Just happened to me this morning

[biketimus_prime]

I used to avoid riding next to cars up until a few days ago. Then this happens. I think I was in his blind spot at first. But as he was moving over, he looked at me and still continued while shouting at me and gesturing with the "piss off" kinda hand movement for me to move over. I was furious, could barely calm myself down for the rest of the ride. He purposely wanted to run me off the road. I wanted to follow him and beat the shit out of him or something.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0s984isZbFA&feature=youtu.be

[iranana]

I was furious, could barely calm myself down for the rest of the ride...I wanted to follow him and beat the shit out of him or something

I know that feeling :/ Good job avoiding him and keeping things rubber side down. Did you manage to get his plate? 555 him if you can. I know it doesn't do a hell of a lot but a letter from the popes is better than nothing

[Mike.Gayner]

Plenty of assholes out there, and you managed to find one all right. But I'd say this has nothing to do with you being on a bike and everything to do with a jackass being called out changing lanes without looking/indicating. You did the right thing - staying out of his way and keeping your distance - you never know how people like this are going to respond.

[The Reibz]

This is a everyday thing when you commute, get over it, save up for a bigger bike (so you can boost away) or accomidation closer to where you work so you can walk there (like me)

I think you did the right thing and found a good escape route.

Save the road rage, have a beer or something

[willytheekid]

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1169&d=1337616039

...but my cars bigger? :confused:


Good job getting clear mate...glad you didnt go on to pick a fight with a prick who is armed with over a ton of motor vehicle :niceone:...we tend to loose.

Sadly, Just a regular thing on a bike tho...always expect them not to see you (Or even LOOK for you).

(I had a van do it the other week...tried to push me under a semi trailer beside me...a quick "knock" on the side of the van sorted it...driver had just not looked before his lane change...he moved and was very appologetic about it :D...shit happens, and we adapt/react to survive)

[SMOKEU]

This is a everyday thing when you commute, get over it, save up for a bigger bike (so you can boost away) or accomidation closer to where you work so you can walk there (like me)

I think you did the right thing and found a good escape route.

Save the road rage, have a beer or something

No, people like that need the shit beaten out of them, otherwise they will continue to be a complete fuckwit like that until someone is killed. People like that never learn, and they will refuse to change their ways unless the laws penalize them very harshy (which won't happen), or until they get a big enough scare to make them sort their shit out. The same driver will do the same thing again and again, and one day it's going to end badly for an innocent person.

[iranana]

No, people like that need the shit beaten out of them, otherwise they will continue to be a complete fuckwit like that until someone is killed. People like that never learn, and they will refuse to change their ways unless the laws penalize them very harshy (which won't happen), or until they get a big enough scare to make them sort their shit out. The same driver will do the same thing again and again, and one day it's going to end badly for an innocent person.

While I agree with you, most people (myself included) aren't willing to risk the criminal charges associated with chasing someone down and assaulting them... so what are we meant to do? As far as self preservation goes he handled it well

[Gremlin]

You need to chill. There seemed to be space between you and the car in front (video can distort this) and the Merc was slowing down. Sit in your lane, but move to a position where you can see the driver in his mirrors (ie, don't ride in his blind spot). You accelerated as he was moving across, when you had ample space to back off and get out of the way. Right or wrong, you're going to come off worst if you collide. When you moved into the left lane, did you check nothing was there? So focussed on the car you could easily have moved into the path of a bus?


I was furious, could barely calm myself down for the rest of the ride.
Bad move. You're no longer focussing on the task of riding, and could easily miss another dangerous situation and up in a collision. You need to drop incidents from your mind and re-focus. These sorts of situations in traffic on busy roads are common and your safety is your responsibility.

[awa355]

How big is a paintball gun??

[IkieBikie]

See it all the time on the Auckland motorway whether on bike or in car!!

[TheDemonLord]

Happens all the time, I ride along that very same stretch.

Often I have dreams about riding with a hammer and performing an impromptu Wing Mirror remoddeling (as they aren't using it) and if they continue, tapping in a window.

In reality, I often hold on the horn, drop down a gear and get the fuck out of dodge.

[gjm]

Often I have dreams about riding with a hammer and performing an impromptu Wing Mirror remoddeling (as they aren't using it) and if they continue, tapping in a window.

When I was couriering in London (bicycle or motorbike) we always wore big motocross boots, with lots of metal on the outside of them. ;-)

These days I tend to just consider other road users to be a vigilantes hell-bent on killing me, try to anticipate what irrational move they'll make, and compensate accordingly.

[swbarnett]

You need to chill.
I agree but...

