I get this all the time from friends and colleagues who see me suiting up to commute by bike in wintertime.

"Don't get yourself killed out there!"

I'm sure it is meant constructively, though there is also a twinge of nobody-in-their-right-mind-would-do-that-you-are-putting-yourself-at-unnecessary-risk.

It happens so often that I'm starting to reply with "funny, I hadn't thought of it that way" or just biting my lip and smiling.

What's a more graceful way to respond?

"excellent suggestion"

I usually say something like "As long as everyone plays by the rules, I'll be OK.".

I usually just say **** you! It have the secondary effect of letting the person know you're classy.

"Okay... and don't YOU go killing anybody out there, either!"

" But, I was planning on killing myself! "

"I live my life a quarter mile at a time!"

I usually respond with something along the lines "yeah, you too" to subtly imply that driving is actually kind of dangerous too. As I'm leaving work, I get "Be safe!" a lot. I always reply with "you too!"

From a famous Barbossa's quote:

"Dying is a day worth living for."

graceful response to "don't get yourself killed out there" ...?

I think most people are surprised by bike commuters and try to say the first thing that comes to mind, so their comments might be well-meaning, but they may or may not be overly concerned. Something like asking, "How are you doing?". Nonetheless I take them at their word, and don't get flippant or argumentative. Basically I try to reassure them by telling of my own safety concerns, mostly that I have a pretty safe route (which as mtalinm knows I do), or I have good lights, studded tires, etc. Only one casual acquaintance who is otherwise pretty friendly seemed angry at me for riding in winter (only) but we have reconciled.

Some people do look at it from their point of view that they would be the one to suffer if they were to hit a cyclist, especially if not of their own fault, e.g. the cyclist slid into them or wasn't wearing lights at night. Again I express that I share their concerns. I once was really chewed out in such a way by someone who occasionally sees me en route, about having a dim rear light. I really took his argument to heart, and now even wear two rear blinkies.

Finally, mtalinm, you may have read/heard about the article written in the Boston Globe Sunday Magazine of January 23 by well-known columnist Bella English, Crossroads; A bike crash sends the rider on an unexpected course. It's a wrenching story of her bike crash (not a vehicular collision) and her now four-month long recovery. So prepare to hear about that, it's so currrent. I missed seeing the article myself and a close colleague insisted that I read it, with no further comment otherwise:

https://proquest.umi.com.ezproxy.bpl....838781&RQT=309

I get the "be safe out there" comment now and then. I take it as them just being concerned for my well being and that's a good thing. I just say "I will" and leave it at that. A lot of discussion in our own commuting forum revolves around safety issues and how to deal with them. Isn't it natural that folks outside BF would have their own concerns about the safety of commuting by bike?

Anyway, folks may or may not think I'm crazy but I'm going to do it regardless of what they think. They're going to believe what they believe regardless of what I say. There's no reason to turn a well meaning comment into a pointless discussion. I've been doing this for years and I'm not the only one in the office that does.

Other people who work in the building (but not in my office) usually have more questions and comments about riding in the winter. I'll point out the studded tires and say that they make a big difference on ice but I don't tell people that riding in snow and ice is a piece of cake because a lot of times it isn't.

Edit: The "don't get killed" comment is a little less subtle than what I usually get so I might tempted to respond to that one with something like: "I have a very safe route" which is true.

Fortunately, I work in a preschool where several of us teachers commute by bicycle regardless of weather. Some of the parents even bring their toddlers in on those back mounted bike seats! I have even had several offers to ride with the parents on long rides when the weather gets warmer. So it is a pretty awesome environment for bike advocacy, which is great. In recent weeks (with the large amounts of snow we are getting), my bosses see me leaving with my bike and say "Have Fun!"

It must be annoying to be in a setting where your peers and bosses do not understand commuting by bicycle. If anyone told me to "not get myself killed" I suppose I would just reply "Why would I try to get myself killed?" It's a silly remark whether it is meant in good nature or used derogatorily. Be safe would be more appropriate, and I tell everyone that regardless of the mode of transportation they are using.

I'd just say "You neither". Driving isn't any safer than cycling.

"Thanks, and be careful you don't kill anybody."

"I'll be sure to stay well clear of your car then."

Thank you and that's all I do. People stop doing that after a while and say something more in line of "be safe", "saferide"...

"I'll do my best."

"we are all going to die". Just don't say it loud in a crowded room.

I'm faced with this same issue often. I just don't know how to respond and instead, just grin and go about my business.

I just had a fat old drunk tell me, as I was leaving the bar the other day, "that's dangerous! I wouldn't do that if I were you." I wanted to reply, "so's sitting at your couch downing 6 packs every night," but held it in.

I think it's funnier when I hear people say "have a safe flight", before I depart on a plane. As if passengers have any control over what the pilot does.

When someone comes out with "be careful out there" or "ride safe" I usually come back with something like, "I'll do my part." I don't think I've heard "don't get yourself killed" though.

"You too!" is always easy and apolitical.

How bout "I'll try not to... this time", or "its already happened before", or "are you trying to tell me something".

"Thanks."

If you're feeling energetic: "Thanks! I try not to..."

There's no reason to go starting a fight because somebody wishes you well.

"So far, so good."