I was going about 5 over 60 (speed limit on that road). The guy just switched lanes without signalling, and he pulled up at least going 70 in the right lane, when i was in the left lane. So he should have at least seen me as he pulled up, i got a pretty good reflective jacket and bag that i was wearing if he by any chance missed my tail light.
This happend near jane and finch area (go figure), just as soon as a rider on a cbr125 was spotted by me going in the opposite direction.
With only 4 days of riding experience, you need to evaluate your riding style and how you handled this situation.
Cars will cut you off, no matter how much experience you have and/or what you do. It's a fact of riding in the GTA. I've ridden through Jane & Finch on my 250, and it's not anything too out of the ordinary.
Make sure you practice your emergency braking. Go to a parking and get that **** down pat. You need to be able to brake hard enough that you almost have the rear wheel in the air. Obviously, better braking occurs with both wheels, but if you're able to get it light, consistently, then you should begin to have a feel for how hard you can really brake.
Always keep your head up and your eyes scanning. Look to where you want to go, check your blind spots and be aware of what's happening. If you know what's going to happen, before it happens, it's less likely that you need to emergency brake.
Also, if you're "cruising," you need to be in the right lane. Drivers get upset when people ride the left lane at barely above the speed limit, myself included. The only time I hang around in the left lane is if I'm on the 401 stuck in traffic. None of us are moving quickly, so no one gets upset at me being there, and I only have to worry about cars from one direction. But as soon as traffic clears out, I'm either doing 130-140 in that left lane passing cars on the right, or I'm in the middle lane, using the left lane only to pass. I usually do the latter.
Finally, on surface streets, I find it pays to be an aggressive rider. Don't start this yet until you get more comfortable, but eventually, you will get to the point where operating your bike is effortless and mostly just muscle memory. I accelerate from traffic lights quickly, making sure to leave the cars behind me. I will get away from other vehicles and make sure that no one is in front of me, or directly beside me. This isn't always possible, but when it is, it makes a big difference in your own safety and comfort. If I have to weave/make quick lane changes, I'll do it, safely, and signaling. And once I'm on my own, I make sure I'm in the right lane.
Heed the advice of others. We're here because we've been through all of the same crap. We want to see you continue riding, not have your name in the fallen riders section. Rubber side down!
