2nd Bicycle Accident

shap08 on 19/12/2023 - 08:31
Last edited 19/12/2023 - 10:08 by 1 other user

Had my second serious accident last week.

I was traveling downhill in a residential street, a ute reversed out of his driveway suddenly and I had no vision of him till he was on the road. I locked my brakes up twice as I lost control on my first attempt to slow down. The second slide I couldn't stop in time. A car was to the left and a rubbish bin on the right. So no option but to hit him in the rear bumper/tray. (I was hoping he would take off in time for me to avoid impact.) I made contact and flew over the handlebars into his tray. No joke… he had loud music playing and didn't realise the incident and continued to drive a few metres till I knocked on the window and he saw me.

I got his name and number. He helped me bend my bike back into shape. I pointed out the bent forks. He had a passenger with him they were kind and helpful. No one admitted fault at the scene. I haven't filed a police report. Bicycle report cost is new forks: $770.

My question is what are my options, do I ask him to file an insurance claim?

His vision reversing

My first brake

My second brake marks and impact area

Forks

Sports & Outdoors

Comments

- shap08 on 20/12/2023 - 12:04
  
  It's difficult because I prefer suburban roads due to less traffic, but you get more situations like this I guess.
  - Euphemistic on 20/12/2023 - 12:11
    
    Don’t let them talk you out of it. Riding a bicycle is cheap and efficient. It’s victim blaming at its best to say you shouldn’t be riding residential streets.
    - gromit on 20/12/2023 - 12:44
      
      +2
      
      Its trying to avoid being a victim, not victim blaming. being in the right doesn't make you any less dead.
      - Euphemistic on 20/12/2023 - 13:47
        
        @gromit: Calling something dangerous and the not acknowledging what is the cause of the danger is akin to victim blaming. Why is cycling dangerous? Because of the cars, not because of the bicycle. Millions of Dutch people cycle safely because their culture accepts cycling as normal and recognises that in an incident with a car, the car has most of the responsibility for the incident.
        
        gromit on 20/12/2023 - 17:02
        
        +2
        
        @Euphemistic: Well firstly hundreds of dutch die each year riding bikes. (Nearly 300 last year). Pointing out something is dangerous has absolutely nothing to do with victim blaming, you are judt looking to deflect the reality of the situation.
        
        Euphemistic on 20/12/2023 - 17:35
        
        -4
        
        @gromit: It is absolutely victim blaming when the thread starts with a cyclist crashing into a car that has reverse out of a driveway and all you can say is ‘cycling is dangerous’ and indicating you shouldn’t cycle. No one would even consider saying ‘driving is dangerous’ if it was a car that crashed into the ute.
        
        In Australia it’s an average of 47 cyclists per year and has been (statistically) steady for a long time. Meanwhile motor vehicles drivers and passengers is more like 750 and has started to go up in recent years after many years of decline. Now both of those numbers are unacceptable, but where is the bigger danger - especially given that MOST cycling fatalities are as a result of vehicles with around 80% or more drivers at fault.
        
        Protractor on 22/12/2023 - 09:31
        
        @Euphemistic: Irrelevant.He was basically hooning on an e-bike.Well beyond his capability, as this & the previous event show
    - Protractor on 22/12/2023 - 10:11
      
      E BIKE!
- Euphemistic on 20/12/2023 - 12:08
  
  -1
  
  What a complete bullsh@& response. Bicycles are a brilliant form of transport. One of the most efficient machines ever built. It was perfectly safe to ride bicycles until motorised cars came along. You’re victim blaming if you think it’s acceptable to punish bike riders by making them take a route that doesn’t go where your precious cars go.
  
  You’d better get cracking on lobbying for more approved routes if you can’t deal with bicycles on roads. Bicycles and motorbikes reduce traffic congestion and save energy.
  - OBEY YOUR MASTERS on 20/12/2023 - 12:16
    
    +2
    
    Theyre a brilliant form of transport until you become a pancake. Cyclists are not and have never been victims. At the end of the day the 4 wheelers will always win and are the dominant mode of transport. If you cant accept that then keep riding around feeling like you are the morally correct one. Lets hope you remain intact.
    - Euphemistic on 20/12/2023 - 12:17
      
      -1
      
      Cyclists are not and have never been victims
      
      The vast majority of car/cycle crashes are the fault of the car. Exactly how aren’t they victims?
      
      You’re saying the equivalence of women shouldn’t wear short skirts because they’ll get raped.
      - OBEY YOUR MASTERS on 20/12/2023 - 12:20
        
        +1
        
        @Euphemistic: You chose to participate in an obviously dangerous acrivity. It doesnt matter who in particular was at fault on any given day. Accidents will continue to happen regardless of your moral convictions.
        
        Euphemistic on 20/12/2023 - 12:25
        
        -1
        
        @OBEY YOUR MASTERS: I choose to save money by cycling to work. I also save money on gym fees by cycling.
        
        Cycling is not a dangerous activity. Driving is the dangerous activity. Bad driving causes billions of $ worth of damage every year. While drivers won’t take responsibility for the damages they cause we are stuck with more and more traffic because doing anything else is seen as too dangerous. Such a stupid way to go about your life.
        
        OBEY YOUR MASTERS on 20/12/2023 - 12:33
        
        +1
        
        @Euphemistic: Hey pal you pay your money you take your chances. Cycling in amongst metal beasts is a dangerous activity and no amount of mental backflippery will change that. You cant depend on everyone else to be concsiencious, coherant and patient at all times. You have zero control over that. You can only control what you do.
        
        You call me stupid but atleast I know Ill make it home it one piece tonight.
        
        Euphemistic on 20/12/2023 - 13:54
        
        @OBEY YOUR MASTERS: I get what you are saying. You’re blaming the victim and not the source of the danger. Why should we accept that cars make it too dangerous for bicycles? It’s not acceptable that most people think riding a bike is too dangerous and yet there is very little done to prevent the danger.
        
        Besides in the case of the OP what he was doing was NOT inherently dangerous until someone reversed out of a driveway without looking properly. What if instead of the OP on a bike it was a kid on a scooter?
        
        We’ve let cars become king on our roads to the detriment of everything else. It a noisy at a roadside cafe. We get stuck in massive queues of cars. Can’t play cricket in the culdesac because ‘what if a car …’. All this when we should be taking back our cities from a noisy, polluting waste of resources and putting a lot more money into methods to not have to deal with all of the problems that cars cause. And yes, I own a car. I drive it and don’t begrudge others convenient transport - but we need better and safer alternatives.
        
        OBEY YOUR MASTERS on 20/12/2023 - 18:07
        
        +1
        
        @Euphemistic: No, you don't get what I'm saying. I accept that riding a bicycle carries serious risks. I could be easily injured or killed doing so. As such I cannot call myself a victim if I decide to go out there and face off with the cars and trucks. I mean, if cycling is your only form of transport I have sympathy for you, but I would not choose it if there are other options available.
        
        I seriously question whether the OP was travelling in a safe manner on their bike when the vehicle was reversing from their driveway. If they were they would know that any driveway could potentially have a car emerging from it at any time. That's the way I drive a car so why wouldn't I ride a bike that way? Exactly who's fault was it? Doesn't matter. Let the insurance companies fight it out. What matters is the end result. Thankfully no-one got seriously hurt.
        
        Cars are king and for good reason. We have vast distances to cover and lives to live. Not everyone wants to be stuck on a bike to get around. I know I certainly don't.
        
        I think the problems you are referring to are due to extremely bad infrastructure and an increasing population. The infrastructure is terrible for cars let alone bicycles AND cars. We need better and safer alternatives? Sure, fix the infrastructure. Keep the bikes and cars as far away from each other as possible and maybe we'll have a chance.
        
        Euphemistic on 20/12/2023 - 18:18
        
        @OBEY YOUR MASTERS: To use first response to this thread was:
        
        Riding bikes on suburban roads is dangerous what more needs to be said?
        
        That’s literally a victim blaming statement. OP was not at fault and your first response is to allude that they shouldn’t have been riding because it’s too dangerous. Literally victim blaming.
        
        Not everyone wants to be stuck on a bike to get around.
        
        Not everyone want to pay out thousands and thousands for a car just to get around either.
        
        Yes, we need much better infrastructure. Yes we all think we have to travel such vast distances - despite the reality of quite short commutes for most. I the mean time drivers need to take more care around vulnerable road users.
        
        OBEY YOUR MASTERS on 20/12/2023 - 18:47
        
        +1
        
        @Euphemistic: Again we just can't seem to get away from allocating blame. I can see we're not going to be able to get beyond this. Keep raging against the machine bro you have the moral upper hand. Won't change a thing though. Get amongst it and show those cars who's boss.
        
        The empirical proof is that the vast, vast majority do in fact want to pay thousands for a car just to get around yes.
        
        I don't think the majority have short commutes. Many have to travel to worksites, different jobs in all directions all over the city. Tools and equipment have to be transported. Materials have to be delivered. You name it. We need vehicles and really good roads to support them. We certainly don't need mixed modes of transport clogging up the already overburdened roads we currently have.
        
