A question of visibility...
08-23-08, 05:21 PM
#1
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A question of visibility...
...not of the 'to be seen', but the 'situational awareness' kind. I ask because I'm a person with low vision.
My vision is best from the core down and out. Once the vision gets to the 'horizon', then it rapidly degrades. (For example, as I'm sitting at my desk typing on my laptop, I can see the separation of my legs, but can't see the top part of the desk, which is approximately the same height as my head). Relax, the Dr. said it was ok to ride a bike, so long as it wasn't a road bike w/drops.
Which brings me to my question: How is the line of sight on SWB's and tadpole's? Specifically, does spinning the cranks create a blindspot (if any)?
My vision is best from the core down and out. Once the vision gets to the 'horizon', then it rapidly degrades. (For example, as I'm sitting at my desk typing on my laptop, I can see the separation of my legs, but can't see the top part of the desk, which is approximately the same height as my head). Relax, the Dr. said it was ok to ride a bike, so long as it wasn't a road bike w/drops.
Which brings me to my question: How is the line of sight on SWB's and tadpole's? Specifically, does spinning the cranks create a blindspot (if any)?
08-23-08, 06:38 PM
#2
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Ya cant see your front wheel on a SWB. But OTOH...
I took the LAB 'Road I' course a few years back. One exercise we did was for avoidance. We put a sponge (fake rock) on the driving course, and the object was to put the front wheel around one side of it and the back wheel around the other side of it. There were only two cyclists who could do it successfully and consistently: a TourEasy rider and me, on my V-Rex. One of the upright riders who couldn't do it had completed riding from Fairbanks Alaska to the Keys in Florida. Conclusion: I don't think it's a serious issue, because you 'know' where your front wheel is.
I took the LAB 'Road I' course a few years back. One exercise we did was for avoidance. We put a sponge (fake rock) on the driving course, and the object was to put the front wheel around one side of it and the back wheel around the other side of it. There were only two cyclists who could do it successfully and consistently: a TourEasy rider and me, on my V-Rex. One of the upright riders who couldn't do it had completed riding from Fairbanks Alaska to the Keys in Florida. Conclusion: I don't think it's a serious issue, because you 'know' where your front wheel is.
08-23-08, 09:04 PM
#3
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^^That test, was it at speed? 'Cuz if it was, then no DF would be able to do it...
Anyway, I think I may have answered my own question while watching t.v. in my recliner.
Anyway, I think I may have answered my own question while watching t.v. in my recliner.
08-25-08, 12:52 PM
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The cranks spinning are not a problem. You will not see pot holes as soon as you would on an upright.
I find that looking side to side is a little more difficult on a recumbent than an upright probably because I do not have a good range of motion in my neck. No big problem, just a little slower through intersections to be as safe.
I find that looking side to side is a little more difficult on a recumbent than an upright probably because I do not have a good range of motion in my neck. No big problem, just a little slower through intersections to be as safe.
