messenger drive-by

Upon moving to the city I started looking both ways when crossing the street. Many streets are one way, but with the crazy traffic patterns I reasoned that you never can be too sure which direction or what might be approaching the intersection.

On one particular occasion, I looked right, then left, although the traffic was only going one way. As I looked left, which to some would have been an unnecessary act, I felt a swift hit in my right shoulder. Before I could make sense of what happened I saw the person in violation. He was already past me - a courier speeding down the street on a bike to make a package delivery, and I had been hit by his backpack on the way!