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It would be great if there was a more objective rating system to refer to (maybe something like this exists and I'm not aware of it?). Like an A bike rating wou

by cactus2093 7y ago

It would be great if there was a more objective rating system to refer to (maybe something like this exists and I'm not aware of it?). Like an A bike rating would be a truly protected bike lane, physically separated from moving traffic as well as parked cars and loading curbs and anything else. B might be a dedicated bike lane, but not physically separated from road or parked cars so you might get a door opened on you. Then you could look up map directions and maybe choose different routes based on the time estimate plus a breakdown of what percentage of the trip will be in different conditions, and you can choose your preferred route based on your safety tolerance. As somewhat of an aside, I find the way you've explained your trade-offs here strange - as a matter of tolerance, and comfort being around cars vs desire for scenery. I've seen a lot of stories of very experienced, comfortable cyclists killed by cars every year. IMO this is very much not a learning curve or experience issue, it's an issue that biking on busy roads designed for cars and not bikes is genuinely dangerous in a way that is largely out of your control as a cyclist.

gregkerzhner 7y ago
Luck certainly plays a factor but experience cycling on the roads is key. When I cycle on roads I am hyper aware of my surroundings. I am scanning all around me, including behind me every few seconds. I’m also specifically looking at people’s faces and assume they don’t see me until we make eye contact. I also take space aggressively - if there is no bike lane I will bike in the middle of the car lane until I see a safe place for the car behind me to pass, and only then move over. This might piss off the cars behind me, but as long as they see me, its OK with me. All these techniques make sure that I am seen by other cars and nothing surprising happens. This kind of riding takes years to build up experience. Anectodal, but through my 25 years of heavy commuting on a bicycle on roads shared with cars I’ve never had an accident - but I’ve certainly had several while driving a car. Ive also had several close calls on bike trails because those tend to be filled with pedestrians who aren't looking at all and don't follow any rules. For sure I could go out biking tomorrow and get killed but freak accidents happen in all areas of life. Personally I don’t feel in danger on the roads - but everyone’s tolerance and experience is different and that’s one of the cruxes of giving good bike directions.

gregkerzhner 7y ago

Luck certainly plays a factor but experience cycling on the roads is key. When I cycle on roads I am hyper aware of my surroundings. I am scanning all around me, including behind me every few seconds. I’m also specifically looking at people’s faces and assume they don’t see me until we make eye contact. I also take space aggressively - if there is no bike lane I will bike in the middle of the car lane until I see a safe place for the car behind me to pass, and only then move over. This might piss off the cars behind me, but as long as they see me, its OK with me. All these techniques make sure that I am seen by other cars and nothing surprising happens. This kind of riding takes years to build up experience. Anectodal, but through my 25 years of heavy commuting on a bicycle on roads shared with cars I’ve never had an accident - but I’ve certainly had several while driving a car. Ive also had several close calls on bike trails because those tend to be filled with pedestrians who aren't looking at all and don't follow any rules. For sure I could go out biking tomorrow and get killed but freak accidents happen in all areas of life. Personally I don’t feel in danger on the roads - but everyone’s tolerance and experience is different and that’s one of the cruxes of giving good bike directions.