Originally Posted by
silmarillion
Brian must be outta pot again...
Yeah, yeah...We've all heard about how risk-free and rosy riding bikes in Long Beach is.
This forum is advocacy and safety.
Really?
What do you equate "advocacy" to? Who makes better SPD sandals? Carbon vs. Ti vs. Steel vs. Aluminum?
What do you limit "safety" to? Proper inflation, good hydration, not taking the reflector thingys off of your spokes?
C'mon dude, you gotta be able to envision that these threads are used just as much to educate the public at large, as well as promoting safer, more aware riding possibilities. Sometimes the threads may wander off topic a bit, or may be a little graphic...but if it makes people who DO ride in more "sporting" traffic scenarios a little more cautious and possibly saving a life. It's worth it.
My answer to you question is yes to both. Unfortunately, I know more people now who have been killed on bikes by cars, than people who have died in them as a result of their own, or someone else.
Your own advice is the best for those who aren't interested in the inherent risks. Those who wish to think that cycling anywhere in the world is just as safe and care-free as it is on a Long Beach MUP.
I equate advocacy with promotion. How can you promote something that you (falsely, by any definition) paint as something that will definatelly maim or kill you, or something that requires protective head gear prior to attempting?
Really, advocacy is showing people how safe cycling actually is. It is the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. It is showing people that there are safer ways, healthier ways, and cheaper ways to get around than their autommobiles (which are both actively and passively through poison exhaust killing millions). It is getting more cyclists out there, which makes it safer and healthier for all of us out there.
How again would you define advocacy?