[Ebbc-Talk] Safe Passing

I'm usually more upset by motorists who pass me than by other bicyclists, but an episode today reminds me that bicyclists passing other bicylists can also be a pain! What's so difficult about calling out one's intentions?

A friend and I were riding a loop through the Oakland/Berkeley hills and had stopped for lunch at Inspiration Point (sitting on the Grizzly Peak Cyclists bench!).

After lunch, we headed out of the parking lot to turn right (west) on Wildcat Canyon Road. As we left the parking lot, I looked in my helmet-mounted mirror to see another bicyclist coming up behind us (since we were just starting out, he was going considerably faster). I don't know where he came from, but he blew past her with no warning and very close.

Even though I saw him in my mirror, I couldn't tell where he was going. Although I was trying to turn right onto Wildcat Canyon, I tried to hold my line until he passed. He looked like he was going to pass me on my left, so I turned slightly to the right, only to have him then swerve right to pass on my right. At that point, a collision wasn't out of the question! Never a peep from him!

As he passed, I made a loud comment about how nice it would be to call out one's intentions, but he was so intent on his ride that he totally ignored me -- not even a rude comment! I guess the macho approach is to blow past and ignore those who are slower.

I doubt he's reading this post, but I thought the story was worthwhile if only to remind all of us that passing another bicyclist (even one with a mirror) can be hazardous -- no harm in calling out!!

Rick
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