Dealing with the cager to the right who wants to kill you

[M109R]

Reading this forum, the MSF class, and watching videos of cager/bike wrecks have sure helped me in dealing with cagers.

Yesterday, up in Breckenridge CO, driving about 30 mph see a red jeep cager waiting to pull out on my right. He looks right at me turns his head to look the other way AND DOESN'T LOOK BACK AT ME. I hit the brakes expecting the worse and SURE ENOUGH THE DUMB A#$ PULLS RIGHT OUT IN FRONT OF ME. If I hadn't started hitting the brakes in anticipation, I would have T-boned him. Hit the horn and the jerk didn't even acknowledge his mistake as he pulled around me.

Anticipate and treat all cagers as they are out to KILL YOU as jerks like this will if you let them. Look for that eye contact and still anticipate the worst. At least to me, the most dangerous times demanding your riding attention are when taking off from a stop entering traffic, coming to a stop or riding at low speeds in town.

Any other stories to share elaborating this riding skill are appreciated.

[MikeyDude]

Good job missing the nut! May I ask... What was your lane position?

[ofblong]

from my msf it seems as if lane 1 is the most optimal choice for most situations?

[Z (fka Sweet Tooth)]

This has happened to me before many times...sometimes they just think you're farther away because of the size of your headlight and some just don't care. When ever I see a car trying to pull into the street I change lanes if possible, if not I try to cover my brakes and get ready. Sometimes I might even honk my whimpy horn. I always look at the tires instead of looking at the car itself to see if it's gonna go for it.

[9000white]

you finally get to where you just ignore it and go on.

[Jamers!]

up in Breckenridge CO,

isnt it south of Denver? Oh and do you ski or ride or anything, breck, keystone and the basin man are i think the best hills in the state.



JWF

[KingRobb]

i have actually taken to adjusting my lane position when i spot that car thinking about coming out....even to the point of zigzaging in my lane....i figure i look like a dumb o ring playing in traffic, but if they think that they saw me so i win....

all cagers are out to kill us though...its not paranoia

[M109R]

It was only a two lane road (1 lane each direction) so I didn't have much room to manuever. Yes, I did see the tires start moving which gave me a little more time to react. Good point to watch for.

I know you get used to it, but hoping the post helps to give the beginning riders something to think about when they hit the streets. I was glad in my MSF class that they spoke of not riding the yellow line on blind curves. Sure enough on the first week with my new bike had a cager way over the yellow when I came around a blind curve. That advice also saved me from a close call.

Breckenridge has great skiing, roads for riding on, and 4x4 trails. Very cool place to play.

[M109R]

I also use the zig zag swerve in my lane when coming up to someone waiting to turn left in front of me. That little bit of movement registers in their brain (studies have proven this) and helps to make them better aware of my presence.

[Beach]

Good topic, I strive to be always aware of potenial hazards and prepare for them. I know that slowing ahead of time has gone a long way toward helping me avoid any close calls so far. You did the right thing by slowing before the panic stop could have a chance to develope. Panic stops are good things to practice in empty lots, not for keeps on the street. Little stuff like this can lead to many happy miles on a bike.