        Euphemistic on 20/12/2023 - 19:01
        
        @OBEY YOUR MASTERS: All I want you to recognise is that your statement is not helpful to the OP and that if you want to be a constructive let of the discussion victim blaming is not the way to go about it.
        
        I don't think the majority have short commutes. Many have to travel to worksites, different jobs in all directions all over the city. Tools and equipment have to be transported. Materials have to be delivered. You name it. We need vehicles and really good roads to support them.
        
        We only think we need cars for a lot of that stuff because that’s what we’ve been conditioned to and that’s what we’ve built our cities around. Many many driver should have a better option for driving.
        
        We certainly don't need mixed modes of transport clogging up the already overburdened roads we currently have.
        
        I disagree. We need to manage our road system such that we can share modes of transport - where it is appropriate. Not highways, but certainly resisdntial streets like where OP was.
        
        OBEY YOUR MASTERS on 20/12/2023 - 19:30
        
        @Euphemistic: Dude, the OP's experience in this post just confirms everything I'm saying. He found out the hard way. Again thank God no-one got hurt.
        
        No we have not been erroniously conditioned to think that driving is the only option. It is the only option for the exact reasons that I outlined.
        
        You'd think that residential streets should be safe for bicycles yes. The OP proved us wrong. This is the 2nd accident he's been in now. Your solution to the problem is to allocate blame. Bullshit. Cars and trucks have blindspots. There are fences and trees and parked cars in suburban areas. Both people in cars and bicycles behave badly at times. I've witnessed it personally many times. Lets not even talk about motorcyclists.
        
        shap08 on 20/12/2023 - 12:25
        
        @OBEY YOUR MASTERS: I guess this is the trend towards, larger, 4X4 vehicles doing schools runs. Higher safety ratings, more metal, less chance of death for the driver and passengers.
        
        OBEY YOUR MASTERS on 20/12/2023 - 13:24
        
        @shap08: Well yeah but even the zippy little cars can turn your brain to liquid if they hit you hard enough.
  - Drakesy on 20/12/2023 - 18:43
    
    It's not really victim blaming.
    
    I'm an avid cyclist and even can see the E-bikers giving cyclists a bad wrap.
    De-restricting bikes to go 50-60km/h on paths/residential streets next to dog walkers and grannys is just asking for it.
    
    It's common sense, and if you fcuk around with your bike you'll find out (as the OP has).
    - Euphemistic on 20/12/2023 - 19:08
      
      When your first response to a crash is to indicate you deserve it because it’s dangerous even when you aren’t at fault that’s exactly what victim blaming it.
      
      My experience is that the majority of e-bike riders aren’t ratbags on high power bikes. Mostly they are legal (or close to it). Sure, there are a few ratbags, but they are on all modes of transport.
      - Drakesy on 20/12/2023 - 19:12
        
        @Euphemistic: Its more the history of the OP indicates they're definitely not operating within normal limits
        
        Euphemistic on 20/12/2023 - 19:14
        
        @Drakesy: Got a linky?
        
        My read is that they just don’t know how to brake properly. Anyone who does know how to brake doesn’t lock rear brakes that much.
bargin228 on 20/12/2023 - 13:06

Having experienced a bike accident in the past —- (1) definitely get yourself checked out medically to make sure there are no underlying issues, (2) definitely get a police report to document the incident, (3) request from the driver (his insurance would cover this) to cover the repair of the bicycle —- not just the forks —- using the police report as documentation for the incident. The only issue I see is if the driver of the ute doesn't have any insurance.
- shap08 on 20/12/2023 - 13:26
  
  I was happy to settle for half repairs, learnt my lesson. Next time I should follow these steps.
Thaal Sinestro on 20/12/2023 - 14:54

-2

It saddens me to say this, but bicycles (and motorbikes) on roads with cars (and especially oversized SUVs/Utes) are only for people with a death wish. Please only use them offroad. Greenies like to promote them for sustainability reasons, but their main contribution to sustainablility is depopulation via accidental death.
- Euphemistic on 20/12/2023 - 15:01
  
  +1
  
  That’s not true, you’ve just blamed the victim for the incident. Cycling isn’t that dangerous - if you ride defensively and choose routes wisely. Then, more bicycles around makes more bicycle awareness which makes everyone safer. Also having more people out on bikes means there’s more drivers who know what it’s like and will take more care.
  - Protractor on 22/12/2023 - 10:17
    
    No, he's not a victim, he's a bit player in an avoidable act of recklessness. Probably 40% culpable, at least
- Protractor on 22/12/2023 - 10:16
  
