Originally Posted by
merider1
I'm just piping up today as I represent the type of cyclist who will go out and ride a double century in the dark on roads I don't even know, yet I'll avoid riding in rush hour in and out of Glendale and Sherman Oaks. Go figure. I guess being a motorist myself and knowing how impatient I am trying to get either to work or home, I fear being in that insanity on my little bike, exposed, and there is a part of me that is bummed about that. As I've said now more than once, I
wish I could commute...but I cannot for the reasons I've stated.
I think this is a false sense of security, though. Recreational cyclists often feel safer when they're with a group or in a bike lane or on a MUP, or away from congestion. But accidents happen in those conditions too, and I would suspect, with more serious consequences.
There's always going to be an activity that is more dangerous than the next. Someone who doesnt' leave the house, could argue that simply being on your bike, no matter what the motor vehicle traffic conditions, is suicidal. Do what you're comfortable with. But, just like driving a car, a cyclists isn't completely at the mercy of the ragin' cager and a good rider can mitigate the risks.