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I have started hating riding solo in my area. Too much traffic close to home to get anywhere safe. But I've always dealt with it.

But I just found out that a friend gets hit riding solo and lays up in a hospital with pins in his leg. Who ever hit him just took off. They never caught him/her.

I just rode with the guy on Monday. He’s an older gent who's getting back into the sport and really making some ground. First ride with us he was dropped constantly- and soon had to bow out. Now he seldom gets dropped and stays the whole ride. Great improvements.

This scares me. And this is why I ride with a group near my workplace. Lighter traffic, better roads, people there to help and watch your back.

I'm starting to second guess my 20 mile loop at home I'm planning tonight. I'm thinking of waiting til tomorrow to group ride after work if I can get a "dog-taker-outer" so my pouch won't crap the house up.

Also, let's pray for this gent. His leg is gonna really be hurting - and his spirits too.
Thanks.

chroot

Without knowing more about how your friend got hit, there's really nothing anyone can say with regards to your safety in the same area. There certainly are drivers who are out to hit cyclists, but there are also many cyclists who don't know how to ride safely in traffic. Either can result in bodily harm.

You are correct, however, than choosing a good time and a bike-friendly route are critical components of a good risk-mitigation strategy.

- Warren

rufvelo

All the best to your friend.

These stories are always bad to hear, gives everyone an uneasy feeling.

If still nervous on the road, alter your route accordingly, ride on a bike trail exclusively, until you overcome it. No point in unduly stressing over what should be an enjoyable activity.

furiousferret

Next year they are finishing a bike trail in my area. Right now its 3.5 miles, but next summer it will be at least 17 miles (27 depending on the other county) one way.

I'm seriously considering just riding it exclusively. I put alot of time into my routes and I try to avoid streets without bike lanes or streets where cars go 50+ mph. Still, if you are on the road, you can get hit. I am a firm believer that cyclists need to avoid certain roads, you have the right to ride them, but its not in your best interest to ride them...

reneuend

I agree. The road next to me has no shoulders and traffic moves very fast on it. I tried riding on it once because I didn't have to load my bike in the car, but there just isn't any way to be safe on it. Now, I drive a mile to a park to start my daily workout ride on quieter roads.

msheron

I ride all populated heavily traveled roads so I don't understand the fear. I am cautious mind you. My home ride is a 24 miler along the river road where the county landfill is that is heavily traveled by very large dump trucks and trash trucks. My other scenic route is the BRP which is a constant tourist attraction.

I can't win. So I bike and am cautious!

Golf XRay Tango

I haven't had to deal with something like this in cycling yet, but I do understand the fear.

I watched two friends die in a plane crash last year. I had about 100 hours in that plane, so it would have been easy to draw the conclusion that it could have been me, and that I should give up flying.

It wasn't easy to go back up there. In the end, I had to realise that the risks were the same before that accident as they are now. Seeing it happen makes the risks seem a little more real, but I've always known that it can happen. I've also always known that it usually doesn't happen.

In cycling and in flying, accidents are usually very serious. We have to keep in mind that they are still extremely rare, and that we can adopt an attitude and practices that significantly reduce the risks.

I know the situations are different, but the emotional turmoil is the same. I hope this helps.