  The greens are flaccid hypocrites.The biggest issue we face is an overpopulated planet, and there they are breeding like flies, and wasting time on social agendas. They lost credibility when Brown left the fold. Don't waste votes on them.
  e-vehicles are anything but green. Less humans using less energy and shitloads more trees is the only formula that will work, in turning the off switch on the global melt down
drprox on 20/12/2023 - 15:05

Just ask for the money mate
mountaineer on 20/12/2023 - 15:17

Looks like the OP was on a suburban road so should be just fine. Aussie roads, especially these old main roads without bike lanes are not suitable for bicycles especially at peak hours. Many times we were in the bus following a bicycle uphill traveling at 10km/h … and traffic behind them was built up …. what's the point? you saved your carbon emssion only to lead to 10 more cars/bus/trucks to emit more?
JumpingUnicorns on 20/12/2023 - 15:33

This is 2/2 for you being in the wrong. It's not a downhill slope so I fail to see how you still hit him unless you're on an e-bike and going too fast or you just weren't paying attention.

I say suck it up and stop riding bikes. Stick to a bus or car to get around from now on…
SpicyStew on 20/12/2023 - 17:30

-1

a serious accident must have severe physical injury involved.
this is not serious.
- Euphemistic on 20/12/2023 - 17:38
  
  Where did you get that nonsensical idea? So an empty truck rolling through and empty house is not serious?
  
  It has significant damage to the bike it is not a minor incident.
  - SpicyStew on 20/12/2023 - 17:38
    
    -2
    
    snowflake
    - Euphemistic on 20/12/2023 - 17:39
      
      +1
      
      Great comeback. People who call snowflake are usually the ones that melt in adverse conditions.
      - SpicyStew on 20/12/2023 - 17:41
        
        @Euphemistic: sarcasm response then proceeds to use the comeback for basis of "own" comeback. brainless.
        
        Euphemistic on 20/12/2023 - 17:42
        
        @SpicyStew: Yeah. I had to get my name tattooed on my arm coz I keep forgetting it.
        
        SpicyStew on 20/12/2023 - 17:43
        
        @Euphemistic: dont give up your day job to become a comedian
        
        Euphemistic on 20/12/2023 - 17:44
        
        @SpicyStew: If I got a job I’d lose my Centrelink payments and wouldn’t have time for this forum either.
mrhugo on 20/12/2023 - 17:48

I hope next week's third accident you won't be so lucky and walk away.

Lay off the speed and be prepared to stop quickly in areas where other road users may not be able to see you. If that means riding at 15kph, then so be it.

Understand your bike and it's braking abilities and how it's weight effects it's ability to come to a standstill. Understand how many metres are required to stop, and at what speed. And what speeds can you safely steer out of a collision.

Once you know all this, apply common sense, because you can't assume the driver of the other vehicle will. And it seems bicycle riders usually come off second best.

Stay safe.
rumblytangara on 20/12/2023 - 19:20

+1

Looked at the skid marks in the photos, and it appears that you don't know how to brake on a bike.

Slamming on the rear brake when moving at speed does sweet FA besides leave skid marks. The vast majority of braking comes from the front brake (as you shift your weight rearward to maintain control and not go over the handlebars). This doesn't skid.

Going from 30 to zero with the fat tyres on your bike should be possible in a very, very short distance. Without leaving skid marks.

Not saying that legally the driver isn't liable (I would guess that he is, as he came out of a driveway), but for the sake of not dying, I would strongly recommend you learn how to brake properly.
Bammers on 20/12/2023 - 22:16

+1

Think your Fork'd.
zoombie on 21/12/2023 - 00:55

+1

Can't help you with the legal question but I can tell you that your fork definitely does not cost $770. This is a cheap fork that's fitted more or less for show. You can find a proper fork, as in one that are designed to take hit from guys who jump their bike for less money. Or get a second hand one on FB marketplace for $100-$200.
- shap08 on 21/12/2023 - 06:14
  
  https://www.mtbdirect.com.au/products/manitou-machete-fork-2…
  - Euphemistic on 21/12/2023 - 16:09
    
    You can get much cheaper forks than that. Unless you are actively riding mountain bike trails you won’t need anything that flash.
    - shap08 on 21/12/2023 - 16:37
      
      I just wanted a like for like replacement.
      - Euphemistic on 21/12/2023 - 17:04
        
        @shap08: There are also other brands of similar spec that will do the jobs and could be cheaper.
        
        shap08 on 21/12/2023 - 17:12
        
        @Euphemistic: I found these https://www.jonnysprockets.au/products/marzocchi-bomber-z2-e…
        
        Any other suggestions?
        
