Hey buzbike, when I first started riding around in the most southern part of staten island, I thought it was gonna be cool riding around on this bicycle thing with 2 stroke. Well the big lesson I learned was that slowing down makes all the difference. I'm not saying that would of helped you avoid that guy running the light, all I'm saying that 90% of the time speed is the major factor in having close calls and near misses. The first 3 weeks of riding, I was cut off twice by cars riding along side me. My years of riding a motorcycle did not prepare me for this mb stuff. You can only relax a little over here and I know Bklyn is way tougher because of all the cell phone users and do or die driving tactic's.
Ahh yes, the good old-
"guessing what the idiot behind the wheel on the cell phone is gonna do trick"
Its one of my faves... that and "TAXI dodging" in Manhattan.
Im getting very good at reading driver Body, head and hand language... by watching the drivers hands and head movement I've avoided getting wiped more than 1000 times.
Seriously.... I find a VERY LOUD horn and very powerful bright lights are a must and STILL no guarantee that you wont get ground into to cat food against the parked cars because some fool in a hurry couldn't pay attention.
I use 2 ultra loud Mega horns and a custom lighting system on my ride.
A flashing white 60 lume strobe, and twin 60 lume lens LEDs focus spot light i made out of small hand held flash lights.
For tail end i like all in one turn/stop light that's been modified to strobe as well AND a regular pocket bike light on my helmet(with rear view mirror)
I use an R/C toy car battery to power both the horns and light, a Hi/Lo switch, 2 relays, and those brake levers that they use on electric bikes to trigger the strobe effect and the brake light, and a old Harley Davidson turn signal switch.
No matter how much safety equipment you have
YOU NEED TO PAY ATTENTION... head on a swivel... EXPECT! that some ones not going to to see you or care.
Keep it shiny side up!
BBB
