“Why Sidewalk Cycling is Dangeroushttp://www.kenkifer.com/bikepages/health/risks.htmPeople wonder how riding bikes on sidewalks can be dangerous. First, there is a greater chance of minor collisions with cyclists and pedestrians due to poorer visibility and restricted room and also a greater chance of falling down. However, the likelihood of a collision with a motor vehicle also increases. These accidents occur at intersections and driveways, the former more deadly… The bike rider starts across the intersection parallel to the main road, completely hidden from a turning motorist until the last second, when it’s often too late for the motorist to stop. A study of these risks was made in 1994 and showed that sidewalk cycling is almost twice as dangerous as cycling in the street, and cycling against the traffic on the sidewalk is over four times as dangerous as cycling in the street.”
This comic and the majority of comments I read perpetuate some errors. I ride rather often to work in DC. I don’t ride in the middle of the lane and almost never see this, when riding or driving. (And yes, I do drive—I bet most “bicyclists” are also “motorists.”) So, that’s the first. The second is that I bike to feel superior. I don’t. I bike mostly because it’s fun. It’s also cheap. It’s also fast. It’s also healthy. Third, I don’t think one can accurately judge my motivations in the few seconds you’re behind me in your car. And the few seconds you’re delayed by a bicyclist, are they really worth fantasizing about murder? Not if you are humane. Finally, this crap about spandex. I trust you get as mad about joggers and their stupid belts with water and their stupid shoes; basketball players and their stupid jerseys and high tops; soccer players and their dumb shin pads and cleats; tennis players and their ridiculous tennis whites. My point is that most sports have equipment. Spandex is actually more comfortable for riding. It has nothing to do with aerodynamics. This strip and its arguments are tired and played out and not funny.
“Why Sidewalk Cycling is Dangeroushttp://www.kenkifer.com/bikepages/health/risks.htmPeople wonder how riding bikes on sidewalks can be dangerous. First, there is a greater chance of minor collisions with cyclists and pedestrians due to poorer visibility and restricted room and also a greater chance of falling down. However, the likelihood of a collision with a motor vehicle also increases. These accidents occur at intersections and driveways, the former more deadly… The bike rider starts across the intersection parallel to the main road, completely hidden from a turning motorist until the last second, when it’s often too late for the motorist to stop. A study of these risks was made in 1994 and showed that sidewalk cycling is almost twice as dangerous as cycling in the street, and cycling against the traffic on the sidewalk is over four times as dangerous as cycling in the street.”