When Tragic Accidents do Occur - it impacts us all in some way

Today we have experienced the death of yet another cyclist. It is tragic news which impacts us all. The immediate relatives and friends of the cyclist will be grieving and everyone will be wondering about the how and why yet another tragedy occurred on our roads. I know my family are deeply concerned about me riding at all times of the day/night and in all types of weather conditions. Maybe one day if Im unlucky enough the police may need to visit my families front door to break the terrible news. Yes I have thought about the what if and wondering if riding a bike is worth the risk because there may not be another chance for me, and certainly I have had more than my fair share of car/bus verus cyclist incidents. Did think about tossing the cycling for my families benefit but there are certainly other ways in life where you can meet your demise. If it was just me living on my own with no children maybe the whole issue of "what if "wouldnt be an issue. In some way if I was isolated without family and friends then maybe if the worst did happen it wouldnt matter.....but since I have friends they too are concerned and care very much.....reality for me is that there is no escaping the impact of a fatal accident. You must also ask about the feelings of the driver if they realised they did cause a death through whatever cause. The point Im driving at is that cyclists and motorist are not independant but interdependant and there must be a sense of responsibility which all road users must have when they are out there. From what I have pointed out it is not possible to die without it impacting upon someone very significant.

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Permalink Reply by Nigel "Griffo" Griffiths on May 14, 2011 at 18:46

I couldn't agree more Rob, I too, have often thought about giving the whole cycling thing away, but as you say, there are plenty of other ways that you can meet your demise. The benefits I have gained from taking up cycling far outweigh the reasons not too.

All we can do is enjoy life, cherish those we love, and enjoy our hobbies (ie cycling). For the latter it is having that self awareness whilst out riding and riding within our own capabilities.

Permalink Reply by RD6 on May 14, 2011 at 19:00
I think it hits harder for us the most when its local fatality - could have been AC member - that's me but again any national fatality still strikes me
Permalink Reply by heather on May 14, 2011 at 23:01

Rob, I also think it could have been someone I know or 'know' via AC posts.

I also felt awful about the international cyclist who was completing his ride around Australia, when he was killed nearing Adelaide by a heavy truck. My guess was that the truck did not leave enough room when overtaking. The cyclist may have been hit by the rear trailer, or sucked in by air turbulence. The driver was not charged. Some 'idiot' commented that the cyclist was not wearing a helmet. Would be good if a helmet gave a cyclist immunity from road trauma, but we know it does not.

Permalink Reply by JDL on May 14, 2011 at 19:12
I rarely ride in the 'burbs' these days, I certainly don't ride on main roads in peak hour, too risky with young kids at home... I prefer to stick to the hills where the roads are less busy and hopefully we're safer (and the ride is way more enjoyable anyway!)... I'm lucky living in an area where I can be in the hills within about a 5min ride from home..
Permalink Reply by rossmg on May 14, 2011 at 19:52

Yeah, my wife was expressing concern to me the other day and as much as I shrugged it off I could not help but appreciate her position. However, I am not one for so called "hand-wringing" the "what ifs" - I'm careful but only made out of flesh, bone and bits. FFS, people get taken out in unexpected random events not so uncommonly and whilst cycling does put one more firmly in the cross hairs the health benefits to my longevity I think are worth it.

You see, cycling to me is my commonly done commute, I still drive but very often cycle. Work, the shops, into town whatever and that alone sees me doing upwards of 100km/week. I have integrated cycling as a means to my life style and not as "I'm going exercising now". Bit of personal philosophy there I guess.

Anyway, just today (whilst in the car) had an approaching car heading towards me across the centre line, lots of space so no great fear. The vehicle suddenly corrected - another mobile phone driver I thought.

I can't be perfectly aware of what's around me and it only takes one off task (driving) driver to make my family cry - or me with a not dead but shattered body  :-(

So, no way I'm giving up cycling and as much as the "roadie" is slick sweet and fast the MtBike is chunky and 4WD - gutter, kerb, traffic island, bad surface, etc - no probs - the MtBike is a sturdy steed. A very nice & safe commute especially when exit centre stage left is life preserving.

BTW - got doored the other day grroaaan..

Permalink Reply by trappy on May 14, 2011 at 20:03

LIFE IS TO SHORT

So do what makes you happy

Permalink Reply by REIDY on May 14, 2011 at 20:17

+ 1 on that buddy,

i have already used three of my nine lives and they werent due to cycling!!

Permalink Reply by heather on May 14, 2011 at 23:06

One could stop cycling for safety reasons and still die early, perhaps even due to road trauma. There are fatalities from car-car collisions.

Robert, from your earlier posts on AC, I think you need the social aspects of cycling, as well as the physical. Cycling can make one feel happy by the release of feel-good chemicals.

Permalink Reply by David Bowler on May 15, 2011 at 1:43

I think tragedies like we have had this week have made a lot of us ask if the question whether riding a bike is worth the risk.  Unfortunately there may be some who answer this yes, and I know people who have given up cycling because they think it too dangerous.  Incidents like this along with my own near misses do make me think about the impact a serious accident could have on my family.   While I think the benefits still out way the risk, I do avoid cycling in the wet as I have found this to be a significant risk factor, with most of times I have come off being in the wet.  I also look closely to try and determine how these tragic accidents happened to see if there is any other action I as a cyclist could take to mitigate the risk of of it happening to me. 

Permalink Reply by colin ware-lane on May 15, 2011 at 1:53
as some of you will know i am nurseing a broken collarbone at the moment after my 2nd crash in 6 weeks and i for one was looking at giving it all away.I do not have kids but know that my death would impact my family and partner in England so am aware of it at all times.I will ride again as to give it all up is to give up on living and as it has been said already you could be killed in so many other ways and when your time is up ,its up,so live life do the best you can to stay safe and if it really does come down to family v cycling its a no brainer to me !! You can replace a bike but not your family.
Permalink Reply by Rob (Chewbacca) on May 15, 2011 at 4:24
Thanx Colin, really appreciate where you heart lies on this issue.
Permalink Reply by VOD on May 15, 2011 at 8:33
You don't hear car drivers discuss giving up driving every time someone dies in a car accident and those statistics are aweful!

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