Giving up riding on the road
#26
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I understand the OP's position. I think that he has come to terms with the tradeoffs of enjoyment versus risk.
My children and grown and married. My wife will be very well taken care of whether I live or die. I expect not only to die one day, but to not be able to choose the method of my own demise. Why not riding my bike?
Make your peace with all men and with your Creator...then live life without fear.
My children and grown and married. My wife will be very well taken care of whether I live or die. I expect not only to die one day, but to not be able to choose the method of my own demise. Why not riding my bike?
Make your peace with all men and with your Creator...then live life without fear.
Risk vs Rewards Each of us must weigh the two and find a balancing point. If there is no happy equilibrium to be found then it's time to find something else.
My kids are grown and have their own families. My wife takes care of me financially and I'm happy/proud of it. If she didn't want me to ride, she wouldn't have spent $$,$$$.00 on my bicycling habit.
I have no need/desire to make peace with others or with a creator. Life was not something of my choice but continuing it IS and whether I get hit by a car while bicycling, fall off a ladder, slip on a banana, have my cancer totally take over and kill me, avail myself of my own "exit stage right" resources or make it to my "natural expiration date" I will ride the roads keeping eyes facing forward with glances in my eyeglass mirror and hope for VERTICAL SPACIAL ORIENTATION from clip in to clip out.
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#27
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Good point about the availability of other options. IMO, the risk is not being killed but incapacitated. As a septuagenarian, I might never recover from a broken hip, for example. I might then have to live another 20 years, a burden to my wife and wasting resources. I've never been comfortable running, I'm phobic about public swimming pools and I'm not near good trails. I do have extensive low traffic rural roads virtually on my doorstep. I weigh the risk against the certainty that I would become even more demented if I didn't get outside and exercise. It is a dilemma
#28
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I left the road (for the most part) about three years ago for all of your reasons (and a few different ones).
Overwhelmingly the sense of family based responsibility as primary income source (only while alive) was the justification. However, Leaving the road had so many upsides that the roadie experience was not missed in the least. Before cycling, I was always an outdoorsy type who was trekking down trout streams, upland bird hunting, etc. I was stunned to find I could negotiate those same trails via MTB more quickly, and falling less than when I stumbled through on foot! Enough reason right there!!
I'll still get the bikepacking whip out and make a beer run to the neighborhood store a mile away on the road, but never saddle up for a 50 mile ride. I'll spend 2-3 hours riding through the woods instead. Not at MTB race speeds, but picking my way carefully. Let me mention how that improves your cycling skills: trackstanding, bunny hopping, climbing, manuals and so forth are practiced daily; never did that as a roadie much. I run my hound attached to the bike through the woods, too. Wouldn't consider that on the road!
It's your choice. I rode solo so didn't have cycling companions to leave behind. That might be different for you, as well as other personal preferences
Overwhelmingly the sense of family based responsibility as primary income source (only while alive) was the justification. However, Leaving the road had so many upsides that the roadie experience was not missed in the least. Before cycling, I was always an outdoorsy type who was trekking down trout streams, upland bird hunting, etc. I was stunned to find I could negotiate those same trails via MTB more quickly, and falling less than when I stumbled through on foot! Enough reason right there!!
I'll still get the bikepacking whip out and make a beer run to the neighborhood store a mile away on the road, but never saddle up for a 50 mile ride. I'll spend 2-3 hours riding through the woods instead. Not at MTB race speeds, but picking my way carefully. Let me mention how that improves your cycling skills: trackstanding, bunny hopping, climbing, manuals and so forth are practiced daily; never did that as a roadie much. I run my hound attached to the bike through the woods, too. Wouldn't consider that on the road!
It's your choice. I rode solo so didn't have cycling companions to leave behind. That might be different for you, as well as other personal preferences
#29
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I've only been cycling for 3 years and was hit by a car and had a nasty crash on the road. I predominantly bike in the country and have only recently had any close calls when I accidentally mapped a portion of a solo double century on a highway, even though it was in the middle of nowhere and I had a shoulder, the cars were just too close for comfort, so, now I try very hard to map around state highways and such.
