Right Hook Bike Incident - So I was riding my bicycle. I turned left onto a street about the same time a car turned right. Of course, he had the right of way. If you see me slide by his right rear quarter panel, I am not attempting to pass. All that excess speed to get off the main road as to not hold up any vehicles translated into slightly more distance than the car in front was traveling. Anyway, he soon brakes and starts to slow down. I am thinking about passing him soon since he is traveling significantly slower than I am/was. After we pass the parked cars on the right side of the road, space opens up, so I attempt to quickly pass him on the right side. All of a sudden, he turns right in front of me without a turn signal, and I hit my front brakes as I get pushed off the road, causing the rear of my bicycle to fly into the air (realizing my braking mistake, I did the best I could to feather my front brakes in order to minimize the impact, but I still ended up bending my rear wheel some). I used my horn to let him know I was there (after the whole incident; it went by too quickly to use during). When we talked, he basically said that he knew I was behind him, but he believes that bicycles are not allowed to pass cars on the right (nor the left, he clarifies). My argument was that he didn't use a turn signal in order to signify to those around him of his intentions; therefore, I had no way of knowing that he would turn and could only assume that he was driving straight. We both left on the agreement that we were both wrong and could've avoided the incident in one way or another.
Now, I am seeking your "expert" opinions on this whole incident: who is at fault here? One-sided or both? If you ask me, honestly, I'd have to admit both. Sure, he didn't use his turn signal, but could I have waited a little more before passing? Sure, and I could've been more careful. Could I have passed on the left? Although (in my experience) motorists frown upon that, it is legally allowed and probably would've been better in my case. Please refrain from being overly critical. I just want to know who did what incorrectly so that I can take better actions next time. Thank you
Here are some VA laws for cyclists relevant to this incident:
Every person riding a bicycle on a highway shall be subject to the provisions of the Code of Virginia section on motor vehicles and shall have the rights and duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle unless a provision clearly indicates otherwise.
Bicyclists may overtake and pass another vehicle only when safe to do so. Bicyclists may pass another vehicle on the right or left, and they may stay in the same lane, change lanes, or ride off the road if necessary for safe passing. [Note from me: so my passing the vehicle was a legal action. Looking back at the footage, whether it was safe to do so may be debatable.]
Note that passing motor vehicles on the right side may be extremely dangerous if the motorist does not see the bicyclist and attempts a right turn. [Note from me: indeed, extremely dangerous, as I learned.]
