The daily "I cycled to work" thread
Discussion
Its NZ's national cycle to work day tomorrow.
The company I work for has a bike week with events all week, out of 210 or so employees 110 have signe dup to take part, we have 100km individual challenges, 1000km challenge for the company and 10,000km for the whole charity push including associated co's. Started 7am monday , lasts till 11am Fiday
https://www.jadeworld.com/JBW15
Day 1 over and we have 3 people already cracked 100kms and the company at 922kms!
The company I work for has a bike week with events all week, out of 210 or so employees 110 have signe dup to take part, we have 100km individual challenges, 1000km challenge for the company and 10,000km for the whole charity push including associated co's. Started 7am monday , lasts till 11am Fiday
https://www.jadeworld.com/JBW15
Day 1 over and we have 3 people already cracked 100kms and the company at 922kms!
Hi,
I didn't cycle to work today, nor any day since 26 January. That's because on 26 January I had a coming together with a car, which has resulted in an injured back and me not working, let alone cycling.
For those that know the CS7 in South London, I was heading north on the A3 Clapham Road about 645am. Approaching the Fentiman Road junction, the car traffic is stationary and there is plenty room (half a lane?) to ride up the left on the "blue paint". A car heading south turned right into Fentiman Road and I rode into his passenger door. From memory, I grabbed the brakes but couldn't stop, my bike hit his door and I fell to the ground landing on my back.
The driver stopped, called an ambulance and looked after me until the ambulance were happy he could go. He also called me a couple of times to see how I was.
I was taken to St Thomas A&E where they gave me painkillers before I went home in a taxi at lunchtime. My back muscles went into spasm which made everything very sore and rigid.
Since then I have been on painkillers till I couldn't stand the side effects. Now the muscles have relaxed mostly but there is still a lot of pain so I am going for an X-ray tomorrow. I tried to go back to work but sitting at the desk (which I need to do) was causing more pain. So the GP has signed me off for another two weeks.
When it comes to fault, I think we were both at fault - the car driver should have looked for cycles and I should have been going slow enough to stop. It's not a full cycle/bus lane at that point.
From my side, I think I was distracted by a bus and bin lorry further up the road, and ignored the danger at the junction. From his side, the car driver said that a car in the queue had flashed him on so he assumed all was clear.
I was riding a CX bike with two front lights (one solid one flashing) and two back lights, a high viz top and high viz / reflective gloves and overshoes. And a helmet as usual. And no earphones!!
I don't remember any other motorists nor cyclists stopping to help, they might have done and I don't recall. I do remember a few pedestrians stopping to offer help though.
I used to consider myself a careful rider, looking after my safety ahead of setting Strava times. I don't think I filer recklessly. But in this case, one small lapse in concentration seems to have been enough to put me at risk. I have been commuting up the CS7 all year round night and day for 3 years.
Clearly this could have turned out a lot worse for me. And the bike! It was pretty much undamaged save for a bent lever and slightly buckled wheel. Also, I'd recently bought a Planet X Pro Carbon which had I been riding it, would have been in a mess.
I'm not really sure why I'm posting this, maybe it's therapeutic and maybe I think I'm looking for someone to say "don't worry it's not your fault". I'm expecting some good advice on how to be more careful too. I don't know. Perhaps just telling a few internet strangers about my bump will help prevent one of them having a similar bump tomorrow. Perhaps you'll respond with some good suggestions to help me get back into it? Maybe varying my route would be safer?
Anyway, it'll be a while till in back on the bike and even longer till I ride into London again. Right now my focus is being strong enough to pick up my kids for a cuddle.
Thee you go! Ride carefully.
I didn't cycle to work today, nor any day since 26 January. That's because on 26 January I had a coming together with a car, which has resulted in an injured back and me not working, let alone cycling.
For those that know the CS7 in South London, I was heading north on the A3 Clapham Road about 645am. Approaching the Fentiman Road junction, the car traffic is stationary and there is plenty room (half a lane?) to ride up the left on the "blue paint". A car heading south turned right into Fentiman Road and I rode into his passenger door. From memory, I grabbed the brakes but couldn't stop, my bike hit his door and I fell to the ground landing on my back.
The driver stopped, called an ambulance and looked after me until the ambulance were happy he could go. He also called me a couple of times to see how I was.
