Tell me why I shouldn't be scared of dying on the road ...
#77
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: South Carolina Upstate
Posts: 2,103
Bikes: 2010 Fuji Absolute 3.0 1994 Trek 850
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 761 Post(s)
Liked 553 Times
in
320 Posts
The safest time to ride is when there is an NFL game on television. However, the period before the game starts is dangerous because everyone is rushing to get beer, chips dip, and more beer, and the period after the game when everyone is drunk.
There are dangers now that didn't exist twenty years ago, because of people being distracted by their phones. Even the trees and telephone poles aren't safe.
Another thing that has changed is the fact that there is more traffic on back roads and side streets because these apps like Waze are directing trffic onto them to avoid jams.
And there are simply more cars on the road. Be careful.
There are dangers now that didn't exist twenty years ago, because of people being distracted by their phones. Even the trees and telephone poles aren't safe.
Another thing that has changed is the fact that there is more traffic on back roads and side streets because these apps like Waze are directing trffic onto them to avoid jams.
And there are simply more cars on the road. Be careful.
this!
#78
For The Fun of It
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Louisissippi Coast
Posts: 5,843
Bikes: Lynskey GR300, Lynskey Backroad, Litespeed T6, Lynskey MT29, Burley Duet
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2131 Post(s)
Liked 1,639 Times
in
822 Posts
I was a pretty serious cyclist from 2003 through 2010, and ended up switching to running for years. Trying to go back to cycling, but I find I am now convinced I'm going to be hit by a car and killed.
I know, statistics probably say better chance of getting hit by lightning or something, but it's always there, and it is almost paralyzing my motivation.
Anyone go through this? I did have one cycling acquaintance die on the road back in 2009, I think that has something to do with it. He seemed invincible.
I know, statistics probably say better chance of getting hit by lightning or something, but it's always there, and it is almost paralyzing my motivation.
Anyone go through this? I did have one cycling acquaintance die on the road back in 2009, I think that has something to do with it. He seemed invincible.
#79
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Mich
Posts: 7,291
Bikes: RSO E-tire dropper fixie brifter
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Liked 2,909 Times
in
1,884 Posts
Knew someone that bought used bso & would look for a distracted driver to fall onto the hood of. They're either dedz or filthy rich by now.
__________________
-Oh Hey!
-Oh Hey!
#80
Senior Member
Nobody gives a thought about dying in a car when they get into one. Not saying the risk is higher or lower than that of a bicycle but in the US, over 30,000 drivers and their passengers are killed each year. And that's more than the people killed in airplane crashes and terrorism worldwide.
#81
Senior Member
Let's put it this way. Deaths per 100,000 population, the highest is in Florida at 5.7.
https://www.governing.com/gov-data/t...tate-data.html
(Other States range from 0.5 to 3.8 per 100,000)
Whereas gun deaths per 100,000 is 10.6 and driver deaths per 100,000 is 11.4.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_..._United_States
https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality...state-by-state
https://www.governing.com/gov-data/t...tate-data.html
(Other States range from 0.5 to 3.8 per 100,000)
Whereas gun deaths per 100,000 is 10.6 and driver deaths per 100,000 is 11.4.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_..._United_States
https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality...state-by-state
#83
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 1,682
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 980 Post(s)
Liked 776 Times
in
402 Posts
This.
Great answer to a silly question.
Wants to ride and wants to explore but is terrified of being hit by a car and had not already thought about gravel?
Unless he is also afraid of squirrels maybe?
Great answer to a silly question.
Wants to ride and wants to explore but is terrified of being hit by a car and had not already thought about gravel?
Unless he is also afraid of squirrels maybe?
Last edited by downhillmaster; 08-03-19 at 12:36 AM.
#84
☢
We are all going to die sometime.
I just hope I can complete those epic bucket list rides before I leave this world.
I pray before every ride for safe travels.
Seems to calm the anxiety and fears of disasters.
My focus is then turned to riding with safety being the arbiter of how I ride.
I just hope I can complete those epic bucket list rides before I leave this world.
