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I have also spent years cycling between work and home, until my luck ran out and a motorist hit me. I had several close calls before then. I spent a lot of time
by steelframe 6y ago
I have also spent years cycling between work and home, until my luck ran out and a motorist hit me. I had several close calls before then. I spent a lot of time piecing together a route that keeps me away from vehicular traffic, but there are a few dangerous intersections that I have no choice but to go through in order to go where I have to go, and sure enough one of them was where a motorist broke my hand.
Now, working from home, I often start the day with a bike ride, but since I’m not forced to go between two specific points, I can choose a route that has a lot less risk. I am also not limited by the length of my commute, so rather than 40 minutes of riding split in two 20-minute segments, I can instead ride for a full hour if I want.
When (if?) it’s time to go back into the office, I will go back to using a steel cage with crumple zones and air bags to traverse the dangerous intersections. The cycling for fun and exercise will continue to be on my own terms with whatever routes I think are safest.
- rtlfe 6y agoIf you haven't yet, be sure to call your city councilperson and demand improvements for cycling safety. Probably nothing will happen, but it can't hurt.
- souprock 6y agoSure: 1. Cycling is only permitted on cycling paths. 2. Cycling may not exceed 5 MPH. 3. Required gear includes leather pants, a leather jacket, a helmet, a mouth guard, a crotch guard, boots, gloves, safety glasses, and a wearable air bag system. 4. Plates (a.k.a. "tags") with inspection stickers are required. Safety inspections will be quarterly. 5. Licenses will be required. Licensing implies consent for random drug testing.
- rtlfe 6y agoAlternately, make some inexpensive common sense improvements to the streets.