Sobering

Written by cycleguy on August 2nd, 2015

Many of you know I am a cyclist. I’m a little behind this year in my mileage. By now I am usually approaching 1500-1600. But this year I am at 1100+. Rain has a habit of doing that. Plus knee issues. My goal was 2500 so it is going to take a yeoman’s job to make that happen. But it is what it is.

What is more tragic is what this video is about. I take my life in my hands every time I get on my bike and ride. I NEVER wear headphones because I want to/have to hear what is coming behind me. I have gotten buzzed way too closely by some-some out of meanness, some out of distraction. They both scare me. The onslaught of the cell phone, in particular texting, has made things “hairier” for me in so many ways. I wish I could say I don’t talk on my phone. I won’t text though.

Maybe watching this will give you pause to be a bit more aware. P-L-E-A-S-E!!

I’m leaving early Monday morning for Ohio. I will be back Tuesday sometime with a grandson in tow. I’m not sure if I will be insane, tired, or insanely tired when I take him back next Tuesday. But I’M GOING TO LOVE EVERY MINUTE OF IT! Please say a prayer for me & Jo.  🙂

 

25 Comments so far ↓

  1. Diane says:

    Hi Cycle Guy! I came over from There Go I. God bless you as you ride. I live on Long Island, New York and I pray for the bike riders all the time. People are so distracted nowadays…I pray God’s hedge of protection around you and your grandson. Safe riding.

  2. Daniel says:

    I need to point out that this is a two-way street, so to speak. Around here bicyclists are an absolute menace on the roadways. They putter along in the middle of the roadway on very busy roads, they weave in an out of traffic, they never use signals, they go through lights, they go the wrong way. You may not like my opinion, but I do not think bicycles should be allowed on primary roads unless there is a designated bicycle lane. 10 pounds of metal will lose every single time to a 2 ton vehicle.

    • Jeff says:

      Bill is a long way from there. We have no busy roads here. Not even close

      • cycleguy says:

        I try to stay off those which may even come close but sometimes can’t avoid them. Then I observe all the safety rules I can.

    • cycleguy says:

      Daniel: I too get upset over the obvious disregard for laws many cyclists show. I stay as close to the end white line as possible when riding and stay out of the middle. I do not weave in and our of traffic, even if I am in a more heavily traveled area. I stop at lights and observe those laws (its stupid not to). I admit to do sometimes doing a rolling stop on stop signs if out in the country but my head swivels a lot. Oh, I also use hand signals. And yeah, I’m not fond of your opinion, but can understand your frustration. 🙂

      • Rodney Olsen says:

        As a fellow cyclist I admit that I find it interesting how the minority of cyclists who do the wrong thing, such as weaving in and out and ignoring road rules, cause people to say that ‘all cyclists are a menace’, while the minority of motorists who act illegally are seen as individuals. Why is it that all cyclists are tarred with the same brush while recalcitrant motorists are treated as bad apples amongst a generally good bunch?

  3. Have a great trip, Bill.

    • cycleguy says:

      Thanks Larry. It was an 8 hour marathon drive. 4 there. Turn around about an hour later. 4 back. Went through a massive storm which included hail.

  4. Zee says:

    Here in Ukraine, it is even more common. Whenever I ride my bike, I usually stick to walkways since we don’t have proper bike lanes yet and I don’t venture on the road without Sam (he has a driver’s license so he knows the rules. I know most of the rules, but I don’t drive… so I follow his lead.)

    Sad story… but good that daughters survived.

    • cycleguy says:

      We don’t have those trails Zee. Some places do. Spencer does not so I have to ride the roads. Good that you go with Sam.

  5. SusanP says:

    I am not going to watch the film. I am very aware of highway safety, and if it is possible to be too safe I am the one who would do it. I don’t even read books or listen to music when I am driving. Those things can happen in the split second and a life (or more than one) and “Sorry” is never enough to bring those lives back. I have a grandson and two granddaughters and my heart goes out to that father on the loss of his wife.

    • cycleguy says:

      I’m taking it you mean “don’t listen to books” since I sure hope you don’t read while driving. 🙂 You are right Susan. They do happen in a split second.

  6. Distracted driving is, unfortunately, rampant these days what with cell phones and all (I refuse to use mine at all when driving).
    Hope you have an amazing time with your grandson, Bill! Praying for Jo and you!

  7. Crystal says:

    Amen to this!!
    I’ve witnessed a fatal motorcycle accident that could’ve been avoided if the driver of the vehicle had been alert….WILL NEVER FORGET IT….I’d rather get somewhere late, miss an “urgent” text message/phone call,anything, over “one unexpected moment” that would end in a fatality or injury…
    I hear people defend their cell use, illegal maneuvers on the road, etc with the phrase “I’m cautious”, or, “I’m a really safe driver”….Problem is – so was everyone else who caused the fatal wrecks I know of that could’ve been avoided but can never be undone…its SAD cause we always think “it’ll NEVER happen to me!”….

    • cycleguy says:

      I hope I never witness something like that. I have seen some accidents. I once saw a motorcyclist hit the rear of an illegally pulling in car and it was not pretty. You are right though, Crystal, because many think it will never happen to me.

  8. Sharon says:

    Distracted drivers are a real hazard indeed. I have caught myself with a wandering mind from time to time. But, we have to be so careful when we’re driving, for a car can be such a deadly weapon.

    Have a great week. And really, after all, is there any better way to be insanely tired than in the wonderful pursuit of grandparenting?!

    GOD BLESS!

    • cycleguy says:

      It is a deadly weapon Sharon. No doubt. When there are several tons of metal coming at you-whether in another car- or behind you as you ride, it is dangerous. I would rather be insanely tired than not.

  9. Ed says:

    It’s an unfortunate and tragic reality. The right hand lane is always meant for bicyclists. And there is a reason why the cel phones are loaded with blutooth and auto answers, and speaker phones. If you MUST value your phone over your driving skills, then by all means get a designated driver!

  10. Lisa notes says:

    I do wish people would drive more carefully around cyclists. It is a dangerous coupling to see bikes and cars so close together. 🙁 Praying for your safety when you ride.

  11. floyd says:

    I’m with you, Bill. As you know we ride and it seems that at least once a month we hear about another cyclist killed.

    You might remember that my wife was hit by a car doing between thirty five and fifty. Speed limit was fifty and she didn’t have much in the way of skid marks…

    It’s a miracle, and with an eyewitness to the accident, I do mean a bonafide miracle, that my wife lived to tell about it. She doesn’t ride alone anymore…

    Praying for your safety, brother. Two riders increase your chance of being seen by more than fifty percent.

    • cycleguy says:

      I remember that Floyd but not too many of the details. I am glad she is living to tell about it as well. Just glad there was an eyewitness. I do appreciate your prayers since it is so common anymore to hear bad news.