12-22-2013, 02:10 AM
(12-22-2013, 12:01 AM)sanoke_imp Wrote: Here's one to think about. I call it the "Biker's Dilemma". When approaching an intersection that is a two way stop where you have the right of way, a car on the cross street is waiting to pull out. He starts to roll forward slowly so what do you do? You're not sure if he sees you so you hit the brakes in case he doesn't. Seeing you slow down, he assumes you are turning even though you haven't signaled and he pulls out. If you don't slow down and he does see you fine but if he doesn't, you are going too fast to stop. What would you do? Personally, I just cover my brakes and depend on my gut reaction and take that. Not enough time to think about it when it's happening.
I agree with the original poster's approach. I cover my front brakes and maintain my course and speed. Usually my left thumb covers the horn and I give a couple short blasts. In the hypothetical situation you describe, in the one or two seconds you have, it is hard to verify with absolute certainty there is noone behind you; the alternative of stopping and letting the car proceed (where I don't have a stop sign and I have the right of way) would be unexpected by the (possibly marginally in attentive) cager behind me. I try to keep tabs at all times of the vehicles behind me but in this situation I'd prefer to double check and I wouldn't have time.
Like many on this site I spend a lot of time riding my CB1100 on undivided two lane roads with many intersections and this situation is common at least where I ride, thanks for highlighting it. I'd also like to hear people's thoughts on the similar situation where an oncoming car is stopped and ready to take a left into your path: this is my least favorite situation. One of our members posted a video and a good discussion followed.