Reflecting on a near miss

[AndyL]

This roundabout is a single lane. I don't think my speed was to fast. I hadn't even got off the clutch and if anything I wonder if he thought he had more time to get around. I do think that given that he just went stright my steering before braking gave me less benifit in space then if I'd just braked front the start. I suspect I could have stopped sooner regardless given my speed and the dry weather.

I know round abouts were something I used to get comments on (going to slowly coming up to them when it was easy to see it was clear) and something I didn't like post CBT

It's been very useful to read this thread

[nick crisp]

The best thing to have come out of this experience, is that you haven't instantly blamed someone else for the near miss, but are analysing it to see if you did anything wrong, or could have done something better. Very sensible and positive approach; keep that up and you should survive to enjoy many safe biking miles.

[kawasutra]

I've been advised by Police riders and IAM riders to NOT look at the drivers or their eyes for recognition - BUT, watch the front & the wheels of the vehicle; if the vehicle doesn't appear to slowing, then assume they haven't seen you and put the appropriate escape route in your mind.


Looking at the front wheels is the easiest way to avoid cars pulling out from parking spaces in front of you (their wheels will be turned to the right, and watch for any signs of movement), or to avoid cars pulling out from junctions in front of you - the moment the wheels start to move you should accept they haven't seen you (even if they're looking directly at you) and take avoiding action. From experience, THIS WORKS.

Glad I read through the whole thread before hitting reply!
Yes, this was going to be my 2 pence's worth as well, watch the front wheel. Especially at junctions.
Not a fan of eye-contact but I do look where they're looking quickly.

[midden]

I know round abouts were something I used to get comments on (going to slowly coming up to them when it was easy to see it was clear) and something I didn't like post CBT

It's been very useful to read this thread

I think those comments would've been addressing your confidence as a rider.  Far better to approach/enter a roundabout too slow than too fast imo

[the cueball]

I've been advised by Police riders and IAM riders to NOT look at the drivers or their eyes for recognition - BUT, watch the front & the wheels of the vehicle; if the vehicle doesn't appear to slowing, then assume they haven't seen you and put the appropriate escape route in your mind.


Looking at the front wheels is the easiest way to avoid cars pulling out from parking spaces in front of you (their wheels will be turned to the right, and watch for any signs of movement), or to avoid cars pulling out from junctions in front of you - the moment the wheels start to move you should accept they haven't seen you (even if they're looking directly at you) and take avoiding action. From experience, THIS WORKS.

+1


I always look at the front wheels, don't care where they are looking, don't care about indicators, the wheels tell me what is going on.


I tend to have to have both brakes covered too if something doesn't 'feel' right.

[bri h]

that front wheel malarky makes sense to me time to change tactics thanks gents

[Grahamm]

It's nice to see all the sound advice- I follow the watch the front wheels one.

Me too, although one time I damn near emergency stopped on a roundabout because I saw that the wheels on the vehicle at the next entrance to the roundabout were rotating. I subsequently realised that it was some sad chav with those stupid spinning hubcaps that keep rotating even when the vehicle is stationary

Fortunately they appear to have gone out of fashion!

Yet with all this talk of adjusting speed, planning escape routes and the rest not one person has mentioned the horn-
Doesn't matter if it's a junction or roundabout, You see wheels turning the very first thing you do is push that motherfuckin horn!

It takes more time to get your thumb to the horn button than it does to hit the brakes (presuming your fingers are already on them which mine tend to be in such a situation).

Having said that, I do sometimes pre-emptively move my thumb onto the horn button in a situation where someone could pull out (whilst readying my right hand on the front brake).

[fazersharp]

I just want to point out that I was the first to say the wheel moving thing  :nana

I am looking and saying to myself (well actually out loud ) "see me" -- "see me" and then you see the wheels stop turning.

[nick crisp]

I just want to point out that I was the first to say the wheel moving thing  :nana 

What I get from forums like this is........a sense of relief that I'm not the only one who never grew up  :lol

[fazersharp]

[quote author=fazersharp link=topic=13954.msg158047#msg158047 date=1405027855]
I just want to point out that I was the first to say the wheel moving thing  :nana 

What I get from forums like this is........a sense of relief that I'm not the only one who never grew up  :lol
[/quote]

I  will have you know I am a mature and responsible adult and I resent your attitude and what you are implying with your subtle innuendos.

Just becuse you smell of we- we