Before I have to reply to thousands of comments about getting a mirror - here is my take on mirrors ruclips.net/video/tN-bq2RkDtw/видео.htmlsi=LiSlZySQLICwNI4q
This may come as a surprise, but you can do both. I always ride with a mirror, but I still turn my head if I'm going to take the lane and make a lefthand turn. The opinion that mirrors aren't as good as turning your head is just false. Are you turning your head every time a car is approaching you from behind? Of course not. A mirror simply lets me know if any car approaching from behind is about to hit me. It gives me some seconds to make an escape. I always tell the newbies to wear a mirror, but to also learn to turn their heads without deviating from their line, because doublechecking for cars before taking the lane is always a good idea.
Turning your head is important to let others know you are intending on turning (they often don't know what or don't care for you are using hand signals). But the cyborg mirror, yeah, I love it. I can see forward and backward at same time. It's just awesome for situational awareness. Not for everyone though.
@@cyclingskills I've tried riding with a mirror, but didn't like it. I rely on hearing to alert me of vehicles coming from behind, riding assertively and predictably, and use hand signals and turning my head where needed. It's been so long I don't remember why I ditched the mirror.
I use a helmet mirror and wear a bright orange cycling jersey on my recreational rides. On a shoulder-less roads, I cycle about 2 to 3 feet from the road edge and check my mirror every 10 seconds or so. When I see a vehicle approaching from behind, I will move to about 1 feet of the road edge while the approaching vehicle will hopefully pass me by at least 3 feet. When I see multiple approaching vehicles in my mirror, I will sometimes just pull off the road as some of those drivers may have their view of me blocked from the vehicle in front. Note that you can not always hear approaching vehicles especially when riding into a head wind, going down hill or hear a passing E-vehicle.
I agree 100%. My personal philosophy after ten years of bicycle commuting is “I’m invisible and they are drunk.” Same idea though. Laws be damned. In any contact I lose. Thanks for the video!
@@Mike-vd2qt I was riding my mountain bike to the beach and kept off roading to avoid the vehicles. I did not anticipate how scary it is having cars fly by you giving you just a little tad bit of room.
Your anecdote of the old lady choosing to hit the bike rather than cross the white line happened to me and my buddy in the UK. There was no space to pass, cars on-coming, a double white line and this old guy chose to knock us off… and we were single file. We managed to catch him up and stop him and he was utterly unrepentant: “what was I supposed to do..I had to pass” is what he said. Incredible.
This attitude "I have to pass" always shocks me. No, you do not have to pass. If it is not possible to pass safely you stay behind the bikes unti it is. It's that simple.
I'm guessing by your pic that you are a guy. As a woman, I couldn't imagine being confrontational to a stranger in a vehicle from a bike 😢 That's crazy and sad that this happened nonetheless, and it's still good things didn't turn violent.
I noticed that when we have streets re-paved in our residential area (in SoCal), things are safer for bikes as long as the lines are not painted on them. Cars pass you with more distance. Something to think about.
@@vulpixelfulyes I am a man and the driver was old and we were not going to attack him but we were lucky not to be seriously hurt. We got photos and his licence plate etc and had witnesses.
Yeah, and most of the PEOPLE use to drive cars and have all the rights to do it. Before cars, the roads were designed for animal-drawn cars, also used by the people.
I just bought a road bike (specialized roubaix) im converting it into an all road bike with 40mm gravel tires. Im eyeing an 825 di2 rear derailleur for some clutch action, but not yet. I spent that money on tools to do my own servicing work.
I have ridden everyday since 1992. I worked in ERs for 40 years and have interviewed hundreds of bike accident victims. I agree with the main thrust of this video. Being defensive, and expecting drivers to do the wrong thing is a preventative mindset. It is very true that your right of way means nothing once you have been hit by a car. Try to avoid busy roads. Try to avoid roads with lots of intersections. Try to avoid roads with narrow shoulders. Be prepared to stop and wait if continuing is unsafe. NEVER argue or flip off a driver. This can lead to being ambushed or attacked. Finally I would advise to moderate speed. Never go fast if there are a lot of cars, intersections, if it is rush hour etc. Speed is for the open road where you have clean line of sight, there are a paucity of cars and the road surface is clean, dry and unencumbered. If you ride expecting cars to run red lights/stop signs, cutting in front of you, buzzing close to you and doing dangerous things, you can often avoid them. Remember to enjoy each ride and plan on riding again tomorrow.
