Hi All,

Yesterday, Friday Sep 17 I crashed my bike into a car for the first time in my riding career. I started riding a motorcycle in 1965.

I was traveling on a two lane city street and was just about to clear a side street when an oncoming car crossed the centre line attempting to do a left turn by cutting the corner in the wrong lane. As things happened so fast I cannot be entirely sure what my reaction was. But I must have grabbed both brakes hard (Silverwing scooter with ABS) because when I hit the passenger side of the car, or maybe the car hit me, I was basically stopped. The scooter and I fell flat in the middle of the lane as the car continued around the corner. I fell on my right side and have no damage above the waist. I had on my riding jacket, gloves and helmet but no riding pants. Actually my slacks were not even torn. But my right leg contacted the car or the ground and my left knee must have hit the bike because there is a bruise on my right leg and my left knee is tender. After being monitored and felt up by the paramedics, a visit by a firetruck and the police the result is the driver was charged with "unsafe turn" - 2 points. The scooter which would not start went to the junkyard and the cop drove me home.

The stock response from the buffoon in the cage was "I didn't see you". I asked what he was doing at the time that he didn't see me but received no other response. During 16 years as a Canada Safety Council "Gearing Up" instructor I always told my students that they don't see you because they are not looking. Being visible is no help. This incident proves beyond any doubt that they are not looking. If only I had been in my F150!

I live to ride another day.

Steve Harker - Kingston ON

Glad to hear you are ok.

sharker wrote:

I live to ride another day.

Great to hear that.

I think the eyes see us, but the brain connection is not made. Literally. It doesn't register. And that, I think, is a function of expectation, familiarity, conditioning, etc. The "car paradigm" doesn't take account of the motorcycle. It's as though it doesn't exist, even when the eyes are looking right at you. Like the indigenous runners who can run 100 miles, while our "scientific" white paradigm says that that's not possible, and so WE can't do it.

Anyway, glad you weren't hurt badly, and that you're ok. Just goes to show:
even very skilled, very experienced riders are at risk. Probably why I'm a believer in, and practitioner of atgatt.

Ride safe, again.

Realy sorry but glad you're in one piece, if somewhat battered.

Keep the Faith!

Glad you are O.K. I don't know if it's just me, but drivers seem to be getting worse every day. Today I saw about a dozen cars driving past a closed highway sign, through some barricades to try to get on a highway that was closed. The cars then had to turn back and merge into traffic again. Amazing.

The important thing is that you are O.k.

Echo the others, glad your ok.

So happy to hear you're "OK". Would the bike not crank due to the tipover feature?

Add me to those who are happy you made it out okay, Steve. I always expect people to do the most stupid thing I can imagine and so far it has helped. I think your case was the stupid thing one COULDN'T imagine unfortunately.

Skrone wrote:

Glad you are O.K. I don't know if it's just me, but drivers seem to be getting worse every day. Today I saw about a dozen cars driving past a closed highway sign, through some barricades to try to get on a highway that was closed. The cars then had to turn back and merge into traffic again. Amazing.

I've seen that too on my regular route to Tempe and back.

Glad you are ok Steve. I too am recovering from an ooops right now. No one else involved in my accident, but still did some damage. And I've been involved in an accident on four wheels that wasn't my fault either, so it really doesnt matter. Things happen ... and as long as we come out on the living end, we can thank our lucky stars that we are able to ride (or drive) again.

Bike can be replaced, YOU cannot be. Glad you are ok!!

I echo others when I say I'm glad you are OK.

Given that you suffered personal injury I think you should get the fool to buy you a brand new 2012 bike.

good to hear your ok .

... so am I, but it's harder to shake off the aches and pains as we get older.

Hey Sharker,
Glad to hear you came out of it as well as you did. Here's hoping you're up and ridin' again soon.

I live in North West Georgia and it's the same here. I have seen people
look at me with my brights on and come on out in front of my Swing.
I have grown to expect it. I do agree that when
it's just your time and just the perfect idiot gets in
Your path, it will happen.

OFF Topic. but I got to say it
Boy!! And I thought Dennis was a rough nut! Quick Waspie, change your avatar!!

I'm glad you got away with just a few bruises and nothing serious. We have the same f$^*wits here in Aus as well and it can get real scary out there, especially Saturday nights.

Take care all of you those icy roads are deadly too