What we need is for all bikes to be equipped with a painfully loud horn. Give these bastards pain each time and maybe we'll start to be the sort of threat they'll take notice of. Probably not though.


Bad move. You're no longer focussing on the task of riding, and could easily miss another dangerous situation and up in a collision.
This was my first thought. A time or two I've pulled over after this type of incident because I let my anger get the better of me. Better to calm down before continuing.

[release_the_bees]

It's a shame that you didn't get their plate. Your YouTube link would have been a good addition to this site (https://forms.police.govt.nz/forms/online-community-roadwatch-report/9).

[nodrog]

OMG! WTF! LMFAO! YOLO! BHFM! ROFFLE! u neerley deaded!

[biketimus_prime]

You need to chill. There seemed to be space between you and the car in front (video can distort this) and the Merc was slowing down. Sit in your lane, but move to a position where you can see the driver in his mirrors (ie, don't ride in his blind spot). You accelerated as he was moving across, when you had ample space to back off and get out of the way. Right or wrong, you're going to come off worst if you collide. When you moved into the left lane, did you check nothing was there? So focussed on the car you could easily have moved into the path of a bus?


Bad move. You're no longer focussing on the task of riding, and could easily miss another dangerous situation and up in a collision. You need to drop incidents from your mind and re-focus. These sorts of situations in traffic on busy roads are common and your safety is your responsibility.

The merc guy moved in straight after the car in front sped up, you can see he indicates for a split second AS he is changing, not even before. I checked the video straight after I got to uni to see if I was in the wrong and maybe I didn't see him indicating.

I think a mistake I made was seeing him there and not staying to the left of my lane to pre-empt his move. However I'd still be in a blind spot, but I could react less harshly. What it felt like to me was that he was moving in as I was accelerating, I couldn't back off because he was moving in so fast and I wouldn't be able to clear his car without braking really hard and risking skidding or something.
I checked over my shoulder just before I crossed the white line, however if there was a car behind me in that lane I'd be f*cked anyway because I was so committed to the move across that it would be too late to even correct that and do something else.

So many lessons learnt here and I am watching it over and over to see what I did wrong on my part, so if I ever do get knocked off, there can't be anything extra I could have done to avoid it.
and yes I was taking deep breaths, slowed down quite a bit and just tried to relax again.

I just can't get over the nerve of that guy, to behave like it was my fault and just the gestures he made as though I was some trash on the road.
His number plate is EWQ908...

[Mike.Gayner]

What it felt like to me was that he was moving in as I was accelerating, I couldn't back off because he was moving in so fast and I wouldn't be able to clear his car without braking really hard and risking skidding or something.
I checked over my shoulder just before I crossed the white line, however if there was a car behind me in that lane I'd be f*cked anyway because I was so committed to the move across that it would be too late to even correct that and do something else.

You need a lot more hours on the bike I reckon. To get so panicky over a situation that literally happens thousands of times a day on Auckland motorways. And there was tons of time to brake - the relative speed between you and the Merc was maybe 10kph at most. A gentle tap on the brakes would have equalised your speed giving you both lots of room.

The guy was an asshole, no doubt about it. But this is a very common scenario for both bikes and cars, and you're getting way too worked up over one bad driver.

[AllanB]

This website is turning gay.

A couple years back most of the replies would have been recommending you get a really loud muffler. That or finding out where is sister lives ........


Better in Christchurch mate - bumpy fucked up roads keep drivers sharp :yes:

[Gremlin]

The merc guy moved in straight after the car in front sped up, you can see he indicates for a split second AS he is changing, not even before.
He indicated... amazing in itself.


I think a mistake I made was seeing him there and not staying to the left of my lane to pre-empt his move. However I'd still be in a blind spot, but I could react less harshly. What it felt like to me was that he was moving in as I was accelerating, I couldn't back off because he was moving in so fast and I wouldn't be able to clear his car without braking really hard and risking skidding or something.
You move into view of his mirrors, ie, the right of the lane. The car slowing is your indication something is up, as he was moving along before. You take the opportunity at that point to check what's around you, what options do you have. You don't accelerate there, as you suspect something is up. Moving into his mirrors earlier, you can now see what he's up to. If he's looking at you or moving his head, start making space (plus check what's behind you if you do need to brake). Oh, and he wasn't moving in fast, that's medium. Fast you probably wouldn't have blinked before you'd been side-swiped.


