Have you ever hit a pothole you didn't notice , then felt the bump and jolt ?   Are you sure it was a pothole and not a dog or cat or child ?  Ever look over towards a moose to make sure it doesn't cross in front of you to find you drifted to the should of the road and felt a few bumps as you got back on the payment ? Those bumps might have been a person on a bike and when they fell down you didn't see anything.   Sometimes things like that happen.  I'm NOT saying that's what happened in this case .     ANY person who rides a bike on slick winter streets next to vehicles is rolling the dice with their life , and must not value life that much to take such a foolish risk. My advice can save your life .  Your idea of taking foolish risks is insane.