# Motorcyclist wipes out two bicyclists. **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [May 1, 2013, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motorcyclist-wipes-out-two-bicyclists/657240 "2013-05-01T19:41:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2013, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motorcyclist-wipes-out-two-bicyclists/657240/1 "2013-05-01T19:41:29Z")
I’ve ridden bicycles all my life for fun and exercise. Had a few close calls but nothing like this has happened to me. Amazing that no one broke any bones. The pics are amazing, but the video is pretty jaw dropping :eek: :eek: No blood thankfully. But as a bicyclist I felt their pain. > **[Video: Los Angeles motorcyclist crashes into bicycle riders on Mulholland...](https://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/video-motorcyclist-wipes-bicycle-riders-mulholland-highway-article-1.1331991)** > > Another ghastly crash upended a peaceful Malibu, Calif., bike ride — near a small stretch of Mulholland Highway that some call "Dead Man's Turn." Cameraman Ken Snyder has been shooting video of wipeouts on the hazardous turn for four years but... ---
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2013, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motorcyclist-wipes-out-two-bicyclists/657240/2 "2013-05-01T19:46:16Z")
Good lord. And the video was shot by a guy documenting how dangerous that curve is…there’s a little bit of proof. ---
**Author:** ![sparky\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/77aa72/32.png) [@sparky\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sparky_1)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2013, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motorcyclist-wipes-out-two-bicyclists/657240/3 "2013-05-01T19:51:01Z")
Wow. Almost looks like the motorcycle rider had target fixation. ---
**Author:** ![ducati](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/cc9497/32.png) [@ducati](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ducati)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2013, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motorcyclist-wipes-out-two-bicyclists/657240/4 "2013-05-01T20:03:40Z")
I’m completely stumped. If the motorcyclist wasn’t drunk, I have no explanation for why he hit the bikes. He wasn’t going particularly fast - around 30mph - and from my measurements, he had them in his line of sight for at least 1.5 to 2 seconds, and he never braked. He may have lifted off the throttle, but not until 10 feet from impact. All he had to do was keep his lean, or lean back down, or, I don’t know…HIT THE FUCKING BRAKES? Even without ABS, I can drop 30 to 0 in maybe 40-50 feet. I just don’t understand. ---
**Author:** ![Edward\_The\_Head](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ce73a5/32.png) [@Edward\_The\_Head](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Edward_The_Head)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2013, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motorcyclist-wipes-out-two-bicyclists/657240/5 "2013-05-01T20:45:27Z")
> [@ducati](#): > > he had them in his line of sight for at least 1.5 to 2 seconds, a I would say this, he target fixated on them and that was that. Did you notice he had his left foot half on the ground too? That curve didn’t seem to be that bad, but there must be something there if they have cameras set up every weekend. If it wasn’t 3000 miles away. ---
**Author:** ![Dorjan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dorjan/32/12440_2.png) [@Dorjan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dorjan)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2013, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motorcyclist-wipes-out-two-bicyclists/657240/6 "2013-05-01T20:49:59Z")
Classic case of target fixation. You go where you look. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2013, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motorcyclist-wipes-out-two-bicyclists/657240/7 "2013-05-01T23:36:29Z")
I wonder if that was an inexperienced motorcyclist? It could explain why he didn’t react quickly to avoid the accident. Heck it didn’t look like he did much of anything except hang on. ---
**Author:** ![sparky\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/77aa72/32.png) [@sparky\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sparky_1)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2013, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motorcyclist-wipes-out-two-bicyclists/657240/8 "2013-05-02T00:52:56Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > I wonder if that was an inexperienced motorcyclist? It could explain why he didn’t react quickly to avoid the accident. Heck it didn’t look like he did much of anything except hang on. I’d say quite inexperienced to freeze like that. And what was up with his foot? ---
**Author:** ![standingwave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de0a6/32.png) [@standingwave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/standingwave)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2013, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motorcyclist-wipes-out-two-bicyclists/657240/9 "2013-05-02T02:42:42Z")
> [@Dorjan](#): > > Classic case of target fixation. You go where you look. Indeed. I remember once I was riding down a long straight stretch of highway and saw what appeared to be a large rock on the road quite a ways ahead. I kinda made a mental note that I would pass it on the right since there was more space there. But as I drew closer, I noticed that now there seemed to be more space on the left. A moving rock? WTF? Anyway, it now had my complete attention and it was indeed slowly moving. I had made the decision to now pass it on the left but noticed that the bike was stubbornly heading right for it! It was like a magnetic force pulling the bike. Finally, I just stopped, got off the bike and walked over for closer inspection. It was a turtle crossing the road. I carried it off the highway in the direction it was heading and continued on my way. But yeah, target fixation. ---
