I got hit by an SUV as I was biking back from my swing dance tonight. I’m fine–neither of us were moving fast–but pissed off. The kind of accident I had is common enough to have a name: The Right Hook.
I was in the bike lane, with traffic on my left, moving at the same speed I was. We were all about to cross a street at a light. The person in the SUV next to me turned right into me as we entered the intersection.
So, if you are in a car next to a bike lane, keep in mind that it is a traffic lane so it would be a good idea to use your turn signal and look over your shoulder before turning across it. You might really hurt someone if you don’t.
If you’re on a bike with cars around, wear a helmet and be ready for anything.
Nathen's Miraculous Escape 
April 29, 2010 at 6:40 am
Glad you’re okay!
April 29, 2010 at 7:14 am
Full moon mishap. Yikes! Glad you’re ok! Love you, Mom
April 29, 2010 at 10:13 am
I saw the same thing happen to a kid in Pasadena a few years back. The driver of the car was so relieved that the kid was not hurt that he gave him a hug. The kid was just standing there with his arms at his side while a stranger hugged him. The kid’s arms slowly came up and patted the driver on the back to assure him that everything was okay.
About a year and a half ago I had a driver suddenly decide that they needed to make a right turn in front of me. It appeared to be an honest last minute decision. Strangers to the area who didn’t realize the street they wanted was coming up next. Something like that. It was a bit of a downhill in that spot and I had a pretty good speed going. I yelled as the car turned in front of me, and they stopped, at an angle. I squeezed the brakes, but still hit the side of the car. Sort of bounced off it and continued forward. It hurt my left hand for about a week. The driver was very repentant, pulling out insurance information, making sure I wasn’t hurt.
I’m a big believer in my helmet since moving to Orange County, after years of not wearing one while biking in much more dangerous areas. Also in making sure that the bike brakes are in good working order.
April 29, 2010 at 10:24 am
Yeah, that whole time we lived in the Bay Area I never wore a helmet. I don’t even remember if I owned one. I got hit there, too–a “Right Cross” that time. Funny, I wasn’t even tempted. Now I wear one religiously.
April 29, 2010 at 6:23 pm
Glad you’re alright.
On a motorcycle, the most common one for me has been the, “only look for vehicles with a weight > 2000 pounds before entering.”
April 29, 2010 at 6:40 pm
*^*the intersection.”
April 29, 2010 at 8:27 pm
i’m glad you are ok! the first sentence of your post made my heart jump. is your bike ok too? stupid SUV’s…
April 29, 2010 at 9:38 pm
Thanks, Maya. Yeah, my bike seems to be OK, too.
Nathen