I totally agree with the speed part. I constantly see the Lycra Mafia/Strava crowd blowing through lights, crosswalks or traffic, while I'm sitting waiting for the light to change or the person to ccross; so it doesn't interrupt their TDF training or lower their spazzasmiggagiggawatts or whatever they need to be able to brag to other Mafia members, later, after clumping along a sidewalk in those ridiculous mechanical shoes of theirs, to sit at an outdoor table and sip coffee and croissants.
I wish more cyclists were willing to stop, but many are not. I understand that people are training and want to register a "good time". The problem is that when they refuse to stop it puts everyone on the path-walkers, dog walkers, and other riders-in danger. If it's a street with auto traffic it's worse. Refusing to stop at all is a double-whammy because it makes drivers treat all cyclists as aggressive loose cannons. The rest of us end up in greater danger because you're too devoted to some app's assessment of your ability to put your foot down and then restart which, God forbid, would actually be more strenuous exercise. If all you want to do is pedal ad nauseam, get off the path/road, and get into a spin class.
Nah going fast is safer because then you can be closer to keeping up with cars If the car is behind me, I’m going to pedal as fast as possible Also, sometimes I have places to go to
Anyone who has been cycling any length of time will come to the conclusion that people in cars don't care about you. Many of them are openly hostile. You are essentially advocating for defensive cycling. I completely agree.
I had a vehicle follow me for roughly 2 miles yesterday. I motioned at least twice for them to pass as we were on almost exclusively flat roads with no blind spots. They waited for me to cross a small bridge with asphalt deterioration before nearly skimming my left shoulder with their mirror. Dude then proceeds to lay on the horn. I know that trick. I didn't squirm. Lol. This stuff happens way too often.
Its wild because that attitude can vary wildly by city. When I'm in Berlin, I regularly have to deal with crazy drivers and verbal abuse, but when I'm in Hamburg drivers are so much more kind and patient, instead of needing to overtake as quickly as humanly possible.
I agree. I have concluded after years of road cycling that we cyclists are seen as irritating road furniture to be cleared as fast as possible by selfish drivers.
Cyclists are an angry lot. The road is to be shared with others, and when Cyclists ignore the rules of the road, they put themselves as well as others in danger. Your a small vehicle against a 1 ton or more projectile pretty stupid to not look where you're going and get hit.
What I love about living in Vermont is the number of delightful, low-traffic roads within minutes of my front door. And the nearest town of any size, Rutland, is experimenting with bike lanes on heavily-travelled streets. I sympathize with my urban fellow-riders.
I agree 100%! I was actually hit in Durango! Guy was following me then sped up to pass me and hit me with the rear of his car as he turned right. I rolled over the trunk of his car and ended up in the middle of the road. Uninjured but completely at a loss for what just happened. Nobody stopped to see if I was ok. I confronted the guy and basically didn't believe that he just hit me. I've had numerous close calls since then and my 85 year old father was hit and killed riding his ebike last year. I basically don't ride on the road anymore. Just mountain bike.
Thank you for your comment and my deepest condolences for your loss. I still ride the road, but gravel and MTB rides are much higher on the priority list as of lately.
Another problem is DARK tinted windows. You can't tell if the driver sees you or not. They are illegal, yes, but I have seen officers allow a person with DARK windows, no drivers license, no insurance, was on cell phone, ran a stop sign and hit my son leave the scene driving away with just a ticket. His car was over my son, thought he might have hit something, son's motorcycle in street, duh!. He decides to back up to see when a witness banged on his car to stop him. Son had some road burn, sore for a couple of days but was lucky and ok. Motorcycle took a bit of repair which my son had to pay for. Be careful out there.
Eye contact is a big deal for me and it's amazing how rare it has become with drivers these days. Used to be normal to make eye contact with other road users but people are too busy looking at their phone now to pay anyone that courtesy I guess. People who simply look at me for two seconds changes the entire way I approach an intersection or a car getting ready to merge with traffic from a side road or whatever.
YES!!!!! In CA tinted windows are mostly illegal, but 50% of cars have them. It takes away a critical piece of information in knowing where the driver's attention lies. I don't understand why they generally turn a blind eye to tinted windows.