I pray before every ride for safe travels.
Seems to calm the anxiety and fears of disasters.
My focus is then turned to riding with safety being the arbiter of how I ride.
#85
Advanced Slacker
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,187
Bikes: Soma Fog Cutter, Surly Wednesday, Canfielld Tilt
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2749 Post(s)
Liked 2,516 Times
in
1,422 Posts
Let's put it this way. Deaths per 100,000 population, the highest is in Florida at 5.7.
https://www.governing.com/gov-data/t...tate-data.html
(Other States range from 0.5 to 3.8 per 100,000)
Whereas gun deaths per 100,000 is 10.6 and driver deaths per 100,000 is 11.4.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_..._United_States
https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality...state-by-state
https://www.governing.com/gov-data/t...tate-data.html
(Other States range from 0.5 to 3.8 per 100,000)
Whereas gun deaths per 100,000 is 10.6 and driver deaths per 100,000 is 11.4.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_..._United_States
https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality...state-by-state
#86
Senior Member
The problem with comparing deaths per 100,000 population is that it does not take into account how much of that population takes part in an activity or how often. Without knowing that, it tells you very little about how dangerous an activity is (such as driving or riding a bike).
True, measurement per 100,000 population or per 1,000,000 miles of road doesn't tell the full story but that's all we have.
There's practically only one factor that determines the safety of cyclists: cars on the road. All other factors are far behind. You can fall off your bike but it rarely leads to your death.
An accurate measurement of the safety of bicycles, cars and pedestrians on the road would be deaths per 100,000 moving cars over 10 km/hr on the road. But there aren't any reports like that.
Last edited by Daniel4; 08-03-19 at 03:15 PM.
#87
On Your Left
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Long Island, New York, USA
Posts: 8,373
Bikes: Trek Emonda SLR, Sram eTap, Zipp 303
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3004 Post(s)
Liked 2,433 Times
in
1,187 Posts
It beats dying on the couch with a bowl of pork rinds next to you.
#88
Senior Member
Read one article about a cycling death and suddenly your news feed is filled with them. This can distort your perception about how dangerous cycling on the road is.
Likes For tntyz:
#89
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 1,682
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 980 Post(s)
Liked 776 Times
in
402 Posts
Yeah?
Getting smashed into by a 4,000lb vehicle and then possibly dragged under it for 100 yards while you bleed out in full spandex for all the world to see beats dying on a couch in your home?
Interesting
Getting smashed into by a 4,000lb vehicle and then possibly dragged under it for 100 yards while you bleed out in full spandex for all the world to see beats dying on a couch in your home?
Interesting
Likes For downhillmaster:
#90
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 7,384
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 800 Post(s)
Liked 218 Times
in
171 Posts
Tell me why I shouldn't be scared of dying on the road ...
It beats dying on the couch with a bowl of pork rinds next to you.
"Why I ride"
A lot of people wonder why I do something every day that would kill most people if they tried it once. Because I read the warnings on cigarette packages I abstained from the habit in 1976 when the price of the lung destroyers was 35 cents a pack.
Observations of friends and relatives that abused alcohol convinced me to avoid the poison and seeing the damage done to those who smoked weed and progressed to the stronger stuff alerted me to the reality that I and I alone have responsibility for my personal health....
I ran for many years until my joints and ligaments began to protest and because I had saved thousands from not buying tobacco weed, or alcohol,
I had the resources to purchase an expensive racing bicycle in 1983. It was the best investment of my life as nearly all of the people who were putting powder up their noses at the time are either already dead or swallowing their faces in a nursing home today.
As a libertarian I support the choices of all the corpses and institutionalized vegetables warehoused in beds across the nation enjoying the fruits of those choices.
Every day at 72 I get on my bike and ride fifty miles, chasing the wind with clear lungs by choice.
I know there is a risk due to traffic, driver inattention and impaired vehicle operation but it’s a risk worth taking just like the risk many others took when they voluntarily sabotaged their vital organs with chemicals...
