I don't think it applies to streetcars. They use a flow of water on the tight loops at the end of a line, which they wouldn't need if the rails were greased.
Streetcar Track Lowside
- Thread starter |X|
- Start date
I don't think it applies to streetcars. They use a flow of water on the tight loops at the end of a line, which they wouldn't need if the rails were greased.
I'm a new member - found gtamotorcycle looking for ideas on how to handle streetcar tracks. I spilled my bike last week at the corner of Queen and McCaul - one of those corners with tram tracks going every which way. A SUV pulled out from McCaul and I was left with little time and less once the SUV decided to brake. I slid on the tracks when attempting to stop. Minimal damage to the motorcycle but I've got a purple leg and wrenched shoulder. Of course the SUV took off.
Anyway, that experience and the contributions to this forum has made me aware that the only solution is extra care or to avoid streets with tracks.
I'm looking forward to reading other topics and learning how to be a better rider.
Anyway, that experience and the contributions to this forum has made me aware that the only solution is extra care or to avoid streets with tracks.
I'm looking forward to reading other topics and learning how to be a better rider.
Unless you hit the SUV then it was not "involved" in the accident unfortunately. If someone is in the wrong, like turns left in front of you, then hit them, don't dump it trying to avoid them. If you don't hit them = you 100% at fault.
-Jamie M.
great advice jamie
unfortunately most people will prefer to try and avoid a car/truck and live vs hitting a car just so that they are not deemed to be at fault
Thought you'd like that.Hitting them is likely to incur a driving charge for not having control of your vehicle. And the collision may cause more damage than the dump. Also a collision requires a police report, possible charges, increased insurance premiums et al. I think I'll try scrubbing off some speed (no I wasn't speeding) and be more ready for the unexpected ... well at least try to be more ready for the unexpected.
peter
Extra care on your part is the most correct approach. Since you can't control the actions of other motorists on the road and in the city it can be a bit frustrating to plan your route out to avoid streetcar tracks, it's best to just take it extra easy in those situations. Go slower, leave more following distance and ensure your eyes and attention are up any time you are riding on roads that have multiple sets of tracks that cross each other. Be very careful riding over the tracks when wet.
All good advice. I guess it is coming up on a year since I dumped on the streetcar tracks myself after only having had my bike for a few weeks.
What have I learned in the meantime? Don't be afraid, but ride with the assumption that they, and everything else, will take you down if you let them. When you have to cross tracks while riding parallel to them, NEVER LEAN into the turn but try to attack with your front tire at as sharp an angle as possible.
Regarding other drivers, you just have to assume they are gunning for you all the time. It has become like a video game for me: you get used to watching everywhere and always calculating counter-measures. I have actually become very aggressive. I get way out in front taking off from lights and never ever sit in someone's blind spot. If in doubt I would rather have throttle.
The only REAL scare I have had in the 11 months I have been riding was a few weeks ago. I was on Christie southbound crossing Dupont with a fresh green light and I didn't slow too much coming into the intersection. A car coming across Dupont eastbound in the right lane obviously didn't notice he no longer had the light (even though cars were stopped in the left lane) and I only saw him coming as I was over the pedestrian crosswalk. I decided it was too late to stop, so I gunned. He slammed on the brakes and stopped a few metres in as I whizzed by. Then oddly, as he screeched to a stop, he let 'er rip on the horn as though somehow I was at fault. If he hadn't have seen me and hit the brakes though, would I be writing this today? Woulda been close.
