how DANGEROUS is cycling ?
#1
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2009
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how DANGEROUS is cycling ?
Stepping Stones to a Better Cycling Future:
https://www.bicyclinglife.com/Library/SteppingStones.htm
Gary
https://www.bicyclinglife.com/Library/SteppingStones.htm
Gary
#6
Infamous Member
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Ohio
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
The proper question is "How dangerous is the rider?"
Over 4 decades of riding, including regular commuting in traffic, group rides, rec rides, LD rides and even a little racing, I've had maybe a dozen whoopsies, none of which required a trip to the doc or hospital...and I don't wear a helmet.
YMMV - point is that cycling isn't dangerous, but the rider might be.
Over 4 decades of riding, including regular commuting in traffic, group rides, rec rides, LD rides and even a little racing, I've had maybe a dozen whoopsies, none of which required a trip to the doc or hospital...and I don't wear a helmet.
YMMV - point is that cycling isn't dangerous, but the rider might be.
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
#7
A cop I met last week seemed to think that it is very dangerous. He tried to order me onto the sidewalk and was surprised when I informed him that it was illegal to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk where we were. And after a long conversation where he was motionless in the street with his blue lights flashing, he gave up and I continued on my way.
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"He who serves all, best serves himself" Jack London
#8
just keep riding
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 13,560
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From: Milledgeville, Georgia
Bikes: 2018 Black Mountain Cycles MCD,2017 Advocate Cycles Seldom Seen Drop Bar, 2017 Niner Jet 9 Alloy, 2015 Zukas custom road, 2003 KHS Milano Tandem, 1986 Nishiki Cadence rigid MTB, 1980ish Fuji S-12S
Not as dangerous as arguing with cops.
#9
Jes doin my bit for civil disobediance.
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"He who serves all, best serves himself" Jack London
#12
Senior Member


Joined: Jul 2008
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From: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
well, considering you can die instantly or be dragged to pieces leaving body parts along the pavement by a tractor trailer I would say bicycling is quite dangerous. that said, I rode over 2,000 miles last year from Feb - August
#13
Laid back bent rider
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Burien, WA
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro 20
#14
Infamous Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 24,360
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From: Ohio
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
#15
just keep riding
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 13,560
Likes: 44
From: Milledgeville, Georgia
Bikes: 2018 Black Mountain Cycles MCD,2017 Advocate Cycles Seldom Seen Drop Bar, 2017 Niner Jet 9 Alloy, 2015 Zukas custom road, 2003 KHS Milano Tandem, 1986 Nishiki Cadence rigid MTB, 1980ish Fuji S-12S
Nobody gets out of here alive.
#16
Cycling seems to be much safer than sleeping:
https://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/new...icle553275.ece
https://health.dailynewscentral.com/content/view/1461/0
https://www.wellsphere.com/wellpage/s...while-sleeping
https://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/new...icle553275.ece
https://health.dailynewscentral.com/content/view/1461/0
https://www.wellsphere.com/wellpage/s...while-sleeping
#17
Yeah, most people die in bed.
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"He who serves all, best serves himself" Jack London
#18
rebmeM roineS

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,231
Likes: 366
From: Metro Indy, IN
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Poked my finger once on a stray wire from a frayed derailleur cable. Drew blood.
Cycling is very dangerous and people who don't use crimp-on cable ends are crazy and irresponsible.
Cycling is very dangerous and people who don't use crimp-on cable ends are crazy and irresponsible.
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Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
#19
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Beautiful Long Beach California
Bikes: Eddy Merckx San Remo 76, Eddy Merckx San Remo 76 - Black Silver and Red, Eddy Merckx Sallanches 64 (2); Eddy Merckx MXL;
I've always thought of cycling as being dangerous but given that a thousand people die each year from the FLU, I guess it's not so bad.
#20
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: San Jose, CA
Bikes: Bianchi San Remo - set up as a utility bike, Peter Mooney Road bike, Peter Mooney commute bike,Dahon Folder,Schwinn Paramount Tandem
I have a history of heart disease. When I had my heart attack I changed a lot of things about my lifestyle, including using a bicycle to get to and from work each day. I would say that my life expectancy riding the bicycle is better than not riding, so for me, NOT riding a bicycle is too dangerous for me to consider.
#21
Pedals, Paddles and Poles
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 5,495
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From: Vegas Valley, NV
Bikes: Santa Cruz Tallboy, Ridley Noah, Scott Spark 20
Odds have never been a comfort to me. I think I need a couple donuts.
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I think its disgusting and terrible how people treat Lance Armstrong, especially after winning 7 Tour de France Titles while on drugs!
I can't even find my bike when I'm on drugs. -Willie N.
I think its disgusting and terrible how people treat Lance Armstrong, especially after winning 7 Tour de France Titles while on drugs!
I can't even find my bike when I'm on drugs. -Willie N.
#23
Infamous Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 24,360
Likes: 7
From: Ohio
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
#24
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
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Bikes: late 80's bianchi campion d'italia, early 90's trek 2100, early 90's shogun selectra, mid 90's aluminum marin xcMTB, dept. store grade but upgraded columbia double eagle tandem
In and of itself a properly tuned Bicycle has to be one of the safest vehicles on the road today when operated competently. It is generally indifferent to road conditions as far as safe operation goes (excepting snow/ice). you can't hydroplane and its pretty hard to overshoot a corner, at least if you are being marginally careful. How many horror stories do you hear about single vehicle accidents when the only vehicle involved is a bicycle being ridden on the road, and is not the result of catastrophic mechanical failure? can you say the same thing about cars or motorbikes? both of which, by the way, I am Licenced to operate. I am of course taking other road users out of the equation. When you add them, it all comes down to how accomodating the road infrastructure is to cyclists, and how well educated/responsible Drivers are in your area. Where i live, Victoria B.C, a smallish city on canadas west coast, Drivers are generally quite respectful. getting a little sick of the "passing 50 feet right before a stop sign and throwing on the right turn signal" schtick though.