What you described is what I learned in my defensive riding motorcycle course many years ago. Just assume no-one sees you until you know they see you. It’s even useful when driving my car! So many times just being observant of what a car is doing has led me to realise they want to change lanes, for example, giving me ample time to back off and make room or make sure I’m well clear before they finally start changing lanes (then putting the turn signal on as they’re half way across the lane lol). Just trying to keep yourself aware of what they’re doing, and always assuming the worst possible outcome (won’t stop at the light, will definitely turn across you, will pull out of parking spot, etc) just saves you so much hassle and potential woe
This is good advice and generally shows that drivers are not properly trained. It's far too easy to pass a driving test, which you never have to repeat for the rest of your life. The safety of other road users has to always be your number 1 priority when driving a vehicle, but sadly that's the last thing most drivers seem to care about.
Great video! "Assuming the worst outcome at all times doesn't sound very relaxing" is the principle I've tried to follow for years, and it works well in all situations! Thanks!
Very sound advice. It reminds me of a friend’s father who told her: “The cemetery is full of people who were right.” -meaning don’t argue with someone/something larger than yourself that can kill you.
I've been cycling the roads of London for 44 years. By 1981 I had worked out that the only way to cycle (apart from knowing and threading through the tiny streets and avoiding artertial roads) was to assume everyone in every vehicle was a drunk, coked-out Xhunt with a single intention: to kill me.
I could not agree more with this mindset. Thank you for posting this short. As for anyone who may think like that old lady who hit your friend, PAINTED LINES ARE GUIDELINES. They are not tethers.
Bought my first road bike a week ago - waiting for it to come into the local shop so I can pick it up. In the meantime, watching a ton of videos on how to be safe on the road. This video helped a ton; new subscriber 😬…stay safe out there!
Being safe on the road is easy follow the rules of the road as you would be driving a vehicle, watch the vehicles around you, stop looking at your cellphone. Pay attention to your surroundings don't keep looking down as this is just another form of distracted driving aka riding. We know there's jerks driving and riding, follow the rules of the road and you'll be find. When you're out with a pack of riders don't be an asshat at take up the whole road you're just another one of those angry jerks. The guy posting this video is one of those jerks, on the phone, blowing through stop signs and street lights.
@@38KSW lol, you can follow the rules as much as you like it will not protect you from drivers passing too close, drivers taking your right of way, drivers parking on cycle paths forcing you to ride on the road etc. - it's amazing how you seem to have the delusion that all accicents are cyclists' fault when actual statistics show that it's usually the driver who is at fault.
I would say that if you can afford one, a Garmin Varia back light/radar with a compatible head unit are excellent safety items. I’ve been riding 30 years, decided to invest in the Varia light (there are others on the market). Best thing I ever did. Have a great time on your new bike
@@38KSWyou ain’t a cyclist, are you? Just full of hate. You are victim blaming. You as motorist have to be careful with a group of cyclists. Could be your child or parent or even grandparents cycling there. But i can see you hate a certain group of cyclists….
Unfortunately a cyclist will always lose when faced with ignorance behind the wheel of a 2 ton car. I try to always be friendly. I wave thank you when someone lets me go even if I have the right of way. I smile because I am actually having fun after all! The more "they" see as human the less aggressive they will be. Of course there is the occasional *sshole but it's THEM NOT YOU that is the problem!
100% agree! I always try to be a good ambassador for cycling when riding on the roads. I don’t want to give anyone in a motorized vehicle an excuse to treat the next cyclist poorly based on prior experience with cyclists.
Expect nothing from nobody..... I've never been disappointed. A rear view mirror on both sides and being lit up more than a runway also are good things. I might be a dork, but maybe I''m a noticed dork
For town riding or heavy traffic roads, two of the best gifts I’ve received for riding are both mirrors. One is a wrist mounted mirror and the other is a bar mounted mirror. Both are subtle and don’t make the bike or rider look odd. The benefits are that it makes keeping aware of traffic behind whilst keeping an eye ahead really easy. It has stopped me getting that frightening moment when you check over the shoulder just as something big drives past. I still embrace the life-saver look over the shoulder, a quick glance at a mirror just avoids the heart stopper. With the early-warning, there are a few times I’ve been able to get up to the kerb to let a complete jerk go by before causing me harm. If I’m riding clear of traffic I don’t take the mirrors, the look over the shoulder remains the top technique.
Great video, echt super! One of the skills I developed in the last 10 years is re-thinking my routes for safety. There are places we want to get to, and we have to make choices. How can I avoid riding tight & busy highway x? - I found a few of these "improvements" by checking other people's Strava rides. - Avoid crossing freeways on the main artery, if possible. Is there a bike bridge nearby? Is there a smaller street crossing the freeway that doesn't have on-ramps? Try changing things up. Some of these turned out to be worthless, some I ride every week. Enjoy!