I checked over my shoulder just before I crossed the white line, however if there was a car behind me in that lane I'd be f*cked anyway because I was so committed to the move across that it would be too late to even correct that and do something else.
Right, so you don't want to commit beyond the point of no return... by not being up his rear quarter panel you had options, mostly braking but you control the situation. Beside him... yup, you haven't got much.


there can't be anything extra I could have done to avoid it.
and yes I was taking deep breaths, slowed down quite a bit and just tried to relax again.
Uh, lot you could have done. Number one is to learn to automatically avoid blind spots. If you do have to pass through one, you're not taking your time. Cars often forget quickly there was something there, but being constantly in their mirrors or alongside the drivers door, the odds of that lessen, and I rarely actually get into the situation you found yourself in.

[Woodman]

Pretty minor really.........

[Akzle]

How big is a paintball gun??

.68 bore.

Yes. You can get ball bearings that size (.678 iirc).


Op. Youre in auckland. Get used to it.

[unstuck]

OMG! WTF! LMFAO! YOLO! BHFM! ROFFLE! u neerley deaded!

Bout sums it up really.:clap:

[DMNTD]

FFs if you're going to get wound up by that I suggest that you buy a bus pass as that sadly is just standard practice during a commute.

[Maha]

FFs if you're going to get wound up by that I suggest that you buy a bus pass as that sadly is just standard practice during a commute.

....the best thing about a bus pass is that, it can get wet when it rains, and you can hit old people with it!!! really really hard.

[Wingnut]

FFs if you're going to get wound up by that I suggest that you buy a bus pass as that sadly is just standard practice during a commute.

Yep.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXuTD4vSF9E

[george formby]

Yup, as repeated. Pretty average cage driving. I'm wid Gremlin. Quite a few spidy sense tinglers in the vid & you used up all the space between you and the car in front. Any hoo.

I have a philosophy which Gremlin has detailed.

Control the space around you. All of it. At one point in the vid before the car cut you up I said to myself "slow down & check your mirrors, give him space just in case".

Anywhere you have exits on the m-way (most of it) your gonna get fuckwits trying to lose a few seconds on their journey, let them go. Anticipate, create the space, ride happy.

On the rare occasions I ride through cities I try to anticipate getting boxed in and accelerate into space or slow down to create space. It gives me time to check out traffic, left, right & rear & plan ahead.

Hope this makes sense.

Any hoo. That was a win. No contact.

Oh. Yup, time on the bike. Like you said, lessons. Every one you ride away from is good one.

[george formby]

Just watched your vid again. Coming off the bridge is a snooker game. Did I mention space? Shits me every time I go through the conurb coming off the bridge. Pricks are darting about like 1 tonne mozzies.

I tend to go tits out & get to the front. Fuck em. :innocent:

[Erelyes]

I used to avoid riding next to cars up until a few days ago. Then this happens. I think I was in his blind spot at first. But as he was moving over, he looked at me and still continued while shouting at me and gesturing with the "piss off" kinda hand movement for me to move over. I was furious, could barely calm myself down for the rest of the ride. He purposely wanted to run me off the road. I wanted to follow him and beat the shit out of him or something.

Slow down. Let them in.

And filter past at the lights, with a friendly wave, and a chuckle to yourself.

:niceone:

[Oakie]

I thought you were in the blind spot. In that sort of situation ... infact in ANY situation you're safest to assume you are in the blind spot ... even if you're right in front of them. Add it to your bank of experience and move on.
Happened to me twice last week by the way...

[Banditbandit]

The grey car (merc? ) was clearly going to move left - the body language of the car from the start made that obvious ...

What they all said .. put it down to experience and don't let it throw you ...

[caspernz]

The grey car (merc? ) was clearly going to move left - the body language of the car from the start made that obvious ...

What they all said .. put it down to experience and don't let it throw you ...

Yup, if the OP gets wound up over that everyday tintop maneuver then a bus pass is the answer. I mean, it's bleedin obvious what the merc is lining up to do ain't it?? But ok, thanks for the laugh...:first:

[Voltaire]

Out of interest, if you do moan to *555, would you not have to appear in court for the Police?
Surely they are not going to send tickets based on " he pulled into my lane" calls.
Whats the spec on the cam, nice clear pics of the Auckland skyline :niceone:

[p.dath]

Out of interest, if you do moan to *555, would you not have to appear in court for the Police?
Surely they are not going to send tickets based on " he pulled into my lane" calls.
Whats the spec on the cam, nice clear pics of the Auckland skyline :niceone:

All they do is send out a letter saying someone complained ...

[Angreal]

Best move I ever did on my old bike was drill out the baffles and ride with highbeam on during the day. If someone does something that triggers my hmmm sensors then I just chopped down 3 gears and they couldn't miss me. Not sure I can get my current bike particularly loud though.

[Zarkov]

You did OK but blowing the horn like that after the event doesn't achieve anything except start a fight.

He probably had no idea you were there.

If it makes you feel better, just give them a toot and leave it at that.

[Madness]

He purposely wanted to run me off the road.

Sorry to burst your bubble sweetcheeks but I doubt that very much. You need to work on re-training your brain to instinctively use the brakes instead of the horn in such situations, especially with such a piss-weak horn. I think too that you should learn from this as from what I can see, it was abundantly clear from the bottom of the bridge that the Merc was going to shift across into your lane. Oh, one more thing - be very careful around any late model European cars as generally on Te Shore, they're all driven by fucknuckles.

[Akzle]

Oh, one more thing - be very careful around any late model European cars as generally on Te Shore, they're all driven by fucknuckles.

not just the shore.


And not just late models.


And not just europeans.



In fact, pretty much most of them.

90% of people in auckland are fucknuckles. That ratio increases to 100% when you add vehicles to them.

[Madness]

90% of people in auckland are fucknuckles. That ratio increases to 100% when you add vehicles to them.

But I've seen you driving a vehicle in Auckland so...

[biketimus_prime]

To be honest I didn't even see him brake and slow down till I watched the video. I could have avoided the situation had I been paying more attention.

I was pretty oblivious and now that I watch the video again I see I'm pretty complacent and even moved to the right side of the lane rather than be aware and stay on the left. I've have since taken all your guys advice on and also worked on my attention and lane position the last two days and it has helped avoid a couple more situations actually.
I ride with my high beams on during the day just for that extra bit of safety, it doesn't dazzle people that during the day from what I can tell.
What annoyed me mainly as I said before was the fact he even saw me as he was barely in to my lane and he just kept coming while looking at me! Funny thing, I've found merc and BMW drivers are the biggest dicks about moving over when you're lane splitting.

Oh and the video was filmed on a go-pro hero 3 silver edition at 720P

[Madness]

I ride with my high beams on during the day just for that extra bit of safety, it doesn't dazzle people that during the day from what I can tell.

You should read this -> http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/159587-Low-(dipped)-vs-high-beam-debate?

And well done, sounds like you've learned from the experience rather well.

[biketimus_prime]

You should read this -> http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/159587-Low-(dipped)-vs-high-beam-debate?

And well done, sounds like you've learned from the experience rather well.

Oh good thread. I didn't have any negative reactions from motorists coming my way in regards to my high beams, but maybe it can be annoying as hell for those I ride behind when it flashes on their rear view mirror. Also interesting not about making it harder to judge distance of the bike and masking the light of the indicators. I'll probably look into some daytime running lights instead. No point annoying other motorists. Some people already look at you like you've committed some terrible crime when they see you riding a bike or pull up somewhere. Has anyone else noticed that? Or maybe I'm just ugly LOL

[Berries]

I ride with my high beams on during the day just for that extra bit of safety, it doesn't dazzle people that during the day from what I can tell.
Here we go.

Accept that you are on a bike and you won't be seen by people who don't look. 99% of the time people will look, will see you and will give way. The 1% just don't care and your light will make no difference. So you end up pissing off 99% of the people giving way to you and 100% of the traffic coming towards you all day long. There is a thread on here asking why people swerve at bikers. If it is an oncoming vehicle and you have your lights on full beam there's your answer.

[avgas]

https://img0.etsystatic.com/011/1/6451565/il_340x270.422419476_fh5s.jpghttp://www.slapcaption.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/WTF-Indeed.pnghttp://www.slapcaption.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Wtf-was-this-sculpture-thinking.jpg

[skippa1]

Oh good thread. I didn't have any negative reactions from motorists coming my way in regards to my high beams, but maybe it can be annoying as hell for those I ride behind when it flashes on their rear view mirror.
You're no better than the cunt that cut you off.........you're only considering you on the road. Only a cunt uses full beam during the day

[Banditbandit]

I wouldn't put it as strongly as skippa1 - but riding at on-coming traffic with high beam on (even in the day) is just dumb ...

Do you really want a driver coming at you that you have just blinded with your lights?

Even if most drivers are not dazzled - sooner or later one will be and that might just be the one who is so dazzled they move right and take you out ...

