When I listen to the traffic reports in the morning, I have to shake my head. It seems like every day at least one expressway is fouled up because of a wreck. Would you go on an amusement park ride if the safety record included multiple injuries every week? How about if that ride was practically guaranteed to kill one or more of its riders every month? Yet people drive on expressways without a second thought.

Me, I do think twice, then drive on the expressway anyways. I can't be paralyzed by fear. If I can acknowledge the risks, I can take steps to minimize them. The same applies to bike riding.

I suppose it is too easy to ignore the dangers of automobile travel because it feels safe, as much as it is too easy to overestimate the dangers of bicycle travel.

[edit] After re-reading, this post seems more pessimistic that I really am. What I'm getting at is, bikes ain't so bad compared to cars! Have fun.