If I should meet my end on the highway don’t feel sorry for me because any sympathy I have for those who threw away their health by eating like pigs, smoking like chimneys and drinking like fish can be measured in microns.
...I have a huge appreciation for those who worked so hard to make things better for me. That’s why I ride my bike; It’s good for my heart, my lungs and my mind.
You do what you want; you’re free for now. See you on the road
A lot of people wonder why I do something every day that would kill most people if they tried it once. Because I read the warnings on cigarette packages I abstained from the habit in 1976 when the price of the lung destroyers was 35 cents a pack.
Observations of friends and relatives that abused alcohol convinced me to avoid the poison and seeing the damage done to those who smoked weed and progressed to the stronger stuff alerted me to the reality that I and I alone have responsibility for my personal health....
I ran for many years until my joints and ligaments began to protest and because I had saved thousands from not buying tobacco weed, or alcohol,
I had the resources to purchase an expensive racing bicycle in 1983. It was the best investment of my life as nearly all of the people who were putting powder up their noses at the time are either already dead or swallowing their faces in a nursing home today.
As a libertarian I support the choices of all the corpses and institutionalized vegetables warehoused in beds across the nation enjoying the fruits of those choices.
No, calling human beings corpses and institutionalized vegetables is to rob them of their dignity. They are people, not objects to be looked down on.
Some of us believe that those who have been blessed should serve the least and lowest, not dismiss them because of the choices they have made or because they are no longer of use to society.
We have all made mistakes and chosen poorly. Some of us regret those mistakes dearly. The fact that one chose to exercise and another didn't doesn't make one better or worse.
None of us know what the other person has gone through in life and what they are dealing with on the inside....Being hard hearted about it doesn't help anyone be better.
Any one of us could have get a disease or be disabled in a moment. Riding bicycles is no guarantee and the measure you give is the measure you will get. Personally, I hope lots of people come to my funeral and remember me as a sympathetic and generous person.
-Tim-
Some of us believe that those who have been blessed should serve the least and lowest, not dismiss them because of the choices they have made or because they are no longer of use to society.
We have all made mistakes and chosen poorly. Some of us regret those mistakes dearly. The fact that one chose to exercise and another didn't doesn't make one better or worse.
None of us know what the other person has gone through in life and what they are dealing with on the inside....Being hard hearted about it doesn't help anyone be better.
Any one of us could have get a disease or be disabled in a moment. Riding bicycles is no guarantee and the measure you give is the measure you will get. Personally, I hope lots of people come to my funeral and remember me as a sympathetic and generous person.
-Tim-
I know there is a risk due to traffic, driver inattention and impaired vehicle operation but it’s a risk worth taking just like the risk many others took when they voluntarily sabotaged their vital organs with chemicals...
...I have a huge appreciation for those who worked so hard to make things better for me. That’s why I ride my bike; It’s good for my heart, my lungs and my mind.
You do what you want; you’re free for now. See you on the road
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 08-04-19 at 12:16 PM. Reason: Adde quote by TimothyH
#91
faster downhill
I was a pretty serious cyclist from 2003 through 2010, and ended up switching to running for years. Trying to go back to cycling, but I find I am now convinced I'm going to be hit by a car and killed.
I know, statistics probably say better chance of getting hit by lightning or something, but it's always there, and it is almost paralyzing my motivation.
Anyone go through this? I did have one cycling acquaintance die on the road back in 2009, I think that has something to do with it. He seemed invincible.
I know, statistics probably say better chance of getting hit by lightning or something, but it's always there, and it is almost paralyzing my motivation.
Anyone go through this? I did have one cycling acquaintance die on the road back in 2009, I think that has something to do with it. He seemed invincible.
read the article "the abc's of awareness"
if you ride scared you will be more hesitant and, IMO, more likely to get hurt. take your space on the road and become part of the traffic when you can. get a mirror and be hyper vigilant of what nearby cars are doing by looking and listening. when at intersections, no matter how tempting not to, follow proper traffic laws for cars and become "one of the cars." don't hesitate and look drivers in the eye.
stay off of roads that are not safe for bicycles. google maps, with bicycling tab selected, will give you good indications if you are not familiar with the area.
you will improve your odds of not being hurt exponentially if you use your head.