[biketimus_prime]

So in the same spot today I applied my newly learnt lessons and observation skills that you guys taught me.
Also rode with my high beams off :)

Video description

"So this time I was a bit more aware and tried to predict the actions of these drivers. I noticed that white caldina was quite erratic throughout the drive over the harbour bridge so I kept my distance from him, noticed he was getting close to the line and sure enough he moved over.
Next was the black holden, this time I saw their brake lights and as advised I assumed something was up, sure enough again another lane change.
Finally the nutter in the westpac car, never know what they might do so I kept my distance and stayed to the left of the lane :)"


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icD4wK4t_DE&feature=youtu.be

[Banditbandit]

Cool .. well done ... looks like you're developing enough survival skills to stay safe at least most of the time ...


Looks like typical motorway traffic - some real dicks ... I'm glad I don't live in Dorkland ...

[oneblackflag]

So in the same spot today I applied my newly learnt lessons and observation skills that you guys taught me.
Also rode with my high beams off :)

Video description

"So this time I was a bit more aware and tried to predict the actions of these drivers. I noticed that white caldina was quite erratic throughout the drive over the harbour bridge so I kept my distance from him, noticed he was getting close to the line and sure enough he moved over.
Next was the black holden, this time I saw their brake lights and as advised I assumed something was up, sure enough again another lane change.
Finally the nutter in the westpac car, never know what they might do so I kept my distance and stayed to the left of the lane :)"


:niceone: Nice to the the Gopro doing some good on a bike.

[Tigadee]

I was pretty oblivious and now that I watch the video again I see I'm pretty complacent and even moved to the right side of the lane rather than be aware and stay on the left. I've have since taken all your guys advice on and also worked on my attention and lane position the last two days and it has helped avoid a couple more situations actually.

Yeah, good that you learn from this and take in the advice. It's not about putting you down, it's about letting you know you could have done things differently and safely...

I watched the video having no idea what would happen and who were involved and when the silver car started to slow down, my alarm bells started ringing. I would have slowed down and let him in (do a kind deed, karma, good PR for motorcyclists and all that)... And also started checking around for possible escape routes if it turns to shite.

It's all about reading the 'body language' of the cages and constantly asessing and anticipating threats. You sort of end up like Arnie in The Terminator but it'll become automatic eventually and then you'll end up even enjoying the commute and beating the traffic.


I ride with my high beams on during the day just for that extra bit of safety, it doesn't dazzle people that during the day from what I can tell.

Don't let that make you complacent though, aye? Treat it like hi-viz - good that it's there but it is no guarantee...


What annoyed me mainly as I said before was the fact he even saw me as he was barely in to my lane and he just kept coming while looking at me! Funny thing, I've found merc and BMW drivers are the biggest dicks about moving over when you're lane splitting.

You were all curving to the left, which would make it hard to see much in the car's left wing mirror (unless it was a fisheye mirror). He could have and may have turned his head back to the left to look but then you are a small object on the road, not easy to spot in that difficult position.

All in all, a few factors added up to cause this unfortunate turn of events but luckily no one was hurt (except for someone's pride) and all can hopefully learn from it.


So in the same spot today I applied my newly learnt lessons and observation skills that you guys taught me.
Also rode with my high beams off :)

"So this time I was a bit more aware and tried to predict the actions of these drivers. I noticed that white caldina was quite erratic throughout the drive over the harbour bridge so I kept my distance from him, noticed he was getting close to the line and sure enough he moved over.
Next was the black holden, this time I saw their brake lights and as advised I assumed something was up, sure enough again another lane change.
Finally the nutter in the westpac car, never know what they might do so I kept my distance and stayed to the left of the lane :)"

Well done, grasshopper! I leave you with some words from the great Mr Miyagi (original Karate Kid):
Miyagi: "Lesson not just karate only. Lesson for whole life. Whole life have a balance. Everything be better. Understand?"

Miyagi: "Just remember, license never replace eye, ear, and brain."

[R650R]

I'm with Reibz and Gremlins early posts on this.
Also its a great example of how a dashcam vid can incriminate the 'victim' also.
Before the moment you can hear you backing off the gas. Its clear you consciously or subconsciously knew what was about to happen and you could see him slow a bit to take the gap behind the other car.
Just normal motorway driving, also looked like you to close to white car also, suck it up and just always be alert for normal stuff like this.

[caseye]

Hey prime, yer still here mate, noice work, let em do what they want, long as YOU have an escape route.
Much better road position and anticipation, this sort of awareness will keep YOU alive, never mind the bloody cagers, let them look after themselves.

[biketimus_prime]

Thanks very much for all your advice chaps.
Honestly getting the licence and getting on the road was the easiest part. The more I ride, the more I see it. Anyone anyone can ride a motorbike, it takes a special kind of person to survive on one though.
Whenever I drive my car now I'm so much more aware and road-smart, I don't even use my phone anymore while driving because I realise how much I miss otherwise.