So, I almost hit a kid on a bicycle tonite

[Jersey mike]

Ok, so now I know I'm old because I have to say "damn stupid kids". About 7pm i had an errand to run, I was driving my van. It was a quick easy trip to take so I was in no particular hurry so I was doing 43 in a 40 on a stretch of road that goes from a section of lighted residential area that becomes non lighted with woods on either side.

Out of nowhere a teenager about 13-14, wearing black jeans,and a black hooded sweatshirt riding a black BMX bike that's built for a little kid rides diagonally across my lane and I just miss him by about 10' with my left bumper. As I react,although too late, I pull hard to the right and I'm looking at his friend riding in the shoulder, another one in dressed like a ninja on a small bike. Thankfully he was further up the road and got his butt off into the woods and I pulled back left.

I haven't been that scared and pissed in a long time. This is a road that a kid (18) was killed on a few years ago while riding his skateboard on after dark and there is a memorial still at the spot it happened.

I know my eyes aren't what they used to be and I know my lights work and yes I know I was 3 mph over the limit, I can only imagine if I was going 5 over the limit I know that kid would never have cleared the chrome bumper of my E150.

I think it's time to go to town hall and tell them to get with the county and get some lights on that section of road because kids will be kids and next time someone won't walk away.

I don't know about where everyone else lives, but I constantly see all ages of people riding bikes on the wrong side of the road and I see cops pass them too and do nothing. Just about a month ago the young man who lives across the street from me was involved in an accident with an 18 yr old girl who was on the wrong side of the road. I saw him stop at a stop sign, look both ways and proceed to turn right. Some where the girl came from who knows where and road right in front of him and he tapped her with the bumper of his jeep. All witnesses say it was the girls fault and she had some bruises but walked away.

What is so hard about riding a bicycle on the correct side of the road?

[The emperor has no clothes]

I'm glad you missed him. A few years ago friends of ours lost their 12 year old to almost the same scenario. We have adult bikers here that will ride down the middle of the road while there is a nice paved bike path next to the road. 

[sandy]

I see adults on 2 wheels wearing black jackets/helmets with less than spectacular lighting. These people let their kids out with no instruction on safety after dark. AZ bicycle law is for a white light on the front visible for 300' and a red rear reflector.

[Robert]

If there is an accident it does not take away the hurt, problems and life changing events that take place, BUT. There are very specific laws that bicycles are supposed to adhere to along with cars. Wearing essentially all black at night on a dark road is ludicrous and I wonder if the intent was good in what they may have been up to.

 I at some distance behind a bicyclist with head phones going back and forth in the lanes of a similar road that you describe. I Beeped the horn a few times as I became closer trying to let him know I was coming but still no clear cut straight path next to the side of the road. Finally I get up next to him beep the horn and he almost jumps off the bike. By this time he was in the middle of my lane at the stop sign. Well he wanted to fight and was not a happy camper, but I let him know how many times I beeped, that wearing full head phones was illegal and that he was a moron. He did calm down and rode off but it shows the lack of caring in thinking that there might be someone else on the road that is actually supposed to be there.

 I have learned to watch for others in all situations and drive for them basically. But there are occasions when we are at a disadvantage and those are tough. I would only say use your high beams if only to warn others your coming on a road like that. I do all the time on my similar road since its black, with high shrubs up to the road and people do walk across it. I also say good job, all was ok and you managed to avoid a potential bad situation, either by skills or the grace of God. It keeps you alert to possibilities no matter whose at fault. We don't live in a world where there is complete order and caring but we do the best we can with what we are given.

[hubcapsc]

What is so hard about riding a bicycle on the correct side of the road?

I remember running down the tracks  because I knew I could get
to the place to jump over the ditch before the train got there...

kids will be kids...

That's it... glad it turned out OK...

-Mike

[Hooter]

Bicyclist are supposed to be bound by the same laws as a  motor vehicle but they don't abide by that at all.  Do they even know? Riding against traffic however right, wrong, or indifferent it may be is the safest for bicyclist anymore especially with all these texting idiots. I would wanna see it coming and have time to move verses just getting hit in the ass without warning. For a bicyclist riding opposed to traffic is the safest.

Riding with that color "garb" on is no different that a motorcyclist that rides in all black, we've all seen them. Only difference is that the motorcyclist should have lights on? Why do kids  have their hoods up on their hoodies when it's 90 out, even in a car? That must be cool! We all know that the youth of today (now I'm old) doesn't pay much attention and they think we have to move for them. They will walk out in the road in front of us like we aren't even there and will flip you off if you say something or just miss them. This isn't just boys anymore either. Did this kid have ear buds in not hearing a thing like so many of them do today?

Good that you missed him! (them) But, we can't protect them from themselves or anyone for that matter.

