How dangerous is biking?

Accidents happen but I do notice an awful lot of cyclists riding right on the fog/lane line. If I am driving close to it I could hit many of them with my mirror and still be in my lane...that is just stupidity on the cyclists part. However, no matter how careful you are while riding a bike you are going to be passed by thousands of cars and one is bound to make a mistake sooner or later (and that is assuming that you don't make a mistake somehow and make the odds even worse).

A few daredevil tris I know - believe they are invincible-wear black clothing with no reflectors at 5 in the morning. I almost hit one two different days on the way to practice as he flew through the red light as he went straight and I turned right on red. Luckily, I stopped at the red and looked both ways but I barely saw him in time, as he flew past me. Another morning he was coming from a different direction, again flying through a red light. I later told him he needs reflectors and that I almost hit him. He was pissy and said he's fine. I know several others like that. I'm surprised there are not more accidents.

Oh no, we agree again, scyfreestyler, rock on, Killer!

biking can be very dangerous if you do it long enough you will crash and or hit a car, get road rash and maybe break something or several things I have several friends who cycle. All of them have crashed, several of them have crashed into cars. that's the beauty of swimming, no road rash. I think 2 cyclists have been killed in austin this year. A friend of mine's dad died on his bike this year when a car hit him Car drivers aren't looking for cyclists. A guy I swam with manages Lance Armstrong, several years ago a guy was in his office and asked him, How much do you make a year from lance? Is his safety important to you? How much would it cost a year to give him a car escort when he's training? Would it be worth it? so from that point on lance had a car escort him on most training rides. ~ ~ ~ the other problem is having an accident out in the middle of nowhere miles from medical help or a hospital Ande Originally posted by Allen Stark I just found out a good friend's sister was killed training for a Triathelon. She was biking in the morning and hit by an SUV. One of our Oregon swimmers was similarly killed earlier this year. Every time I read about a Triathlete it seems somewhere in the story they had to spend a year recovering from when they were hit by a car. Is this as common as it seems? I don't know what we can do,but it seems we should do something.

Originally posted by trout Matt, If a cyclist is biking at or near the fog line, you are required by law to slow down, and stay behind the cyclist until you can pass safely (a minimum of 3 ft is required by some municipalities- more is better). If you remain in "your" lane, and an accident occurs, you are legally at fault (not that it does the cyclist any good at this point). Please drive and bike with consideration for others. That is all fine and good but why on earth would a cyclist ride the fog line when there is a paved shoulder that is close to 3 feet wide and paved? I see this all the time and it makes me furious. I drive on a 2 lane highway several times a week and if the choice is to go head on with another car or to take out a cyclist, the opposing car is not going to be hit. I don't ride anymore but when I did I made darn sure to give cars as much room as possible on any road. If there was a paved shoulder I would ride as far to the right as possible while still being on pavement. Why stay to the left and place yourself in danger?

knelson, I didn't mention traffic signals to the tri because I already knew that (in his mind) rules don't apply to him. (or his tri buddies)

Originally posted by aquageek Oh no, we agree again, scyfreestyler, rock on, Killer! My heavens! What is this world coming to?!! :D

Originally posted by aquageek well over half the cyclists either wear zero reflective clothing or have lights that are half burnt out. My ex-boyfriend was a big road and mountain biker. Even with reflective clothing, lights, and knowing and abiding by traffic laws, he was broadsided by a lil' old lady one night. The hood was hot due to the amount of time she had been driving and seared off his shorts, burning his skin. In any case, he was a well-seasoned biker and had seen the worst of accidents, bruises, scrapes, and broken bones, but he could never have controlled nor predicted the actions of the person behind the wheel. Dangerous? Sure, but what are you all going to do--not bike and not push yourself because you're scared? Surely, you might live longer, but will you enjoy it?! :confused:

I know of one that happened this weekend. She was bike training and someone blew a stop sign at 35mph. Hit her broadside. Luckily she hit the hood, rolled up over the windshield and was thrown into the ditch about 100 feet later. I say Luckily because she has no apparent injuries other than the bumps and bruises. They are still assessing internal organs however so be sure to say a few good words for her.

Originally posted by flipper79 I later told him he needs reflectors and that I almost hit him. You should have also told him to start obeying traffic signals. I've got nothing againsy cyclists, and I'm sure the majority are following the rules, but I see plenty who think stop signs and traffic lights don't apply to them.