I was taken to St Thomas A&E where they gave me painkillers before I went home in a taxi at lunchtime. My back muscles went into spasm which made everything very sore and rigid.
Since then I have been on painkillers till I couldn't stand the side effects. Now the muscles have relaxed mostly but there is still a lot of pain so I am going for an X-ray tomorrow. I tried to go back to work but sitting at the desk (which I need to do) was causing more pain. So the GP has signed me off for another two weeks.
When it comes to fault, I think we were both at fault - the car driver should have looked for cycles and I should have been going slow enough to stop. It's not a full cycle/bus lane at that point.
From my side, I think I was distracted by a bus and bin lorry further up the road, and ignored the danger at the junction. From his side, the car driver said that a car in the queue had flashed him on so he assumed all was clear.
I was riding a CX bike with two front lights (one solid one flashing) and two back lights, a high viz top and high viz / reflective gloves and overshoes. And a helmet as usual. And no earphones!!
I don't remember any other motorists nor cyclists stopping to help, they might have done and I don't recall. I do remember a few pedestrians stopping to offer help though.
I used to consider myself a careful rider, looking after my safety ahead of setting Strava times. I don't think I filer recklessly. But in this case, one small lapse in concentration seems to have been enough to put me at risk. I have been commuting up the CS7 all year round night and day for 3 years.
Clearly this could have turned out a lot worse for me. And the bike! It was pretty much undamaged save for a bent lever and slightly buckled wheel. Also, I'd recently bought a Planet X Pro Carbon which had I been riding it, would have been in a mess.
I'm not really sure why I'm posting this, maybe it's therapeutic and maybe I think I'm looking for someone to say "don't worry it's not your fault". I'm expecting some good advice on how to be more careful too. I don't know. Perhaps just telling a few internet strangers about my bump will help prevent one of them having a similar bump tomorrow. Perhaps you'll respond with some good suggestions to help me get back into it? Maybe varying my route would be safer?
Anyway, it'll be a while till in back on the bike and even longer till I ride into London again. Right now my focus is being strong enough to pick up my kids for a cuddle.
Thee you go! Ride carefully.
I hope you make a speedy recovery
When I had a bad crash I found the "mental" torture almost as bad, if not worse than the physical pain/recovery. I just kept going "what if..." in my mind, also I was so angry at myself for not doing little things in hindsight that could of prevented it. I was being stupid though and getting no where, my misses helped me snap out of it.
Not sure the above helps!
When I had a bad crash I found the "mental" torture almost as bad, if not worse than the physical pain/recovery. I just kept going "what if..." in my mind, also I was so angry at myself for not doing little things in hindsight that could of prevented it. I was being stupid though and getting no where, my misses helped me snap out of it.
Not sure the above helps!
thepawbroon said:
Hi,
I didn't cycle to work today, nor any day since 26 January. That's because on 26 January I had a coming together with a car, which has resulted in an injured back and me not working, let alone cycling.
For those that know the CS7 in South London, I was heading north on the A3 Clapham Road about 645am. Approaching the Fentiman Road junction, the car traffic is stationary and there is plenty room (half a lane?) to ride up the left on the "blue paint". A car heading south turned right into Fentiman Road and I rode into his passenger door. From memory, I grabbed the brakes but couldn't stop, my bike hit his door and I fell to the ground landing on my back.
The driver stopped, called an ambulance and looked after me until the ambulance were happy he could go. He also called me a couple of times to see how I was.
I was taken to St Thomas A&E where they gave me painkillers before I went home in a taxi at lunchtime. My back muscles went into spasm which made everything very sore and rigid.
Since then I have been on painkillers till I couldn't stand the side effects. Now the muscles have relaxed mostly but there is still a lot of pain so I am going for an X-ray tomorrow. I tried to go back to work but sitting at the desk (which I need to do) was causing more pain. So the GP has signed me off for another two weeks.
When it comes to fault, I think we were both at fault - the car driver should have looked for cycles and I should have been going slow enough to stop. It's not a full cycle/bus lane at that point.
From my side, I think I was distracted by a bus and bin lorry further up the road, and ignored the danger at the junction. From his side, the car driver said that a car in the queue had flashed him on so he assumed all was clear.
