White Van Man

Cycling home last night in daylight, in a fluorescent yellow jacket on my bright blue bike and a passenger in a white van decided to open his door without looking in the mirror. I hit his door pretty hard - buckled the front wheel and smashed my precious speedo but somehow I managed not to come off the bike (I was going up hill so not going as fast as normal).

Having checked I wasn't badly hurt he raced off hoping to avoid having to pay for any damage to the bike. Unfortunately for him he forgot that he had a number plate so I'll be off to the police station later to report him for leaving the scene of an accident. Anyway I've learnt some lessons...

1. Don't forget my helmet again - can't believe this had to happen on the ONE day I left my helmet outside the front door at home.
2. Grab witnesses as soon as something happens - by the time I'd even thought of it the traffic had moved on.
3. Only overtake cars on the driver side as they're far less likely to get out of the car in stationary traffic (I hope).
4. Make sure my life insurance, income protection, practice expenses cover is up to scratch. I review it regularly but after my scare yesterday I'll have another look on Monday and check my wife would be prepared to live on it in the event I'm not so lucky next time.