Every cyclist’s nightmare played out recently in a viral Reddit video that perfectly illustrates one of cycling’s most dangerous scenarios: the infamous right hook turn.
The Incident
The footage shows a cyclist riding uphill on a one-way street, sensibly positioned on the right side next to the parking zone markings. Despite having a bright blinking rear light in broad daylight, what happened next is unfortunately all too common.
“I’m still not sure if it was intentional or the driver was just on the phone for the entire street until the turn. I did have a bright rear blinking light in daylight mode”
A car overtook the cyclist, only to immediately cut right in front of them to make a turn.
What Went Wrong
The driver executed what cyclists commonly call a “right hook” – a dangerous maneuver where a vehicle passes a cyclist only to immediately turn right in front of them.
According to the poster, the driver later explained they were turning to pick up children from preschool. This doesn’t excuse the dangerous behavior.
The Real Issue
Many drivers seriously underestimate cyclist speeds or seem to develop a peculiar form of selective amnesia.
They pass a cyclist and somehow forget they exist the moment they’re no longer visible in their mirrors. It’s almost as if cyclists become invisible once overtaken!
Some fellow cyclists had strong opinions:
and another:
Safety Takeaways
- Be extra vigilant when cars pass you near intersections
- Watch for turning vehicles, even if you have the right of way
- Don’t assume drivers are aware of your presence
Final Thoughts
This incident highlights a persistent problem in road safety: the disconnect between how drivers perceive cyclists and the reality of sharing the road. While the cyclist in this case managed to stay upright, it serves as a stark reminder of why we need better awareness and education about cyclist safety on our roads.
Remember, whether you’re on two wheels or four, everyone deserves to get home safely at the end of the day.
