When will people stop backing into my bikes?

[Oakie]

Well yesterday makes it three times a bike of mine has been knocked over by reversing drivers. It was different yesterday though as I was still on the bike at the time!
Scenario. Going to Rebel Sport on Colombo St in Christchurch. Stop behind a car stopped on the median strip waiting for opposing traffic to pass before turning right into R.S.. Road is clear so he proceeds. I proceed after him. He stops at the entranceway to allow a car to come out and I stop about 1.5 metres behind him. He then decides that the guy needs more room so starts reversing ... back towards my front wheel. From then it all happened very fast. I heard Mrs Oakie on her bike behind me yell at him "F**king idiot", then as I unsuccessfuly tried to find the horn and instead gave the bike a big rev hoping he'd hear that, his bumper hit my wheel and started pushing me backwards. Unfortunately I was at an angle to him instead of straight on so I just wasn't able to keep the bike upright. Can't remember much of what followed apart from ending up under the bike in the middle of the road behind the car and being vaguely aware of a bunch of pedestrians watching. Next was being upright with the bike back on two wheels just as the driver got to me asking if I was alright. This surprises as the last time my bike had a wee lie down, I needed help to get it up. Adrenalin is a wonderful thing.
Bottom line was no damage to me although I think the elbow armour in my jacket had something to do with that. Only damage to the bike was a bent gear lever and bent clutch lever (Thank God I saved the bike's fall). Probably $100 all up which he is going to pay for.
Interesting little experience and if that is my allocated 'bin' for the next few years, I'll accept it.

[ManDownUnder]

Mr Air Horn is my friend... and he comes out to play when idiots like that cross my path.

[Oakie]

Mr Air Horn is my friend... and he comes out to play when idiots like that cross my path.
All very well if you can find the button to make it go. I think my horn button shrunk in fear as I was trying to find it.
If it wasn't for the possiblilty of collateral damage (to me), Mr Surface to Surface missile might be my friend in those circumstances.

[Pex Adams]

http://www.nippynormans.com/products.asp?dept=259

Stebel Magnum - 17 quid
136dB - :gob::gob:

[ManDownUnder]

All very well if you can find the button to make it go. I think my horn button shrunk in fear as I was trying to find it.
If it wasn't for the possiblilty of collateral damage (to me), Mr Surface to Surface missile might be my friend in those circumstances.

Understood and agreed. It's a bit late when you're on your side but still VERY satisfying to have the whole block stop and look at the cock sucker that hit you.

I treat it as a teaching aide. I figure the pain of the increased embarrassment should help them avoid making that similar balls up in the future. Besides...

... IT FEELS GREAT!


http://www.nippynormans.com/products.asp?dept=259

Stebel Magnum - 17 quid
136dB - :gob::gob:

That's the fulla! I have the nautilus

[Oakie]

http://www.nippynormans.com/products.asp?dept=259

Stebel Magnum - 17 quid
136dB - :gob::gob:

Ha ha. It would be funny to see the results of that being tested by some unsuspecting schmuck in the Vehicle Testing station next time. Soiled overalls all round I'd suspect.

[Oakie]

still VERY satisfying to have the whole block stop and look at the cock sucker that hit you.

I treat it as a teaching aide. I figure the pain of the increased embarrassment should help them avoid making that similar balls up in the future. Besides...

... IT FEELS GREAT!



Very good points!

[Steam]

People who back into anything should be done for careless driving, more, the maximum possible. It could easily have been a baby in a pram, or a 5-year-old kid following her mum around the back of the car.

[vifferman]

Understood and agreed. It's a bit late when you're on your side but still VERY satisfying to have the whole block stop and look at the cock sucker that hit you.

I treat it as a teaching aide. I figure the pain of the increased embarrassment should help them avoid making that similar balls up in the future. Besides...

... IT FEELS GREAT!
Ha ha!
That's my philosophy too. If someone misbehaves, I hold the horn button down long enough that it goes beyond, "Watch it!" and becomes, "Hey! Look at this twunt! He's been BAD!"

[Pumba]

:2thumbsup STEBEL **NAUTILUS** HORN - 139d:2thumbsup

Personally I like watching there head spin round expecting to see a Mack Truck about to remove them from this earth.

And maybe you need a big red panic button to set it off, just a thought

[Marmoot]

Well yesterday makes it three times a bike of mine has been knocked over by reversing drivers.

Considering it has been three times, perhaps it is a good time to take a step back and evaluate what can be done to improve your odds.

Is 1.5m behind enough to minimise your risk? Can this be increased realistically?

Perhaps you were in their mirror blindspots? Or have been unnoticed for the duration you were trailing the vehicles prior to them stopping?

Can you improve your visibility, etc?

And thing of anything that can be done to increase your lifespan.


Face it, with millions of cars, every day there are hundreds of thousands of cufk ups and chances are some of them would be right in front of you.
If you don't have that "safety zone" to accommodate other's mistakes, you'll end up kissing the ground REGARDLESS OF WHOSE FAULT IT IS.

[Oakie]

Considering it has been three times, perhaps it is a good time to take a step back and evaluate what can be done to improve your odds.

