nashcommguy

Never really give it much thought. I started riding in Chicago years ago and was young and dumb enough to be fearless. Now I'm more experienced, have a better skillset and much better equipment, so the thought still doesn't occur to me. But, the funny thing is that's the first question people ask. "Aren't you afraid of being killed?" "No." "Well, I would be."

You seem to have your route down afa where the danger points are and things like that. It's a step aside from the bulk of society, but you've got your reasons for even starting. Just remember what they were and don't let fear rule your life.

wolfchild

I try not to think about death. There are hundereds of ways to get killed in this world other then through cycling. Fear is what prevents a lot of people from living their lives to it's fullest potential. But what is fear ? FEAR = False Evidences Appearing Real... in other words most of the fears that people have is just some imaginary scenarios of what might happen.

mister

A few years ago, a really good friend of mine died when he was hit by a truck while riding his motorcycle. A couple years ago, another friend died after losing control of his motorcycle on a freeway overpass (he flew over the rail, landed on the freeway below then got hit by a car). Now, I know that's not the same thing as a bicycle, but I don't let it stop me for a minute. Everyone was saying how terrible it was that they died and started advocating against motorcycles. They way I look at it is they went out doing exactly what they loved doing. I consider them lucky for the way they went out.

Just remember, "Courage is fear holding on a minute longer." - Gen. Patton

azesty

I am afraid that I will die when not commuting!

z

exile

I never rode in NYC so I don't really know how bad it is. I used to ride through White Plains and parts of Yonkers, however this was before the explosion of cell phones. I actually feel safer with more traffic than with less. It causes people to pay more attention. I still stay alert regardless. I just can't control what other people are going to do.

no motor?

Mine too. Just as it was on the motorcycle in full gear.

agarose2000

If you're not constantly worrying about getting killed by an errant car, you're not paying enough attention to the road.

Not saying you should obsess and stop riding because of it, but it's reality - your biggest danger out there on the road isn't you, but it's the cars. Fortunately, odds are much likelier you'll get killed in your car vs killed on your bike.

But still, take every reasonable precaution, especially in nonoptimal conditions like darkness, wetness, and no shoulder areas with high speed traffic.

FunkyStickman

I'm part Viking, so fear of dying has no meaning to me.

akohekohe

+1 This is the most intelligent post in this whole thread and it was the second one. BTW I've also commuted in Newark and in addition Chicago's South Side, it cracks me up to no end that people here in Hawaii actually think there are dangerous neighborhoods on O'ahu ... people just don't get it when I tell them the dangerous neighborhoods are the ones where you don't see any police ('cause the police are scared to go there) because we don't have any neighborhoods like that here.

hairnet

it's true. We don't have to deal with impatient crazies caught in the gridlock

Sundance89

I don't mean to hijack this thread, but I'm just curious if this type of accident was legally as clear cut as it is in a car. Almost always if you are hit from the rear by another car the other driver is at fault. No compensation can equate for you almost losing your life, but I hope compensation fell within those same guidelines in this instance.

tsl

At least according to the Daily Fishwrapper, around here what's getting hit most often are buildings. Since I noticed the trend earlier this summer, several houses, a store, a doctor's office, and yesterday a church have all been hit by cars.

"Honestly officer, I was just driving along and The House of the Lord ran out between two parked cars and before I could stop..."

So I feel much safer on a moving bicycle than I do in a building. At least I can get out of the way.

chipcom 

Unless you are a short-haired, clean-shaven, military looking *****, bra. .

Edit: h a o l e is a banned word....really Tom?

DX-MAN

"Who here is afraid of getting killed while commuting?"

Killed -- nah. I would lose a lot -- my kids, riding, good food, etc.; but I would also be relieved of a lot, too -- having to work, certain family members I can't just kick to the curb yet, having to deal with ghetto BS daily, etc.

Getting SERIOUSLY INJURED -- had that happen, it kinda bugs me a little.

JPprivate

What speaks somewhat against all the extra safety precautions (high-vis clothing, blinkies during the day etc) is the stats that came out of Toronto I believe that found that in 80% or something like that of deadly accidents the drivers were at fault. This is really discouraging, because I always thought being safe out there would make a difference.

The other thing is the 40,000 numbers of fatalities apply to all traffic fatalities. I was never quite able to find out how many drivers actually die. Most stats only report of fatalities caused by motorists (unclear on who's dying - driver, pedestrian struck by car etc.)

Found the Toronto stats: https://www.ibiketo.ca/forum/general/...idents-toronto

GriddleCakes

Local paper greeted me this morning with the following story: Bicyclist struck by boat trailer that separated from pickup. I showed it to my lady and she just winced, expressed sympathy for the cyclist, and told me to ride safe today. Then she shouldered her bike and headed off to work.

Since I'm obviously the stronger and braver of the two of us (as culturally recognized on account of my reproductive bits being external), there's no way I can chicken out and drive to school today. Guess I'll just swallow my fears and saddle up. And chances are good that I'll still enjoy the ride, although I might check the mirror more often than usual.

caloso

My fear is that I'll be killed on the way home from work. Then I'll have done a whole day of work for nothing.

genec

In all my years of driving, I have only been in two collisions... only one of which resulted in any injuries... In all my years of cycling, I have been involved in 3 car/bike collisions, one of which put me in the hospital. I have covered far far more miles in the car than on the bike.... and I have done 10s of thousands of miles on bike.

Cars have become safer since I took up driving... only the helmet has been added to the cycling picture. No matter what, I am far more vulnerable on a bike when I share the road with cars... there is no denying that fact.

Of course I am in vastly better health (than most of my peers) because I do bike.

genec

Amen! Well said. Better to die making that grand descent off some huge mountain you just climbed... go down in a blaze of glory!

chipcom 

I've always said that you were the next (or previous) Jack Handy.

Ruffinit

Nope, not skeer'd for myself anyway. Just for my wife, daughters, grandaughters that would have to live life without me there.

Ride safe ya'll .. Being a 20 year military man, I've come to realize through other's eyes that it's easier to give your life for what you believe in than for them to learn to live without you. But I would do it again to keep them safe.

ianbrettcooper

As Woody Allen would say: "Afraid is the wrong word. I'm frightened of it."

But seriously, I'm afraid enough to take measures to reduce the chances of getting hit, but not enough to stop cycling. I think that's a healthy level of fear.

Anyway, I just read somewhere that cycling is safer than rail travel and a lot safer than riding in a car. The only injury I ever got (so far) was from an accident when I was in a car. So there you go.

QuakerProf

That's the best line so far. Love it.

Grim

Best thing that could happen for my family is me getting made road pizza by some fat cat in a Benzo that they could sue the hell out of. I have three stents in my heart and could kick the butt of most underwriters but life insurance it quite costly for me.


I'm more afraid of Not getting killed and becoming a burden if I get nailed real good.

TheGefish

I'm worried about getting hit, but not about dying. Different priorities for me, my city is also extremely bike friendly. We have bike lanes on every street and countless of bike lanes specifically catered to bikes.