First off, great video! Love the bike paths near Kingston. I'm completely with you when it comes to cars. Unless drivers hav been on bikes they have no idea how close they come to us, how fast they're going when they pass us, and a small mistake can lead to disaster. I was hit by a driver last summer in coastal Mass. I was in a dedicated bike lane on the right side of the road and the woman simply drove through me, at 35 mph, to get to a street on the right. I was sent flying, landed on my hip, broke my helmet, lots of bruises. Now if a car is anywhere to the side of me I think to myself "can they turn in front of me, into me, etc.?" and how to avoid any of that stuff. Garmin radar (or any similar product) is worth its weight in gold. Particularly with electric cars it's so hard to hear them coming up behind you. Radar means I know how many cars, how close they are, and how fast they're coming, all at a glance. I just edited this when I heard you mention solid lines. :) You mean the 'suggestion' that cars shouldn't cross the line? As a NYC cyclist lines are completely irrelevant. Cars ride half a foot into lanes all day long. And then the drivers get mad when you lightly tap their cars to suggest they move over. I would love it those lines were even slightly adhered to.
Thanks for taking on this topic. Can't emphasize safety enough. Doesn't matter if you think you have right of way. Always proceed with caution. Every car is a potential threat to your safety. You alone are responsible for your safety. Be prepared to jump off the bike if situation warrants. Your safety is more important than the bike or some Strava KOM
Good points. I started using blinking bike lights years ago. Drivers just don't see you. Motorcyclists have the same problem. I live in north Alabama in a progressive city that is trying hard to educate the public and drivers, in particular, to "share the road". Thanks for your excellent podcasts.
I've been hit, run off the road a couple of times, been "rolled coal" on and had a State Cop yell at me for being on "his" road. Yeah, ride like everyone is trying to kill you. Grow eyes in the back of your head. When I was younger I was more aggressive about it, but these days I just smile and try not to escalate stuff.
Very good advice. Sometimes I find myself thinking about my rights, but living through it is wayyyyyyy more important. So assume they can't see you and ride accordingly.
Great advice, before I took up cycling I was an all weather biker for nearly a decade. It was drummed into me the mantra that everyone was out to get you, everyone will pull out on you and nobody has seen you. I adjust my riding and position accordingly and so far (touch wood) it's worked well.
I gave up road riding in Colorado after 4 decades. It was like rolling dice every day. Too much aggression, distraction, general lack of skills. Still riding the dirt .
80% on phones, zero empathy for riders. It's a medieval era for cyclists. I pray for skyrocketing fuel prices and rapid energy depletion. Cheap goods and services be damned.
I think exactly the same way, it's great to hear I'm not alone. This "paranoia" also works really well for me as a motorcycle rider. Most of the people who get into problems, especially getting doored, say they did expect something bad to happen. Always expect it...
Motorcycles, yes. My grandmother once said, when she was driving too close to a motorcycle on the freeway, "It's ok. They are small. We can share." Cringe. Also, I am always asking my passengers, "Did you look behind you before you opened the car door?" That is a pet peeve of mine. Why do folks just assume that they are free to swing open their car door all the time? Sheesh.
I had a school bus (it was a chartered school bus) in Beverly Mass. squeeze me to the curb and the driver told me he did not want to cross the double line, yikes. Those big wheels where very close to me. Yes I caught up to him to have a word.
I just got back from a bike packing vacation in Sweden. They have separate bike highways with tunnels and bridges that get you anywhere without ever having to share the road with a car. And even when you do have to occasionally cross a road everybody stops and waits for you to cross. It was wonderful.
Nice vid. I've had so many bad experiences with cars (and other motor vehicles) after riding on UK roads for 30 years, I've lost count of the number. Sadly I've also adopted the philosophy that other road users are out to kill me. I still struggle to control my anger sometimes when I get cut up or a close pass...something I need to work on! 😉 I now ride with front and back lights even during the day time, which definitely helps with visibility, although being visible doesn't always help, as your story showed!
I’m 62 and a very basic bike rider. Knowing my limited abilities, I won’t even ride across a major road to get to the bike track. I get off and cross pushing my bike. Gotta know your limits!
