Originally Posted by
genec
The basic fact is Force=Mass times Velocity... and the 4000 lb SUV moving at 5MPH is going to impart a lot more force into you than the 200 lb cyclist moving at 15MPH.
Well, there you have it - a complete lack of understanding of physics in everyday life by most people.
If a 4000-lb vehicle with 4 wheels (which makes it stable) strikes a 200-lb two-wheeled (unstable) vehicle, the smaller, more unstable vehicle will get the short end of the stick every time. People just don't seem to realize how little car contact is required to knock down a cyclist.