Why do we need space when being overtaken?

[kwackers]

Because even on a straight road we might suddenly end up horizontal.

This was yesterday, minor tramline in the road that unfortunately had icy edges.
Nice man stopped to see if I was OK.

(Sorry for the lack of preamble, it happened just as the camera had started recording a new clip and I couldn't be bothered editing in the previous one - in fact I need to find a proper editor the one I'm using degrades the video far too much).

[youtube]MuAJrlGkTNY[/youtube]

[foxyrider]

You okay?

[kwackers]

You okay?

Oh yeah, I'm fine (should have said that in the original post).

Bruised hip where I banged it and a constant nagging feeling that I should have spotted the hazard...

[squeaker]

Bruised hip where I banged it and a constant nagging feeling that I should have spotted the hazard...

Hmmm, know those feelings - mend soon!

[mjr]

How's the bike?

Getting studded tyres yet?

[kwackers]

How's the bike?

Getting studded tyres yet?

Bike was fine, pannier on that side provides a nice soft landing, so just a scrape on the peddle and the brake lever. It's a bike I 'use' rather than clean and it's done 30k miles or so, so I'm not precious about it.

Studded tyres; there's a pair in the garage. Every time I fit them there is no ice that year, if I don't fit them then we get ice...
I might try fitting them to a different bike - see if I can 'game the system'.

I've had a good look at the tram line since, it shows up a lot better on the video than it does from head height.
It really is nothing - just a 1/4" dip in the tarmac.

[mjr]

Studded tyres; there's a pair in the garage. Every time I fit them there is no ice that year, if I don't fit them then we get ice...
I might try fitting them to a different bike - see if I can 'game the system'.

Sounds like other local people should be paying you to fit them as a public service!

I've had a good look at the tram line since, it shows up a lot better on the video than it does from head height.
It really is nothing - just a 1/4" dip in the tarmac.

I can't even see the metals on the video.

[kwackers]

I can't even see the metals on the video.

In case it's a local colloquialism, tram lines are any line in the tarmac that a bicycle (or motorcycle) wheel can fall into (as well as the obvious 'real' tram lines).

[reohn2]

Glad to hear you didn't suffer too badly.
Linear tramline-like gouged,potholes,etc are a PITA for two wheelers especially when wet or icy.
Widening the thread subject slightly,since the "age of austery" got into full swing I'm noticing a lot more of them where lanes of tarmac are laid on dual carriageway and motorways,and I fear for motorcyclists safety,some can be 10cm wide and tens of metres long,quite scary looking.

FWIW a confession,since having my hip replaced last May I've developed a real fear of falling or being knocked off the bike,or walking on icy surfaces.I haven't ridden all winter as a result and at times wonder if I'll return to riding at all.

[climo]

Glad to hear you didn't suffer too badly.
Linear tramline-like gouged,potholes,etc are a PITA for two wheelers especially when wet or icy.
Widening the thread subject slightly,since the "age of austery" got into full swing I'm noticing a lot more of them where lanes of tarmac are laid on dual carriageway and motorways,and I fear for motorcyclists safety,some can be 10cm wide and tens of metres long,quite scary looking.

FWIW a confession,since having my hip replaced last May I've developed a real fear of falling or being knocked off the bike,or walking on icy surfaces.I haven't ridden all winter as a result and at times wonder if I'll return to riding at all.

I'm also afraid of falling due to poor balance so I bought a recumbent trike. Problem solved. The best thing I'd done for years.

[Thornyone]

Thank goodness the car avoided you. Another one might not have done. Four weeks on I’m still nursing a “duck egg” on my shin where I did acrobatics on black ice and the frame or saddle smacked into my leg (bloodied elbow was soon better). I slid towards a lorry passing the other way at that precise moment, could have been very nasty. Just a couple of weeks previously I’d skidded on black ice and managed to get my foot to the ground without falling, but only at the cost of wrenching my back (and I was on my way to a physio appt at the time ). My remedy is not to ride in such conditions again.

[reohn2]

I'm also afraid of falling due to poor balance so I bought a recumbent trike. Problem solved. The best thing I'd done for years.

Yes,the thought had crossed my mind but I'm not convinced about trikes or 'bent TBH,perhaps if a had a day's ride on one it may change my mind.
Presently I'm sitting the long drawn out wet winter out before making any decisions I may regret later

[horizon]

My tuppenceworth(s):

1. kwackers - glad you're OK
2. "Tramlines": alyrpal had a similar accident and it has made me more alert - so thanks for sharing.
3. Studded tyres: I put one on the front wheel of my bike the other day (see Sheldon Brown ) and felt the better for it - really no loss in performance. Although there was no ice (that I could see), the gritters were out so why not? But yes, put them on and hey, presto - no ice! Note: QR wheel ready so just a two minute pit-stop.
4. Recumbent trikes (this is for reohn2): magic - I had a try out last year. I can't have one for practical reasons but if it means that or not cycling then get one - they are amazing and it takes away that fear of falling.

[tatanab]

Upright trikes have the same issue with "tram lining" due to the high centre of gravity. A section near me has caused me some anxious moments. An extreme example is at the start of this video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k-o2-1IA4A

[horizon]

Here's something a bit more stable (and electric!!) for reohn2 :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t--JGQhvvlo