        Euphemistic on 21/12/2023 - 17:22
        
        +1
        
        @shap08: Don’t know enough about current models.
        
        Just gotta make sure it suits your wheel size, headset diameter, axle spacing, brake mount and axle type.
        
        zoombie on 22/12/2023 - 15:34
        
        +1
        
        @shap08: Thats a very good price for a well known brand fork. Get that. It won't go much cheaper unless you go second hand.
        ps I'm not 100% sure if this fork fit your bike or not, just saying that it's a very competitive price.
- Drakesy on 22/12/2023 - 16:17
  
  OP is wanting to up spec his bike off the back of another party.
  
  It's a budget E-bike at best, $200 shocks at a stretch.
  - shap08 on 22/12/2023 - 17:30
    
    If you look closely Manitou - Machete are unique in the arch is backwards.
mezje on 21/12/2023 - 08:29

If I was kind to you and then you hit me with a letter of demand or ask me to make an insurance claim in this instance, I would be very annoyed.

Fair enough if you are seriously injured but bent forks, really?
- shap08 on 21/12/2023 - 10:54
  
  Yeah a text was all it took.
Dack Smith on 21/12/2023 - 11:17

-3

Another bloody cyclist issue

When will they learn to keep their bikes in the parks where they belong
- Drakesy on 23/12/2023 - 02:46
  
  -1
  
  *ebiker
  Dont rope us all in with them
- Euphemistic on 23/12/2023 - 09:54
  
  More cyclists = less traffic.
JumpingUnicorns on 21/12/2023 - 14:03

@shap08 what kind of bike are you riding? Is it an e-bike?
Brick Tamland on 21/12/2023 - 14:46

Maybe sell it before you really hurt yourself.
Hangryuman on 21/12/2023 - 14:52

yeah - I reckon you could spend $8000 on a lawyer and six months stressing about getting evidence to build a case, which you might win, and get awarded $700 in damages

total win-win - for the lawyers … ;-)
Hangryuman on 21/12/2023 - 15:01

+2

as I tell motorbike riders - assume everyone else is trying to kill you

you may have had 'right of way' against a guy backing out of his high-walled front yard, but if this is your second serious accident, you may be a slow learner

my first serious motorbike accident was my lesson about the dangers of another ignorant driver who was totally at fault, when I woke up in hospital - with four limbs in traction, permanent wedge fracture of my spine, three limbs in plaster, teeth pushed back and stitches in my top lip after the impact - surrounded by crying girlfriend and friends who thought I was never going to wake up

if you assume right of way will protect you as you speed along quiet suburban streets on your fancy bicycle, one day you might just be dead wrong.
- rumblytangara on 21/12/2023 - 15:46
  
  as I tell motorbike riders - assume everyone else is trying to kill you
  
  It's not just other people, it's the entire universe- OP ran into a construction sign on the footpath the other week then posted on OZB to ask whose fault it was.
- Ughhh on 21/12/2023 - 20:24
  
  Yup. Being right doesnnt mean you're being smart. Being smart will save your life, being right won't always.
  No point being right if you're dead.
Spootage on 21/12/2023 - 20:13

Two accidents? Perhaps you should reconsider riding a bike.
luffyex2010 on 22/12/2023 - 07:20

Guess it's about time bicycles, bikes and skate boards come with air bags.

No problems with cyclist but just don't cycle uphills during peak time weekdays especially when a traffic of cars have to stare at your ugly arse going up hill slowly……
spal on 22/12/2023 - 07:38

Two accidents, you need to have a poll should buy a lotto ticket or should not buy a lotto ticket. I can't make out if you are unlucky to or lucky. I bet to ride or not to would be a big question in your mind now.
splicer on 22/12/2023 - 10:28

How long since your 1st Bicycle accident?
- shap08 on 22/12/2023 - 10:31
  
  year and a half, ride 3 times a day.
johnfuller on 22/12/2023 - 13:43

being a motorcycle rider, you need to look out for yourself, not everyone can see you .. you are in the same category with your bike being electric
bargain huntress on 23/12/2023 - 12:24

Thats terrifying
You were so lucky

Is there such a thing as advanced bicycling lessons like how you can do defensive driving?
- shap08 on 23/12/2023 - 17:43
  
  +1
  
  One poster gave me tips on better braking technique
povie on 30/12/2023 - 08:41

Recommend Cycliq cycling cameras. Essentially a dashcam for bikes. Alot of roadies have them these days. Also specific bike insurence cover.
jugsy on 03/01/2024 - 14:13

Slow down and look up when you're on these roads, idiots are everywhere and I'd rather let them take the Win than be injured and out $800

2nd Bicycle Accident

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