[Patrick]

There're scary moments thats for sure.
It happens quite often whether the kids are walking or biking. Kids just don't pay attention, it seems they feel entitled and go where ever they please. It seems like its just a sign of the times today.
I know when we were growing up it was driven into us to pay attention to what was going on around us and to make sure we looked while biking or walking. There was a time not so long ago when vehicles had, or were given, the right of way.

[Gryphon Rider]

Riding against traffic however right, wrong, or indifferent it may be is the safest for bicyclist anymore especially with all these texting idiots. I would wanna see it coming and have time to move verses just getting hit in the ass without warning. For a bicyclist riding opposed to traffic is the safest.

Sorry, you are completely wrong.  The difference in closing speed between a bike and a car going the same direction and moving towards each other makes a huge difference both in time the car driver has to react to what the cyclist is doing, and in the severity of injury should they collide.  E.g.

Car: 80 km/h (50 MPH) (22.22 m/s)
Bike: 25 km/h (16 MPH) (6.94 m/s)

Difference travelling the same direction: 55 km/h (15.28 m/s)
Difference travelling opposite direction: 105 km/h (29.17 m/s)
Approximately half/twice the reaction time available.

Energy absorbed by rider's body (60 kg = 132 lbs.) at collision with car:
         Same direction: E = 1/2 m v²
                                  = 7004 J
     Opposite direction: E = 1/2 m v²
                                  = 25,526 J

The rider's body has to absorb 3.6 times the energy in a collision if he is on the wrong side of the road, in this example.

[dreamaker]

I am also a bicyclist, I have a mountain bike I ride for my health, now correct me if I am wrong.  Here in Michigan you are suppose to ride on the shoulder with the traffic direction.  Myself due to cell phones and texting, I drive facing on coming traffic, just incase they veer off the road from their distractions. Otherwise I am on the bike path provided, but some people, even though there is a bike path, the still drive in the street.

[The emperor has no clothes]

There're scary moments thats for sure.
It happens quite often whether the kids are walking or biking. Kids just don't pay attention, it seems they feel entitled and go where ever they please. It seems like its just a sign of the times today.
I know when we were growing up it was driven into us to pay attention to what was going on around us and to make sure we looked while biking or walking. There was a time not so long ago when vehicles had, or were given, the right of way.

It's amazing how much times have changed. Back in the day kids worked like mules, were as smart as Einstein , never disobeyed rules. Today these damn kids are lazy, stupid, and are criminals. Oh yeah we used to walk 10 miles in the snow to school, now they have limos. 

[Patrick]

There're scary moments thats for sure.
It happens quite often whether the kids are walking or biking. Kids just don't pay attention, it seems they feel entitled and go where ever they please. It seems like its just a sign of the times today.
I know when we were growing up it was driven into us to pay attention to what was going on around us and to make sure we looked while biking or walking. There was a time not so long ago when vehicles had, or were given, the right of way.

It's amazing how much times have changed. Back in the day kids worked like mules, were as smart as Einstein , never disobeyed rules. Today these damn kids are lazy, stupid, and are criminals. Oh yeah we used to walk 10 miles in the snow to school, now they have limos. 

Well, 3 days ago I had 4 kids step out in front of me from between parked cars, it was still dark. I stopped and 1 of them stayed in the road screwing around looking at me and laughing. Gee, maybe you are related.  Sure, that happened back in the day, but, happens more often today. Kids step out or ride out without looking, its common and I find it far more common than when I was their age. But, I guess these things don't happen in places like AZ, only in liberal mecca's like NY.
But, regardless, your remark was just plain stupid. And I did walk 4 miles to school in the snow while those from the other side of the road sat on our front porch to catch the bus because the town line ran up the center of the road and the bus only ran on our side of the road in the morning. But, I'm not complaining about that, just saying since you brought up the subject.

[baldo]

There're scary moments thats for sure.
It happens quite often whether the kids are walking or biking. Kids just don't pay attention, it seems they feel entitled and go where ever they please. It seems like its just a sign of the times today.
I know when we were growing up it was driven into us to pay attention to what was going on around us and to make sure we looked while biking or walking. There was a time not so long ago when vehicles had, or were given, the right of way.

It's amazing how much times have changed. Back in the day kids worked like mules, were as smart as Einstein , never disobeyed rules. Today these damn kids are lazy, stupid, and are criminals. Oh yeah we used to walk 10 miles in the snow to school, now they have limos. 

Well, 3 days ago I had 4 kids step out in front of me from between parked cars, it was still dark. I stopped and 1 of them stayed in the road screwing around looking at me and laughing. Gee, maybe you are related.  Sure, that happened back in the day, but, happens more often today. Kids step out or ride out without looking, its common and I find it far more common than when I was their age. But, I guess these things don't happen in places like AZ, only in liberal mecca's like NY.
But, regardless, your remark was just plain stupid. And I did walk 4 miles to school in the snow while those from the other side of the road sat on our front porch to catch the bus because the town line ran up the center of the road and the bus only ran on our side of the road in the morning. But, I'm not complaining about that, just saying since you brought up the subject.

