General Cycling Discussion - Cyclists make better drivers

This is a generality, but I believe that children who are trained in responsible vehicular cycling have a head start over the teenager whose first introduction to the road is a fast car. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of teenage deaths in the United States.

The humility that goes with travelling under your own power is an asset to character that teenagers need. The knowledge that goes with that experience is invaluable.

Couple thoughts on this and then I have to hit the hay.

You definitely learn to be more observant of traffic and surroundings as a cyclist.

You learn to make your movement flow on a bike, as opposed to the mat the throttle / stomp the brake mentality of the cage jockey.

These two traits learned as a cyclist will enable you to be a much better automobilist. ;)

I will add that the current way of teaching kids to ride (which I have ranted about elsewhere) is going to lead to considerably poorer drivers in the future.

Chris, I agree with previous opinions about teaching riding
skills. What we as "experienced" riders need to do is
educate the general public as to proper riding techniques
and safety. Its the old Abbie Hoffman (or was it Gerry Rubin?)
statement, "you're either a part of the solution, or part
of the problem" (paraphrased since I don't recall much of
the 70's :lol: )
BTW welcome back, missed your posts.

I think cyclists in general are better drivers in that we
seem to be more curteous (for lack of a better word),
more observant, and more fluid in our driving (which is
what they teach autoracers, police etc.).
If every licensed driver were required to ride at
least 5 miles in traffic a year I'd bet we'd see a dramatic
difference in driver attitude etc.
just my $.02

Marty

Originally posted by lotek
If every licensed driver were required to ride at
least 5 miles in traffic a year I'd bet we'd see a dramatic
difference in driver attitude etc.
just my $.02Marty

You took the words right out of my mouth!

I don't know if cycling has made me a better driver but it has certainly made me more aware of pedestrians and cyclists.

Originally posted by cycletourist
I don't know if cycling has made me a better driver but it has certainly made me more aware of pedestrians and cyclists.

As a fitness walker and cyclist, I'd say that makes you a better driver :thumbup:

Kevin S.

No..NO..NO!

cyclist have this tendency to ride on sidewalks, cut thru alleys, use crosswalks for their own lanes and ride in peletons. You just can't do that in your Oldsmobile!!!!!