In recent times, I've talked with (ie. bored) a few people about cycling. In particular, we've discussed cycling on the roads and the dangers associated therein. Given the tragic circumstances with the Australian women's road racing team (please see the post below for details), it seems an apt time to make comment about the dangers of cycling on the road as I perceive them. Additionally, the high-ish profile court cases of Simon 'Manimal' MacCorkindale and former NFL linebacker/defensive lineman, Darion Conner, bring thoughts about road safety to the forefront of my mind.
Certainly, I'll admit there are dangers when cycling on the road. I mean, you're going to be in trouble if a motorist collides with you as they're likely to be travelling much faster in a much heavier machine. Having written that, I've been out cycling one-hundred and twenty-four times this year alone (I just checked on BikeJournal so I could be anal about it) and I've not had a car so much as touch me. Some motorists have come a bit closer to me than I would find comfortable but, to date, I've not had anyone make contact with me. I don't think that's because I'm especially lucky but rather because I'm careful about what roads I cycle on, when I cycle, I keep a road position where I can be seen and don't often have to veer out (into the path of traffic) to avoid potholes etc, I wear bright coloured clothing, signal in an obvious and definite fashion after checking around me and generally am very predictable for motorists. Whilst I'm not saying doing these few little things will keep you completely safe on the roads, it certainly goes a long way to helping keep you in one piece.
Looking at the incident involving the Australian road racers, it seems the car swerved onto their side of the road. That is, alas, not something one could avoid very easily. Thankfully, things like that really don't happen very often. Despite the grumblings of some, most motorists don't wish any harm upon cyclists. Sure, some can be inconsiderate and a select few are just arseholes who will shout abuse at you, parp airhorns at you (as I had happen to me a few months ago) or generally attempt to cause you to have an accident. Whilst I feel it would be unreaslistic and dishonest not to mention these types of people, they are in a tiny minority (thankfully) and, for the most part, motorists are pretty good really and don't detract from the enjoyment of cycling.
Getting onto the point I've been meaning to make; Isn't it taking a dangerous risk not to exercise? If you find yourself thinking 'Hmmm, that cycling seems a bit dodgy. I think I'll just sit around on my arse and do nothing instead', don't be surprised if you end up having health problems people who exercise regularly don't. You might even find people partaking in the 'dangerous' activity live longer healthier lives than those who choose the 'safety' of not doing so. I'm not trying to say cycling is the only worthwhile form of exercise for everyone. For me, it's the only form of exercise I've found I really enjoy (the exercise is just a bonus side-effect). If you find you enjoy skipping, jogging, long walks, athletics, football, tennis etc. etc. etc. and it provides the health benefits desired, that's just fine and dandy (how 'big' of me) but don't let the supposed 'danger' of cycling on the road put you off trying something you might just get a huge amount of pleasure out of. Remember, if more people cycled the roads would become even safer to cycle on.
Nerding online, I've read where people have mentioned a book called Cyclecraft. I'll have to admit not having read it for myself (although I should). It appears to be very highly thought of as a guide to safe cycling. Attempting to fill in any holes I've dug myself in my ranting, please don't be frightened to give cycling a go. Just be sensible, think about what you're doing and act accordingly eg. you want to be seen so wear something easily visible and don't cycle in the 'gutter' where motorists can't see you so well. Take care and above all enjoy yourself.
Looking at the incident involving the Australian road racers, it seems the car swerved onto their side of the road. That is, alas, not something one could avoid very easily. Thankfully, things like that really don't happen very often. Despite the grumblings of some, most motorists don't wish any harm upon cyclists. Sure, some can be inconsiderate and a select few are just arseholes who will shout abuse at you, parp airhorns at you (as I had happen to me a few months ago) or generally attempt to cause you to have an accident. Whilst I feel it would be unreaslistic and dishonest not to mention these types of people, they are in a tiny minority (thankfully) and, for the most part, motorists are pretty good really and don't detract from the enjoyment of cycling.
Getting onto the point I've been meaning to make; Isn't it taking a dangerous risk not to exercise? If you find yourself thinking 'Hmmm, that cycling seems a bit dodgy. I think I'll just sit around on my arse and do nothing instead', don't be surprised if you end up having health problems people who exercise regularly don't. You might even find people partaking in the 'dangerous' activity live longer healthier lives than those who choose the 'safety' of not doing so. I'm not trying to say cycling is the only worthwhile form of exercise for everyone. For me, it's the only form of exercise I've found I really enjoy (the exercise is just a bonus side-effect). If you find you enjoy skipping, jogging, long walks, athletics, football, tennis etc. etc. etc. and it provides the health benefits desired, that's just fine and dandy (how 'big' of me) but don't let the supposed 'danger' of cycling on the road put you off trying something you might just get a huge amount of pleasure out of. Remember, if more people cycled the roads would become even safer to cycle on.
Nerding online, I've read where people have mentioned a book called Cyclecraft. I'll have to admit not having read it for myself (although I should). It appears to be very highly thought of as a guide to safe cycling. Attempting to fill in any holes I've dug myself in my ranting, please don't be frightened to give cycling a go. Just be sensible, think about what you're doing and act accordingly eg. you want to be seen so wear something easily visible and don't cycle in the 'gutter' where motorists can't see you so well. Take care and above all enjoy yourself.
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