the birm*

Incredible. There’s an intersection in Newcastle (Lambton to be precise) where I’ve almost been mowed down every 3^rd or 4^th time I ride past it. I dunno what it is. It’s clear, no blind spots, not too busy and plenty of visibility on both sides. The place in question has a stop sign on either side of the road. It’s the quickest, quietest and most direct way to Glenrock (one of the great mtb riding areas in Newcastle), which is why I have ridden it quite a few times. The first time I almost got taken out was when a car T-boned another car (for no apparent reason, since there was plenty of time), making it skid, swerve onto my side and almost delete me. since then (about a year ago) I’ve been cautious riding past those stop signs, always giving eye contact to the cars on either side, fingers on the brakes, bracing myself. Twice recently a car pulled out just as I was coming past, had it not been for my defensive riding I would’ve ended up on their bonnet. So the safest way to Glenrock may no longer be the safest way. Should I go via the busy main road instead?