#92
Senior Member
#93
• —
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Land of Pleasant Living
Posts: 12,151
Bikes: Shmikes
Mentioned: 58 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10101 Post(s)
Liked 5,781 Times
in
3,111 Posts
Indeed! I don’t care much for the deaths on offer in offshore sailboat racing, either, much as I love it. Far better to take a big clot to the heart or the lungs, while sitting on the couch. No big accident scene, no traumatized driver, no law suit, no heroic surgery, no SAR assets activated. If that happens, I give everyone permission to say I died doing what I loved.
Last edited by MoAlpha; 08-04-19 at 01:44 PM.
#94
☢
Then it feeds on itself. Next step, every other motorist on the road is out to get you. The hallmark of our fears and phobias. Easy enough to analyze, but not so easy to dismiss.
Last edited by KraneXL; 08-04-19 at 03:55 PM. Reason: spelling
#95
Senior Member
Of course, a road cyclist can cut the risk of death or injury by stopping at red lights and stop signs, yielding the right of way to bigger vehicles, riding roads with less traffic.... I've always done the 3rd, and I've been doing the first for a whole 2 years.
Yes, sometimes taking the whole lane is the safer way to ride, but in general, it's best not to compete with vehicles that are both bigger and faster than one's own vehicle. I always knew that, but it took a long time to get my body aligned with my brain on that point.
Yeah, it's annoying to stop at a stop sign because a car has the ROW only to have the car stop and give me the ROW, but I'm safer than when I rode aggressively. (And yeah, I know some POS can appear to yield and then run me down when I'm in the intersection....)
Yes, sometimes taking the whole lane is the safer way to ride, but in general, it's best not to compete with vehicles that are both bigger and faster than one's own vehicle. I always knew that, but it took a long time to get my body aligned with my brain on that point.
Yeah, it's annoying to stop at a stop sign because a car has the ROW only to have the car stop and give me the ROW, but I'm safer than when I rode aggressively. (And yeah, I know some POS can appear to yield and then run me down when I'm in the intersection....)
#96
Old Legs
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Mass.
Posts: 1,212
Bikes: '80 Strayvaigin, '84 Ciocc Aelle-Shimano 105, '90 Concorde Astore /Campy Triple ,85 Bridgestone 500/Suntour, 2005 Jamis Quest, 2017 Raleigh Merit 1, Raleigh Carbon Clubman
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 302 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times
in
22 Posts
I've been riding 50+ years, and haven't had any issues, now that I'm in my 70's, I'm a little more cautious . I'm using front and rear flashing lights, a small mirror (turning my head is getting harder too). I've learned to climb better, which takes me out into more rural areas, less traffic. And as mentioned earlier, bike paths are not safe , either. Yell "on your left" to a kid, and they turn to the left, to see whats up, and veer into me. Granted, you won't die on the bike path, but you or your bike will get damaged. Also, I signal, point the way, when I need to make damn sure, a motorist knows where I'm going.
For my wife's peace of mind, I use Garmin live track. KB
For my wife's peace of mind, I use Garmin live track. KB
#97
☢
Of course, a road cyclist can cut the risk of death or injury by stopping at red lights and stop signs, yielding the right of way to bigger vehicles, riding roads with less traffic.... I've always done the 3rd, and I've been doing the first for a whole 2 years.
Yes, sometimes taking the whole lane is the safer way to ride, but in general, it's best not to compete with vehicles that are both bigger and faster than one's own vehicle. I always knew that, but it took a long time to get my body aligned with my brain on that point.
Yeah, it's annoying to stop at a stop sign because a car has the ROW only to have the car stop and give me the ROW, but I'm safer than when I rode aggressively. (And yeah, I know some POS can appear to yield and then run me down when I'm in the intersection....)