Patrick,

I have to commend you. It takes skill to parlay a story about hitting kids in the street to living in a liberal mecca. Keep up the good work.

[Jersey mike]

Riding with that color "garb" on is no different that a motorcyclist that rides in all black, we've all seen them. Only difference is that the motorcyclist should have lights on?
 
Good that you missed him! (them) But, we can't protect them from themselves or anyone for that matter.

Hooter;

i'm happy I missed them both, but as for the motorcycles they're sitting up well in the line of sight.

like I said the bikes these kids were riding were SMALL, if they were (overall) 3 1/2 feet off the ground I'd be amazed. the kid that cut across my lane wasn't even above the hood of my van. if I had hit him the point of impact would have been devastating and I might have rolled right over him.

[NewValker]

Glad you missed them Mike.  Would have been hard to live with.
Craig

[baldo]

I had mentioned this thread to my son yesterday, and he said the same thing had happened to him two weeks ago. 2 or 3 kids on skateboards, at night, with black hoodies, were all over a section of our road that has no streetlights. He came damn close to clipping one, the kids threw some rocks at him when he yelled at them.

Kids.....

[Patrick]

There're scary moments thats for sure.
It happens quite often whether the kids are walking or biking. Kids just don't pay attention, it seems they feel entitled and go where ever they please. It seems like its just a sign of the times today.
I know when we were growing up it was driven into us to pay attention to what was going on around us and to make sure we looked while biking or walking. There was a time not so long ago when vehicles had, or were given, the right of way.

It's amazing how much times have changed. Back in the day kids worked like mules, were as smart as Einstein , never disobeyed rules. Today these damn kids are lazy, stupid, and are criminals. Oh yeah we used to walk 10 miles in the snow to school, now they have limos. 

Well, 3 days ago I had 4 kids step out in front of me from between parked cars, it was still dark. I stopped and 1 of them stayed in the road screwing around looking at me and laughing. Gee, maybe you are related.  Sure, that happened back in the day, but, happens more often today. Kids step out or ride out without looking, its common and I find it far more common than when I was their age. But, I guess these things don't happen in places like AZ, only in liberal mecca's like NY.
But, regardless, your remark was just plain stupid. And I did walk 4 miles to school in the snow while those from the other side of the road sat on our front porch to catch the bus because the town line ran up the center of the road and the bus only ran on our side of the road in the morning. But, I'm not complaining about that, just saying since you brought up the subject.

Patrick,

I have to commend you. It takes skill to parlay a story about hitting kids in the street to living in a liberal mecca. Keep up the good work.

But hey, its my mecca.

[Patrick]

I had mentioned this thread to my son yesterday, and he said the same thing had happened to him two weeks ago. 2 or 3 kids on skateboards, at night, with black hoodies, were all over a section of our road that has no streetlights. He came damn close to clipping one, the kids threw some rocks at him when he yelled at them.

Kids.....

Yep, kids will be kids. Aren't they cute and lovable.

[Hooter]

Riding against traffic however right, wrong, or indifferent it may be is the safest for bicyclist anymore especially with all these texting idiots. I would wanna see it coming and have time to move verses just getting hit in the ass without warning. For a bicyclist riding opposed to traffic is the safest.

Sorry, you are completely wrong.  The difference in closing speed between a bike and a car going the same direction and moving towards each other makes a huge difference both in time the car driver has to react to what the cyclist is doing, and in the severity of injury should they collide.  E.g.

Car: 80 km/h (50 MPH) (22.22 m/s)
Bike: 25 km/h (16 MPH) (6.94 m/s)

Difference travelling the same direction: 55 km/h (15.28 m/s)
Difference travelling opposite direction: 105 km/h (29.17 m/s)
Approximately half/twice the reaction time available.

Energy absorbed by rider's body (60 kg = 132 lbs.) at collision with car:
         Same direction: E = 1/2 m v²
                                  = 7004 J
     Opposite direction: E = 1/2 m v²
                                  = 25,526 J

The rider's body has to absorb 3.6 times the energy in a collision if he is on the wrong side of the road, in this example.

   The numbers are nice but I would still rather have a chance seeing some idiot gonna hit me verses not.

[Rams]

My response to this is to say keep all bikes in or on bike paths and off of the road.   I personally don't believe a bicycle should be allowed on any road where they can not maintain the minimum speed of the road.    They are a hazard and don't pay taxes on the byways and highways.    While I never celebrate when one gets hit, I can't but think they were asking for it.