I was riding a CX bike with two front lights (one solid one flashing) and two back lights, a high viz top and high viz / reflective gloves and overshoes. And a helmet as usual. And no earphones!!
I don't remember any other motorists nor cyclists stopping to help, they might have done and I don't recall. I do remember a few pedestrians stopping to offer help though.
I used to consider myself a careful rider, looking after my safety ahead of setting Strava times. I don't think I filer recklessly. But in this case, one small lapse in concentration seems to have been enough to put me at risk. I have been commuting up the CS7 all year round night and day for 3 years.
Clearly this could have turned out a lot worse for me. And the bike! It was pretty much undamaged save for a bent lever and slightly buckled wheel. Also, I'd recently bought a Planet X Pro Carbon which had I been riding it, would have been in a mess.
I'm not really sure why I'm posting this, maybe it's therapeutic and maybe I think I'm looking for someone to say "don't worry it's not your fault". I'm expecting some good advice on how to be more careful too. I don't know. Perhaps just telling a few internet strangers about my bump will help prevent one of them having a similar bump tomorrow. Perhaps you'll respond with some good suggestions to help me get back into it? Maybe varying my route would be safer?
Anyway, it'll be a while till in back on the bike and even longer till I ride into London again. Right now my focus is being strong enough to pick up my kids for a cuddle.
Thee you go! Ride carefully.
I had a very similar incident June last year, except the driver’s side, anyone crossing your lane means you are not to blame as far as I am aware, I was lucky I had my helmet camera on. Insurance claim took one look at it and said the driver was to blame 100%. I didn't cycle to work today, nor any day since 26 January. That's because on 26 January I had a coming together with a car, which has resulted in an injured back and me not working, let alone cycling.
For those that know the CS7 in South London, I was heading north on the A3 Clapham Road about 645am. Approaching the Fentiman Road junction, the car traffic is stationary and there is plenty room (half a lane?) to ride up the left on the "blue paint". A car heading south turned right into Fentiman Road and I rode into his passenger door. From memory, I grabbed the brakes but couldn't stop, my bike hit his door and I fell to the ground landing on my back.
The driver stopped, called an ambulance and looked after me until the ambulance were happy he could go. He also called me a couple of times to see how I was.
I was taken to St Thomas A&E where they gave me painkillers before I went home in a taxi at lunchtime. My back muscles went into spasm which made everything very sore and rigid.
Since then I have been on painkillers till I couldn't stand the side effects. Now the muscles have relaxed mostly but there is still a lot of pain so I am going for an X-ray tomorrow. I tried to go back to work but sitting at the desk (which I need to do) was causing more pain. So the GP has signed me off for another two weeks.
When it comes to fault, I think we were both at fault - the car driver should have looked for cycles and I should have been going slow enough to stop. It's not a full cycle/bus lane at that point.
From my side, I think I was distracted by a bus and bin lorry further up the road, and ignored the danger at the junction. From his side, the car driver said that a car in the queue had flashed him on so he assumed all was clear.
I was riding a CX bike with two front lights (one solid one flashing) and two back lights, a high viz top and high viz / reflective gloves and overshoes. And a helmet as usual. And no earphones!!
I don't remember any other motorists nor cyclists stopping to help, they might have done and I don't recall. I do remember a few pedestrians stopping to offer help though.
I used to consider myself a careful rider, looking after my safety ahead of setting Strava times. I don't think I filer recklessly. But in this case, one small lapse in concentration seems to have been enough to put me at risk. I have been commuting up the CS7 all year round night and day for 3 years.
Clearly this could have turned out a lot worse for me. And the bike! It was pretty much undamaged save for a bent lever and slightly buckled wheel. Also, I'd recently bought a Planet X Pro Carbon which had I been riding it, would have been in a mess.
I'm not really sure why I'm posting this, maybe it's therapeutic and maybe I think I'm looking for someone to say "don't worry it's not your fault". I'm expecting some good advice on how to be more careful too. I don't know. Perhaps just telling a few internet strangers about my bump will help prevent one of them having a similar bump tomorrow. Perhaps you'll respond with some good suggestions to help me get back into it? Maybe varying my route would be safer?
