Cycling UK Forum

well said meic

Hi,

A few years ago now, but the brother of an old friend was hit on the back of his head by the wing mirror of a passing lorry. He ended up in a coma for some time before dying. It was an open road with no extenuating circumstances as I recall. The driver just didn't leave enough space!

I notice on page 6 of the posts someone mentioned high viz stuff. According to one accident site I found, googling, a large proportion of accidents involving cyclists and motor vehicles were because the vehicle driver didn't see the cyclist. I think I'll wear my high viz vest more often than my helmet from now on. Especially at night. IMO I get given more clearance at night with one on too. I'd rather be missed in the first place than suffer the consequences of quibbling over the injuries I might or might not have received had I been wearing a helmet.

It is a lot less hassle, cheap and fits into a small space in my bag too. And doesn't upset hair-do's.

Or how about flags.......maybe not!

I have spent too much time reading all these threads and felt I'd like to add something as a female, middle aged cyclist, but definitely not glamourous.

I have cycled all my life and I have a very assertive style and yes, I have had some very worrying moments on my bike involving close shaves. It has not put me off but I have heard the "it's too dangerous" argument from my non-cycling friends. I can't think of a counter to this to encourage them. I have even tried looked at the cycling accident figures on various web sites but these are rather crude and don't include gender or miles travelled. So I wouldn't feel able to reassure them or indeed warn them off!

On another point, no-one has mentioned encouraging the use of electric assist bikes by "non" cyclists. I took my nano fitted Brompton to the Bike Blenheim Palace event yesterday and had a great time, along with LOTS of others, including many women. I went round the whole course in top gear with no sweat at all. Several people asked about the bike. And you should have seen the looks of amazement on their faces when I showed them what it could do. After having a go two women said they wanted one! One of the big reasons for anyone not cycling as a normal everyday thing is our geography. With an electric assist I get the benefits of enjoying a ride to the shops (or wherever) and back up a huge hill home without getting sweaty, just nice and warm. If we are keen to encourage others who are not fit enough or think they are not fit enough to enjoy cycling then even the purists should give them serious consideration. I have two and I cycle far more regularly, quicker and further because of them.