Ducati Monster Forum

Was merging onto a local road from a highway interchange. Was in the merge lane. Was empty when I went in. Its the type of merge lane that parallels traffic and becomes an onramp for the same highway but in the opposing direction. Was about to get on the throttle when a cager bumped me right behind my left leg. Just a tap and then he realized I was there. Was on his phone and trying to adjust his GPS. They don't give tickets for shit like that in Arkansas. Enough of a tap to put me into a grass/ water ditch on the side of the road. Bent a mirror. Soaked me and my gear with nasty mud. The cop told me I was lucky. ( No shit ) Did I mention the other guy didn't even get a ticket? Granted he was really apologetic and gave me his ins. stuff. Not enough damage to even put in a claim just to make my prems. go up. Enough for the ranting. Does anyone know where I can find an obscenely bright (possibly LED flashing) vest or jacket or helmet beacon to warn any cager of my presence? (I run Termis and turn off the cloaking device when I exit the interstate)

That sucks, sorry to hear.

There are so many lights to choose from ranging from permanent mounts to bike lights. If you go for the quick and easy solution I would highly recommend  :

http://ecom1.planetbike.com/3034.html (http://ecom1.planetbike.com/3034.html)
www.planetbike.com (http://) poke around their stuff rocks.

(http://ecom1.planetbike.com/planetbike/media/3034.jpg)
You can't believe how bright these things are and you can stick them anywhere pretty easily.

HOWEVER, nothing is going to replace having eyes in the back of your head. One little moment not paying attention and those bastards will sneak up on you every time. It doesn't matter if you've got roman candles blazing out of your nostrils.

Way to stay vertical and sane btw.  [thumbsup] I may have wanted to tear the dude some new eye holes.

I'd be pissed. Now I'm no lawyer, but a civil route may at least get your repair cost reimbursed. Hi vis vest for those heavy traffic commutes might help, but remember you can't fix stupid.

Your premium won't go up if you make a claim on his insurance. . .

So sorry to hear, that really sucks, but I'm glad you are ok.


I love the Planet Bike Superflash, I've gotten several positive comments from drivers on its visibility (on a bicycle). [thumbsup]

However, here in CA the law bans flashing lights on vehicles, not sure if there are similar laws in other states.  I've never heard of bicyclists having trouble with it but it might be different for motos.

Vizitec Super Nova.  [thumbsup]

I got a accident where the driver was lurking at the curb on the right. and while I approached
she made a sudden u turn and fortunately I brake fast enough to just slightly hit his driver-side door, with my
right hand clip-on, but I did dumped my bike.

I called the police, the lady was blaming It wasn't her fault, (hello, double yellow line and a sudden U turn)
her husband immediately said they will take care of it.

soon as the cops came, they said the lady was at fault and got all the Insurance info.
and I just told the couple It'd be really expensive to fix if you want to report to the insur. company cuz it will have to
be taken to the shop. I said I can fix this by myself. and I gave her a quote of $450 ( all that was broken was a bar end signal)
and some scratches on the rearsets pegs. I ended up spending 50 bucks on repair.

but make sure you get your repair money back.! they are lucky it was just the bike that's damaged.

Ride safe,
eric

My friend rides to the archery range with a compound bow on his back. He swears the drivers give him an extra margin of room when he does this.

how baout a ninja sword?

lol

Sorry to hear about your accident, glad you are OK.

If the accident was not your fault (obviously it wasn't) your premium will not increase.  There is a police report, Yes?

I get the same treatment when I have my Eskrima sticks. But a m/c cop once pulled me over, asked me what was in the bag, made me take it off and set it down, then gave me some vague generalities about speeding (which I wasn't) and crossing the double yellow (which I didn't) and then let me go.

it's been done, some guy in Portland was doing it.  I was thinking something like bag-pipes, the sound of those will drive anyone away.  Offer void in Scotland.

or a smelly durian. :) offer void where prohibited.