I'm sure there will be arguments among dedicated cyclists about some of the suggestions in this story by Chicago Tribune writer Julie Deardorff, "Staying safe while biking in traffic," but there are good suggestions as well.
Even I dispute her figures on helmet use and cycling safety: head injuries are responsible for three-quarters of cycling fatalities? I've tracked cycling fatalities for four years now, and it seems that helmets wouldn't have helped in a significant percentage of accidents. I think they limit injury in many circumstances, but when a cyclist is hit from behind by a transport truck at highway speeds, a helmet is no help.
The good suggestions? One was, Don't cycle drunk. Because I cycle commute at night, I see a lot of wobbly cyclists who thought they would avoid driving home from the bar drunk and take their bikes instead. It is true that in Ontario, you can't be charged with drunk driving on a bicycle. But you can be charged with drunk and disorderly, drunk in a public place, and so on. If you want to get hammered, take a cab home.
The advice on roadway visibility is good, especially the info about white T-shirts viewed against the sun (they go invisible).
And Deardorff has a blunt assessment of the motoring public: "Assume drivers are blind. Also, assume car drivers are drunk and multitasking..."
Best to assume that you have to be vigilant, and look out for yourself.
I don't like reading 'as close as possible to the right' either. Straight up bad advice.
Posted by: Rob | 07/29/2011 at 07:44 PM
I agree with Bill's assessment and go one further. This is one of the most pragmatic safety and common sense lists I have encountered in awhile. The rear ender is unfortunately the lottery exit..fortunately rare but definitely likely final. The writer has given much careful thought to her list. The last lens which she provides as the master rule is the one I have lived by for the past 50 years and it has kept me alive sofar on motorcycles and bicycles. Assume you are not seen until there is evidence(eye contact verification) you have, then assume the driver is drunk or texting. Stop saying to yourself that driver or "blah, blah" "should" have done this or that. Stop if you are not sure, even if it is irritating. I can remember coming to almost a halt many times on back roads on the motorcycle when cars nosed out onto the road then stopped. Drivers frequently got very annoyed because they were oblivious to the illegality and threat of their aggressive posture and it's potential implications. Make bicycling a non contact sport especially with cars but also with all other road users as well. ARRIVE ALIVE !
Posted by: Frank Xavier | 07/30/2011 at 05:44 AM
As an ex-cyclist (arthritic stiffness knocked me out), I am appalled at the terrible riding that I see. In the past week I saw I two cyclists ride through stop signs and enter a busy road. I saw two cyclists ride on sidewalks and through a crosswalk with hardly a look to either side and without slowing down. Yesterday, at William and Caroline a cyclist blew through a red light, and another cyclist travelling on the wrong side of the ride turned left into incoming traffic.
Well, folks, it is simple. You are not alone and even responsible drivers cannot take into account foolhardy behaviour.
Posted by: Peter | 08/01/2011 at 10:09 AM
To Rob,
Given that most of my riding has been on the road, the advise to stay as close as possible to the right has probably saved my life half a dozen times. Though I hate going there, if it isn't necessary and I don't hesitate to take the whole lane if I deem it necessary , if there is no bicycle lane and no reason not to be in the center portion(such as potholes, grates, other dangerous obstacles...where exactly to you suggest cyclists ride while using the public roads if there is not a marked cycling lane ? your comment offers little insight to your reasoning. Please clarify.
Posted by: Frank Xavier | 08/02/2011 at 10:03 PM