Took the new bike out this morning.. - Page 2 - cougarguard.com — unofficial BYU Cougars / LDS sports, football, basketball forum and message board

creekster · 04-10-2006, 03:52 PM

I really don't disagree with what Mike says; visibility is enhanced by a group. Can't deny that. My point, to the extent I have one, is that telling a new cyclist to stay away from road riding becasue of the inherent danger of riding solo just isn't supported by the nature of the risk (inattentive drivers) or the statisitics. Group riding or rural road riding is clearly preferrable to city riding, unless you are misanthropic and live in a city, then prudent city riding is fine. Just be careful. If you are careful, don't antagonize cars, always expect all drivers to be idiots that are about to hit you and act accordingly, wear a helmet and pay atteniton, you will almost certaibnly be fine.

Archaea · 04-10-2006, 04:05 PM

Obviously, there is risk, but proper attire and attention to what is happening around one will minimize the risk.

I imagine the risks rise for the new rider, until he learns what is happening around him. The key to city riding is to be firm, yet not aggressive. Remember what they taught you in driver's ed? Defensive driving skills. Defensive riding skills are a must. And groups, once you are comfortable riding together is safer than alone, yet I do a lot of both.

Great job, Paddy boy.

For me, it's not really the traffic, but the speed of the traffic and the width of the side of the rode. The only place where we tend to have problems involve narrow shoulders and high speed traffic. Avoid those areas if you can or until you are more comfortable negotiating traffic.

Remember one thing as well, cars often see right through you, so you must grab the eyes or attention of drivers.

NEVER ever ride without a helmet. I've been hit by cars a few times and one time my life was saved by the helmet. With it, I was only carted to the hospital but walked out fine. Without it, the paramedics said, I'd be dead. (I landed on my head). Get a good one. (PS, take off the visor, they're gay).

bluegoose · 04-10-2006, 05:04 PM

I guess the term "brain bucket" holds new meaning for you now Archaea.

MikeWaters · 04-10-2006, 05:23 PM

I think I have a decent understanding of risk. I rode a motorcycle for 3 years in urban Houston.

In general I tend to try to minimize risk.

For example, my dad's club has a weekly TT. On a highway with light traffic and shoulder.

I rode on the shoulder. Many others rode on the white stripe. Why? Because it is faster and has a little less gravel debris.

They make their choice, I make mine.

04-10-2006, 03:52 PM	#11
creekster Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: the far corner of my mind Posts: 8,711	I really don't disagree with what Mike says; visibility is enhanced by a group. Can't deny that. My point, to the extent I have one, is that telling a new cyclist to stay away from road riding becasue of the inherent danger of riding solo just isn't supported by the nature of the risk (inattentive drivers) or the statisitics. Group riding or rural road riding is clearly preferrable to city riding, unless you are misanthropic and live in a city, then prudent city riding is fine. Just be careful. If you are careful, don't antagonize cars, always expect all drivers to be idiots that are about to hit you and act accordingly, wear a helmet and pay atteniton, you will almost certaibnly be fine. __________________ Sorry for th e tpyos.

04-10-2006, 04:05 PM	#12
Archaea Assistant to the Regional Manager Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: The Orgasmatron Posts: 24,338	Obviously, there is risk, but proper attire and attention to what is happening around one will minimize the risk. I imagine the risks rise for the new rider, until he learns what is happening around him. The key to city riding is to be firm, yet not aggressive. Remember what they taught you in driver's ed? Defensive driving skills. Defensive riding skills are a must. And groups, once you are comfortable riding together is safer than alone, yet I do a lot of both. Great job, Paddy boy. For me, it's not really the traffic, but the speed of the traffic and the width of the side of the rode. The only place where we tend to have problems involve narrow shoulders and high speed traffic. Avoid those areas if you can or until you are more comfortable negotiating traffic. Remember one thing as well, cars often see right through you, so you must grab the eyes or attention of drivers. NEVER ever ride without a helmet. I've been hit by cars a few times and one time my life was saved by the helmet. With it, I was only carted to the hospital but walked out fine. Without it, the paramedics said, I'd be dead. (I landed on my head). Get a good one. (PS, take off the visor, they're gay). __________________ Ἓν οἶδα ὅτι οὐδὲν οἶδα

04-10-2006, 05:04 PM	#13
bluegoose Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Northern California Posts: 2,919	I guess the term "brain bucket" holds new meaning for you now Archaea.

04-10-2006, 05:23 PM	#14
MikeWaters Demiurge Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 36,365	I think I have a decent understanding of risk. I rode a motorcycle for 3 years in urban Houston. In general I tend to try to minimize risk. For example, my dad's club has a weekly TT. On a highway with light traffic and shoulder. I rode on the shoulder. Many others rode on the white stripe. Why? Because it is faster and has a little less gravel debris. They make their choice, I make mine.