Yes, sometimes taking the whole lane is the safer way to ride, but in general, it's best not to compete with vehicles that are both bigger and faster than one's own vehicle. I always knew that, but it took a long time to get my body aligned with my brain on that point.
Yeah, it's annoying to stop at a stop sign because a car has the ROW only to have the car stop and give me the ROW, but I'm safer than when I rode aggressively. (And yeah, I know some POS can appear to yield and then run me down when I'm in the intersection....)
With the exception of blind intersection (20%) you can clearly see -- and hear -- anything coming way before you reach the intersection. You're stopping for the law, I get that. But there's nobody around to know or see it. Just try it for a ride -- but be methodical -- and let us know how it works out.
Last edited by KraneXL; 08-04-19 at 04:27 PM.
#98
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 7,384
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 800 Post(s)
Liked 218 Times
in
171 Posts
Of course, a road cyclist can cut the risk of death or injury by stopping at red lights and stop signs, yielding the right of way to bigger vehicles, riding roads with less traffic.... I've always done the 3rd, and I've been doing the first for a whole 2 years.
Yes, sometimes taking the whole lane is the safer way to ride, but in general, it's best not to compete with vehicles that are both bigger and faster than one's own vehicle. I always knew that, but it took a long time to get my body aligned with my brain on that point.
Yeah, it's annoying to stop at a stop sign because a car has the ROW only to have the car stop and give me the ROW, but I'm safer than when I rode aggressively. (And yeah, I know some POS can appear to yield and then run me down when I'm in the intersection....)
Yes, sometimes taking the whole lane is the safer way to ride, but in general, it's best not to compete with vehicles that are both bigger and faster than one's own vehicle. I always knew that, but it took a long time to get my body aligned with my brain on that point.
Yeah, it's annoying to stop at a stop sign because a car has the ROW only to have the car stop and give me the ROW, but I'm safer than when I rode aggressively. (And yeah, I know some POS can appear to yield and then run me down when I'm in the intersection....)
I try to keep safe with certain aphorisms in my head that come to mind to alert me when I encounter a situation where unseen dangers may lurk, such as “Like a weapon, assume every stopped car is loaded, with an occupant ready to exit from either side.” or“Don’t ride over an area (such as puddles or leaves) when you can’t see the road surface" …
FWIW, for my own information at least, my other aphorisms beside those above [see the link: Total of nine (9), to include:
FWIW, for my own information at least, my other aphorisms beside those above [see the link: Total of nine (9), to include:
- #1...#6
- #4 You don’t have the right-of-way until the other yields it to you (learned from my teacher in driver's ed)
- # 7 Truck at corner in sight, don't go right." I’m also wary of passing on the right at an intersection, especially next to a bus or truck, after reading of fatalities on my routes
- #8...#9...
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 08-04-19 at 06:37 PM.
#99
Senior Member
Oh, sure, if I have the visibility, I probably won't stop in practice unless I see potential danger from another user of the road.
Not everybody is wise to trust hearing. I need hearing aids, for example, and I don't wear them while riding (because I fear I'll lose one or both). also, a helmet can screw sounds up.
But if one is truly afraid of being hit, the safest course is probably to stop.
Not everybody is wise to trust hearing. I need hearing aids, for example, and I don't wear them while riding (because I fear I'll lose one or both). also, a helmet can screw sounds up.
But if one is truly afraid of being hit, the safest course is probably to stop.
#100
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 7,384
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 800 Post(s)
Liked 218 Times
in
171 Posts
Oh, sure, if I have the visibility, I probably won't stop in practice unless I see potential danger from another user of the road.
Not everybody is wise to trust hearing. I need hearing aids, for example, and I don't wear them while riding (because I fear I'll lose one or both). also, a helmet can screw sounds up.
But if one is truly afraid of being hit, the safest course is probably to stop.
Not everybody is wise to trust hearing. I need hearing aids, for example, and I don't wear them while riding (because I fear I'll lose one or both). also, a helmet can screw sounds up.
But if one is truly afraid of being hit, the safest course is probably to stop.