Anyway, it'll be a while till in back on the bike and even longer till I ride into London again. Right now my focus is being strong enough to pick up my kids for a cuddle.
Thee you go! Ride carefully.
I have similar injuries, I am riding now took about a month until I was riding again and I am still receiving Physiotherapy.
I hope you get better soon.
AC43 said:
Am I imaginging it or did the warm weather today bring tons of wobblers out of hibernation today?
The way back was as bad as the way in. I can only assume that there ware lots of newcomers out today taking what I can only describe as unconventional lines through the traffic. I had more than one close shave when someone pulled an abrupt lane change on me. Usually before they bumbled through a red.
It's great that more and more people are cycling through London these days but on a purely selfish tip I was missing the Arctic chill today....
I noticed exactly the same thing yesterday, but not limited to cyclists - I saw way more cars and buses pull RLJs, took two left hooks (first time in ages), had someone pull out on me necessitating an emergency stop, and a woman step straight out in front of me without looking.The way back was as bad as the way in. I can only assume that there ware lots of newcomers out today taking what I can only describe as unconventional lines through the traffic. I had more than one close shave when someone pulled an abrupt lane change on me. Usually before they bumbled through a red.
It's great that more and more people are cycling through London these days but on a purely selfish tip I was missing the Arctic chill today....
I think they might have been handing out free crack. Disappointed I missed out.
thepawbroon said:
Hi,
I didn't cycle to work today, nor any day since 26 January. That's because on 26 January I had a coming together with a car, which has resulted in an injured back and me not working, let alone cycling.
For those that know the CS7 in South London, I was heading north on the A3 Clapham Road about 645am. Approaching the Fentiman Road junction, the car traffic is stationary and there is plenty room (half a lane?) to ride up the left on the "blue paint". A car heading south turned right into Fentiman Road and I rode into his passenger door. From memory, I grabbed the brakes but couldn't stop, my bike hit his door and I fell to the ground landing on my back.
The driver stopped, called an ambulance and looked after me until the ambulance were happy he could go. He also called me a couple of times to see how I was.
I was taken to St Thomas A&E where they gave me painkillers before I went home in a taxi at lunchtime. My back muscles went into spasm which made everything very sore and rigid.
Since then I have been on painkillers till I couldn't stand the side effects. Now the muscles have relaxed mostly but there is still a lot of pain so I am going for an X-ray tomorrow. I tried to go back to work but sitting at the desk (which I need to do) was causing more pain. So the GP has signed me off for another two weeks.
When it comes to fault, I think we were both at fault - the car driver should have looked for cycles and I should have been going slow enough to stop. It's not a full cycle/bus lane at that point.
From my side, I think I was distracted by a bus and bin lorry further up the road, and ignored the danger at the junction. From his side, the car driver said that a car in the queue had flashed him on so he assumed all was clear.
I was riding a CX bike with two front lights (one solid one flashing) and two back lights, a high viz top and high viz / reflective gloves and overshoes. And a helmet as usual. And no earphones!!
I don't remember any other motorists nor cyclists stopping to help, they might have done and I don't recall. I do remember a few pedestrians stopping to offer help though.
I used to consider myself a careful rider, looking after my safety ahead of setting Strava times. I don't think I filer recklessly. But in this case, one small lapse in concentration seems to have been enough to put me at risk. I have been commuting up the CS7 all year round night and day for 3 years.
Clearly this could have turned out a lot worse for me. And the bike! It was pretty much undamaged save for a bent lever and slightly buckled wheel. Also, I'd recently bought a Planet X Pro Carbon which had I been riding it, would have been in a mess.
I'm not really sure why I'm posting this, maybe it's therapeutic and maybe I think I'm looking for someone to say "don't worry it's not your fault". I'm expecting some good advice on how to be more careful too. I don't know. Perhaps just telling a few internet strangers about my bump will help prevent one of them having a similar bump tomorrow. Perhaps you'll respond with some good suggestions to help me get back into it? Maybe varying my route would be safer?
Anyway, it'll be a while till in back on the bike and even longer till I ride into London again. Right now my focus is being strong enough to pick up my kids for a cuddle.
Thee you go! Ride carefully.
