Originally Posted by
2wheelcommute
I take solace in know that, as scary as the idea of getting hit seriously is, statistically, it's extremely rare especially if you do everything you can to ride safely. I've personally known at least half a dozen people who have died in car accidents over the years (and I'm pretty young), and I'd imagine I'm fairly typical. But no one really lets this realization stop them from driving.
This is the big one for me. Statistically, it MUCH safer to commute by bike than riding a motorcycle and that's before you adjust the numbers for riders at night with no lights, going the wrong way and other risky behaviors. Cold numbers dont always help much with feelings, but I really believe cycling is pretty safe. I know a few who have died in the last couple of years and one that is in a coma now from car accidents. There are no guarantees in life no matter your mode of transportation.
Pick routes you feel comfortable with. When I first started riding, I rode mostly trails and neighborhood streets. As my comfort level increased, I ventured onto less-traveled roads more and more. I still avoid busy streets with fast-moving traffic, but I am not as timid as before. Find a safer route and give yourself time to work through what you are going through.
Very sorry to hear about your coworker, I hope he recovers fully.