Got SMIDSYed by a Cyclist

[Antiquar]

Well, it happened. First off in about 10 years. Thankfully quite minor. I was out riding my V85 yesterday morning on a local 2 lane mountain road. About halfway through this road, near the crest of a big hill, there is a section where cyclists gather for a break. As I entered this section I slowed as there was a good 20-30 cyclists milling about on either shoulder.

One of the cyclists decided he wanted to be on the other shoulder, and started to execute a left turn to get him there. Of course, that was right in front of my path, just a few feet ahead of me.

I brake hard but was not quite stopped when the cyclist hit into my right shoulder, knocking me and the V85 over. Probably going 5mph or under during the collision. Was almost comical. He even said the classic line: "Sorry man I didn't see you. I even looked."

The only injured party was my V85. Damage was minor except for a very ugly road rash on the left side tank cover, so I'll be on the lookout for a used replacement. Aside from that the crash bars did their job well. Left front turn signal bracket got bent inward and needed some persuasion to return to square. Handlebars got knocked out of alignment but that was a simple fix of course. Stay safe out there! 

[Ncdan]

I don’t know what state you are in but in NC a bicycle is considered a vehicle and must adhere to the motor vehicle laws, rules and regulations.
Hopefully you called the local authorities and had an accident report made.

[bacongrease]

 Did you get up and give him a beat down?   

[Tkelly]

Thanks for sharing ,I guess my take is that you have to assume someone will do something stupid in a situation like that.

[Antiquar]

Thanks for sharing ,I guess my take is that you have to assume someone will do something stupid in a situation like that.

Absolutely. I sensed shenanigans and slowed, but should have had more awareness and might have braked earlier to avoid the collision altogether.

[Vagrant]

Last year I almost killed a moron on a rear engine rider. He was cutting grass on my side heading the same way I was. I went way over in the other lane for both our sakes and just about the time I was passing he abruptly made a left out into both lanes to turn around without ever looking. If I was one second slower that would have been it. As it was I'm sure he need to change his underwear!  Moral, never trust anybody on the side of the road.

[Antiquar]

Moral, never trust anybody on the side of the road.

You can say that again. Glad you got away unscathed.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Thanks for sharing ,I guess my take is that you have to assume someone will do something stupid Period.

FIFY