Originally Posted by
cyccommute
I don't include right hooks and merging errors in with run down type of accidents for the simple fact that I don't consider them as "accidents". If a motorist runs over a bicycle from directly behind, I can see it as being inattentive and truly an accident. The motorist isn't blameless but it's still an accident. A right hook or merger "accident" is a decision by the motorist to pass the bicycle and turn in front of them. That isn't an "accident" but a blatant move by the motorist. .
Motorist "intent" is not a factor when measuring risk for cyclists; except for those who wish to redefine the commonly understood language to fit their own agenda (or whatever is the reason they may wish to downplay the significance of specific cycling accident scenarios.)
Originally Posted by
cyccommute
By the statement "At least not from what I see here," I didn't mean here as in the Bike Forums but physically here in Denver. Sorry for the confusion. However, I find the posters here on the Bike Forums to be about as representative in terms of riding styles and equipment as the mix in the Denver Metro area.
You mean in Denver Metro area there are few cyclists who are less than 21 or are students that are not also wrapped up in cycling exotica? Ya mean a very high percentage of Denver Metro area cyclists belong to cycling clubs, and are usually seen wearing helmets, bicycling unique clothing and pedal-shoe combinations on LBS sourced bikes, or ride various enthusiast specials like dropped handlebar road bikes, recumbants and fixies? Ya mean few Denverites ride low cost bikes sold at the various xmart/department stores?
Ya mean few Denver cyclists only ride short distances or only ride around their own neighborhood or in the parks on the weekend? If so BF cyclists, especially the commuting forum would be pretty representative of the Denver Metro area cyclist population.
Somehow, I am guessing that the Denver Metro Area cyclists you see that closely fit the BF poster profile may not represent all of the Denver Metro area.