How safe is cycling?
Cycling is promoted as a healthy and environmentally friendly alternative to cars. But just how safe is it?
I ride my bike to work when the weather permits. I live close to my office and often I can get to work quicker by cycling than driving a car. Take into account that I can park right in front of my office for free and cycling makes even more sense. But the two kilometer journey is fraught with peril.
When I turn onto Ridout Street and head north to the city, I have to ride on narrow bike lanes that are immediately adjacent to automobile traffic, that provide no protection from motorists, and that disappear entirely where the road narrows at the bridge crossing the Thames River. What exactly is a cyclist expected to do at this point?
After the bridge come a series of confusing symbols painted on the road, combining a bicycle with a chevron, that seem to indicate where the cyclist should be riding on the roadway, but in no way provide any safety or reassurance to the cyclist.
The alternative route, down Wortley Road, has no separate bike lane, and is riddled with potholes and cracks that present constant danger to the cyclist.
Frankly the safest place to ride is the sidewalk, but that’s illegal, and pedestrians don’t like it very much either.
Despite the constant danger I have never had a serious bicycle accident in the city of London. The last time I fell off my bike was when I had bought new cycling shoes that locked onto my pedals. They took a bit of getting used to and a couple of tumbles before I figured out how to unlock them!
Ironically my last close call on a bicycle happened in Bayfield, in the parking lot of the marina across the river. I was relaxed, taking in the scenery, when all of a sudden I found my self flung from my bike and hurled to the ground. I hit the pavement hard, taking the impact on my shoulder and my hip.
As I picked myself up I was completely baffled as to the cause of the accident. What just happened? I soon discovered an unmarked speed bump extending across the parking lot, indistinguishable from the surrounding pavement. The owner of the parking lot had created a trap for unsuspecting cyclists. Anyone know a good lawyer?