Realistically, I'm an incredibly cautious cyclist now, a lot more so than prior to being hit by a car (was not a happy situation, bike destroyed, flung 30 feet from the site of impact, loss of consciousness, lost tons of skin, got a MRSA infection... no broken bones though). At circles, 4 way stops, lights, adjoining streets, I always assume the person in the car is going to do the stupidest possible thing and plan accordingly.
Now, I want to be clear, I have cut down on road races and crazier A rides quite a lot due to the possibility of crashing, but have only upped the amount of sheer road riding I've been doing, even with my past issues. The reason being, I have access to unlimited country roads, I live in a suburb of Milwaukee in Wisconsin and if I go any direction that is not Milwaukee the worst I typically have to deal with is an escaped cow standing in the road (you would be surprised how many times this has occurred).
If I were in your situation, where my typical rides were congested traffic streets and close calls are typical then I couldn't agree more with you, I would probably take the safest route away from the traffic and city, ride in the country for hours and ride back. If that wasn't an option, then I would likely start looking into other disciplines because that doesn't sound fun at all. I should also point out though that from my perspective I don't commute by bike or really use my bike to do anything other than use it to gain fitness if I ever even need to get a bit to eat I'll normally just hop in the car...
Realistically, I'm an incredibly cautious cyclist now, a lot more so than prior to being hit by a car (was not a happy situation, bike destroyed, flung 30 feet from the site of impact, loss of consciousness, lost tons of skin, got a MRSA infection... no broken bones though). At circles, 4 way stops, lights, adjoining streets, I always assume the person in the car is going to do the stupidest possible thing and plan accordingly.
Now, I want to be clear, I have cut down on road races and crazier A rides quite a lot due to the possibility of crashing, but have only upped the amount of sheer road riding I've been doing, even with my past issues. The reason being, I have access to unlimited country roads, I live in a suburb of Milwaukee in Wisconsin and if I go any direction that is not Milwaukee the worst I typically have to deal with is an escaped cow standing in the road (you would be surprised how many times this has occurred).
If I were in your situation, where my typical rides were congested traffic streets and close calls are typical then I couldn't agree more with you, I would probably take the safest route away from the traffic and city, ride in the country for hours and ride back. If that wasn't an option, then I would likely start looking into other disciplines because that doesn't sound fun at all. I should also point out though that from my perspective I don't commute by bike or really use my bike to do anything other than use it to gain fitness if I ever even need to get a bit to eat I'll normally just hop in the car...
#30
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I sometimes wonder why it's not a law in all states that one can't be on a handheld cellphone while driving. In KY, it's only under 18 that bans talking on a handheld cellphone while driving. There is discussion that 2020 may bring about a change--hopefully!!
#31
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After about 30 years of riding on the road, I'm seriously considering giving it up. Several things have given me pause:
Overall, I also have a general sense that I'm "swimming upstream" by riding on the road. Drivers seem in general agreement that we have no right to be there. Police won't defend my rights to be there. Courts generally grant great leniency to drivers. Co-workers think I'm crazy. Wife has said she's terrified every time I ride on the road. Etc.
So, I think I'm done here. Anyone else feel similarly?
- Getting hit by a car two years ago
- Increasingly dealing with narrow misses due to oblivious / distracted driving on most rides
- Jerks deliberately driving dangerously on most every ride
- The availability of good alternatives: extensive limestone paths around my house, single track, gravel roads etc. I enjoy running, I enjoy swimming.
- General responsibilities of being a father/husband/main earner.
- I live in an area not very conducive to riding anyway: terrible weather, lots of traffic, limited route options etc
Overall, I also have a general sense that I'm "swimming upstream" by riding on the road. Drivers seem in general agreement that we have no right to be there. Police won't defend my rights to be there. Courts generally grant great leniency to drivers. Co-workers think I'm crazy. Wife has said she's terrified every time I ride on the road. Etc.
So, I think I'm done here. Anyone else feel similarly?
#32
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Breaker-Breaker 1 9, anyone remembering those days eons ago where one also had to key the mic? 10 4???
#33
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If I stopped riding on roads I would lose my primary form of transportation during acceptable weather. My vacations would also be a lot less interesting, although I have been incorporating more and more lightly travelled dirt roads into my tours.
Last edited by indyfabz; 12-20-19 at 08:24 AM.
#34
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True, technology exists to eliminate hand holding even if just using an earbud/microphone set.
However, I see people hand holding and looking down at their phone at the rate of probably 1 car out of every 4 at the very least. And that's only when I'm actually looking for other driver's eyes. No telling what the count would be if I could look at everyone.
However, I see people hand holding and looking down at their phone at the rate of probably 1 car out of every 4 at the very least. And that's only when I'm actually looking for other driver's eyes. No telling what the count would be if I could look at everyone.
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#35
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I ride on the roads for transportation as well as recreation. I actually feel a bit safer on my bike than I do walking or driving - there's less to hit and it's faster than trying to dodge on foot. I can point to places on my transportation routes where drivers, passengers, and pedestrians have been killed - one guy was even killed crossing the street to catch a bus. It sucks when something bad happens, but I've known enough people that have been similarly banged up while driving or walking.
IMO, a big issue (in addition to distracted driving) is that there are more people and more and larger vehicles. Infrastructure just is not keeping up - a quiet country road is great until there are half a dozen subdivisions, and a narrow shoulderless city street is fine until there's a traffic jam. I don't like sitting in traffic, either. Cyclists are an easy scapegoat.
I can certainly see why more people are driving further out to find quieter roads or taking to gravel, MTB, and even indoor riding. It's not my thing, but I respect it. Honestly, the biggest hazards I've encountered in recreational road riding are squirrely group members. I love the rush of a fast paceline as much as the next person, but I choose my riding companions very wisely!
IMO, a big issue (in addition to distracted driving) is that there are more people and more and larger vehicles. Infrastructure just is not keeping up - a quiet country road is great until there are half a dozen subdivisions, and a narrow shoulderless city street is fine until there's a traffic jam. I don't like sitting in traffic, either. Cyclists are an easy scapegoat.
I can certainly see why more people are driving further out to find quieter roads or taking to gravel, MTB, and even indoor riding. It's not my thing, but I respect it. Honestly, the biggest hazards I've encountered in recreational road riding are squirrely group members. I love the rush of a fast paceline as much as the next person, but I choose my riding companions very wisely!
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#36
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After about 30 years of riding on the road, I'm seriously considering giving it up. Several things have given me pause:
Overall, I also have a general sense that I'm "swimming upstream" by riding on the road. Drivers seem in general agreement that we have no right to be there. Police won't defend my rights to be there. Courts generally grant great leniency to drivers. Co-workers think I'm crazy. Wife has said she's terrified every time I ride on the road. Etc.
So, I think I'm done here. Anyone else feel similarly?
- Getting hit by a car two years ago
- Increasingly dealing with narrow misses due to oblivious / distracted driving on most rides
- Jerks deliberately driving dangerously on most every ride
- The availability of good alternatives: extensive limestone paths around my house, single track, gravel roads etc. I enjoy running, I enjoy swimming.
- General responsibilities of being a father/husband/main earner.
- I live in an area not very conducive to riding anyway: terrible weather, lots of traffic, limited route options etc
Overall, I also have a general sense that I'm "swimming upstream" by riding on the road. Drivers seem in general agreement that we have no right to be there. Police won't defend my rights to be there. Courts generally grant great leniency to drivers. Co-workers think I'm crazy. Wife has said she's terrified every time I ride on the road. Etc.
So, I think I'm done here. Anyone else feel similarly?
Si comprendez.
#37
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After about 30 years of riding on the road, I'm seriously considering giving it up. Several things have given me pause:
Overall, I also have a general sense that I'm "swimming upstream" by riding on the road. Drivers seem in general agreement that we have no right to be there. Police won't defend my rights to be there. Courts generally grant great leniency to drivers. Co-workers think I'm crazy. Wife has said she's terrified every time I ride on the road. Etc.
So, I think I'm done here. Anyone else feel similarly?
- Getting hit by a car two years ago
- Increasingly dealing with narrow misses due to oblivious / distracted driving on most rides
- Jerks deliberately driving dangerously on most every ride
- The availability of good alternatives: extensive limestone paths around my house, single track, gravel roads etc. I enjoy running, I enjoy swimming.
- General responsibilities of being a father/husband/main earner.
- I live in an area not very conducive to riding anyway: terrible weather, lots of traffic, limited route options etc
Overall, I also have a general sense that I'm "swimming upstream" by riding on the road. Drivers seem in general agreement that we have no right to be there. Police won't defend my rights to be there. Courts generally grant great leniency to drivers. Co-workers think I'm crazy. Wife has said she's terrified every time I ride on the road. Etc.
So, I think I'm done here. Anyone else feel similarly?
However, I would still keep my road bike for that occasional long ride with the guys out in the open country or on some nice events.
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#38
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Risk vs Rewards Each of us must weigh the two and find a balancing point. If there is no happy equilibrium to be found then it's time to find something else....
I have no need/desire to make peace with others or with a creator. Life was not something of my choice but continuing it IS and whether I get hit by a car while bicycling, fall off a ladder, slip on a banana, have my cancer totally take over and kill me, avail myself of my own "exit stage right" resources or make it to my "natural expiration date" I will ride the roads keeping eyes facing forward with glances in my eyeglass mirror and hope for VERTICAL SPACIAL ORIENTATION from clip in to clip out.
I have no need/desire to make peace with others or with a creator. Life was not something of my choice but continuing it IS and whether I get hit by a car while bicycling, fall off a ladder, slip on a banana, have my cancer totally take over and kill me, avail myself of my own "exit stage right" resources or make it to my "natural expiration date" I will ride the roads keeping eyes facing forward with glances in my eyeglass mirror and hope for VERTICAL SPACIAL ORIENTATION from clip in to clip out.
Last edited by Digger Goreman; 12-20-19 at 09:15 AM.
#39
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I'll continue to ride on the road, because I enjoy it, and it's convenient. I will say that I enjoy it more since recently getting a Garmin Varia radar tail light, it's nice to know when the cars are coming/passing, and the variable flashing helps make me more visible.
That being said, I do love getting out on the gravel and away from the cars. I'm very much looking forward to riding a gravel century next week without seeing a single car (except for a few road crossings, but there are no vehicles on the gravel, just other bikers, pedestrans, and horses).
That being said, I do love getting out on the gravel and away from the cars. I'm very much looking forward to riding a gravel century next week without seeing a single car (except for a few road crossings, but there are no vehicles on the gravel, just other bikers, pedestrans, and horses).
#40
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I understand the OP's concerns. I limit my riding on roads with a lot of traffic and avoid roads with a speed limit above 35 mph.
I'm waiting for permanent gridlock to happen, that is, a traffic jam that will be impossible to untangle. I'll be safe then.
I'm waiting for permanent gridlock to happen, that is, a traffic jam that will be impossible to untangle. I'll be safe then.
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Main roads are dangerous in this area and may get worse. Hand held phone is against the law here but most all still use them. Soon the legal dope (Weed) will probably make it worse. Some say that weed don't affect driving, But my good doctor sure doesn't agree.
I can understand the decision to give up the roads, but wish those that continue on a safe journey .
I can understand the decision to give up the roads, but wish those that continue on a safe journey .
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Several months ago I really bumped up my mileage. Same routes, same times, but I did see an increase in close calls. Just like anything that has a risk to it, it's a game of numbers. The more you see, the more it adds to your mental database of circumstances to be aware of. I can see myself backing off and devoting more time to the slower bike paths and trails in my area. I'm just not sure when that will be.
#43
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Giving up riding on the road
I have previously posted to this thread:
After about 30 years of riding on the road, I'm seriously considering giving it up. Several things have given me pause:…
So, I think I'm done here. Anyone else feel similarly?
- Getting hit by a car two years ago...
- Increasingly dealing with narrow misses due to oblivious / distracted driving on most rides
- Jerks deliberately driving dangerously on most every ride
- The availability of good alternatives: extensive limestone paths around my house, single track, gravel roads etc. I enjoy running, I enjoy swimming.
- General responsibilities of being a father/husband/main earner.
- I live in an area not very conducive to riding anyway: terrible weather, lots of traffic, limited route options etc
So, I think I'm done here. Anyone else feel similarly?
I'm fortunate to have endless miles of low traffic roads at my doorstep. So I always enjoy riding.
If I had to endure conditions I didn't enjoy, I consider doing something else.
If I had to endure conditions I didn't enjoy, I consider doing something else.
For commuting I am lucky to have different options which allow me to avoid having to ride on busy dangerous roads...
For recreational riding I do gravel roads/trails, rural roads with little traffic and singletrack trails...Distracted drivers and impatient drivers are the No.1 enemy to cyclists and it has gotten worse over the last few years.
For recreational riding I do gravel roads/trails, rural roads with little traffic and singletrack trails...Distracted drivers and impatient drivers are the No.1 enemy to cyclists and it has gotten worse over the last few years.
Risk vs Rewards
Each of us must weigh the two and find a balancing point. If there is no happy equilibrium to be found then it's time to find something else.
Each of us must weigh the two and find a balancing point. If there is no happy equilibrium to be found then it's time to find something else.
If I stopped riding on roads I would lose my primary form of transportation during acceptable weather.
My vacations would also be a lot less interesting, although I have been incorporating more and more lightly travelled dirt roads into my tours.
My vacations would also be a lot less interesting, although I have been incorporating more and more lightly travelled dirt roads into my tours.
I ride on the roads for transportation as well as recreation.
IMO, a big issue (in addition to distracted driving) is that there are more people and more and larger vehicles. Infrastructure just is not keeping up - a quiet country road is great until there are half a dozen subdivisions, and a narrow shoulderless city street is fine until there's a traffic jam. I don't like sitting in traffic, either. Cyclists are an easy scapegoat.
I can certainly see why more people are driving further out to find quieter roads or taking to gravel, MTB, and even indoor riding. It's not my thing, but I respect it.
Honestly, the biggest hazards I've encountered in recreational road riding are squirrely group members. I love the rush of a fast paceline as much as the next person, but I choose my riding companions very wisely!
IMO, a big issue (in addition to distracted driving) is that there are more people and more and larger vehicles. Infrastructure just is not keeping up - a quiet country road is great until there are half a dozen subdivisions, and a narrow shoulderless city street is fine until there's a traffic jam. I don't like sitting in traffic, either. Cyclists are an easy scapegoat.
I can certainly see why more people are driving further out to find quieter roads or taking to gravel, MTB, and even indoor riding. It's not my thing, but I respect it.
Honestly, the biggest hazards I've encountered in recreational road riding are squirrely group members. I love the rush of a fast paceline as much as the next person, but I choose my riding companions very wisely!
"Enjoying a nice little back road." ...
I have described probably similar “nice little ("enchanted") back roads,” akin to a classic “nice little black dress” in the fashion world.
I have described probably similar “nice little ("enchanted") back roads,” akin to a classic “nice little black dress” in the fashion world.
All my cycling as a decades-long, year-round commuter and occasional centurian in Metro Boston ranges from dense urban, to suburban, to exurban, but no rural. I'm goal-oriented, be it miles or destinations, so I take the Road as it comes, to satisfy my Goal.
Over the years, I have described roads, so for this post I compiled my descriptions [of paved roads] in order of cycling pleasure
Over the years, I have described roads, so for this post I compiled my descriptions [of paved roads] in order of cycling pleasure
- Enchanted
- Exurban (no residences, no commercial buildings)
- Residential: Urban (dense, multi-unit dwellings), Suburban (single unattached homes)
- Light commercial (storefronts close to the sidewalk, street parking)
- Heavy commercial (shopping malls, driveway accesses, parking lots)
- Industrial: (dreary vistas, rough roads, debris-strewn)
- Downtown (the urban canyons and narrow, often-crowded streets of Manhattan, or the Financial District of Boston
I'd probably flip the order between industrial and downtown because downtowns can actually be interesting and fun rides/destinations, and I'm generally not as concerned about getting mugged in the event of a flat as I would be in an industrial area, but otherwise would mostly agree with those categories as general .
I'd also break down the category of exurban a bit more. Big state roads have a very different appeal than the "intimate" road you have pictured, they're great for fast uninterrupted riding between distant points.
I'd also break down the category of exurban a bit more. Big state roads have a very different appeal than the "intimate" road you have pictured, they're great for fast uninterrupted riding between distant points.
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 12-22-19 at 05:10 AM.
#44
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True, technology exists to eliminate hand holding even if just using an earbud/microphone set.
However, I see people hand holding and looking down at their phone at the rate of probably 1 car out of every 4 at the very least. And that's only when I'm actually looking for other driver's eyes. No telling what the count would be if I could look at everyone.
However, I see people hand holding and looking down at their phone at the rate of probably 1 car out of every 4 at the very least. And that's only when I'm actually looking for other driver's eyes. No telling what the count would be if I could look at everyone.
#45
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I remember when we bought our Honda Accord about 5 years ago. The salesman made it a point of telling us that he would setup our phones and the car so that they could talk to each other before we even left the lot. I told him that wasn't necessary because I am fairly tech savvy and could do it myself, but he insisted. Don't even get me started about people not using their Turn Signals.
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Earlier that day I stopped to take a nature break in the woods. Afterwards I was sitting in the grass soaking in the sun and fresh air. It was in an area where cell service was available after dozens of miles without it. Looked back down the road an saw a guy approaching a curve with something held up in front of his face. He didn't notice the curve until late. Nearly went into the grass, which would have sent him into the trees. In a panic, he overcorrected and nearly rolled his car. As he passed I could see the phone in front of his face. Even a near severe crash wasn't enough to teach him a lesson.
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#48
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Good point about the availability of other options. IMO, the risk is not being killed but incapacitated. As a septuagenarian, I might never recover from a broken hip, for example. I might then have to live another 20 years, a burden to my wife and wasting resources. I've never been comfortable running, I'm phobic about public swimming pools and I'm not near good trails. I do have extensive low traffic rural roads virtually on my doorstep. I weigh the risk against the certainty that I would become even more demented if I didn't get outside and exercise. It is a dilemma
In my case, I've pretty much stopped riding the beautiful rural roads outside my city, mainly due to traffic that is rapidly increasing in both volume and speed, resulting from rapid urban sprawl, combined with the fact that most of these roads have no functional shoulder to speak of. Riding them used not to be a problem; now, I find myself getting (irrationally?) nervous. Probably the result of age and of some severe health issues two summers ago.
Which is odd, in a way, because I still ride singletrack when I can, and for some reason remain quite comfortable slicing/dicing in heavy in-city traffic.
I'm somewhat ashamed to admit it, but my solution for longer rides has been to become something of a MUPpet. A main entrance to our well-maintained, extensive, and rapidly expanding MUP system is about two blocks from my house. Once on it, I can now easily put together rides of 60+ kms without having to go into vehicular traffic at all. The system is part of our regional authority's park/eco-reserve network, and runs entirely along three river branches, which 'fork' at the centre of downtown. Fortunately, I'm not impatient with and don't get annoyed by the sometimes erratic and unpredictable behaviour of other path users. I've learnt where the open stretches are where I can speed things up a little, and treat the congested bits as opportunities to practice my low-speed bike handling 'skillz'. I treat gaggles of strollers, dogs, and the like as if they were rock gardens: can I get through this without upsetting anyone else and without dabbing?
#49
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It's not all or none for me. I accept that there are inherent risks to living like others have noted. Freak accidents happen. Driving a car is dangerous. Eating too much carb is dangerous. Having been hit from behind once has lead me to re-evaluate the way I ride on my commutes. The main goal is to minimize interactions with drivers, and so to this end I've resorted to riding park trails, short cut lane ways, and even sidewalks. I recognize the biggest threat to my safety is drivers in their cars. It has resulted in a slightly longer commute, but I'm okay with that.
I also do regular rides with a group on the weekends, but we ride on rural roads with good, straight sight lines, and sparsely traveled. I also think that being in a group helps with visibility and is safer. There are risks other than cars when it comes to riding in a group, but I am enjoying it.
OP, I do still occasionally question my own decision to continue to ride. I can list the exact same reasons you listed, but in the end it all comes down to the fact that I enjoy riding. There is no substitute for it. I run also, but it is not the same. Good luck with your decision.
I also do regular rides with a group on the weekends, but we ride on rural roads with good, straight sight lines, and sparsely traveled. I also think that being in a group helps with visibility and is safer. There are risks other than cars when it comes to riding in a group, but I am enjoying it.
OP, I do still occasionally question my own decision to continue to ride. I can list the exact same reasons you listed, but in the end it all comes down to the fact that I enjoy riding. There is no substitute for it. I run also, but it is not the same. Good luck with your decision.
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It is a law in my area but people still do it...The law is not enough...Hands-free is not good enough because it can cause distraction and the person can still text on their phone..Infotainment systems is another thing which should be eliminated .....Vehicles need to have software installed which prevents cell phone usage while driving. If a person is driving they should be focused on driving and not fiddling with their infotainment system or texting on their phone.
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