The dangers of being a cyclist

[nyankoframe]

I happened to see this news story on a mailing list at work, and... I don't really know why, but it really affected me.. I had to actually take a few minutes away from my computer to compose myself before I could get back to work.

Fallen cyclist was a "star" at Bastyr

Fortunately, I haven't had any serious near-misses, although once I did get horned at when making a left turn into traffic, and several times I've had to brake suddenly (including today) when I see a vehicle about to come out of a driveway or road junction. So I guess I've been lucky so far.

But still, it's a reminder to be careful when cycling on the roads, that your safety and your life is in your hands. And that perhaps one day, even if it's on a route that you've cycled many times before without incident and there aren't any risks, something unforeseen may happen to you. No one can ever be sure...

I obviously don't know this person, but I hope at least that she didn't suffer...

Comments

[itsacz.livejournal.com]

That's why you should get a car. No wait, you should just teleport. Unless your molecules get corrupted in the matter stream or get scattered into multiple locations. <.<

[testing4l.livejournal.com]

It's worth noting that it's not just cyclists -- auto accidents were the third most common cause of death in the US behind heart disease and cancer. They might still be, but those stats were old the last time I looked at them.

Incidentally, study of this is what led me to think that four-wheel slides and spins should be covered on the driving exam.

[nakaemi.livejournal.com]

That's scary. Hope you are always careful when cycling. But it's true that car/car accidents are more usual than car/bicycle ones.

*HUGS*

[el-espada.livejournal.com]

Man, take care buddy bro.
Just remember, no matter what vehicle you're operating, be it a bicycle or a monster truck, ALWAYS be alert!
Yeah man... thanks... I'd seriously better remind myself to be alert on the road here as well.

As a driver myself

[donky.livejournal.com]

Sometimes cyclists take it for granted that the bigger vehicle will always give way, that is not really the case and cyclists are sometimes rather hard to spot for the bigger vehicles.

[nuah.livejournal.com]

Bikes: Body protecting the metal.
Cars: Metal protecting the body.

Also, to many drivers, bikes are so small that sometimes they are just "invisible".