I took up cycling (in the UK) about 6 years ago, after 30 years of motorcycling. I survived those 30 years by adopting the statement you make in this video. I have found it shocking at how cycling feels even more dangerous as there is more traffic approaching me from behind, which means that there is less that I can do to reduce the risk. I ride about 10,000 miles a year (cycling is my only transport) so consider myself fairly experienced and definitely agree that there is no point being right but dead or injured. I feel a lot of the issue in the UK is that car drivers tend to depersonalise everyone else they meet on the road, whatever mode of transport they may be using. Also in the UK, the media are intent on creating the idea of a "war on motorists" and portraying cyclists as one of the major driving forces against the poor, helpless motorist. I wish I knew how to make it all better.
Come to the Netherlands where there are more bikes than cars. Almost every driver is also an experienced cyclist, so you almost always meet patience and respect. 🇳🇱
Live there, still do the ‘trust-no-one’ thing. Lot’s of motorists still do stupid thjngs, have camera’s to proove it; but yes, it seems a lot safer than found on youtube.
I have something like 45+ years of biking on the bad, narrow and wild roads of Eastern Europe, a place where friends who used to drive cars a decade or two ago, but then emigrated to the USA, Australia, etc., come back to visit, are too afraid to drive even a car here. The cycling infrastructure is almost lacking, is mostly very recent and totally inadequate. So, for all this long period I've survived without incidents and injuries by assuming that I'm an intruder on the roads, that my "rights" on the road are mostly inexistent and I don't have priority in any circumstance. That (and the Guardian Angel) clearly saved my life several times.
Assuming they're out to hit you... AKA defensive riding. Totally agree with this mindset. If wrong, I've just delayed my ride by a few seconds for nothing. If right, I'm still alive.
Like you, a number of decades ago I developed the thinking that no matter who's in the right, the cyclist will always lose in the collision/battle with a 2 ton vehicle. Once you adopt this thinking, I've found that it doesn't dominate your riding, its just second nature and you have a great ride.
I used to make sure I made eye contact with drivers, but there were many times where the driver was actually looking through me and didn't see me. I started waving. The movement catches the eye better, and I always get a wave back, or I won't pass in front of the car. Suddenly everyone has tinted windows, so it makes this technique harder....but it is still generally effective.
After being hit numerous times road riding in the UK for 30+ yrs, including a nasty crash going over the bonnet of a car which pulled out in front of me, resulting in broken femur & collarbone - I have found cycling utopia! I have lived in Spain now for some 10 years crash free & uniquely I have found drivers here to be the most patient & considerate. Appreciate all cyclists can’t just move to Spain, but if you want a safe cycling holiday - come on over - it’s cycling paradise!
Exactly my mindset as well. Don't fight back and avoid. Humans on bicycles will never win against 2 ton war machines. People might call me crazy, but I'm alive.
Everything you say in this video is true and bears repeating. I’ve ridden bicycles all my adult life for commuting and recreation, in big eastern US cities and now in the mountain west. Now I’m 72 and retired. My wife, who has Alzheimer’s, rides on the back of our electric cargo bike. For us the mental health benefit of getting out of chairs and out of the house to see sunshine and mountain views is invaluable. Thank you for posting this.
Thank you for this. This lesson applies to life in general and not just cycling. The law will not protect you in the moment. It only comes into play after the fact. As an attorney and a parent this is something I have struggled to teach my teenaged son - just because the law says someone can’t or shouldn’t do something doesn’t mean they won’t do it to you. My old family law professor told us, “I tell all my clients that when your angry spouse is banging on the door don’t call me. Call the cops because that restraining order is just a piece of paper and it will not protect you.”
Such an important message. I have been commuting on and off in a large city for 10+ years. I used to have to take a break from commuting due to the stress it caused me. But last year I adopted this exact mentality and ironically I have enjoyed commuting so much more. It’s no longer stressful in the same way and I feel way more confident on my bike.
Sorry for your lost and thanks for sharing. Thanks for the advice. I also consider car drivers as careless car-full "innocent" killers. But sometimes it just drives me mad. How on earth can this be true? How? Killers everywhere, everytime. How? Thanks for the video.
Good video. I'm mostly sticking to low speed/residential streets and getting on the main road when/if I actually have to. Service alleys help this, too. Stay safe everyone!
Yep... avoid the busiest roads for sure. Minimize your exposure and enjoy the scenery.. I bought the radar. Really liking it right away too. And upgraded my Wahoo bolt to V2 to add colors and some rerouting. Little pricey but worth it ! My local bike shop discounts it a bit for me the owner is great.
