I failed my behind-the-wheel first driving test because the test administrator said I wasn't looking over my right shoulder to check for bicycles when I was turning right. He was very adamant about me checking for cyclists. This was almost 30 years ago and to this day I still remember to check for cyclists on my right when I'm turning right. I wonder if he was a cyclist.
Recently took my driving test and it's the same way in Japan, just the sides switched since they drive on the left side. You will fail your driving test if you fail to check your mirrors and side before making a left turn. Kids have died here getting killed by trucks making left-hand turns without checking.
If 99% of drivers signal, you cant count on them. Doesn't matter if you are on a bike, or driving. Don't trust signals. Always asume a car might turn without signaling, and if a car is signaling a turn, don't asume they are turning until you see the wheels turn. That being said, of course you are correct, every one should indicate clearly and unambiguously.
Also use the signal well before you turn. I see so many drivers that signal as they're turning, by which point everyone can clearly see where they're going anyway so the signal is pointless.
Based on thirty-five years of road riding: Assume they never see you. Once the car passes you, you cease to exist. Stop at lights and stop signs, consistently! I'm known for it. When other cyclists ask me why I do that, I tell them that my consistency in stopping and signaling may help my wife win the wrongful death lawsuit. The response to that statement is always abject silence. I began using a blinking taillight last year. I cannot believe the consciousness raising the obvious visibility generates! Any opportunity to make eye contact, take it. All of those cautionary observations having been made, this: If you ride in a straight line, pedal most of the time, have good assertive angular posture on the bike and do everything you can to appear to be a solid metallic object - rather than a marshmallow - that will fnck up a motorist's car if they hit you, you improve your chances. Just a great public service video, Phil!
I'm the exact same. Stop at lights, don't blow thru them unless it's 5AM after a slow down. It pisses me off when I see guys blow thru lights and think the drivers put us all in a big basket as assholes.
@@jondenekamp2396 Exactly, Jon! There's a SoCal guy on TH-cam, prolific poster, lots of followers, talented rider, I'm sure you've seen him, in whose videos everybody blows lights and stop signs, virtually all of them. I've chimed in a couple of times, to little effect I'm sure, regarding how that just pisses motorists off no end. And you're right, we're all then painted with the same brush. Makes it more difficult on the road. Makes it much more difficult in a courtroom! And I know whereof I speak.
@@robslater5528 On the topic of building good relations between motorists and cyclists I try to always acknowledge drivers who pass me in a safe manner. I'll give a friendly thank you wave to drivers who slow and patiently wait until it's safer to pass, and those who give a wide berth as they pass (when it's safe to do so).
@@Mike.A. thats very important! But I disagree with the OP about lights, sometimes its safer for me to cross a redlight and get away from cars, of course I stop for pedestrians and I don't rush like a maniac, but just a few seconds free of cars in your back makes it safer for me
@@Mike.A. Yep! This, too, Mike. Both of those, plus I always acknowledge oncoming drivers who don't turn in front of me. Courtesy is almost always acknowledged. I think this is very significant if you ride regular routes.
I’m still relatively “new” to cycling and still don’t have a lot of confidence when riding on the road. I’ve found that making eye contact with drivers is a good way to make acknowledgement about your existence. It doesn’t always happen but when it does I can continue on my merry way knowing that I saw them and they saw me.
@@drewcama5481 I was just talking with my 11 yr old about this. I think its a prey predator thing or something, people will "feel" you watching them and then be more likely to see you
Just be aggressive while riding and make sure people see you! Take control of your lane if you need to and make yourself as visible as possible when in tough spots like cresting hills or sweeping right turns... Especially when there's a big road run-up people maybe traveling to fast up to. Those are the spots I worry about most...
Just keep in mind people will look you in the eye and still pull out in front of you. What you want to do is look at the front tire for movement and not look at the driver.
Great advice, Phil. Here's another tip to help avoid being doored: look into the parked car and the driver's mirror. Often the rider can see the driver sitting in their seat and that will give you an extra second to avoid getting doored. Thanks for entertaining and informing us!
Happened to me on a rather busy road. Usually wide enough so that motorists can pass even though there is oncoming traffic without too much of a problem. An old man overlooked me and hit my handlebars with his mirror. Bike totally broken and painful road rash but luckily no broken bones and the trailing van could brake in time to not run over me. Took me about a year to get my confidence back in riding on the road.
Biking safely is such an odd combo of assertive confidence and deep fear of everything around you... Great info - thanks for sharing some big-city street smarts.
Agreed wholeheartedly. In Washington State there is next to nothing about motorist/cyclist rights and responsibilities. That has never made any sense at all to me and I think it is one reason more people than you think are under the impression it is illegal for a cyclist to even be on the road!
lol, that is where my anxiety comes in handy. one of the most annoying things for me is the way cars will drive recklessly just to get around a me, so i will slow down if its near an intersection because i have seen them ignore stoplights and do not pass lines and end up in the middle of the intersection out of their lane against the light because all they are doing is fixating on being the king of the road.
I live in London and generally, I actually find drivers to be very aware and courteous of cyclists (actually far less so in smaller towns), but the one thing that consistently gets me is when a car overtakes me, and take a turn into your path a few seconds later (same as your 2nd point). Neither of which are helped by the fact that cars can slow down far quicker than bikes. Secondly, they rarely indicate until they begin turning. I probably see this at least once a ride, often more frequently. As a result in London I tend to ride quite defensively, matching the speed of the traffic is fine in most places and if you ride closer to the centre of a lane, if a car does suddenly turn into your path, you can normally just swing out around the back of it, rather than being squished.
@@drewcama5481 Yeah, tbf hard to say, also depends on bike, car speed etc; I guess the Bike can stop pretty quickly, though I tend to find that when a car breaks to turn, I need to break very heavily/emergency stop to slow down quick enough, when factoring in reaction time. I guess reaction time is the main factor really. In my case, on the particular road this happens a lot on, I tend to be riding at around 36-40km/h, so am also basing it off that.
Drivers can slow more abruptly than a bike (or motorbike). They have at least four relatively large, rubber contact points with the road, each with a big hydraulic callipers and disc, designed to slow rapidly from 80mph and idiot-proof ABS. A big cause of death for cyclists in London is riding up the side of long, stopped or slow moving vehicles that then move and turn before the rider can get away. Never filter past long vehicles if there is _any_ chance it can start moving alongside you. For example at a red light... I will filter cars and stop, to sit behind a long vehicle, rather than risk getting half way past it before a green light appears. You don’t know how quickly or often the driver is checking their mirror and (if there is road furniture or railings) you are easily forced into potholes, over wet drain covers or just get trapped if the large vehicle turns. Stay safe.
@@mynewcolour great point. My strategy at all light-controlled intersections is while filtering, if the light turns green or looks like it could soon, gauge how many cars I can definitely get in front of before entering the intersection. If I'm not sure I can get fully in front of a vehicle before they enter, I slow down enough so that if they suddenly turn then I'm out of the way. Has saved my butt a few times when drivers obviously didn't see me and decided at the last second to turn and didn't signal.
This exact thing happened to me with a delivery truck. Came up from behind and made an immediate right turn in front. His long length meant the stopping distance decreased as he made the turn, and I was essentially on gravel w/ NYC streets so my stopping distance wasn't ideal. Ended up braking enough to tap his rear and slide behind the tires, not in front.
I'm 16 and was hit (type #5) crash by a lady distracted with kids and didn't know the area. I unfortunately am in Missouri where it's one of two states where it is still legal to text and drive - crazy stuff. Thanks for addressing this on both the cyclist and motorist side of things.
