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The great obstacle to progress is not ignorance,
but the illusion of knowledge. --- Daniel Boorstin, historian, Librarian of Congress |
Bike damaged in crash
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This illustrated article discusses common blunders (serious
mistakes) related to bicycle use, education, advocacy, engineering, and traffic
law. We show how the blunders make cycling more difficult and dangerous
and they jeopardize our right to use the roads. We conclude with Smarter
Solutions to avoid these blunders. The individual sections of this article are updated fairly frequently.
The pdf version is updated less often. The author appreciates suggestions,
new photos and links to relevant information.
Cycling expert John Forester estimates that thirty percent of car-bike
collisions are caused by cyclists following defective "bike safety" teaching
[1]. In addition, many crashes are caused by segregated (separate) bicycle
facilities that make people think they can be safe without following the rules
of the road. Also, some of these facilites are downright dangerous, even
without violating the rules of the road.
You can read this article in different ways: (1) As a 27 page pdf file
(useful for printing the entire article); (2) By following "Next" links to the
various sections; or (3) You can go directly to any section via the links below.
[1] Forester's estimate is based on his analysis of Cross, Kenneth D., and Fisher, Gary, A Study of Bicycle/Motor Vehicle Accidents: Identification of Problem Types and Countermeasure Approaches, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1977.
The "bike safety" errors that lead to crashes include (1) making a left turn from the right side of the road after signaling but not looking for traffic, (2) weaving between parked cars in order to ride as close as possible to the curb, and (3) stopping at intersections but not looking or yielding to traffic that has the right of way.
Traditional bike safety often emphasizes less important requirements (like
signaling and stopping) but ignores essential skills that actually prevent
crashes (like yielding to traffic that has right of way.) Traditional bike
safety teaches that the greatest duty is staying out of the way, even though
this often comprimises safety.
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See
www.labreform.org to join LAB Reform.
Webmasters: Please
link to LAB Reform.
© Copyright 2004-2008 Fred Oswald and LAB Reform. May
be copied with attribution.
Some materials have been reproduced under fair use guidelines or with permission
of the original author.
The author is a Professional Engineer in Ohio and a certified
League Cycling Instructor.
For comments, questions, contact
fredoswald_AT_yahoo.com.
Last Revised 6/ 8/08