I generally try to ride where there are very few intersections for this very reason. But when driving, I get really uncomfortable going through an intersection without first seeing the oncoming drivers see me. Even if I have the right of way.

Unfortunately, we can't control others, and I have to admit as a driver there have been times when I have done some really bone headed things that could have ended up really badly. I think part of it is that driving a car is so easy, that it is easy to be distracted or miss things like cycleists or pedestrians. I'm not saying I'm a bad driver, but everybody is capable of a brain fart.

I hope that the driver went to check on you after you hit the bushes, and I also hope that you are alright.

Cheers.

Every time you get on your bike to ride in traffic, remind yourself that you are invisible, and ride that way. When you approach an intersection, look for drivers who could cause trouble and watch to see what they are doing...the left-turner, the person looking to turn into your path from the right, the person in the lane beside you who wants to turn right in front of you. Drivers may not be totally inattentive, but they're looking for oncoming cars, so they won't see you. Have your hands on the brakes to shorten your reaction time. If you have any doubts about whether they've seen you, assume they haven't. I do this automatically now after years of motorcycling, and it has paid off on the bicycle a few times, too.

I'm glad you were able to avoid the collision!

That's typical. Cars don't expect cyclists to be cruising at 20+ so they misjudge the time they have to make the turn. Happens all the time.

I agree very much with the posts about being visible. I've ridden alot in NYC and basically got used to the fact that I'd rather be annoying and obvious than hidden and polite. I've done some riding that is scarily close to cars and the only comfort I could always find was riding such that I never made assumptions about cars and never riding into a place where I couldn't bail out.

I also ride assuming the driver just doesn't see me. Not purposefully, as I think Trisooner has it right - we look so out of place, and obviously slower than the cars, that its really easy to overlook us and/or misjudge our speed or both.

I did once have to stop quick and pulled a wheely on my MT Bike onto the the trunk of a NYC taxi cab. That was awkward when the passenger got out to get their bags out of the trunk and I had to get my bike off the back first...

I ride on some pretty busy roads with lots of lights, and I try and make sure I make eye contact with drivers before I go through green lights and there are no cars next to me. I know it's hard to tell if the person actually saw you, but you can usually tell if they're slowing down or whatever. However, I still almost crap my pants every time I go through an intersection like this.

I think there are people out there who hate cyclists, but I think most people just don't see us. When they're sitting there waiting to go, they wait for all the cars to be gone, and figure it's clear. I think cyclists definitely have to be very defensive when they ride on roads, and as your story proves, this still doesn't save you in all situations.

Honestly, thank heavens you're okay. Try not to let it freak you out too much, and get back out there on your bike.

Thanks for all of your thoughts/strategies on how to keep cycling and to keep out of harms way. The overriding theme to be as noticeable as possible is one that I've got to keep at the top of my list along with staying alert every moment (I blame myself a little for coming as close as I did thinking things like, "maybe you were a little zoned out and should have seen the car sooner", etc.).

I've also added the psychology 101 approach to my riding - praise drivers for doing the right thing, even if it should be expected. For example, when I pass an intersection and a driver could have come straight out and t-boned me but actually stopped and waited, I wave and smile, to thank him/her for their kindness and so on..

Definitely try to keep right, but some roads have the sewer grates with the huge slots that will swallow a narrow wheel and take you down so again, alertness of cars behind and grates in front of you is more important than cadence, speed, HR rate, power, and all other metrics that we measure our rides from moment to moment on..

I feel bad wearing the yellow biking jersey, but don't, do to safety. I want to be as noticable as possible. And, like you do, I smile and wave to the polite drivers.

I've been in several situations with the car passing me and then turning right or something like that, so I øve learned now, that if the road isn't too big (like a small side road in town), and I don't feel it's safe for a car to pass me, I ride in the middle of the lane (after seeing if any cars are right behind me of course), and then stay there until I feel safe riding in the side of the road again. This way the cars can't avoid seeing you, and I feel it's a way to tell the driver that they shouldn't pass right now.
I do this most when the road is really crappy in the side where we should be driving, but I prefer to piss of a person or two than falling under their car.

That's another good point slammy. If there is not room for a driver to safely pass you, then take the lane so they don't have a choice. If you stay on the side of the road someone will inevitably try to pass when it's not safe and that can easily cause an accident. I do this on narrow or crowded roads, but also on windy wooded roads. If you are going 20+mph and the speed limit is 30-35 it will take a while for the car to pass you. If it's windy and lined with trees visibility of oncoming cars is most likely very poor. The car tries to pass you, gets on your left side and then sees an oncoming car and swerves back. Be ready to avoid this situation when it starts since you will see the oncoming car first, but best of all take the lane and don't make it an option. When the road straightens or visibility improves (or the speed limit is 45+) then get back on the side of the road.