The place I've had my most near-misses is a road where the bike lane is sandwiched between the driving lane and a school pick-up zone. The parents never, ever check the bike lane in their mirror before turning in and out of the pick-up lane. Don't design roads like this. I refuse to ride in that lane now. I sit square in the middle of the road. It's a school zone anyway. People can slow down.
Traffic around school pickup zones at the relevant times moves really slowly, so I just stick to the inside of the lane to overtake the cars... Generally avoid the areas during those times though...
Great video, and I especially appreciate the suggestion for cyclists to raise their uninsured motorist coverage. When I was hit a few years ago, I was lucky in a lot of ways. First, I'm alive and still mostly functional. But also, the driver stayed on site, and had better than the minimum coverage, so my needs were taken care of. When I was feeling better, the first call I made was to my insurance agent to increase my coverage so that if I ever got hit again by someone who wasn't covered, I'd still be taken care of. And while you're at it, raise your coverage in case you hit someone. If the guy who'd hit me hadn't had the coverage he did, he'd have lost his house in a nasty lawsuit. Better coverage than the legal minimum doesn't add much, and could make a huge difference. Keep up the great work, Phil!
1:31 left cross 2:40 right cross 3:44 pull out 5:27 door prize honorable mentions: tires getting stuck in rail tracks and hard turns on gravel or wet concrete. Thank you for your video Phil.
@@SkepticCyclist Yes, be visible 'and' ride like you're invisible, because to some motorists, despite lights and garish clothing, you're still not there. Well, until they hit you and you magically appear.
@@drewcama5481 Agreed! Don't ride in the gutter if there is no shoulder. Make them have to break the yellow line to pass. Try not to be an @asshole, but take the lane if you have to.
I was waiting to cross a marked crosswalk, with a vehicle approaching from a distance and I made eye contact with the driver. He didn't slow down and would have hit me had I not jumped out of the way. I saw a look of terror in his eyes a moment before he passed. He was blinded by the setting sun behind me, and though I could see him, he looked right at me and couldn't see me. One more thing to consider: If you are backlit by the sun, assume you are literally invisible.
I made eye contact, well thought I had but the other driver was actually looking through me, I was in a car thankfully but still had to swerve off the road to avoid her as she pulled out
Great video as always Phil. My #1 rule of cycling in traffic is: "Ride like you're invisible". In other words, don't ever expect that a driver sees you, whether you're approaching an intersection with a car waiting to enter from the right or even after a car overtakes you. As soon as they've passed you, they no longer think you are there. So ride assuming they can't see you. I had an interesting experience with a semi trailer a year ago. Drivers are trained to take corners wide so that their trailers don't cross into the oncoming lane. A semi trailer passed me with plenty of room as we approached a left hand curve, but once the cab passed me the driver started to drift wide to enter the corner. Suddenly I could see his trailer coming closer to me as we both approached the apex. Fortunately I had enough room to veer right and avoid being sucked under his rear wheels. I don't blame the driver, but it is something that cyclists should be aware of when dealing with semis trucks and other long vehicles (buses, etc).
The best Phil Gaimon video ever! As a rider who has mostly commuted by bike for several decades, this is my list and it was great to see the same list. I use an (illegal) flashing front light, and that helps. I have a helmet light and if I'm on a daytime ride where lots of sketchy things have been happening I'll turn it on and point it at drivers in these situations to try to get noticed. It's always on after dusk. I think trying to make eye contact helps. The companion to all of this is: Learn counter steering! I think of myself as an urban deer: small and easily squished, but able to change direction very quickly. That's saved me many times.
Great video. Presented well. Easy to follow. Good info for both cyclists and drivers on possible risks and how to anticipate & avoid them. One thing I try to do whenever possible (such as at intersections) is make eye contact with drivers to help each of us understand the intention of the other. Also just generally try to spread some good karma / try to offset negative feelings many drivers seem to have about cyclists and cyclists’ “entitled” behavior (such as continuing to ride two or three abreast when car coming up from behind - need to switch to single file and let car pass safely...) - whenever appropriate give a wave, mouth a “thank you” to drivers, etc
It helps that I have ridden a bike as a teen and a motorcycle as a 20-something...I am so aware of cyclists and bikers. If I need to do a right hand turn and there are cyclists approaching the intersection I will pull in BEHIND them into the bike lane to wait for them to safely cross the street. It takes 3 seconds of my time and the traffic behind me can go through and the cyclists don't have loose their stride. My only beef with motorcyclists are lane splitters especially in MOVING traffic... I consider that unnecessary risk that can cause us both grief. Thanks for a great video on bike/car safety... hope it gets more views because people need to be aware of safety no matter how long they have been driving/riding.
Great video man! Just a suggestion, you could've include for cyclists to avoid a possible collision: bright disruptive rear and front lights, bright jerseys/helmet and no selfies during rides. I've seen a cyclist in my group almost fall down cuz he was taking a selfie :/
Good tips really nice concise video! One thing about cars turning out of driveways on busy streets. The 2 times I got tapped by a car were. 1. Car got waved into the lane by a car in traffic being nice. I couldnt see the car pulling out of the driveway or the car waving them forward. And neither apparently could see me coming up between them. So the car pulled out and managed to tap my rear wheel. Now when theres really slow moving traffic im super aware of those driveways. 2. A car right hooked me turning on a random side street to get out of the line of traffic they were stuck in. They didnt look and just made a snap move because they were frustrated. Both of these are just a good warning to be careful of feeling to safe in slow moving traffic. Cars will be wild. Also I have head and tail lights going at all times on my bike and they have for sure gotten my out of trouble.
Best video you have ever posted. Thank you. I have been riding road bikes for almost 50 years and I have encountered each one of these situations. Yes, I have been hit. 50 stitches.
I'm only a 37 year old guy myself, i.e. not much older than you, so take this for what it's worth, but: you're maturing very nicely as a human being, Phil. Seemingly just this year, you've grown your channel into a platform to encourage and enact change on topics ranging from riding safe during COVID, welcoming new cyclists onto the roads, supporting Black Lives Matter and inclusivity in our sport/hobby and in our world, and now this brilliant and VERY practical video on perhaps THE most important rider safety issue: car accidents. You hit the nail on the head with this video.
Thanks Phil, a topic close to my heart and even closer to my new AC joint courtesy of an 80 year old lady in a Toyota that 'just didn't see me'. In fact she wasn't sure if she hit me or I hit her. For the record she hit me. I was lucky that it was a low speed accident, but it still totally screwed my shoulder. It's dangerous on the road, so be visible, be bold, look at the motorists eyes to see if they see you. Don't let the motorist make a marginal choice to squeeze past you, better to be in the way and be seen than be overlooked. Always assume that they don't see you, because they don't. Rant over. Thanks for the entertaining and thoughtful content.
Great video. Also, we cyclists must try everything to be seen: don't hide into the far right side of the road, use your hands to show your direction/intention where you are going, use front/rear lights, stop at lights/signs.
