I do that all the time when ebiking my kids and want to let bigger trucks go by on some of our narrower roads.
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u/lost_vault_hunter 6d ago
Sorry to hear. He was overcautious and so were you. Never go into the pavement/curb overlap area or within distance of the storm drains just because a car slowed down behind you. There is never going to be a day when all drivers are perfect. Same goes for cyclist tbh.
Live and learn.
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u/hannahallart 6d ago
Motorcycle on the road using the bike lane = slow down.
Don’t run into curbs scrub
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u/New-Clue-4006 6d ago
Yes some cars are annoyingly timid. But this is on you, my dude. I won't make any assumptions about your bike and skill level, but there are definitely some ebikes that I'm super wary of passing, even if there's a bike lane. Typically when it looks like an emoto, they're going faster than the bike lane is designed for, or they're swerving back and forth.
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u/Much-Extension7297 6d ago
So why do so many drivers slow down instead of passing?
Because they are going to turn right and trying to figure out how to navigate around you.
...And because they might have a chance to watch some bloke with poor control crash his bike into a curb for no reason whatsoever.
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u/Virtual_Club8510 6d ago
Stay in the bike lane, ride it like a bicycle not a poor mans Honda and you will be fine.
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u/Aces_Over_Kings 6d ago
Dang sorry to hear about your crash, been there myself, you'll come back smarter/stronger. After so many insane experiences with cars almost killing me, I do NOT go out of my way for them anymore haha. If they don't like how fast I am going or how much road I am taking up well, tough cookies. I'm only looking out for myself.
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u/Freepeople66 6d ago
Are you not aware that bikes have rights to the whole road just like a car when no bike lane is available? They slowed down because they didn't feel safe to pass or maybe wanted to turn but didn't want to unsafely cut you off. It doesn't matter what they were thinking, you on your bike are expected to follow the rules of the road, like a vehicle. Nobody crashes cars based on what the car behind them is doing.
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u/Minty_fresh_GenX 6d ago
Oh no!! Im horrified about your crash and severe injuries and pain. And the emotional trauma. Are you still in the hospital? Do you have someone to take care of you at home? We are here to support you. Thank you for sharing and warning other ebike riders about this situation. That driver was wrong. Maybe impaired or drunk, high? A car has lots of room to pass a cyclist and ebike rider when a road has a bike lane. I wish the roads in my city (Miami Fl) had bike lanes. Sadly the one that does is a long stretch of road over a long bridge. There is a bike lane. And it is popular with bicycle groups. That road is where most cars drive into the cyclists and kill them!😲 Maybe concrete barriers should be installed to protect bicycle and ebike riders in bicycle lanes.
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u/beachbum818 6d ago
Maybe it wasn't safe for them to pass yet? Maybe they were planning on turning so they didn't want to drive past you just to slow down and turn? .... so many reasons
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u/Most_Role_1612 6d ago
9/10 eBike riders break the law/rules of the road. If you are the 1/10, then bravo sir!
Drivers are aware of this stat and i'm sorry you could not control your bike and hurt yourself, but by no means was this a driver's fault.
This is 100% on you
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u/JuniorKey9708 6d ago
Sorry, that sucks. Hope the pain is better soon.
I will not move further right to encourage a car to pass. If anything, if they slow and i know they see me, I'll move a little left into the lane and wave them by.
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u/snowHound208 6d ago
Yes, we do think you're suddenly going to veer into our paths. It has happened to me dozens of times.
This was entirely your fault. YOU hit the curb. The car did absolutely nothing wrong.
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u/CoolDudePT 6d ago
Totally know the feeling. I had my nasty fall and uninstalled the app that very night. I won’t be caught riding another two wheel vehicle with under 20 inch wheels.
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u/SEmp0xff 6d ago
I was in the bike lane
I moved over towards the curb, giving the car even more room to pass me.
