[oldplayer]

I’m a cyclist, a triathlete and a Freeper. It’s damned dangerous out there. You can’t live forever anyway.

Oldplayer

[Vendome]

Tell me about it.

I use to ride my ten speed up and down Highway 9 between Bolder Creek and Santa Cruz, when I was in High School.

I was once cocked by a driver who matched my speed ten and declared I was going 37 mph. “Huh? Thanks. No big deal...”

Later, in college, I rode between Scotts Valley to Capitola and north Santa Cruz.

I always assumed automobile drivers couldn’t see me, were annoyed by my presence and just plain scared I might get in their way.

That’s why I always rode hard and fast and looked for opportunities to allow them them to pass, as I hugged the road dangerously close to the side of the road.

If I could ride faster than them then I usually had no problem, except foo. that hair pin turn in Felton which could get slippery wet.

When riding on city streets I assumed I was invisible and rode defensively .

What am I gonna do? Fight a 2,500 # battering ram?

Rather live, in peace and good health.

What goes on up in the city is some neauvo arrogance that seeks it own apogee of self importance and imperils everyone.

To those jack asses I say FU.

[Baynative]

Bike Ping

I've been a long time advocate of stronger protections for cyclists and tougher penalties for motor vehicle caused accidents when they are at fault. I also campaigned in lawyer rich California to pass a law requiring tow truck operators to clean up all accident debris and broken glass after a vehicle accident and charge the driver's insurance company. That went nowhere, even with a liberal legislature that could have taxed the invoice.

That said:
Upper level recreational riders, licensed USCF riders and triathletes are usually a cut above most road riders when it comes to personal safety and courtesy concerning vehicles. There are a lot of simple common sense practices that go with keeping ourselves alive.

I am hard pressed to understand riding in a major metropolitan area on high traffic city streets, especially without a group which makes drivers more aware. I'll admit to not being familiar with places like New York. (thank GOD)

But, unless someone is determined to buck traffic for a job commute, I don't understand not racking your bike and driving out of town to train. The scenery is better and how long could that take, anyway?

The author says he lives in San Francisco. I used to ride there quite a bit and never had any trouble getting out past the Marina and across the GG Bridge into Marin County for a Mt. Tam ride or down the Great Highway and out to Pacifica / Highway 1 to hammer in the wind. I think he's blowing smoke about having to ride a trainer in the basement. Maybe articles like this make money when sold to magazines that know no better. Hmmm, I might try a new profession.

[PrivateIdaho]

I’m a cyclist, a triathlete and a Freeper. It’s damned dangerous out there. You can’t live forever anyway.

Ditto! You're the first triathlete I've run into around here, good to know I'm not all alone amongst all the spandex haters ;-}