Have you ever participated in a "Ride of Silence"? Takes place each year and it's to honor those injuried or killed by automobile. If you haven't try to seek one out. Last year the one here in OC had like 2000 riders. No one talking, all riding in single line in order to raise driver awareness of cyclists.

I think we need to be aware. I hate to say, but like in my club, it is usually the older riders who go down and have accidents. As we get older we may not be able to do all the fast, crazy stuff we did when we were young. Our reflexes have slowed down. Plus we don't heal as well. If you need a reminder why, like a fatality story, then so be it.

I have this thing while out riding. If I see a cop car and fire truck, I just automatically think it's a cyclist. After having a very serious accident myself (actually several) I've learned to slow down and ride more cautiously.

It's never easy to hear of these things but it's necessary.