Surviving The Summer of Splat
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto 
on 07.23.08
There are no hard data yet, but lots more people are out on bikes this summer, and lots more novice cyclists are ending up in hospital. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "Cycling advocates say this could be the Summer of Splat on local roads. Take the area's dearth of bike paths, add aggressive Atlanta motorists, then toss in bikers who haven't been on the roads for decades. Presto — the buns are busting all over town. "We're seeing more people getting hit" by cars, said Dr. John Xerogeanes, chief of sports medicine at Emory's Orthopedic and Spine Center. "There are people crashing and people having trouble because they're starting to ride their bike in the city."
The always useful Bike Commute Tips Blog has some excellent suggestions for introducing yourself to a bicycle:
Know your bicycle. The best way to improve your bicycling safety is simply to bicycle more. Take your bike to a quiet street or park and practice riding. Learn how your bike handles: how it stops, accelerates, turns, and shifts. Gaining confidence in your bicycle handling skills will greatly improve your safety.
Keep it working. Many bicycle crashes result from equipment malfunction. Keep your bike well-maintained and you will avoid many problems.
Pre-ride inspection. Before you ride, give your bike the "ABC Quick Check": Air, Brakes, Crankset, Quick Releases. Make sure your tires are inflated, brakes are good, chain is in the chainrings and cogs, and that quick releases are closed.
Be seen. Ride predictably, with traffic, where drivers can see you. Stay in the traffic lane, maintain a straight line. Never ride against traffic; wrong way cycling is extremely dangerous.
More tips at ::Bike Commute Tips Blog
More on Bike Safety
Freakonomics on Bike Safety
Bike Safety Tips From MP Olivia Chow
Scary Fifties Bloody and Gory Filmstrip on Bike Safety :
It's More Dangerous NOT To Ride a Bike
Objects in mirror...could be saved
Follow @TreeHugger on Twitter & get our headlines with @TH_rss!
Thirsty for more? Check out these related articles:
- Spare Yourself from Road Raging Bike Haters: How to Avoid Anti-Cyclism
- Green Glossary: Planet Bike
- Enter Inhabitat's Pimp My Eco-Ride Contest, Score a Shiny, New Strida
- Be a Green Volunteer in Portland
- Why You Must Bike; Plus, How to Make it Convenient and Enjoyable
- 7 Ways to Create a Bike-Friendly Atmosphere at Work
I'm willing to bet that the against-the-flow riding is the cause in a majority of these accidents. I'm basing this on my own observation seeing too many people running and riding their bikes against the flow of traffic. It's counter-intuitive. People think if they can see the cars coming at them, then it's safer. They don't realize that the drivers don't see the person on the bike until the last possible second. And combine that with the speed of a bike (over speed of jogging) and the time to react decreases dramatically.
I take for granted that "go with the flow" was taught to EVERYONE in elementary school. Apparently not. Believe me people, it's worth it to cross to the other side of the street.
One cause of riding against traffic may be one-way streets commonly found in cities. Not an excuse, but If you're used to walking the city it can be a pain to figure out the traffic patterns.
I got hit by a car yesterday. 6 feet from where I started.
@stradric
No, I think not so much. More accidents are likely caused by the dreaded “right-hook” then a cyclist heading the wrong direction.
As someone who rides year-round (and has been for a long time), I can say this: There are defiantly more accidents during the summer around here. Yes, this is partly due to the fact that there are more riders and thus more noobs on the road ... but, I also notice more aggression in the drivers during the summer. Perhaps it's the heat, or perhaps people in cars can only handle seeing so many bikes before the guilt over takes them and they lose their minds :)
Never read yehuda before. - Thanks
I even found one that backs up what I was talking about!
i was hit by a car a few days ago because the driver thought 1 ft between the curb and his car was enough room for a bike, luckily i walked away without a scratch, as for my bike...
algae is incredible