**Author:** ![Folly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folly/32/3219_2.png) [@Folly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folly)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2013, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motorcyclist-wipes-out-two-bicyclists/657240/10 "2013-05-02T03:02:29Z")
> [@sparky\_1](#): > > I’d say quite inexperienced to freeze like that. And what was up with his foot? It’s almost like he’s trying to stomp on an invisible brake pedal. Which may mean he’s not that great of a car driver either considering it’s his _left_ foot. ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2013, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motorcyclist-wipes-out-two-bicyclists/657240/11 "2013-05-02T03:55:41Z")
Considering the people standing around, and the guy filming, I have to wonder if this is one of those roads where the MotoGP wannabees go. ---
**Author:** ![casdave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c6cbf5/32.png) [@casdave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/casdave)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2013, 11:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motorcyclist-wipes-out-two-bicyclists/657240/12 "2013-05-02T11:19:53Z")
That really was not a tight turn, you could have readily doubled your speed on that curve and made it with no issues, its like the rider was too stiff and not ready to lean over, probably doesn’t know about counter steering. I never saw him use his brake at all, he started the bend tight into the middle of the road and hit the apex too early, he should have started wide, stayed there and then moved out to the apex. When you have a bend like this, it is a very bad idea to go to the middle, as the upper body is over the dividing line and exposes the rider to risk if collision from traffic the other way - so you keep wide and get the best view around the bend, and if its clear you move over to the apex. Conclusion, rubbish born-again biker. ---
**Author:** ![Hypno-Toad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b2d939/32.png) [@Hypno-Toad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypno-Toad)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2013, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motorcyclist-wipes-out-two-bicyclists/657240/13 "2013-05-02T14:16:11Z")
A good argument for helmets. The first guy he hit landed on the back of his head but had protection on. ---
**Author:** ![GusNSpot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gusnspot/32/436_2.png) [@GusNSpot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GusNSpot)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2013, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motorcyclist-wipes-out-two-bicyclists/657240/14 "2013-05-02T16:46:16Z")
I’m in the -new rider / fixation- camp… Bikes & mossickles do not mix well anywhere. YMMV ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2013, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motorcyclist-wipes-out-two-bicyclists/657240/15 "2013-05-02T22:51:45Z")
> [@standingwave](#): > > It was a turtle crossing the road. I carried it off the highway in the direction it was heading and continued on my way. I once stopped for a turtle crossing the road and carried it to safety. In gratitude, it lunged at me and narrowly missed severing a finger or two. It was a _snapping_ turtle. :eek: ---
**Author:** ![mack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b19c9b/32.png) [@mack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mack)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2013, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motorcyclist-wipes-out-two-bicyclists/657240/16 "2013-05-03T04:14:43Z")
> [@sparky\_1](#): > > I’d say quite inexperienced to freeze like that. And what was up with his foot? Maybe it was just the lizard part of his brain thinking it will help him stop or somehow minimize the impact. > [@Hypno-Toad](#): > > ``` > A good argument for helmets. The first guy he hit landed on the back of his head but had protection on. > > ``` It’s interesting that every cyclist in the video was wearing a helmet, even when slowly toiling up the hill. I guess freak things like this happen too often. ---
**Author:** ![Colophon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f05b48/32.png) [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2013, 10:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motorcyclist-wipes-out-two-bicyclists/657240/17 "2013-05-03T10:28:33Z")
> [@mack](#): > > Maybe it was just the lizard part of his brain thinking it will help him stop or somehow minimize the impact. Looks to me like he was trying to brake using his feet on the road. I’ve noticed that reflex when about to crash on my mountain bike. It would probably do less good on a motorbike though! [/quote] It’s interesting that every cyclist in the video was wearing a helmet, even when slowly toiling up the hill. I guess freak things like this happen too often. [/QUOTE] Slowly toiling up hills is usually followed by tearing down the other side 🙂 I doubt if anyone would take their helmet off while going uphill. ---
**Author:** ![Aquadementia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aquadementia/32/555_2.png) [@Aquadementia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aquadementia)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2013, 11:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motorcyclist-wipes-out-two-bicyclists/657240/18 "2013-05-03T11:48:00Z")
The whole point of the camera crew being there is because they know people like taking that turn fast and wiping-out. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2013, 12:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motorcyclist-wipes-out-two-bicyclists/657240/19 "2013-05-03T12:00:53Z")
> [@](#): > > Slowly toiling up hills is usually followed by tearing down the other side 🙂 I doubt if anyone would take their helmet off while going uphill. Yeah, I’m a little confused that anyone thinks it makes sense to remove a helmet while climbing a hill. ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2013, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motorcyclist-wipes-out-two-bicyclists/657240/20 "2013-05-03T12:05:55Z")
> [@mack](#): > > It’s interesting that every cyclist in the video was wearing a helmet, even when slowly toiling up the hill. I guess freak things like this happen too often. Is it not the law? It is in this corner of the world. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motorcyclist-wipes-out-two-bicyclists/657240.md?page=2)