In addition to this great stuff, my 20 years of city commuting have taught me a few things I never see other cyclists doing. I learned a long time ago to wave like crazy. Wave hello, I see you, starting with cars behind you. (You've got a mirror, right?) Direct traffic with the arms. Wave a car through (even when they have the right of way!) so they know you're not going to do something stupid. Wave your arms to be seen. Indicate your direction even though it should be obvious. I find car drivers are mostly just relieved to know what you're doing. Remember, they see hundreds of jerk cyclists all the time. That guy who ran a stop sign in front of them on his bike? They figure that's you, too. (I always stop and give cars the right of way, and it drives me nuts when a jerk cyclist heading down the perp runs a light or sign.) Show drivers what a non-jerk looks like, and increase your odds of staying alive. Give thanks with a thumbs up for ordinary acts of sharing. It can be hard, but in my experience, it helps. You'll probably see those same cars again, and if not, pay it forward with good behavior. Repeating some of what's below, but can't be repeated enough.
Once again, informative and entertaining!! I fell victim to a variant of crash #3, all because the driver thought there was enough of a gap in traffic (me on my bike = the gap) to save herself waiting 30secs. Six years of nerve pain and lingering effects of a concussion later, I have to wonder what was so important that she couldn’t wait
Been riding a long time and this is one of the best videos out there. I never heard of the Dutch Reach but it makes sense once you think about it. Thanks!
Great video, one I'd like to add is never be afraid to TAKE the lane.It's often far less dangerous than someone grazing your elbow as they whisk by only to stop at the next red light and then have to pass you again.
I've been biking all my life, 54 now, and I have survived. I feel cars and cyclist are getting along better than they used to. The laws are confusing people always argue about where the cyclist is supposed to be. #1 My rule of thumb: Ride your bike to be seen and don't hide, take up space. #2 I've been doored twice, once on my ankle the other time I don't remember. Stay arms length or more away from the parked cars, scan the parked cars driver seats as you go, ride the line between the park car lane and the center lane. Cars driving are more alert than cars parked so don't worry about the moving car behind you worry about the person in the parked car. #3 The quick right hand turn in front of you is the most common accident I've had. Be alert don't give up, skid turn with the car, dismount throw your bike into the car as you try to jump away. Why don't cars use their turn signals, it's a flip of the finger, I just can't figure that one out. #4 the car turning left crossing over in front of you" Take up space, ride more in the center of your lane, Wave to the car, wave and point that you are going strait through that yellow light. #5 be politely vocal. I worked as a bike courier for over 3 years and pedestrians and cars respond better to a verbal sound than a bell or whistle. A warning just in case they aren't aware of me, a precaution gets a verbal "Beep Beep". An Oh my GOOOOD gets a directed loud, " YO!". I've been in many accidents most of which were my fault. The accident's that I could have died from the car was at fault! My cat like crash reflexes have saved me . I just hope I haven't used up all of my nine lives yet.
Very interesting video, I'm a runner not much of a cyclist in a big city but this video was so relatable. The issues with cars making right turns and left turns without assuming a runner is coming is something I experience on a daily basis.
All solid advice. The one thing I'd add is the use of a blinking (and working) taillight. In general, I've had positive experiences with drivers where I ride (Santa Cruz CA) and to my great surprise and pleasure, drivers seem to have gotten more courteous during the pandemic. It really is all about awareness and Phil has correctly identified the phone as the principle agent of distraction. Unless I make eye contact with a driver, I assume they can't see me. I also make liberal use of waves and smiles for drivers who do see me and/or wave me through an intersection and I try to never take away a drivers right of way by doing something like blowing through a stop sign when it's their turn. The last thing we cyclists want is pissed off drivers so I try to do what I can on rides to be an ambassador for the sport. There is no way cyclists will win a war with cars so let's get them to love us. Let's put all those endorphins we get while riding to good use!
Great video. I'd add - Plan your routes to avoid bad traffic - Be careful around sunset when drivers might be blinded - Make yourself visible: bright clothes, reflectors and lights at night
People seem to ignore this bit, but it's key. I always wear neon, and the bike and helmet are kitted with the best quality reflective tape you can buy. I (pre-covid) used to mostly drive to work, and I was always amazed at the number of cyclists wearing black, nearly invisible in the early morning. The ones in neon with reflectives could be seen 2-3 blocks away. And enough of those teensie little weight weenie red blinkies. Reflective tape works a ton better and doesn't need a recharge.
Thanks for the great video Phil. Many cyclist may not admit how easy it would be for an accident to happen during a ride. Thanks for the reminder to remain vigilant 👍.
Thanks Phil - Great Video. 👍🏽 Another tip: Ride with your ID/ Medical Card / Several Emergency contacts on a piece of paper...I was recently involved in an accident where all I had was my phone ( which has said information) but was completely shattered in the fall. A witness had to get in touch with nearby friends via Instagram...
Been a bicycle commuter since 1997, all in urban environments. I have two rules: # 1 - Be predictable: let cars know what you're doing through hand signals, waving your hands around so they see you, and eye contact and smiles (yes, smile at drivers, they will see you as human and most will smile back!). # 2 - Demand your space: don't act like a timid cyclist in the bike lane or on the edge of the road. Take your 3 - 5 feet of roadway. It's hard to miss a cyclist when you're truly sharing the road. You might get the occasional honk from a jerk, but it's better than getting run over.
You forgot to mention what I consider one of the most important things to avoid. Don’t ride on the sidewalk if you are a cyclist and if you do be aware and don’t pedal, cruise as slow as possible until you can get to a lane. Sidewalk cycling is actually illegal in many states because it is really dangerous to the pedestrians. It might not feel like you are going fast but clipping a person at 10-20mph will hurt and can even kill someone. Another reason why sidewalk cycling is bad, is because cars are looking for pedestrians when clearing the sidewalk to turn in or out of a parking lot. The only way to safely cross a gap in the sidewalks is to come to a complete stop, and lets be real, you don’t want to stop, stopping and starting is one of the most annoying things to do on a bike as it requires a lot of energy. My advice is to ride in the bikelane and if you don’t feel safe take up all of the rightlane so the cars 100% see you. You are entitled to the lane, just be considerate and pull to the side when possible to let traffic pass.
Phil fantastic advice especially for the ever growing amount of new cyclists out there..actually had ALL those things happen to me u brought up in the vid..my trick for not getting doored is look if there is a driver ahead in the parked car and prepare for the worst..even if it doesn't
Thanks for this very good video. On collision type #5, when a driver says "came from nowhere" it's an almost sure sign that the driver wasn't looking where they were supposed to be looking. "Came from nowhere" is a horrible excuse, because the laws govern where we GO TO not where we COME FROM.
Thanks for the content Phil. I got hit from behind on Laguna Canyon Road. He was going 60 mph and I was going the same direction about 15 mph. The accident broke both my legs, both my arms, five ribs, my collarbone and a skull fracture. The bones in my left leg and right arm came through the skin. I have a titanium rod through my left leg and stainless steel plates in my right arm. It was a long and painful recovery but I feel very lucky that my spine works just fine. I used to run but that is over as my left leg goes numb now. I am back cycling but I have some routes that avoid traffic.
or the car that waves you through as you're reaching a stop sign., or the one that slows down and motions us to turn left when there is no signal or sign. Motorist are alert... just not all of them.
I did my first 125km last weekend on the road, and it was my first long distance being strictly on non bike paths and i kept remembering you saying " claim your spot on the road" whenever i would get freaked out about cars. and eventually i felt comfortable :).
Well done Phil. You covered all of it. I live in Copenhagen, Denmark. Here we have not only the car people on their phones but the cyclists on the phone texting while riding. Both completely against the law. At rush hour, the bike lanes look like the Tour De France peloton. It has become over crowded plus tourist, on electric bikes, scooters, roller blades and not to forget, electric skate boards. it has become really dangerous here in " the cyclist´s paradise.
Good video, I would suggest a front light even during daylight. As you said, most accidents are people pulling in front of you. Makes you so much more noticeable. Try to get eye contact and ride as much as possible where the drivers are looking which is in the road.
I nearly got hit yesterday. I was just doing a little warm-up in my neighborhood, looked down for literally 2-3 seconds, I look back up and I'm like 3 feet from going over the hood of this lady's car. She had pulled out of her driveway without looking.
Been there done that.I did a somersault over the back of the car landed on my feet, bike was bent up front wheel looked like a pizza with a piece missing.
One rule I've learned (although I break it myself sometimes) Don't look down! Ever! Don't look down at your computer. Don't look down to see what gear you are in. Don't look down to try to figure out what that noise is. Don't look down to see if you have a tire going flat. Don't look down at your water bottle. Don't look down. Sounds silly, but when I'm looking down is always when a car suddenly pulled out, or a pothole, or big crack in the pavement, or big bump, or hunk of metal suddenly appeared in my path. When I break the rule, I always take a careful look ahead of me first.
@@blubaughmr lol. The house is just past this blind intersection with stop signs in the cross direction but a very obstructed view; when I got past that and figured I was safe to glance at the bike computer. I was wrong. I rode past the house again today and got to thinking what I could have done differently. She didn't look long or hard enough, but there are 3 small-ish trees that could have obscured her line of sight, and I was all the way to the right. Both could have been a factor. My guard was way down because it's a neighborhood; 25mph, not even a through road, narrow streets. I feel much more alert and cautious when I'm out on the busier roads. lesson learned.
@@jamesoxford4260 Most likely she didn't pull out blindly since she wouldn't want to collide with a car. She just "didn't see you" because most drivers act like the only thing on the road is cars, trucks, and SUV's. They "don't see" delivery trucks, mail trucks, tractors, bicycles, food vendors, children, pets, strollers, and the list goes on. It's ridiculous.
Liked! I started using the Gamin Radar and it's the best thing since sliced bread. I didn't know how I would like it, but would immediately replace it if brakes.
I've seen videos from the Netherlands, where teh cars have stop signs for the bike paths. Around here it's always the other way around, and teh best you can hope for is at least a sign that there is a trail crossing there. Many of the trail crossings even have signs on the trail that say "This is not a crosswalk (fuck you)!".
Such important information!!! A friend's mother was just killed two days ago via crash type #5. No one questioned the motorist's speed, whether he was on his phone, etc. just asked if the victim was wearing a helmet and accepted the idea she swerved out of nowhere... :'(
Excellent Video, I learned something today: "the Dutch reach". Thank you! You should have mentioned day time running lights, flashing white light in the front and flashing red light in the rear. Additionally the use of kit that isn't Black will help motorists spot you!
Best advice I have, for safety as a cyclist, is change as you approach a junction. Alter your speed, alter your shape. Touch the brakes and sit up. Get out of the saddle and bob. Anything to bring some attention so you don't fade into the background.
One thing I've learned is that a motorist won't always signal but if you watch their front tires to see which way they are pointing before they turn you get a few extra seconds to react, well maybe milliseconds depending on the situation but it's saved me at least a couple times from someone not signaling during a right cross
The most impressive drivers to me, as a person riding a bike, are the bus drivers. They are so aware of where cyclists are compared to people in their own cars. Total professionals
I know bells can seem dorky, but I have found them to be indispensable when riding in heavy pedestrian areas. Better than using whatever weird sounds you can make. Overall good advice.
Great advice Phil! I too live in L.A. and am out on my bike nearly everyday. I actually don't own a car. Daily I see people in their cars do the craziest things... The most frustrating is the Right Cross... You'll be riding along in your bike lane and someone wanting to turn right speeds up to get in front of you then suddenly veers right directly in front of you? Really? You couldn't wait literally 2 seconds for me to pass? I was out yesterday stopped at a stop light (in the bike lane) at Venice x Crenshaw when a man in a minvan with his kids in the back and wife next to him laid on his horn trying to get me to move so he could butt his way into a right turn lane... He inched up literally almost touching my rear tire. I nearly kicked his ass in front of his family... I yelled at him "You can't wait 15 seconds?" He looked like he wanted to run me over... I was 2 energy gels in and ready to throw down... Thankfully he thought better of it than to fuk with the #cyclingSOMM!
I find it useful to be cognizant of the space on your left when in heavy traffic or in neighbourhoods where you might need to avoid someone leaving a driveway. That way you know that if you need to swerve into traffic to avoid a curbside accident (pothole, sewer grate, car door, someone pulling out without looking), you can feel confident you won't get run over.
I have to subliminally know all these things when I'm delivering ubereats on busy streets. After 700 deliveries, I've had no close calls, I think this is mainly because I wear very bright construction vest, and flashy lights.
I failed my behind-the-wheel first driving test because the test administrator said I wasn't looking over my right shoulder to check for bicycles when I was turning right. He was very adamant about me checking for cyclists. This was almost 30 years ago and to this day I still remember to check for cyclists on my right when I'm turning right. I wonder if he was a cyclist.
He probably was/still is. It's good advice
Almost certainly.
He still is.
Recently took my driving test and it's the same way in Japan, just the sides switched since they drive on the left side. You will fail your driving test if you fail to check your mirrors and side before making a left turn. Kids have died here getting killed by trucks making left-hand turns without checking.
And to cars: maybe use a turn signal so we know where not to be.
YES! And that includes rotaries/roundabouts/traffic circles...the most common place I've seen for not using turn signals. Yeesh....
even when in a car I’ve seen way too many drivers not signaling 😒😒😒
If 99% of drivers signal, you cant count on them. Doesn't matter if you are on a bike, or driving. Don't trust signals. Always asume a car might turn without signaling, and if a car is signaling a turn, don't asume they are turning until you see the wheels turn.
That being said, of course you are correct, every one should indicate clearly and unambiguously.
Also use the signal well before you turn. I see so many drivers that signal as they're turning, by which point everyone can clearly see where they're going anyway so the signal is pointless.
Yes
Based on thirty-five years of road riding: Assume they never see you. Once the car passes you, you cease to exist. Stop at lights and stop signs, consistently! I'm known for it. When other cyclists ask me why I do that, I tell them that my consistency in stopping and signaling may help my wife win the wrongful death lawsuit. The response to that statement is always abject silence. I began using a blinking taillight last year. I cannot believe the consciousness raising the obvious visibility generates! Any opportunity to make eye contact, take it. All of those cautionary observations having been made, this: If you ride in a straight line, pedal most of the time, have good assertive angular posture on the bike and do everything you can to appear to be a solid metallic object - rather than a marshmallow - that will fnck up a motorist's car if they hit you, you improve your chances. Just a great public service video, Phil!
I'm the exact same. Stop at lights, don't blow thru them unless it's 5AM after a slow down. It pisses me off when I see guys blow thru lights and think the drivers put us all in a big basket as assholes.
@@jondenekamp2396 Exactly, Jon! There's a SoCal guy on TH-cam, prolific poster, lots of followers, talented rider, I'm sure you've seen him, in whose videos everybody blows lights and stop signs, virtually all of them. I've chimed in a couple of times, to little effect I'm sure, regarding how that just pisses motorists off no end. And you're right, we're all then painted with the same brush. Makes it more difficult on the road. Makes it much more difficult in a courtroom! And I know whereof I speak.
@@robslater5528 On the topic of building good relations between motorists and cyclists I try to always acknowledge drivers who pass me in a safe manner. I'll give a friendly thank you wave to drivers who slow and patiently wait until it's safer to pass, and those who give a wide berth as they pass (when it's safe to do so).