Here in the bluegrass of central Kentucky, the roads become dangerous due bicyclist riding where, I don't think they should be.    Obviously, I'm in the minority because it's legal.   

Where I live is rural with a lot of vehicle traffic consisting of a lot of wider loads on narrow roads.   More than once I've almost had to clean a bicyclist off my front bumper or the side of my trailers.   

No, I am not a fan of bicyclist's on public roads of any kind and I really don't care if it's kids or adults.   

[czuch]

Here in Arizona's liberal mecca of Tucson, we're a "Bicycle friendly city".
They ride the shoulder up to the intersection, then get at the front of the outer turn lane.
They make the left, then go back to the shoulder.
They just don't realize they're softer than the fender/bumper.

[Patrick]

Adult bicyclists. Bike groups/clubs are popular here also. They ride the back roads a lot and are usually 4 abreast, and, won't move over to single file. I too don't like them on public roads when they conduct themselves like that, but, there is no sense in getting upset so I just let them go and get around them whenever I can.

[gordonv]

I'm glad you missed him. Me, I wasn't so lucky. Not hitting her, but knocked her off her bike. No damage. She didn't even ask for my info. A few sleepless nights, and stress.

Only witnesses where other bikers. I know drive with a dash cam. If this happens again, I'll have a video as my witness.

[Tx Bohemian]

Riding against traffic however right, wrong, or indifferent it may be is the safest for bicyclist anymore especially with all these texting idiots. I would wanna see it coming and have time to move verses just getting hit in the ass without warning. For a bicyclist riding opposed to traffic is the safest.

Sorry, you are completely wrong.  The difference in closing speed between a bike and a car going the same direction and moving towards each other makes a huge difference both in time the car driver has to react to what the cyclist is doing, and in the severity of injury should they collide.  E.g.

Car: 80 km/h (50 MPH) (22.22 m/s)
Bike: 25 km/h (16 MPH) (6.94 m/s)

Difference travelling the same direction: 55 km/h (15.28 m/s)
Difference travelling opposite direction: 105 km/h (29.17 m/s)
Approximately half/twice the reaction time available.

Energy absorbed by rider's body (60 kg = 132 lbs.) at collision with car:
         Same direction: E = 1/2 m v²
                                  = 7004 J
     Opposite direction: E = 1/2 m v²
                                  = 25,526 J

The rider's body has to absorb 3.6 times the energy in a collision if he is on the wrong side of the road, in this example.

   The numbers are nice but I would still rather have a chance seeing some idiot gonna hit me verses not.

I'd have to agree with Hooter here. Whether you're riding lawfully with the traffic or criminally against the traffic and you get hit by a car, it's gonna be a world of hurt for the bicyclist!!!
I'd take my chances of having a "chance" to be able to get out of the way vs. not seeing it coming.



As far as the original subject, I see this on a daily basis, but with a twist.
I live on a two lane road (no shoulders) that has a deep ditch on one side and a sidewalk on the other, about 10' from the road. It's straight with no stop signs and about 7 blocks long. With all the new housing additions popping up this road has turned into a "short-cutting speedway" although it's a 30mph zone!

As I walk my dogs on the sidewalk everyday I constantly see people riding bikes on the road at dusk, and most do not have lights or reflective gear (which I think is a law to have lights on a bike) and the twist is: these are not kids!!  They're old adults, like me!!  You would think they should know better!!!

The kids do ride on the sidewalk. Now I do know it's against the law but I'd rather see them on the sidewalk than on this speedway of a street!!
I even step off the sidewalk to let them pass as my Great Dane is quite intimidating.

[Edvalk]

This summer I'm sitting at a red light on a one way road at night. The road runs south to north and the intersection is dimly lit. There is not a car in sight  and the light turns green and I'm letting out the clutch and out of the darkness coming from the north a teenager on a bike going at least 25 mph crosses 6 inches in front of me . I was a 1/4 of a second from nailing him hard . I was not expecting anybody coming from the wrong way on a one way road especially a stupid kid on a bike. Probably would have been my fault if I'd hit him

[Patrick]

This summer I'm sitting at a red light on a one way road at night. The road runs south to north and the intersection is dimly lit. There is not a car in sight  and the light turns green and I'm letting out the clutch and out of the darkness coming from the north a teenager on a bike going at least 25 mph crosses 6 inches in front of me . I was a 1/4 of a second from nailing him hard . I was not expecting anybody coming from the wrong way on a one way road especially a stupid kid on a bike. Probably would have been my fault if I'd hit him

Today, probably yes.  Decades ago, probably no.  Times have changed. Me, I prefer common sense. But, if sense was common everyone would have some.

[henry 008]

"Today, probably yes.  Decades ago, probably no.  Times have changed. Me, I prefer common sense. But, if sense was common everyone would have some."