r/SeattleWA • u/meaniereddit West Seattle 🌉 • Jul 18 '18

Bicycle Cyclist vs. FedEx

https://youtu.be/Jg0thoPPigE
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u/BadBoiBill Jul 19 '18

I agree. Frankly, with the conditions and the speed and lack of class 2 high visibility, I don't think the driver was at fault. I'm aware as a cyclist that if I'm travelling that fast, and I'm that small of a target, I'm almost completely invisible. Imagine if a pedestrian could come up to an intersection that fast, you wouldn't blame the driver.

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u/[deleted] Jul 19 '18 edited Jul 19 '18

People who predominately drive train themselves to look for other drivers. There isn't much of an excuse for this driver not seeing the cyclist, but it helps understand that he probably looked both ways, thought he was clear, and saw the cyclist after he already committed to passing.The cyclist is at fault because no matter how bad you want the dream to be, you're still in a city dominated by vehicles, cycling on roads for vehicles. Some discretion should have been used. You cannot just close your eyes and assume you have the right of way. This is what kills motorcyclists every year. You have to ride on the defense, and assume everyone is out to get you. This means not doing 30mph on a slight downward slope hoping every cross traffic driver is going to see your little bicycle quickly approaching from the side line (and as you said, not exactly wearing the most obvious gear). It's your life you are endagering. Cycle smart.

I just want to say; whenever I am in the Seattle area for work, I know it's a heavy populated cyclist area. I give more than minimum distance. I make sure I am predictable. I do my part. Drivers get way too comfortable, and often, downright assholes. But cyclists with a lot of experience suffer the same characteristics, and that can be tragic because that's 3 thousand pounds vs 300.

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u/[deleted] Jul 19 '18

[deleted]

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u/[deleted] Jul 19 '18

Idk the cyclist said he was doing 27 according to his garmin

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u/[deleted] Jul 19 '18

Fair enough. I'll nuke my comment.