We used to ride every where when we were kids. Was hit by a car while delivering newspapers one early morning when I was about 13. Was uninjured and it provided the opportunity to learn how to true a wheel. Rode off-and-on over the next 30 years or so. Then started commuting by bike. Head always on a swivel. Always conscious of how much a car outweighs a bike (even with my fat-old-ass) on it. In my 50s I started racing Triathlons, and rode supported short tours (Ride the Rockies, Skinny Tire Festival, Iron Horse Classic, etc). Ride predictably and always assume you're invisible. Because to a car, you are.
I am riding bicycles as well as motorcycles. My mindset is the same while riding both of them here in Germany. The other ones in traffic are paid killers to take me down. And believe me, you better do it like that here. People in cars are madmen!
I'm 17 and I got hit not too long ago. The front of my bike slid under the front fender/tire so my leg was crushed between the car, my bike, and the road. They were stopped at the crosswalk for a few seconds, so I assumed they saw me through their tint. You really do have to act like you're invisible. Sometimes I'll sit through multiple green lights just because I know people will fly through those right turns.
TOOK ME GETTING HIT BEING IN A COMA , HAVEING A BROKEN BACK , FROM A CAR , I'm lucky 3yrs later I'm riding with your mind set , YOUR CORRECT and the car always Wins ride safe my brother
Think I'll take your advice on the radar. I've been meaning to pick one up. It goes withiut saying, but we likely experience more friction on the road today than 20 years ago. Distracted drivers and the stigma against cycling (especially in the US) I generally avoid confrontations now that I'm technically middle-aged. Haha. Like you said, best to avoid confrontations and stay the course. I want to see my wife and kids when I return. Keep your head on a swivel, folks. Good video.
Use one for years now. On the bike computer (deping on which one you have) it also indicates with colours how fast a motorist approaches from behind. Some also show the speed. A car should be noticed about 140m behind you, the bike computer beeps. The bike light can flash/get more brighter to make you more visible. You have more time to check whats behind you.
Completely agree. I bike here in Germany my whole life. Cardrivers don't know the law and they don't know physics - they are simply not aware that a slight failure will severely injure or kill cyclists. When you talk to them (here you need to switch lanes in most of the cases to pass cyclists), they don't believe you and act overly aggressive most of the time. Not my first time I eat liquids from the windscreen cleaner or feel metal next to my skin. The worst thing is, even with cam records, our beloved justice system isn't dealing with these offenses, it will be discontinued in 99% of the cases. So of course cardrivers learn they will get away with it until they kill somebody. Combined with this entitlement of "the road is for cars", it's a toxic brew.
It’s all about risk tolerance. It is a bald face lie for anyone to suggest riding with vehicular traffic on a bicycle or motorcycle does not involve considerable risk. It just does. A good friend I used to ride with lost his cousin last weekend in a bike accident. Lots of people do it without incident, but most of us have some close calls at some point too. People are also more distracted than they have ever been in their vehicles and traffic tends to be heavier in lots of places, so just weigh all of those factors and what kind of infrastructure is in place and do what YOU are comfortable with as a rider. There are lots of completely logical reasons to decide to do whatever you feel comfortable with here. It is an individual choice though and there is no universal right or wrong answer here regardless of what people say.
Thanks, and this is the reason I bought a bike rack. I live only a mile or so from a wonderful rail to trail, but to get there safely you can't bike there and be safe. Conditions today are different because of cell phones, texting while driving, computer screens in the middle of today's dashboards. lm a school bus driver and see bad behavior every day from motorists.
You have good wisdoom 🙏.. I think like you most of time... When i driven my car... When i drive my truck in work.... Also i try to think same when i cycle.. If you think everyone want to hit you... Then you wil be prepared. On it and you got a chance to escape or avoid the accident... If you ride in groups we rely on others and risk is bigger to get hurted... Some group leaders are magic.... Professionell to 100%...I meet some pro training cyclists and the make order in whole chaingang.. Whit signs whit hand.. Arm... Head.. And be humble in traffic... Bless you al out there 🙏🧙♂️
Similar overall biking life experience here (5 decades) but absolutely opposite mindset. And I am still alive and biking, almost 100% on regular roads with regular traffic. Also grown in Europe, now in Texas, driven quite "everywhere" (from New York to Hong Kong). I realized early on that it is the balance - know and assert your rights on the road BUT also keep info incoming and spidey sense up, be aware. One crucial tool I'd advise instead of paranoia is a good mirror, I like one mounted on my sunglasses but pick your fav'. So, I approach my rides with assumption that nobody want to kill me actively but some may be deficient, we are all human. Furthermore, from all that experience I noticed a pattern - if there as "bike infrastructure" near-by, beware. People there are alienated (both ways) and cyclists don't know how to ride along with cars and cars don't know how to drive with cyclists and they get angry with each other. No "biking infrastructure" anywhere near (maybe none in a whole country) - guess what, pleasant riding and all due respect to bicycles..
