Advocacy & Safety - Fatality in Virginia Beach, VA

http://hamptonroads.com/2009/04/beach-cyclists-rally-mourn-loss-push-safer-roads

You should see some of the comments on here. It's no wonder that I feel like I'm taking my life into my hands every time I get out on my bike here in Richmond, where I'm sure the attitudes are similar to some of those expressed on this site.

wow. that's really close to me. i'm in norfolk right now. that's too bad

I hate reading the comments sections on stories like these. It makes me lose faith in humanity (as if I needed another excuse). It's just full of "I once saw a cyclist run a stop sign, so all cyclists should die".

I hate reading the comments sections on stories like these. It makes me lose faith in humanity (as if I needed another excuse). It's just full of "I once saw a cyclist run a stop sign, so all cyclists should die".

It's a shame that these superfluous eaters are allowed to own and drive cars.

I lived in VB for 12 years. I would not ride on Shore Drive either, or Witchduck Road for that matter. I didn't even like driving on them. They have 45 and 55 mph limits and are busy, have lots of turning traffic, are poorly maintained, and narrow in may places. In fact, it is generally safer to ride on busy Long Island streets then on any road in VB from my memory.

As for the comments, I was actually surprised at how many were positive towards the biker.

Everyone has a big mouth on the interweb. Karma comes around.

The comments to that story are tame compared to what I would expect in my newspaper. Maybe because someone died people toned down the usual hate and spew.

Interesting idea...it'll never happen, but interesting nonetheless:


Courageous in Cages? (2)
Submitted by Raamster on Mon, 04/27/2009 at 11:53 pm.

If the nearly universal right of passage of learning how to drive a motor vehicle was preceded by learning to be a vehicle via a bicycle, our adult population would be much more comfortable with other adults on bikes. As things are now there is nearly no shared experience, and the encounters are rare and unexpected. Most drivers are looking out for other car-sized objects, and really don't "see" anything smaller. If they had been on a bicycle as an adult, they would have a far greater chance of expecting and recognizing a rider. Before impact.

Have an impact of your own, and promote "Pre-Driver's Ed" using bicycles.

Meanwhile, we ride for our lives, and the quality of your kids lives, too!

I think bike riders should obey the laws and clean up their own driving before they critize me. Usually when I see a bike rider on a street, I brace because I have no idea what they will do next.
You want new revenue....make the riders have a license to ride a bike and register that. If there's as many a the letter writers imply, it would bring in $$$BILLIONS$$.
Missyonshoredrive should get a day job. She spends too much time writing to people who have no effect or really care about this problem. Only our glorious politicians can do anything we're complaining about.



What an idiot, how does that have anything to do with someone dieing. I feel sorrow for the family of the deceased. And no, cyclists should not need "cycling" licenses.

Moving to Advocacy & Safety.

The comments to that story are tame compared to what I would expect in my newspaper. Maybe because someone died people toned down the usual hate and spew.
I live in the area and the comments are timid compared to a story that ran last summer on cyclists "hogging the road" in the southern rural end of Va Beach (Pungo). Since there was a fatality and the fact that he was a former Seal in a heavy military region kept the comments down.
Why do cagers think that all cyclists are "Lance-wannabees".

I hate reading the comments sections on stories like these. It makes me lose faith in humanity (as if I needed another excuse). It's just full of "I once saw a cyclist run a stop sign, so all cyclists should die".

Since they already hate you, are you still stopping for the signs and lights?

Those comments just empower me to make decisions based upon reality regarding preserving my life an limb while biking. No one is looking out for you. The driver was probably texting when he/she heard a thump. WHATwuzTHAT???

Interesting idea...it'll never happen, but interesting nonetheless:

For a long time, I have strongly advocated that every able-bodied individual applying for a driving permit first complete a Road I course from a licensed cycling instructor. Some "road work" as a pedestrian, particularly near the mouths of freeway access ramps, would be a major plus, as well.

http://hamptonroads.com/2009/04/beach-cyclists-rally-mourn-loss-push-safer-roads

You should see some of the comments on here. It's no wonder that I feel like I'm taking my life into my hands every time I get out on my bike here in Richmond, where I'm sure the attitudes are similar to some of those expressed on this site.

That is why I don't take any garbage from motorists.

If it is a two-lane blacktop with a double yellow line, I force them into the oncoming lane. Not to create an accident. But, To make sure they don't cause one by passing me too close.

If it is a four-lane blacktop with a double yellow line, I force them, to have to pass me, just like passing another motorist.

That way, in both cases, I know they won't be passing to close.