Originally Posted by
beaconsbeacon
What I'm experiencing for the past few years or so though is that this has had a negative impact on my love of recreational cycling (road specifically). In other words, now that I have an idea of what is "safe" I can't help but feel that when I'm out on the road recreationally, usually on a different bike and therefore different purpose/setup, I just don't feel safe and don't enjoy myself like I used to.
Anyone else experience this too? Does it ever resolve itself? I like mountain biking but where I live I can't hop on my bike right out the door and find a trail.
I carry almost nothing to work, so I ride the same bikes for commuting or recreation. But I do feel more comfortable on my commute, like I belong. Taking my space on the same routes and interacting with the same folks everyday. On solo rec rides not so much. Groups rides are worse, as I can't call my own shots. (when to take the lane, etc.)
Originally Posted by
BobbyG
After 26-years of serious bike commuting I feel safer on road trips. I mostly commute, but I take weekend rides. I have a semi-touring commuter, an old road bike, and a mountain bike based commuter. All have blinkies, reflectors, mirrors and Air-Zound airhorns. And I've been using a glasses-mount Take-A-Look mirror for years.
There is nothing more reassuring than being able to glance up to the left and see approaching vehicles in the mirror. If I am out on the road and I see a vehicle approaching from the rear and there is not enough shoulder to ride on, I pull off into the grass and wait five seconds for the vehicle to pass.
I think back to how I rode care-free and ignorant of traffic growing up in Chicago...and truthfully, I shouldn't be alive.
Although I constantly consider traffic and my part in it, I still find plenty of joy and freedom when riding, even while commuting.
Perhaps some pre-planning can lead you to less traveled roads.
But ultimately I feel the longer one lives, the more one learns about what potential dangers exist in the world, which should lead most people to a more cautious approach to life.
It is just human nature.
Maybe you're alive because cycling isn't nearly as dangerous as so many believe it is?
Agreed on the reassurance a properly adjusted helmet mirror offers... and the positive "safety" effect of plenty of experience.