I've been pretty hardcore about bike commuting over the past two years. Rain or shine, snow or summer, had no issue riding 55 miles round trip 5 days a week when I worked in another city.

I wear my high viz helmet every ride. I use two 60 lumen tail lights, one strobe one steady. Two headlights, 750 lumens steady 200 lumens strobe. Every article of clothing I wear is neon orange or neon yellow, and has reflective decals. I use reflective ankle straps. I signal every turn and lane change, respect all stop signs and traffic lights, and try to avoid confrontations in general.

At my last job I even added 7 miles to my commute each way to try to make my route as safe as possible, utilizing bike lanes and low speed limit roads as best as my city allows me to.

Recently I gave it up.

The drivers here are really antagonistic towards cyclists, which is my main issue. Its incredibly rare for me to be able to go a single 10 mile commute without feeling like my life is in danger. Every single day I would get multiple passes with only 8 to 12 inches of clearance. I'd have people ride my rear wheel and lay o the horn instead of using the next lane over. I have people throw things at me. Cut me off intentionally so I have to slam on my brakes.

I report every blatant infraction I film on my go pro to the police. After doing that for two years I have yet to hear about anything being done with those videos, and I've never even received a response back.

The worst part is I got hit by a car a few months ago. Completely their fault. I had all my bright lights on, was in the far right lane in a reasonable position laterally, straight line, totally predictable. Got the whole thing on video with my go pro. Well, I've got a stack of medical bills 3 inches thick, combined over 15,000$. Got a 1000$ road bike completely demolished. Been in the talks with his insurance company since the accident with nothing to show for it. In the meantime my credit is getting ****ed and I had to buy a new bike out of pocket (That I plan to sell).

Its sad feeling like I have to give up something I love, but I genuinely feel that is my only option until I can move. I can't shake the feeling that I'm going to be in another accident with how recklessly people drive around here. Being a father I don't think its a responsible decision to put my enjoyment over my safety.

Kind of ironic. I got a screaming deal on my CF road bike because the guy I bought it from was a father in my same situation. He sold his road bikes and kept his mountain bikes. I think I'm going down the same road :/