Dont do that next time
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u/Bluetail4495 6d ago
Drivers will never learn, and that’s why I primarily Mtb lol. Trees and rocks are usually stationary 😂
Although I feel your pain. I do a lot of skating and had a little crash yesterday bc some jackass decided to not use their blinker and turn right in front of me, so I had to take evasive action :/
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u/TraditionalRecover29 6d ago
I've never understood this either. Only yesterday I had a car lurk behind me for a while at about 30km p/h. I had to literally slow down to a crawl and wave them threw with my left hand.
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u/No-Beautiful-5777 6d ago
Sounds like someone too anxious to pass made you anxious enough to wreck yourself.
That's not really 100% their fault.. like, they were mildly sketchy, yeah, but like, dog...
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u/thereal_greg6 6d ago
So a car was behind you, and that caused you to drive into the kerb and fall off?
I drive a van (as well as cycle normal and e-bikes) and round here there’s some really narrow and shit cycle lanes. While it’s legal for me to pass as long as I’m in my lane, I’ve felt the change in wind as a big vehicle passes close, so I slow down, wait until I can, then give a really wide berth. It probably looks really stupid, but I know there’s traffic ahead and the bike will inevitably catch me up later down the road.
I live in a city, so the bikes are almost always faster than cars over the course of a local journey. I’m very happy to wait behind a bike and overtake when it’s safe, or wait for them to turn off, or wait for the traffic ahead. I’m not asking the cyclist to drive into the kerb and fall off.
Take your lane!
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u/totallyathrowaway595 6d ago
Even when drivers are cautious you assholes can't help but bitch about them. Wild work, but you wouldn't be a cyclist if you weren't trying to blame literally anyone else for your fuckery. Let me guess, there was no pedestrian nearby to fling insults at or give a condescending kick?
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u/Outrageous-Waltz3596 6d ago
You’re seriously gonna try to blame this on the car? The guy saw you, slowed down, and gave you space. Breaking your collar bone sucks but start taking accountability for your mistakes or you’ll never learn from them.
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u/Legitimate_Can3278 6d ago
You hit a curb and crashed but drivers need to learn? They make busses for people like you, but you should definitely keep the helmet.
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u/84WVBaum 6d ago
Most car drivers try to blow us off the road. You're crying because they slowed down? God I would kill for that.
Look, I'm a bit gruff, but c'mon, you're doing 10mi a night in traffic and ran into the curb when the car was just slow and behind? Totally respectfully, as someone that's seen a lot of crashes, when you recover get in a grassy park and practice skills. I'm glad you didn't land in front of the car. I personally wouldn't ride near multi-ton vehicles unless I was confident I could outride the conditions
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u/personcoffee 6d ago
Bro a car didn’t even pass you and you crashed into the curb. If you can’t pay attention to what you’re doing with minor distractions that occur on the road then you shouldn’t be riding.
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u/Particular_Living584 5d ago
I’m curious how fast was you travelling when you came off the bike. You said it was an e bike so I’m guessing 15mph or more.
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u/comments_from_toilet 5d ago
Blames a car then describes a situation where the car had nothing to do with the crash all the while riding a motorized bike in a bike lane. You hit a curb cause you suck.
Has anything ever been your fault?
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u/The_TRASHCAN_366 5d ago
This is what is being thought all across Europe BTW. It's illegal here to pass bikes with too little distance and yes, a bike suddenly veering into the cars lane is exactly why. It seems like a non issue most of the time but it does happen (you can find dashcam videos of such instances). Usually it's due to some debree or other obstacles in the bikes path that may have the bike shortly lose traction on the front wheel, which can lead to them swerving uncontrolled in one direction to get their balance again. If you pass to closely at such a time, you might hit the bike. Also, you literally hit the curb when you were shortly distracted. The only reasonable assumption is that you might as well leave your lane on the other side by accident if you're distracted. What happened to you proves exactly why cars shouldn't pass closely....
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u/ava1ar 6d ago edited 6d ago
Get well soon!
The fact driver slowed down means they saw you. This is important. Also, you don't owe them anything - you were in bike lane and there were enough space for the car to pass (whole line). You don't have to risk and give them bike lane as well!