Collision with motor vehicle at 200 University St
reported by Debbie Bull
Date: 2010-07-16
Crash type: Collision with motor vehicle
Geometry: Vehicle turned after passing bike
Vehicle type: Car
Description: I had trouble with my gears, I downshifted going downhill when I meant to shift up. I was traveling not too terribly fast going downhill as I was braking trying to get my gearing figured out. When I did, then I accelerated. The car that had just passed me slowed and turned left in front of me. I hit the driver's side of the car. She finished the turn then pulled over and got out to make sure I was okay. I was, and the bike seemed to be/seems to be.

We exchanged phone numbers, but I wished I'd gotten her license plate and seen her driver's license.
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Factors & Lessons
Factor: Driver failed to yield right of way
Factor: Steep hill
Factor: Driver not look
Lesson: Always get a police report
Lesson: Never assume the driver can see you
Explanation: I took what would be an ideal route for me to use to commute to work, only if drivers learn to watch for bikes. Even though I was in the bike lane, a driver who passed me did not see me.
Conditions
Weather: Clear
Lighting: Daytime
Visibility: Good
Using bike lights: No
Wearing helmet: Yes
Road conditions: Dry
Traffic: Light
Cyclist
Cyclist age: 43
Cyclist gender: F
Cyclist experience: Beginner
Bicycle type: Road
Injuries: Moderate
Injury description: major scrape on right elbow, bruising all over the right side
Location
Location type: Arterial
Location description: On my morning commute to work, on 2nd Ave Southbound I was in the bike lane on the left side of the road. A car passed me and turned left in front of me and I crashed into her. The driver "didn't see me".
Location: 200 University St, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
Lat/Lng: 47.6073601955223, -122.337065935135
Crash ID: 426