“I’ve been cycling in the city for about 6 years now and had my first wreck after a run in with a metro bus. I’m hoping someone onboard witnessed what happened.”

“Dear PoPville,

Wondering if any readers can help me with some good old fashioned sleuthing.

I’ve been cycling in the city for about 6 years now and had my first wreck after a run in with a metro bus. I’m hoping someone onboard witnessed what happened.

On Monday, April 1st around 6:15pm I was biking northbound on Rhode Island Ave NW just past 6th St NW when I noticed the metrobus behind me (likely G9, given the time/place, but I didn’t see the number) was getting pretty close to my rear tire and traveling as a faster speed than I was. The light at New Jersey was green, and I don’t believe the bus driver saw me as they sped up to continue thru the intersection (I was on the right hand side of the right lane since bikes share the road on this part of Rhode Island Ave). Rather than get rear-ended on a bike, I attempted to avoid a crash by entering the driveway of the Valero, but the uneven ground caught my tire and sent me flying. The bus continued on without stopping, and I got a 1-way ticket to the ER, complete with a broken elbow, sprains, and a pretty impressive black eye.

Problem is, without a witness to corroborate that the driver was following at an unsafe distance, the lawyer I spoke with said I don’t have a case against wmata. Unfortunately, the good samaritans who stopped didn’t see the events leading up to the crash, the Valero cameras don’t capture the driveway, and bus cameras only record if they’re activated by a crash.”

Ed. Note: Any potential witnesses can email [email protected] and I’ll put you in touch with OP.