There are two kinds of drivers that scare me when I’m on a bike. First is the aggressive driver, the one who sees my presence on the road as a personal insult and a waste of his time. This person might pass too close and too fast, may yell or honk, or might even throw things as she drives by. The aggressive driver is frightening, but I take comfort in assuming that she doesn’t actually want my blood on her car, so she’s probably going to toe the line of harassing me and then drive off and disappear. She may intimidate me, but she at least she clearly sees that I’m there and probably won’t try to actually harm me. The worst case scenario is that in a moment of rage, this driver might miscalculate how close she can get to me without making contact.
Hit-and-Run Leaves Cyclist Reluctant to Ride, See Friends:
The second kind is the driver that is unaware. He may be texting or changing a radio station, glancing back at his kids in the back seat, or lost in thoughts of a stressful workday. He might swerve slightly into the space where I’m riding as he reaches across the seat to grab his water bottle, or he might be zipping along a winding road with no consideration for what might be ahead on a blind curve. This driver doesn’t intend to hurt me, doesn’t even know I exist, but in a moment of carelessness or absentmindedness, he can seriously harm or kill me. This driver scares me the most, because there is nothing that can be predicted. All I can do is ride cautiously, be as visible as possible, minimize risks, and hope for the best.
Bicyclist struck, killed by car near Lunken Airport identified:
As cyclists, the road is often where we go to ride and train. I can’t be a better road racer by riding indoors, on bike paths, or on trails through the woods. I need to be on the road, and that means interacting with cars. While there is much that can be said about car/cyclist interactions in terms of rights and fairness and who follows what laws, there is one message I want all drivers to consider. Whether you agree or disagree with my right to be on the road, whether I obey every traffic law or not, whether I actually delay you or just happen to be something you pass – I don’t deserve to die. I’m not just a Cyclist, Spandex-Clad Invader of the Road. I am somebody’s kid, I have two dogs that get really excited when I come home, I have friends that come to me when bad things happen. I’m a person, just like you. You might want to make a point or show that you’re angry that I’m in your way or just take your eyes off the road for a second to look at your phone, but before you risk my life, I want you to think about my mom. Think about how she will feel when somebody calls her to say that I’ve been killed. Wouldn’t it be better to avoid that and just be a little more careful?
Vulnerable on the Open Road: Five pro cyclists reflect on bike safety:
yes!! emphatic yes…that is all.
thank you.
I AM a mom and never want to even think that someone’s split-second carelessness would claim my child’s life. Since my daughter became involved with biking, I now give bikers the right of way whenever possible. Yes, I may be in a hurry, but I can’t think of anything that’s worth a person’s life or broken bones that’s worth speeding to unless it’s to the hospital after learning that my daughter’s been hit by a moving vehicle while on a training ride!
wow – very well written and very sobering.