Fear of being T-boned is ruining riding

I've had a few idiots pull out in front of me recently and had to swerve sharpish, makes me terrified that someday soon somebody is going to T-bone me. You've all been there I'm sure, you see a car coming out and wonder 'is it going to stop', it might, and then start again as either they've looked but not seen or else just don't care... I pull out to the middle of the road now and always look for the escape route, but in the twisty narrow lanes around here it ain't so easy as there is usually a stone wall to crash into or a very thick hedge, in reality noplace to go. My 675 has a very narrow profile, so perhaps not the easiest of bikes to see.

It's really getting to me and every junction I tense up, roll off the throttle, and watch like a hawk. I don't want to ride everywhere like this.

Am I the only one? What do you do to avoid it? General and sensible thoughts invited please.

As i approach them if safe to do so I will move from the centre of my lane more toward the middle of the road as car drivers are thick and even though you are moving they can't see you, if the headlight moves they tend to notice though.

I've had some pretty close calls. Had 2 within 3 days, both in the same place. Filled up at the local petrol station and as I was leaving some car shot up in between the other cars and almost drove straight into the side of me. same again 2 days later.

Don't let it put you off riding. You learn everyday and no matter how safely you ride you will have some close calls. You may just be having a bad week. I'm always extra cautious and move to the middle of the road when I see a car sitting at a junction and I'm sure everyone else does. Just be safe and enjoy the ride.

Move to middle of road and watch their wheels to see if they start moving.

Originally Posted by Ed

It's really getting to me and every junction I tense up, roll off the throttle, and watch like a hawk. I don't want to ride everywhere like this.

Pretty much what i do, except the tensing up. Cant say it bothers me at all, its actually more reassuring knowing that I am prepared for the worst.

[Winder]

Not sure how i'll be when i get back on the bike. Had it happen 8 weeks ago now, bike written off and me with a busted up shoulder (collar bone fracture in a crap place, shoulder blade fracture and damaged neck muscles), out of work for at least 6 months, cant do any of my hobbies and generally not liking the thought of it ever happening again.

I did a riding refresher course and the top tip from the instructor was to get eye contact with the driver as you approach the junction. If you can't get eye contact expect the worst even though it probably won't happen, and plan accordingly. Good advice I thought.

[TamSV]

Ed, it sounds like your natural self-preservation has gone to a level you're not happy with. Cars pull out on us, but most of them don't. The majority of bikers die of old age. The stats are on your side.

A bit of fear (for want of a better word) on the bike is probably healthy and useful for keeping you alive. Your fear is based on something entirely rational but it isn't helping you anymore. If you're slamming the throttle shut and tensing up round junctions are you actually riding safer? If that bloke at the junction sees you slowing maybe he'll be more likely to pull out.

From a practical point of view, have you tried any advanced training? It might be useful to raise your confidence in your obs and bike control.

I don't think that's the main issue though. It sounds like you've identified the main problem is in your head. It can be tough to overcome, but it is possible to change your mind (my wife does it all the time ).

Have you ever looked into NLP? Some of it can get a bit pseudo-religious hocus pocus, but there's some good stuff in there. I've found it really good for replacing negative frames of mind - fears/motivation/unhelpful beliefs.

My thoughts above mainly come not from biking but from rock climbing in my younger days. If you want to do that sport then at some point you're going to have to overcome the urge to stop climbing/freeze. It's one of those situation where the urge for self-preservation can kill you.

[Bibio]

Originally Posted by TamSV

Ed, it sounds like your natural self-preservation has gone to a level you're not happy with. Cars pull out on us, but most of them don't. The majority of bikers die of old age. The stats are on your side.

A bit of fear (for want of a better word) on the bike is probably healthy and useful for keeping you alive. Your fear is based on something entirely rational but it isn't helping you anymore. If you're slamming the throttle shut and tensing up round junctions are you actually riding safer? If that bloke at the junction sees you slowing maybe he'll be more likely to pull out.

From a practical point of view, have you tried any advanced training? It might be useful to raise your confidence in your obs and bike control.

I don't think that's the main issue though. It sounds like you've identified the main problem is in your head. It can be tough to overcome, but it is possible to change your mind (my wife does it all the time ).

Have you ever looked into NLP? Some of it can get a bit pseudo-religious hocus pocus, but there's some good stuff in there. I've found it really good for replacing negative frames of mind - fears/motivation/unhelpful beliefs.

My thoughts above mainly come not from biking but from rock climbing in my younger days. If you want to do that sport then at some point you're going to have to overcome the urge to stop climbing/freeze. It's one of those situation where the urge for self-preservation can kill you.

+1

i would say that you are having panic attacks m8. ask yourself what you want out of biking and why you do it. if you can think of more reasons against than for then maybe its time to have a long hard look at putting the bike in the garage for a while till you can get your head straight. or as mentioned take an advanced road craft course as track day/schools don't teach you how to ride on the road.

you need confidence, awareness and a high level of concentration to ride a motorcycle if one of these is lacking it can be fatal. fear is healthy till it becomes an obsession at which point it takes over.

i have the attitude that if it happens it happens and it could just as well happen walking across the road or in the car so why not do it while doing something i love.

[Shawthing]

Investing in bright (white/yellow) or fluorescent lid and leathers can also give you that mental confidence that you have done all you can to let them see you.
Don't dwell on the past. Live in the present and plan for the future.