Sorry to hear about this. This *very* nearly happened to me on the Kings Road a year ago. I've taken it extremely cautiously in that spot ever since then, but there but for the grace of God and all that.I didn't cycle to work today, nor any day since 26 January. That's because on 26 January I had a coming together with a car, which has resulted in an injured back and me not working, let alone cycling.
For those that know the CS7 in South London, I was heading north on the A3 Clapham Road about 645am. Approaching the Fentiman Road junction, the car traffic is stationary and there is plenty room (half a lane?) to ride up the left on the "blue paint". A car heading south turned right into Fentiman Road and I rode into his passenger door. From memory, I grabbed the brakes but couldn't stop, my bike hit his door and I fell to the ground landing on my back.
The driver stopped, called an ambulance and looked after me until the ambulance were happy he could go. He also called me a couple of times to see how I was.
I was taken to St Thomas A&E where they gave me painkillers before I went home in a taxi at lunchtime. My back muscles went into spasm which made everything very sore and rigid.
Since then I have been on painkillers till I couldn't stand the side effects. Now the muscles have relaxed mostly but there is still a lot of pain so I am going for an X-ray tomorrow. I tried to go back to work but sitting at the desk (which I need to do) was causing more pain. So the GP has signed me off for another two weeks.
When it comes to fault, I think we were both at fault - the car driver should have looked for cycles and I should have been going slow enough to stop. It's not a full cycle/bus lane at that point.
From my side, I think I was distracted by a bus and bin lorry further up the road, and ignored the danger at the junction. From his side, the car driver said that a car in the queue had flashed him on so he assumed all was clear.
I was riding a CX bike with two front lights (one solid one flashing) and two back lights, a high viz top and high viz / reflective gloves and overshoes. And a helmet as usual. And no earphones!!
I don't remember any other motorists nor cyclists stopping to help, they might have done and I don't recall. I do remember a few pedestrians stopping to offer help though.
I used to consider myself a careful rider, looking after my safety ahead of setting Strava times. I don't think I filer recklessly. But in this case, one small lapse in concentration seems to have been enough to put me at risk. I have been commuting up the CS7 all year round night and day for 3 years.
Clearly this could have turned out a lot worse for me. And the bike! It was pretty much undamaged save for a bent lever and slightly buckled wheel. Also, I'd recently bought a Planet X Pro Carbon which had I been riding it, would have been in a mess.
I'm not really sure why I'm posting this, maybe it's therapeutic and maybe I think I'm looking for someone to say "don't worry it's not your fault". I'm expecting some good advice on how to be more careful too. I don't know. Perhaps just telling a few internet strangers about my bump will help prevent one of them having a similar bump tomorrow. Perhaps you'll respond with some good suggestions to help me get back into it? Maybe varying my route would be safer?
Anyway, it'll be a while till in back on the bike and even longer till I ride into London again. Right now my focus is being strong enough to pick up my kids for a cuddle.
Thee you go! Ride carefully.
Get well soon.
Hi,
Thanks for the messages folks. It's kinda comforting to be in such company. GarryDK I may PM you in a few days re: insurance if that's ok?
Xray showed up a crushed vertebrae. I was referred to the neurological guys and subject to an MRI scan. I will discuss the results with them tomorrow.
I guess my plan of being back on the bike by the end of the month might be a tad ambitious.
Thanks for the messages folks. It's kinda comforting to be in such company. GarryDK I may PM you in a few days re: insurance if that's ok?
Xray showed up a crushed vertebrae. I was referred to the neurological guys and subject to an MRI scan. I will discuss the results with them tomorrow.
I guess my plan of being back on the bike by the end of the month might be a tad ambitious.
. I was talking to a guy in work about helmet cameras yesterday, I don't have one mainly because if I showed my wife the usual state of the roads she would try to stop me cycling in! It just made me think about it today, what I see as cars being their usual self (if a little close) others would see it as "ohmygosh you must stop on the bike immediately!".
Anyway, I'm taking my single speed up for it's first service (aka "making sure everything is still tight") after about 220Km today, then tomorrow I am in work, and then I'm off for 6 days! Just thought I would mention that today.
Anyway, I'm taking my single speed up for it's first service (aka "making sure everything is still tight") after about 220Km today, then tomorrow I am in work, and then I'm off for 6 days! Just thought I would mention that today.