@@Mike.A. thats very important! But I disagree with the OP about lights, sometimes its safer for me to cross a redlight and get away from cars, of course I stop for pedestrians and I don't rush like a maniac, but just a few seconds free of cars in your back makes it safer for me
@@Mike.A. Yep! This, too, Mike. Both of those, plus I always acknowledge oncoming drivers who don't turn in front of me. Courtesy is almost always acknowledged. I think this is very significant if you ride regular routes.
Commenting for the algorithm , more people need to see this.
@korzik replying for the algorithm
Same!
Yes
I agree! Crazy to think I've been involved in 1, 2, and 3 while out riding
And I've seen #4 happen in person as well
Watching as a motorist and not at all a cyclist. Thanks, I’m going to use the Dutch Reach now.
I’m still relatively “new” to cycling and still don’t have a lot of confidence when riding on the road. I’ve found that making eye contact with drivers is a good way to make acknowledgement about your existence. It doesn’t always happen but when it does I can continue on my merry way knowing that I saw them and they saw me.
Yes I do that, but you cant always be sure they are actually looking at you. I think they at least feel your energy pointed at them.
@@drewcama5481 I was just talking with my 11 yr old about this. I think its a prey predator thing or something, people will "feel" you watching them and then be more likely to see you
Just be aggressive while riding and make sure people see you! Take control of your lane if you need to and make yourself as visible as possible when in tough spots like cresting hills or sweeping right turns... Especially when there's a big road run-up people maybe traveling to fast up to. Those are the spots I worry about most...
Just keep in mind people will look you in the eye and still pull out in front of you. What you want to do is look at the front tire for movement and not look at the driver.
@@scottjohnson3617 Yes this happens to me a lot. Direct eye contact and they still almost run me over. I don’t understand it.
Great advice, Phil. Here's another tip to help avoid being doored: look into the parked car and the driver's mirror. Often the rider can see the driver sitting in their seat and that will give you an extra second to avoid getting doored.
Thanks for entertaining and informing us!
and look out for cars that have just pulled in, those have a higher chance of somebody getting out
I am most concerned about being hit from behind by a distracted driver
Unfortunately not much you can do. Get a bigass rear light 150+ lumens and a rear-facing camera.
At least you are lowering the chances.
Happened to me on a rather busy road. Usually wide enough so that motorists can pass even though there is oncoming traffic without too much of a problem. An old man overlooked me and hit my handlebars with his mirror. Bike totally broken and painful road rash but luckily no broken bones and the trailing van could brake in time to not run over me. Took me about a year to get my confidence back in riding on the road.
Yeah me too car pass so close to me and im on a country road. Drivers sometime just dont give a shit..
At least the drivers are paying more attention to the road than pedestrians and other cyclist.. Don't hide take up space force them to see you.
That's the scariest one, when you hear the car approaching and know it won't end well. But not much you can really do.
Biking safely is such an odd combo of assertive confidence and deep fear of everything around you...
Great info - thanks for sharing some big-city street smarts.
This should be shown to everyone when they get their driver's licence.
Agreed wholeheartedly. In Washington State there is next to nothing about motorist/cyclist rights and responsibilities. That has never made any sense at all to me and I think it is one reason more people than you think are under the impression it is illegal for a cyclist to even be on the road!
Assume, assume assume assume. Saved me from cars for years. Always, always, always assume the worst from them and you'll be good to go.
lol, that is where my anxiety comes in handy. one of the most annoying things for me is the way cars will drive recklessly just to get around a me, so i will slow down if its near an intersection because i have seen them ignore stoplights and do not pass lines and end up in the middle of the intersection out of their lane against the light because all they are doing is fixating on being the king of the road.
Yep, Assume the the worst and be prepared for it. If they can turn right, be ready to pass them on the left
I live in London and generally, I actually find drivers to be very aware and courteous of cyclists (actually far less so in smaller towns), but the one thing that consistently gets me is when a car overtakes me, and take a turn into your path a few seconds later (same as your 2nd point). Neither of which are helped by the fact that cars can slow down far quicker than bikes. Secondly, they rarely indicate until they begin turning. I probably see this at least once a ride, often more frequently.
As a result in London I tend to ride quite defensively, matching the speed of the traffic is fine in most places and if you ride closer to the centre of a lane, if a car does suddenly turn into your path, you can normally just swing out around the back of it, rather than being squished.
I agree 90%, but I think a bike can slow down faster than a car. An I'm old school with rim brakes.
@@drewcama5481 Yeah, tbf hard to say, also depends on bike, car speed etc; I guess the Bike can stop pretty quickly, though I tend to find that when a car breaks to turn, I need to break very heavily/emergency stop to slow down quick enough, when factoring in reaction time. I guess reaction time is the main factor really. In my case, on the particular road this happens a lot on, I tend to be riding at around 36-40km/h, so am also basing it off that.
Drivers can slow more abruptly than a bike (or motorbike). They have at least four relatively large, rubber contact points with the road, each with a big hydraulic callipers and disc, designed to slow rapidly from 80mph and idiot-proof ABS.
A big cause of death for cyclists in London is riding up the side of long, stopped or slow moving vehicles that then move and turn before the rider can get away. Never filter past long vehicles if there is _any_ chance it can start moving alongside you. For example at a red light... I will filter cars and stop, to sit behind a long vehicle, rather than risk getting half way past it before a green light appears. You don’t know how quickly or often the driver is checking their mirror and (if there is road furniture or railings) you are easily forced into potholes, over wet drain covers or just get trapped if the large vehicle turns. Stay safe.
@@mynewcolour great point. My strategy at all light-controlled intersections is while filtering, if the light turns green or looks like it could soon, gauge how many cars I can definitely get in front of before entering the intersection. If I'm not sure I can get fully in front of a vehicle before they enter, I slow down enough so that if they suddenly turn then I'm out of the way. Has saved my butt a few times when drivers obviously didn't see me and decided at the last second to turn and didn't signal.
This exact thing happened to me with a delivery truck. Came up from behind and made an immediate right turn in front. His long length meant the stopping distance decreased as he made the turn, and I was essentially on gravel w/ NYC streets so my stopping distance wasn't ideal. Ended up braking enough to tap his rear and slide behind the tires, not in front.
I'm 16 and was hit (type #5) crash by a lady distracted with kids and didn't know the area. I unfortunately am in Missouri where it's one of two states where it is still legal to text and drive - crazy stuff. Thanks for addressing this on both the cyclist and motorist side of things.
8:01-8:11 are 10 of the best seconds you've ever recorded!
The place I've had my most near-misses is a road where the bike lane is sandwiched between the driving lane and a school pick-up zone. The parents never, ever check the bike lane in their mirror before turning in and out of the pick-up lane. Don't design roads like this. I refuse to ride in that lane now. I sit square in the middle of the road. It's a school zone anyway. People can slow down.
Traffic around school pickup zones at the relevant times moves really slowly, so I just stick to the inside of the lane to overtake the cars... Generally avoid the areas during those times though...
Great video, and I especially appreciate the suggestion for cyclists to raise their uninsured motorist coverage. When I was hit a few years ago, I was lucky in a lot of ways. First, I'm alive and still mostly functional. But also, the driver stayed on site, and had better than the minimum coverage, so my needs were taken care of. When I was feeling better, the first call I made was to my insurance agent to increase my coverage so that if I ever got hit again by someone who wasn't covered, I'd still be taken care of. And while you're at it, raise your coverage in case you hit someone. If the guy who'd hit me hadn't had the coverage he did, he'd have lost his house in a nasty lawsuit. Better coverage than the legal minimum doesn't add much, and could make a huge difference.
Keep up the great work, Phil!
1:31 left cross
2:40 right cross
3:44 pull out
5:27 door prize
honorable mentions: tires getting stuck in rail tracks and hard turns on gravel or wet concrete. Thank you for your video Phil.
Ride like you're invisible and pay close attention at ALL times!!! Applies to motorcycles too.
No. Never ride like you’re invisible. Ride to make yourself visible.
@@SkepticCyclist Yes, be visible 'and' ride like you're invisible, because to some motorists, despite lights and garish clothing, you're still not there. Well, until they hit you and you magically appear.
Assume drivers can't see you.
Make sure your seen, Take up space.
@@drewcama5481 Agreed! Don't ride in the gutter if there is no shoulder. Make them have to break the yellow line to pass. Try not to be an @asshole, but take the lane if you have to.
I always make eye contact with drivers to make certain they see me before I make a move.
Not so much on the bicycle, but on the motorbike it's amazing how many people you think looked right at you and pull out anyway!
@gonootropics It's why I wear clear lenses.
I was waiting to cross a marked crosswalk, with a vehicle approaching from a distance and I made eye contact with the driver. He didn't slow down and would have hit me had I not jumped out of the way. I saw a look of terror in his eyes a moment before he passed. He was blinded by the setting sun behind me, and though I could see him, he looked right at me and couldn't see me. One more thing to consider: If you are backlit by the sun, assume you are literally invisible.
I made eye contact, well thought I had but the other driver was actually looking through me, I was in a car thankfully but still had to swerve off the road to avoid her as she pulled out
I ALWAYS look at the tire rotation as it will ALWAYS tell what the vehicle is doing.
Great video as always Phil. My #1 rule of cycling in traffic is: "Ride like you're invisible". In other words, don't ever expect that a driver sees you, whether you're approaching an intersection with a car waiting to enter from the right or even after a car overtakes you. As soon as they've passed you, they no longer think you are there. So ride assuming they can't see you.
I had an interesting experience with a semi trailer a year ago. Drivers are trained to take corners wide so that their trailers don't cross into the oncoming lane. A semi trailer passed me with plenty of room as we approached a left hand curve, but once the cab passed me the driver started to drift wide to enter the corner. Suddenly I could see his trailer coming closer to me as we both approached the apex. Fortunately I had enough room to veer right and avoid being sucked under his rear wheels. I don't blame the driver, but it is something that cyclists should be aware of when dealing with semis trucks and other long vehicles (buses, etc).
The best Phil Gaimon video ever!
As a rider who has mostly commuted by bike for several decades, this is my list and it was great to see the same list.
I use an (illegal) flashing front light, and that helps. I have a helmet light and if I'm on a daytime ride where lots of sketchy things have been happening I'll turn it on and point it at drivers in these situations to try to get noticed. It's always on after dusk. I think trying to make eye contact helps.
The companion to all of this is: Learn counter steering! I think of myself as an urban deer: small and easily squished, but able to change direction very quickly. That's saved me many times.
Great video. Presented well. Easy to follow. Good info for both cyclists and drivers on possible risks and how to anticipate & avoid them. One thing I try to do whenever possible (such as at intersections) is make eye contact with drivers to help each of us understand the intention of the other. Also just generally try to spread some good karma / try to offset negative feelings many drivers seem to have about cyclists and cyclists’ “entitled” behavior (such as continuing to ride two or three abreast when car coming up from behind - need to switch to single file and let car pass safely...) - whenever appropriate give a wave, mouth a “thank you” to drivers, etc
It helps that I have ridden a bike as a teen and a motorcycle as a 20-something...I am so aware of cyclists and bikers. If I need to do a right hand turn and there are cyclists approaching the intersection I will pull in BEHIND them into the bike lane to wait for them to safely cross the street. It takes 3 seconds of my time and the traffic behind me can go through and the cyclists don't have loose their stride.
My only beef with motorcyclists are lane splitters especially in MOVING traffic... I consider that unnecessary risk that can cause us both grief.
Thanks for a great video on bike/car safety... hope it gets more views because people need to be aware of safety no matter how long they have been driving/riding.
Great video man! Just a suggestion, you could've include for cyclists to avoid a possible collision: bright disruptive rear and front lights, bright jerseys/helmet and no selfies during rides. I've seen a cyclist in my group almost fall down cuz he was taking a selfie :/
Good tips really nice concise video! One thing about cars turning out of driveways on busy streets. The 2 times I got tapped by a car were.
1. Car got waved into the lane by a car in traffic being nice. I couldnt see the car pulling out of the driveway or the car waving them forward. And neither apparently could see me coming up between them. So the car pulled out and managed to tap my rear wheel. Now when theres really slow moving traffic im super aware of those driveways.
2. A car right hooked me turning on a random side street to get out of the line of traffic they were stuck in. They didnt look and just made a snap move because they were frustrated.
Both of these are just a good warning to be careful of feeling to safe in slow moving traffic. Cars will be wild. Also I have head and tail lights going at all times on my bike and they have for sure gotten my out of trouble.
Best video you have ever posted. Thank you. I have been riding road bikes for almost 50 years and I have encountered each one of these situations. Yes, I have been hit. 50 stitches.
Thanks for the tips! Thanks for bunching up these and making easy for us to suggest this video for our fellow riders.
I'm only a 37 year old guy myself, i.e. not much older than you, so take this for what it's worth, but: you're maturing very nicely as a human being, Phil. Seemingly just this year, you've grown your channel into a platform to encourage and enact change on topics ranging from riding safe during COVID, welcoming new cyclists onto the roads, supporting Black Lives Matter and inclusivity in our sport/hobby and in our world, and now this brilliant and VERY practical video on perhaps THE most important rider safety issue: car accidents. You hit the nail on the head with this video.
Thanks Brian. Really nice of you
@@worstretirementever You're welcome Phil. Keep up the great work.
Thanks Phil, a topic close to my heart and even closer to my new AC joint courtesy of an 80 year old lady in a Toyota that 'just didn't see me'.
In fact she wasn't sure if she hit me or I hit her.
For the record she hit me.
I was lucky that it was a low speed accident, but it still totally screwed my shoulder.
It's dangerous on the road, so be visible, be bold, look at the motorists eyes to see if they see you. Don't let the motorist make a marginal choice to squeeze past you, better to be in the way and be seen than be overlooked.
Always assume that they don't see you, because they don't.
Rant over. Thanks for the entertaining and thoughtful content.
Great video. Also, we cyclists must try everything to be seen: don't hide into the far right side of the road, use your hands to show your direction/intention where you are going, use front/rear lights, stop at lights/signs.
In addition to this great stuff, my 20 years of city commuting have taught me a few things I never see other cyclists doing. I learned a long time ago to wave like crazy. Wave hello, I see you, starting with cars behind you. (You've got a mirror, right?) Direct traffic with the arms. Wave a car through (even when they have the right of way!) so they know you're not going to do something stupid. Wave your arms to be seen. Indicate your direction even though it should be obvious. I find car drivers are mostly just relieved to know what you're doing. Remember, they see hundreds of jerk cyclists all the time. That guy who ran a stop sign in front of them on his bike? They figure that's you, too. (I always stop and give cars the right of way, and it drives me nuts when a jerk cyclist heading down the perp runs a light or sign.) Show drivers what a non-jerk looks like, and increase your odds of staying alive. Give thanks with a thumbs up for ordinary acts of sharing. It can be hard, but in my experience, it helps. You'll probably see those same cars again, and if not, pay it forward with good behavior. Repeating some of what's below, but can't be repeated enough.
I just watched this while driving to work, what a informative video!
🤔
Once again, informative and entertaining!! I fell victim to a variant of crash #3, all because the driver thought there was enough of a gap in traffic (me on my bike = the gap) to save herself waiting 30secs. Six years of nerve pain and lingering effects of a concussion later, I have to wonder what was so important that she couldn’t wait
Phil for president. I´ve seen too many close and too close crashes, never had any luckily.
Been riding a long time and this is one of the best videos out there. I never heard of the Dutch Reach but it makes sense once you think about it. Thanks!
Excellent video. This should be required viewing for all cyclists and drivers.
Great video, one I'd like to add is never be afraid to TAKE the lane.It's often far less dangerous than someone grazing your elbow as they whisk by only to stop at the next red light and then have to pass you again.
I've been biking all my life, 54 now, and I have survived. I feel cars and cyclist are getting along better than they used to. The laws are confusing people always argue about where the cyclist is supposed to be.
#1 My rule of thumb: Ride your bike to be seen and don't hide, take up space. #2 I've been doored twice, once on my ankle the other time I don't remember. Stay arms length or more away from the parked cars, scan the parked cars driver seats as you go, ride the line between the park car lane and the center lane. Cars driving are more alert than cars parked so don't worry about the moving car behind you worry about the person in the parked car. #3 The quick right hand turn in front of you is the most common accident I've had. Be alert don't give up, skid turn with the car, dismount throw your bike into the car as you try to jump away. Why don't cars use their turn signals, it's a flip of the finger, I just can't figure that one out. #4 the car turning left crossing over in front of you" Take up space, ride more in the center of your lane, Wave to the car, wave and point that you are going strait through that yellow light. #5 be politely vocal. I worked as a bike courier for over 3 years and pedestrians and cars respond better to a verbal sound than a bell or whistle. A warning just in case they aren't aware of me, a precaution gets a verbal "Beep Beep". An Oh my GOOOOD gets a directed loud, " YO!".
I've been in many accidents most of which were my fault. The accident's that I could have died from the car was at fault! My cat like crash reflexes have saved me . I just hope I haven't used up all of my nine lives yet.
The reason drivers don't use a finger to flip on the turn signals is because they are holding a phone in that hand.
Very interesting video, I'm a runner not much of a cyclist in a big city but this video was so relatable. The issues with cars making right turns and left turns without assuming a runner is coming is something I experience on a daily basis.
uninsured motorist coverage. you taught me something. thanks, bud
All solid advice. The one thing I'd add is the use of a blinking (and working) taillight. In general, I've had positive experiences with drivers where I ride (Santa Cruz CA) and to my great surprise and pleasure, drivers seem to have gotten more courteous during the pandemic. It really is all about awareness and Phil has correctly identified the phone as the principle agent of distraction. Unless I make eye contact with a driver, I assume they can't see me. I also make liberal use of waves and smiles for drivers who do see me and/or wave me through an intersection and I try to never take away a drivers right of way by doing something like blowing through a stop sign when it's their turn. The last thing we cyclists want is pissed off drivers so I try to do what I can on rides to be an ambassador for the sport. There is no way cyclists will win a war with cars so let's get them to love us. Let's put all those endorphins we get while riding to good use!
As a cyclist, assume you’re invisible until proven otherwise. Great video
Great video. I'd add
- Plan your routes to avoid bad traffic
- Be careful around sunset when drivers might be blinded
- Make yourself visible: bright clothes, reflectors and lights at night
People seem to ignore this bit, but it's key. I always wear neon, and the bike and helmet are kitted with the best quality reflective tape you can buy. I (pre-covid) used to mostly drive to work, and I was always amazed at the number of cyclists wearing black, nearly invisible in the early morning. The ones in neon with reflectives could be seen 2-3 blocks away. And enough of those teensie little weight weenie red blinkies. Reflective tape works a ton better and doesn't need a recharge.
Thanks for the great video Phil. Many cyclist may not admit how easy it would be for an accident to happen during a ride. Thanks for the reminder to remain vigilant 👍.
We should also use Lights. It helps.
As you're saying, "they shoot out into the bike lane," the mail truck pulls into the bike lane before stopping to check his mirror.
Thanks Phil - Great Video. 👍🏽 Another tip: Ride with your ID/ Medical Card / Several Emergency contacts on a piece of paper...I was recently involved in an accident where all I had was my phone ( which has said information) but was completely shattered in the fall. A witness had to get in touch with nearby friends via Instagram...
Black Falcon Adventures
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Been a bicycle commuter since 1997, all in urban environments. I have two rules: # 1 - Be predictable: let cars know what you're doing through hand signals, waving your hands around so they see you, and eye contact and smiles (yes, smile at drivers, they will see you as human and most will smile back!). # 2 - Demand your space: don't act like a timid cyclist in the bike lane or on the edge of the road. Take your 3 - 5 feet of roadway. It's hard to miss a cyclist when you're truly sharing the road. You might get the occasional honk from a jerk, but it's better than getting run over.
Essential viewing! Also if you are riding in a busy area have day time running lights front and rear flashing.
You forgot to mention what I consider one of the most important things to avoid. Don’t ride on the sidewalk if you are a cyclist and if you do be aware and don’t pedal, cruise as slow as possible until you can get to a lane. Sidewalk cycling is actually illegal in many states because it is really dangerous to the pedestrians. It might not feel like you are going fast but clipping a person at 10-20mph will hurt and can even kill someone. Another reason why sidewalk cycling is bad, is because cars are looking for pedestrians when clearing the sidewalk to turn in or out of a parking lot. The only way to safely cross a gap in the sidewalks is to come to a complete stop, and lets be real, you don’t want to stop, stopping and starting is one of the most annoying things to do on a bike as it requires a lot of energy. My advice is to ride in the bikelane and if you don’t feel safe take up all of the rightlane so the cars 100% see you. You are entitled to the lane, just be considerate and pull to the side when possible to let traffic pass.
Phil fantastic advice especially for the ever growing amount of new cyclists out there..actually had ALL those things happen to me u brought up in the vid..my trick for not getting doored is look if there is a driver ahead in the parked car and prepare for the worst..even if it doesn't
A video that could actually save someone's life! Kudos!
Best non-hater advice from a cyclist for cyclists and motorists I've ever seen.
Great video Phil. This video should be mandatory in every drivers ed class
This is the BEST cycling video for beginners! thanks Phil!
Thanks for this very good video. On collision type #5, when a driver says "came from nowhere" it's an almost sure sign that the driver wasn't looking where they were supposed to be looking. "Came from nowhere" is a horrible excuse, because the laws govern where we GO TO not where we COME FROM.
Love it. Really don't understand why Phil doesn't have more subscribers
Thanks for the content Phil. I got hit from behind on Laguna Canyon Road. He was going 60 mph and I was going the same direction about 15 mph. The accident broke both my legs, both my arms, five ribs, my collarbone and a skull fracture. The bones in my left leg and right arm came through the skin. I have a titanium rod through my left leg and stainless steel plates in my right arm. It was a long and painful recovery but I feel very lucky that my spine works just fine. I used to run but that is over as my left leg goes numb now. I am back cycling but I have some routes that avoid traffic.
