Hey dummy, look ahead for brake lights!

[northsidegz]

I don't know what it is, but when I get in the left hand lane (of a 4 lane highway, i.e. 2 lanes going each way with a median between the traffic), I have this nagging problem of thinking I need to "keep up" with traffic more closely than in the right hand lane.

Generally I ride in the right hand lane and don't worry about holding up others (which I don't really hold up others anyway, but I do make sure and leave a safe distance). But when I get in the left hand lane (i.e. I need to take a left at a light up ahead), I feel this sense of responsiblity to not have that same safe distance. :??: Very dumb.

Nearly got me in some big trouble yesterday. A whole bunch of us braked. VERY QUICKLY!!! I started to lose the the back tire twice, but recovered it both times and ended up in the left shoulder about a foot beyond the SUV in front of me (i.e., had I not gone over to the shoulder, there would have been impact). The guy behind me also swerved to the shoulder and was inches from me (thanks man, not sure what you were thinking or why you did that considering I practically gave you the whole lane since I was over to the left, but whatever).

Just glad it was fine in the end. No tipover. No dropped bike. No bumps or anything. But a lesson well learned. Don't follow so close or feel an obligtation to follow closer than you're comfortable with. Even in the lefthand lane. :whistle: