double_stuf

I've covered about 5k miles on the road in the last 24 months or so.

I've had so many close calls that they almost don't bother me anymore.

But the most recent one has shaken me up some and made me consider switching to MTB/trails only.

A little old lady pulled out in front of me in broad daylight on a deserted side street. Had i not expected her to do so, i would've broadsided her at 20+ mph.

I understand that an accident like this is basically going to happen if i keep riding.

How many people here have defected from road to mtb/CX? thoughts/love/hate/regrets?

Sorry if repost....i'm new here

bikepro

If you ride on the road, you must practice "Defensive Riding". You must make yourself as visible as possible and ride as if no one can see you.

mLuMaN83

MTB mishap = broken bones

Road mishap = good probability of death

I used to race Motocross and is was all busted bones, bruises, ect. I wore a neck brace as well. You don't fall much on road so it's usually a car that often will kill you or best case scenario, run you over.

I stay off main roads as much as I can and stick with those back country rides. They are much more of a beautiful ride as well. Also, try to stick with routes where there are often cyclists. Local drivers get used to seeing all the cyclists so they are more aware.

double_stuf

that's the messed up thing. i'm ginormous. was wearing bright colors. in the bike lane. road dead straight. nobody for a mile in either direction. broad daylight

double_stuf

ah a fellow motorcyclist! so yeah, this is sort of a street vs track or MX discussion translated to bicycles.
i have essentially quit riding sportbikes on the street too, (track only) so......

do most of my riding on known cycling routes and on the good sections of the local trails

mLuMaN83

When I approach people that are waiting to turn and they are in front of me, I always slow down and give a hand gesture in an attempt to get one back so they know I am there. I try to watch their eyes for contact at least. Royally F's up my Strava segment and pace. Ugh!

But I tell ya, I miss getting gnarly on the MX bike in the trails. My real love... one day we will reunite!

double_stuf

i do this when forced onto the sidewalk mostly, on the road...both hands on the controls

bikepro

You must remember, people are looking for vehicle sized objects. Motorcyclists have the same problem. You are still very small compared to a car or SUV. You can get their attention by waving. I personally have a very bright flashing light on the front and rear. I have few problems like this but occasionally have to slow down or wave.

double_stuf

all comments appreciated. i should've added a poll and included some more info.

Lanterne Rogue

MTB I rely on my own riding skills. On the road I have to trust drivers, which is sometimes terrifying. I wish I could MTB more, but trailheads are a drive from my house and the road is just outside my door.

DXchulo

I suck at MTB, so road is much more safe for me.

In general I think people overestimate the likelihood of getting killed by a car. Not to say it doesn't happen, but if you ride defensively I don't think it's worth worrying about very much.

Ice41000

I feel that, even thought I crashed more often off road, that road riding is more dangerous, mostly because of the motorized vehicles.

RollCNY

This is nonsense. Statistics for road cycling deaths are poor, and typically categorized by non-riders, so how they bucket is poor. But the clear ones: 25% of cycling deaths involve alcohol, on the part of the cyclist. Separately, 35ish% involve riding the wrong direction against traffic (but some % of these involved alcohol, so the 2 don't stack). Only 10% involve a hit from behind fatality, which is the one we are most powerless against.

The overwhelming number of road cycling injuries are scrapes, cuts, and broken bones. I have been hit by a car with no damage. Last year, 3 of my friends were in a crash when a woman turned in front of them: 1 broken finger, one broken rib, one broken collarbone.

If you are all going to wring your hands and lament safety, dig for the statistics, or take it to A&S.

Happy holidays!

SmallFront

It depends. I use the bike for all-around transport, so I can't just ride trails. With that said, everywhere in the world where I have ridden a bicycle or motorcycle I drive defensively. I try to make eye contact, I will wave if need be, and I will pull over and sometimes wave a car through - if for nothing else, then to show I am a "good sport", if you see what I mean - and I will obviously pull over if there is a narrow spot where I can see that motorists will have a hard time navigating with everything that is happening in the area (i.e. road works, temporary speed bumps and traffic lights, blind corner etc. - often combined to make it difficult for people to consider everything at all time).

Anyway, by riding like this, I feel pretty safe, and I believe I am. However, I don't mind the wait once in a while. Although I like pounding the pedals and I like speed, and I do have rights in traffic, I don't feel like I have to go fast, nor do I feel like relying on the other road users to keep me safe. I try to anticipate people doing ridiculous things, and when I think there is a higher risk I slow down and prepare myself to brake with fingers on both brakes, while considering where I will turn if something happens (considering traffic from behind of course).

I know it may come across as a holier-than-thou attitude, but it isn't. I am well aware that sometimes, **** simply does happen, but I'm trying to minimise risks, not getting a guarantee.

SmallFront

Come to think of it, I have stopped filtering the traffic (both on motorcycles and bicycles). I just feel that it is an unnecessary risk, that I don't feel is worth it. I am rarely in that much of a hurry.

Smiziley

Defected?! More like supplemented.

Mtb and CX are great ways to improve handling skills and otherwise explore terrain and trails that you'd likely not go on. If you have solid fitness from road riding, once you get the feel for cross riding and mountain biking, you can really have fun. Woods are usually warmer than the street and you're not likely to get hit by a car, but you might get bounced off the bike by holes, leaves, roots, rocks, bumps, drops, trees, dogs, squirrels, birds, etc..

You definitely see some cool stuff off road that you'd never see on the street and things happen much faster. If you're not feeling the road, don't be afraid to mix it up.

halfspeed

Nobody can answer that question sensibly. The statistics are weak and comparisons between road and MTB are virtually nonexistent. Further, and perhaps more importantly, the relative safety of both is influenced dramatically by where you ride, your skill and your experience. If you're petrified, sit on the couch with a bag of Doritos and a six pack. No risk in that.

bykemike 

So true, so true.

As a long time dirtbiker the rule is this: you will always get hurt on a dirt bike but they probably won't kill you. Now street bikes? Very few injuries, lots of serious mayhem if things don't go your way.

dmcdam

In the last 5 years of road biking I've fallen once and that was a 'forgot to unclip' moment. In the previous 4 years of MTB I was never seriously hurt but had plenty of bruises cuts and scrapes. My legs were a mess a lot of the time.

jdon

A good MTB ride requires the letting of a little blood.

banerjek

If you're having that many close calls, you're doing something wrong.

In the case at hand, you should always be ready for people to pull out in front of you. And you should be ready for the right hook. This is a very common situation and if you're ready, there's nothing harrowing about it because you aren't in danger.



Never count on others to do the right thing. People don't see you and if they do, it doesn't register on them that they need to do anything.

My motto (which everyone is probably sick of hearing) is that you should ride like everyone is trying to kill you, but don't take it personally. But it really works. Do that, and you'll be fine.

shoota 

+1

thehammerdog

Safer? well I have been riding for over 20 yrs I have cracked helmets, have cuts, busted my shoulder, bent steel in the woods, but it takes one bad day on the road and your dead.

DinoShepherd

The answer is... It depends.

Been doing both for a long time. Pretty spectacular crashes on dirt and street.

The only for certain is that dirt skills will help keep you alive on the street.

Also, there are varying degrees of risk on both mtb and street riding. Cruising gravel is not the same as taking it down the gravity trails. Just like cruising deserted side roads is not like playing TdF in traffic with 100 of your best ego.fueled, Lycra.clad buddies...

99Klein 

I get hurt nearly every time I head off road, so for me MTB is more dangerous.