Nice video, shout out to the car who let me pass on the descent today.
or the car that waves you through as you're reaching a stop sign., or the one that slows down and motions us to turn left when there is no signal or sign. Motorist are alert... just not all of them.
Got hit during the weekend, this should be on everyone's feed
Ouch... what happened?
@@Montezuma0 The driver didnt signal a left turn as i tried to pass him on his left at a stop sign. I guess we both share the blame. Lesson learned!
Thanks Phil. These types of videos are so necessary.
I did my first 125km last weekend on the road, and it was my first long distance being strictly on non bike paths and i kept remembering you saying " claim your spot on the road" whenever i would get freaked out about cars. and eventually i felt comfortable :).
Well done Phil. You covered all of it. I live in Copenhagen, Denmark. Here we have not only
the car people on their phones but the cyclists on the phone texting while riding. Both completely against the law. At rush hour, the bike lanes look like the Tour De France peloton.
It has become over crowded plus tourist, on electric bikes, scooters, roller blades and not to
forget, electric skate boards. it has become really dangerous here in " the cyclist´s paradise.
Good video, I would suggest a front light even during daylight. As you said, most accidents are people pulling in front of you. Makes you so much more noticeable. Try to get eye contact and ride as much as possible where the drivers are looking which is in the road.
I'm so glad I rode my motorcycle for decades before returning to bicycle..those skills have definitely saved me on more than one occasion
I nearly got hit yesterday. I was just doing a little warm-up in my neighborhood, looked down for literally 2-3 seconds, I look back up and I'm like 3 feet from going over the hood of this lady's car. She had pulled out of her driveway without looking.
Been there done that.I did a somersault over the back of the car landed on my feet, bike was bent up front wheel looked like a pizza with a piece missing.
One rule I've learned (although I break it myself sometimes) Don't look down! Ever! Don't look down at your computer. Don't look down to see what gear you are in. Don't look down to try to figure out what that noise is. Don't look down to see if you have a tire going flat. Don't look down at your water bottle. Don't look down.
Sounds silly, but when I'm looking down is always when a car suddenly pulled out, or a pothole, or big crack in the pavement, or big bump, or hunk of metal suddenly appeared in my path. When I break the rule, I always take a careful look ahead of me first.
@@blubaughmr lol. The house is just past this blind intersection with stop signs in the cross direction but a very obstructed view; when I got past that and figured I was safe to glance at the bike computer. I was wrong. I rode past the house again today and got to thinking what I could have done differently. She didn't look long or hard enough, but there are 3 small-ish trees that could have obscured her line of sight, and I was all the way to the right. Both could have been a factor. My guard was way down because it's a neighborhood; 25mph, not even a through road, narrow streets. I feel much more alert and cautious when I'm out on the busier roads. lesson learned.
@@jamesoxford4260 Most likely she didn't pull out blindly since she wouldn't want to collide with a car. She just "didn't see you" because most drivers act like the only thing on the road is cars, trucks, and SUV's. They "don't see" delivery trucks, mail trucks, tractors, bicycles, food vendors, children, pets, strollers, and the list goes on. It's ridiculous.
Thank you for putting this out and I hope your summer is going smooth.
Strong vid Phil, really good tips💪
Great video!!! Thanks for taking the time to talk about such an important topic.
Your videos always motivate to keep riding!
This was great, Phil. I was right hooked three times in 2019. And the cars pulling out is a big problem in contra-flow bike lanes.
Liked! I started using the Gamin Radar and it's the best thing since sliced bread. I didn't know how I would like it, but would immediately replace it if brakes.
I'm so happy I live in the Netherlands. Bike lanes everywhere and cars actually know that people ride bikes. Great video ✌️
I've seen videos from the Netherlands, where teh cars have stop signs for the bike paths. Around here it's always the other way around, and teh best you can hope for is at least a sign that there is a trail crossing there. Many of the trail crossings even have signs on the trail that say "This is not a crosswalk (fuck you)!".
Such important information!!! A friend's mother was just killed two days ago via crash type #5. No one questioned the motorist's speed, whether he was on his phone, etc. just asked if the victim was wearing a helmet and accepted the idea she swerved out of nowhere... :'(
This should be #1 trending on TH-cam.
Excellent Video, I learned something today: "the Dutch reach". Thank you! You should have mentioned day time running lights, flashing white light in the front and flashing red light in the rear. Additionally the use of kit that isn't Black will help motorists spot you!
Good initiative! We have the same issues here in Germany. Keep on advocating this, Phil! Cheers
This should be shown in driving schools!
Best advice I have, for safety as a cyclist, is change as you approach a junction. Alter your speed, alter your shape. Touch the brakes and sit up. Get out of the saddle and bob. Anything to bring some attention so you don't fade into the background.
Fantastic points and issues to watch for and learn. Thank you!
PHIL IS SO HUMBLE I LOVE IT
The Dutch Reach saved me from an accident... repeated Dutch Ovens cost me a marriage 🤨
Both don't exist in the Netherlands 😂😂. We learn to use our mirror before you step out.
One thing I've learned is that a motorist won't always signal but if you watch their front tires to see which way they are pointing before they turn you get a few extra seconds to react, well maybe milliseconds depending on the situation but it's saved me at least a couple times from someone not signaling during a right cross
Great video! Thanks for including tips for both motorists and cyclists. Yes, get off your phone!!
The most impressive drivers to me, as a person riding a bike, are the bus drivers. They are so aware of where cyclists are compared to people in their own cars. Total professionals
Totally agree with the under insured motorist thing. It helped me with my crash.
You're a good man, Phil. Thanks for making this.
I know bells can seem dorky, but I have found them to be indispensable when riding in heavy pedestrian areas. Better than using whatever weird sounds you can make. Overall good advice.
That Postal truck at 3:56 was perfectly synched to your comment -- he rolled right into the bike lane without looking.
Solid advice. Please watch these 9 min could save a life.
Great advice Phil! I too live in L.A. and am out on my bike nearly everyday. I actually don't own a car. Daily I see people in their cars do the craziest things... The most frustrating is the Right Cross... You'll be riding along in your bike lane and someone wanting to turn right speeds up to get in front of you then suddenly veers right directly in front of you? Really? You couldn't wait literally 2 seconds for me to pass? I was out yesterday stopped at a stop light (in the bike lane) at Venice x Crenshaw when a man in a minvan with his kids in the back and wife next to him laid on his horn trying to get me to move so he could butt his way into a right turn lane... He inched up literally almost touching my rear tire. I nearly kicked his ass in front of his family... I yelled at him "You can't wait 15 seconds?" He looked like he wanted to run me over... I was 2 energy gels in and ready to throw down... Thankfully he thought better of it than to fuk with the #cyclingSOMM!
Your best video yet! Thanks Phil!
These advices work everywhere. Thanks!
Phil, this is an excellent, informative video. Should be mandatory viewing at all driving schools.
Didn't know about the uninsured motorist coverage. Great tip!
The introduction is absolutely priceless, you're such a funny guy, Phil. 🤣
This will save lives. Thanks Phil
I find it useful to be cognizant of the space on your left when in heavy traffic or in neighbourhoods where you might need to avoid someone leaving a driveway. That way you know that if you need to swerve into traffic to avoid a curbside accident (pothole, sewer grate, car door, someone pulling out without looking), you can feel confident you won't get run over.
I have to subliminally know all these things when I'm delivering ubereats on busy streets. After 700 deliveries, I've had no close calls, I think this is mainly because I wear very bright construction vest, and flashy lights.
Best video ever. Thanks Phil and Bike Legal