Usget said:
I noticed exactly the same thing yesterday, but not limited to cyclists - I saw way more cars and buses pull RLJs, took two left hooks (first time in ages), had someone pull out on me necessitating an emergency stop, and a woman step straight out in front of me without looking.
I think they might have been handing out free crack. Disappointed I missed out.
Yeah had some of that too. I was passing a cab driver who was stuck behind a bus and who decided that my lane was better than his, despite the fact that I was already in it. He tried two lurches, the second of which meant his front wing missed my left knee by about an inch. I carried on regardless so he then lent on his horn). I think they might have been handing out free crack. Disappointed I missed out.
I assume he was apologising for nearly knocking me under the wheels of a bus. Twice.
He was also shouting a lot so I slowed down in front of him to try to hear better over the sound of his horn.
I couldn't hear a word but could see the flecks of his saliva hitting his windscreen.
Still have no idea what his problem was.
Well on my way in this morning I had a Fiat Stilo pull out in front of me which sent me over the bonnet. Good job my spidery senses were tingling which made me move to primary and was slowing down and covering the brakes but with about ten feet to go she just pulled out and there was no chance of stopping. I had serviced the bike, replaced the brake pads and had fitted 25mm tyres over the weekend so I think I stopped a lot quicker than I would've previously. Anyway the front wheel went into her wheel arch and thanks to the Newtons first law of motion, I was sent sprawling over the bonnet. First thoughts were I hope she keeps her foot on the brakes in case I roll off and she rolls over me, followed immediately by oh bugger I hope the bike's ok...
Anyway she was a bit shaken up and kept apologising and saying 'I didn't see you', which given the great visibility and good view she had meant she just didn't look, got her details and a photograph of her car though just in case. Bike appears to be remarkably unscathed with not even a scratch and the wheel still running true but will need to go over it with a fine tooth comb given it's a carbon frame also landed on my right forearm which I wouldn't say was sore but is a tiny bit tender.
This is the drivers view of the road where I was hit, in similar conditions to the picture, with no traffic in either direction and no parked cars streetview.
Anyway she was a bit shaken up and kept apologising and saying 'I didn't see you', which given the great visibility and good view she had meant she just didn't look, got her details and a photograph of her car though just in case. Bike appears to be remarkably unscathed with not even a scratch and the wheel still running true but will need to go over it with a fine tooth comb given it's a carbon frame also landed on my right forearm which I wouldn't say was sore but is a tiny bit tender.
This is the drivers view of the road where I was hit, in similar conditions to the picture, with no traffic in either direction and no parked cars streetview.
Oh I know this all too well, people generally look but don't observe and so miss cyclists, motorbikes as they're tuned for watching out for cars and buses. Now at a stretch, I 'could' understand to a certain extent if they pulled out on me because there was busy traffic, parked cars, bad sightlines and I was lost in the noise. But this was a wide, clear road and I would have been clearly moving against the dark asphalt behind me as I was the only thing on the road at the time.
Luckily, like you I don't trust people so I'd scrubbed off a fair bit of speed before the junction according to Strava and was instinctively covering the brakes but she left it so late that there was no chance of stopping. I'd made the mistake of assuming she had seen me and was waiting for me to pass because the road was clear in both directions and she'd have been able to clear the junction had she set off after arriving at the give way line when I was further up the road.
Ah well you live and learn, fortunately I think me and the bike got away without a scratch despite hitting the car hard. Checked the bike at uni and everything was still running true and not even a mark on the paintwork or the new bar tape! Not sure about her wing and bonnet though, I think my 80Kg lump may have left a reminder for her to look more carefully next time.
Luckily, like you I don't trust people so I'd scrubbed off a fair bit of speed before the junction according to Strava and was instinctively covering the brakes but she left it so late that there was no chance of stopping. I'd made the mistake of assuming she had seen me and was waiting for me to pass because the road was clear in both directions and she'd have been able to clear the junction had she set off after arriving at the give way line when I was further up the road.
Ah well you live and learn, fortunately I think me and the bike got away without a scratch despite hitting the car hard. Checked the bike at uni and everything was still running true and not even a mark on the paintwork or the new bar tape! Not sure about her wing and bonnet though, I think my 80Kg lump may have left a reminder for her to look more carefully next time.
Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff