This morning on my way to work I got another wake up call. Into the city along the old Hutt Road, right into Tinakori then left onto Murphy. The lights were green crossing Tinakori so I was about to merge between 4 and 5 in a line of 6. At first 5 didn't look like he wanted to let me in but after a indicating, looking over my shoulder (#1) and moving right, he got the idea.
Then things happened very quickly. The back of 4 is all brake lights as 1 stops for pedestrians @#%!@$#. My initial reaction was perfect with a rapid counter steer to the left back into the merge lane (practice works). For some reason (probably panic and inexperience) I also stabbed the rear brake (but not the front thankfully) and locked the rear. I went a bit sideways but got it back under control after releasing the brake. Anyway nothing hit, nothing dropped, but a little red faced I completed the merge and carried on to work.
Over the next few hours I pondered the incident trying to figure out where I'd gone wrong. I decided that coming off Tinakori I must have been going a bit quick for the merge. It wasn't until the ride home that it struck me what I actually did wrong. It was basic. It was dumb. And it happened at the (#1) in my account above. I changed lanes while watching over my shoulder!!!! If I was that concerned about the guy behind then I shouldn't have been switching lanes in the first place. The safety glance should be just that. A quick look for danger then eyes front again BEFORE moving position on the road.
Fortunately I got away it and I've learned from the incident. Hopefully my red faced account will cause other noobs to watch where they're riding and not over their shoulders.
A final thought. Strangely, going sideways felt quite normal - perhaps it was the dirt from my teens.
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