Cheers. The first two times my bike was actually parked and unattended when big 4WD vehicles backed into it.

[sunhuntin]

oakie... my horn shrinks as well... normally i end up putting the indicators on :confused:

glad it wasnt worse damage to either of you...

[Marmoot]

Cheers. The first two times my bike was actually parked and unattended when big 4WD vehicles backed into it.

Parked "too close" maybe?

Big 4WD has inherent rear-visibility problem, especially if they have spare tires hooked up to the back. Compounded with bikes' generally much lower height compared to the 4WD driver's view.

Perhaps it is unwise to park behind them, or within 5m behind them.

[sunhuntin]

why are you trying to switch the blame from the blind cage drivers? 4wds, if they cant see properly, maybe the driver needs to check first. it could well be a child they reverse into.

[Forest]

why are you trying to switch the blame from the blind cage drivers? 4wds, if they cant see properly, maybe the driver needs to check first. it could well be a child they reverse into.

If you know the cage is blind, it is partly your fault for going into their blind zone.

[Oakie]

Parked "too close" maybe?

Big 4WD has inherent rear-visibility problem, especially if they have spare tires hooked up to the back. Compounded with bikes' generally much lower height compared to the 4WD driver's view.

Perhaps it is unwise to park behind them, or within 5m behind them.

Um. No.
The first time I was parked in the middle of a bike park and probably was 5 metres from the parallel parked vehicle in the car park next door.
The second time was in a park at a restaurant when the guy, not seeing a car roof in that park, thought it was empty and reversed into it...and my bike.
I'd taken steps both times to make my parking fool-proof. My mistake. I should have made it blind-idiot-proof.

[Oakie]

If you know the cage is blind, it is partly your fault for going into their blind zone.
He would have seen me yesterday if he looked in his mirror. I was right behind him and at an angle so presenting an even bigger profile than normal. Wouldn't have seen me in the wing mirror but definately from the inside mirror (whatever that is called)

[Macktheknife]

Glad you are not hurt oakie and damage is minimal, remind me not to follow you into carparks ok? lol!
Seriously though, I would be looking at getting more familiar with your horn button in the first place, like anything else if you don't use it often it can be hard to find when stressed!
Also, always have an escape route planned when in high traffic areas, it could save you from much worse than this.
"Where can I go to that is safe (ish) if I need to move?"

All the best

[sunhuntin]

If you know the cage is blind, it is partly your fault for going into their blind zone.

up to the cager to check the way is clear before reversing.

[Marmoot]

up to the cager to check the way is clear before reversing.

Yep, and damaged bike makes great evidence when it comes to court case.

Injuries may support the claims too, so make sure you get as mangled as possible?

[Oakie]

Glad you are not hurt oakie and damage is minimal, remind me not to follow you into carparks ok? lol!
Seriously though, I would be looking at getting more familiar with your horn button in the first place, like anything else if you don't use it often it can be hard to find when stressed!
Also, always have an escape route planned when in high traffic areas, it could save you from much worse than this.
"Where can I go to that is safe (ish) if I need to move?"

All the best

Yeah, best no-one follows me into parks. LOL.
Regarding the horn: my lack of familiarity with it stems back to defensive driving course days when we were told it's pretty ineffective as a warning device and that we're better to use that second or so that it takes to sound the horn to avoid an incident rather than rely on the horn to warn another vehicle of it. It seemed to make sense at the time so I've not been a very 'horny' road user at all.
I usually do ride with an escape route as I tend to sit just outside the right hand side of the vehicle I'm following where it is safe to do so. The circumstances of this one just took be quite by surprise. However, this is how we learn so next time ...

[ManDownUnder]

Regarding the horn: my lack of familiarity with it stems back

You need a FECAL switch. The horn goes off everytime you get that "OH SHIT" sensation!

[Forest]

up to the cager to check the way is clear before reversing.

Yes you are right. But when a reversing accident occurs, then fixing things becomes a major headache for both sides.

Accidents really suck. Therefore I advocate for riders to take responsibility for avoiding accidents in all circumstances even when the accidents are not their fault.

[Forest]

You need a FECAL switch. The horn goes off everytime you get that "OH SHIT" sensation!

A pressure sensor in the rider's sphincter should take care of it.

Unless you're a Honda rider of course ...

[Coyote]

http://www.nippynormans.com/products.asp?dept=259

Stebel Magnum - 17 quid
136dB - :gob::gob:
Is that the only place to get them or does somewhere local have them?

Eying up the Nautilus

[Badjelly]

Regarding the horn: my lack of familiarity with it stems back to defensive driving course days when we were told it's pretty ineffective as a warning device and that we're better to use that second or so that it takes to sound the horn to avoid an incident rather than rely on the horn to warn another vehicle of it.

This might be good advice for people who cannot sound the horn and steer/brake at the same time. For the rest of us, no.

Just 1 hour ago I used the horn on my bike to advertise my presence to a truck driver who was moving into my lane on the Hutt Road. I also braked hard (though briefly, because he heard the horn and backed off immediately). Without the horn, my bike & I could have ended up a wee bit squeezed. I have (re)learned several lessons from the experience, the main one being not to assume people can see you, *especially* when they are driving as if they can't.

[Pex Adams]

Is that the only place to get them or does somewhere local have them?

Eying up the Nautilus

Looks like this guy is selling them...
www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Parts-accessories/Other/auction-132825587.htm

[sefer]

Is 1.5m behind enough to minimise your risk? Can this be increased realistically?


LOl, do they have cars where you are? Do you know what happens if you leave more than a car length between you and the car in front on the road around here? Some prick pulls into it!

Actually it being a space big enough to fit their car in seems optional...

[SDU]

Glad you weren't hurt & the damage is easily fixed.
Hope you made the driver get his wallet out!

Carparks are dangerous places, any big park people either reverse out without looking as you're riding past or people walk in front of you while they looking the opposite way to where they are walking.

[swbarnett]

my lack of familiarity with it stems back to defensive driving course days when we were told it's pretty ineffective as a warning device and that we're better to use that second or so that it takes to sound the horn to avoid an incident rather than rely on the horn to warn another vehicle of it.
I've found the horn to be very effective where the driver didn't know I was there. As to wasting time on it, if I need to use it I'm sounding the horn and performing avoidance manuvuers simultaneously.

[yungatart]

I'm glad that you and your bike are realtively unscathed.
Once upon a time, drivers were taught to check both internal and outside mirrors before reversing. It seems it is not important anymore.
No wonder insurance premiums keep gooing up.

[Ixion]

No they weren't. Back in once upon a time we didn't have external mirrors. Only poncy snobs had them.

[Marmoot]

LOl, do they have cars where you are? Do you know what happens if you leave more than a car length between you and the car in front on the road around here? Some prick pulls into it!

So? do you lose campionship points?

[HungusMaximist]

Great story bro, it reminds me of an similar encounter in Auckland a few months back.

I was actually cycling with my brother around the city and we were right at the start of high street (which is one way) when we realised there was a women in car in front of us trying to find a parking behind her.

What she didn't realise was that there was me right behind her and naturally she forgot to look or even attempted to check her rear view mirror before she starts backing into me.

With the surprise of pedestrians we all thought she was gonna stop but she continued backing up until the rear bumper started crushing into my legs, by then I had no choice but to start knocking on her rear view mirror and boy was she surprised to me.

I didn't really expect an apology but it would've been nice to receive a sorry hand gesture of some sort after backing into somebody. Instead she gapped it like it never happened but I'd think the lady too embarrassed...

[sefer]

So? do you lose campionship points?

Ah..so that sort of invalidates the whole point of leaving space doesn't it? Or are you suggesting that the rider should reverse five metres after said prick takes that space to ensure they still have what you consider to be the correct distance to 'minimise risk.'

[Mr Skid]

Parked "too close" maybe?

Big 4WD has inherent rear-visibility problem, especially if they have spare tires hooked up to the back. Compounded with bikes' generally much lower height compared to the 4WD driver's view.

Perhaps it is unwise to park behind them, or within 5m behind them.

why are you trying to switch the blame from the blind cage drivers? 4wds, if they cant see properly, maybe the driver needs to check first. it could well be a child they reverse into.'Cos Marmoot knows how many dodgy aZn drivers there are there trying to kill us.

I find moral vindication to be useful for repairing egos, less so for bikes and bones.

[Marmoot]

Or are you suggesting that the rider should reverse five metres after said prick takes that space to ensure they still have what you consider to be the correct distance to 'minimise risk.'

I don't suggest, but that's what I would do if some car is too close in front of me.
I mean, why not?


'Cos Marmoot knows how many dodgy aZn drivers there are there trying to kill us.

Ho ho ho, on the ball matey. On the ball.
:clap:

[Livvy]

They'll stop backing into you when you buy a monster truck and drive over them instead.

Until that date, they will just continue reversing into your bike(s). Sad fact of life, no?

[Badjelly]

Motorbikes, pushbikes, on foot, maybe even in a car, we've all had that feeling: "No he's not going to drive/back into me, he must have seen me, he's not really going to do it, bugger he is!" I'm trying to reduce the length of time I waste on that sequence.

[Oakie]

Postscript to all that:

I was on the way home from work on Friday when I pulled up behind a guy who had stopped at a stop sign. I noticed though that he had gone past the the 'stop' line on the road and his back wheels where where his front end should be. I therefore stopped 5 metres behind him incase he reversed back. He didn't of course.

I popped into the Honda shop on Friday and got them to look at the damage from Wednesday. Short version is that I spent 40 minutes in my garage this morning and straightened things out myself with the safety net that if I stuffed things up, the guy who hit me would pay for new bits.
I'm going to ring him shortly and tell him that it didn't cost anything to repair the bike and I won't involve our insurance companies. When he expresses whatever happy thoughts he expresses at that, I'll suggest that he might like to instead donate $50 to St Johns as they tend to spend quite a bit of time picking up other bikers who got off a lot worse than me when they weren't seen by other motorists. Up to him if he does or not.