Fatal Bike Collision
 

Two cyclists collided head-on last night on my usual MUP - a 7 mile loop around Lake Shawnee in Topeka, KS. The 58 year old man is in serious condition with head and face injuries. The 54 year old woman died. No helmets. What a bizarre and tragic thing. You all be careful out there this weekend.

I hate reading things like this. How sad! Yes, let's be careful out there!

I almost hit a cyclist riding on the left hand side of the road a few weeks ago. I came around a blind corner and there he was, no helmet, listening to music and tripping out. I yelled at him as we approached -- to help avoid a collision -- and he called me an a-hole.

Whenever we talk about the danger of cycling, cars are usually painted as the villians, but I think that many cyclists bring much of it on themselves with their arrogant attitude.

I never know WHAT to do with the cyclist who's coming right me, on my side of the street, in traffic. I usually stay far to the right and let HIM move into oncoming traffic. Then, as we pass, I treat him to one of my patented verbal lessons on safe cycling, and move on.

Man, I hate hearing things like that. I met a guy last month that told me they have been having a lot of wrecks on the path where I use to go. He really didn't know why, he just said a lot of new riders.

I give them the look.

Just awful.

In this town, on a given day, I observed more cyclist on the wrong side of the street than VC.
How are the motorist supposed to look out for these cyclist? They (and I) have enough trouble looking for cars running red lights, going through stop signs, kids and pedestrians. Now they (and we) need to look on both sides of the streets for occasional cyclists.
Same goes for MUP's. Very often someone bikes on the wrong side. A blind curve, inattention, fast cyclists and kids are all in danger from these geniuses.

Most folks seem to ride as badly as they drive. Be careful out there.