I came this close to killing a cyclist today going northbound on University Ave., just south of Queen's Park. Was in far right lane (always hate being in that lane), admittedly going a bit fast (maybe 65 km/h). A cyclist who was in front of me, maybe 50 metres ahead, decides she doesn't like the condition of the road and without checking her surroundings pulls right into the middle of the lane. As soon as it happenend, all that flashed through my head was that I was about to kill this woman, especially because the roads are messy. I had no doubt. Slammed on my brakes an stopped less than a foot from her. Pulled up beside her and said if I was in my wife's car, she'd be dead. Her response was "thanks for not killing me". No idea if I would have been responsible if I had hit her but I think I probably would have...

 

Glad that worked out and yes you would have been at fault. A bicycle is a valid road user and even if hugging the curb it owns the lane.

 

I can relate, Moab - I have had close calls but not as bad as you describe. Lucky girl.

 

Good to hear you are both ok.

Like Jim says... A bike owns the full lane regards less of there position.

Winter riding is not the smartest thing.

 

Well, she would have been correct but dead. I'd rather be wrong but alive.