almost had my own SMIDSY today

[Iahawk]

took the little Ninja out for a nice ride today and almost hit another bike....because I didn't see him! Really shook me up for a bit.

I was on a 4 lane road (in the US, we drive on the right), speed limit 45 mph, waiting in the center left turn lane for a gap in the oncoming traffic. The oncoming cars were in the lane closest to me...I saw a gap and turned left, going fairly quickly as the other traffic was fast approaching.

As I crossed the first of the 2 lanes I was shocked to see a blue sport bike in the far lane, that had been completely hidden by the car in front and to the left of it. It was if the bike was in a perfect blind spot. I watched the oncoming traffic for at least 4 or 5 seconds before making my turn and never saw the bike. I passed behind the bike, but not all that far....it was close enough to shake me up.

Had I gone much faster than I did I would have T boned the bike, hitting him on his left side.

Replaying the incident in my mind I should have looked closer at the oncoming traffic and I probably should have waited for a larger gap in traffic before attempting my left turn. It reinforced that as bikers we can truly be invisible on the road.

Poorly drawn picture attached showing the incident. I am circled in red, the bike I almost hit is in blue.

Ride safe out there!

[monkeybongos]

Whenever I’m in a position like the blue bike—right lane w a vehicle in the left lane slightly ahead—I’m extra cautious at intersections, usually slowing down a little and trying to peek over the vehicle to my left.  I try to avoid being slightly behind anyone in the left lane ( when I’m in the right lane), especially trucks, vans and suvs.  Heavy Traffic volume can make that almost impossible, though.

[Ruffus]

.hawk, sometimes we need a lil bit of luck.
AND, as the old hands said, "never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly"!

But good you reshuffled this occasion and recorded.
.

[Stig / Major Tom]

Glad you both are OK Hawk!
It IS difficult to stay out of blind spots.
I find myself in one probably every time I ride on 4 lane blvds - at least for some seconds.
As a father of 6 children there are reasons other than a love of sunrises for the time of day I ride.
I haven't ridden in midday traffic since commuting home on my last day from work .... 9 yrs ago.
My ways are certainly not for everyone....or, anyone that I've met, for that matter.
I'll quit riding when I can no longer see well in the dark with that one good eye I still have 🙃
I love the solitude of heading out in the dark before sunrises!
Again, glad you're OK!
Stig

[wymple]

I'm the opposite, Stig. I never ride after dark. Deer run at night & I've already taken out 2. I don't even like 2 lane roads anymore because those deer Are only a few feet away & reaction time is way too slim.  I ride pretty much on the 4 lanes, where  I can get a much better chance of seeing & avoiding them, & only in daylight.  When the sun is down, I am parked.  I keep my distance from other traffic.