I agree with you completely. They don't see us half the time, and the other half they aren't concerned about anything but other cars, because those can cause them damage. If they hit a bike or a pedestrian, they find fault with them to make their tiny selves feel better. People are generally more impatient than ever these days - probably looking for toilets or something.
It's why I mountain bike almost exclusively now. I figure I'll take my chances with rocks, roots, mountain lions, rattlesnakes, tarantulas, moose, and other mountain bikers, vs texting 17 year olds, little old ladies who can't see over the steering wheel, drunk drivers, and people who are openly hostile towards cyclists. Yikes!😬
For me, a mirror is a must have item. I can't stand to ride in traffic without knowing what's happening behind me and I don't get enough of a picture by turning my head.
@@siaa9992 Yep, it's not cheap. But I used to ride with a separate camera, light, and a radar on the back of my road bike. This takes up much less space than all three, and for me it's a small price to pay for peace of mind.
I just wish it was equipped with a 360° camera, or at least a camera also in the front light rather than only the rear... although a 360° camera on the helmet makes the most sense. even if it can't help me after the fact my family will at least know what happened
@@better.better I hear you. I also run a cycliq fly12 sport for a front camera/light solution. You're right though, I'm really just collecting evidence for my loved ones.
Great video! I always assume that there is a person in the car, all cars even parked ones. I was doored by a parked car while riding to work in Providence, RI. I never saw the guy in the car and he didn't look before he threw his door open to get out, so I opened up his door all the way to the front fender for him. The roads are old city roads and pretty tight on the east side. Now I almost never ride the road and have been in the woods for 27 years of riding.
In the Netherlands they teach driving students to always open the door with their right hand which automatically causes one to look behind. Simple measure great effect.
Even here in the Netherlands you need to drive like cars want to kill you. I've been hit twice due to cars (one during a take over where he litteraly pushed me of the bike-lane and once when someone ignored the priority rules when they left their parking space). Drive defensively and smart. I sometimes prevent cars from taking over in tight spots or when I know they can't make it safely.
Yes! Anger can be channeled into more efficient ways to protect ourselves from cars like advocating for bike infrastructure and traffic calming, which has benefits for the whole society. Just make sure you live to ride another day.
I absolutely agree, and this is also something even people driving cars should think. Everyone should be as careful as they can be. This is not victim blaming, it's just a fact of life.
Car drivers will look directly at you and pull out in front of you 85% of the time, always look for an escape path before they pull out or side swipe you...😮😮😮😮😮
I'm not a cyclist, my wife and I just bought bikes for recreation/a little exercise. This is GREAT advice for all aspects of being on the road regardless of what you are on the road with! Even in a car you may be invisible to the other person. I just had this conversation with my adult son with his thoughts of "I can ride my bike on the road too" and "if they hit me, I can sue them". Unfortunately, a 1, 2 or 3 ton vehicle will win every time. Being dead doesn't make you right! I have a lot of driving miles under my belt and have seen how other drivers actually drive. I have also seen some cyclists totally unaware that they are sharing the road with larger vehicles. I tend to give cyclists a wide berth when passing or slow down if I feel it's unsafe to cross the line but I have also seen cyclists not paying attention to what's on the road with them. My wide berth is based on where the cyclist is at the time I plan on overtaking them, not if they decide to suddenly move to the left by a lot. The other day we were coming home by car from a walk in a park and there was a cyclist on the ground with police and ambulance there. Later that day we heard about the death of 2 brothers who were cycling and were killed in an accident. It wasn't the same incident as we saw. Just riding my bike around the neighborhood with our new to us bikes has me fully aware that I may not be aware of anything approaching me from the rear and I am not going to assume that whoever may be there will yield to my "right of way". I think what was said definitely needs to be said.
I think the increase in ebikes everywhere may help us to get some bike lanes. I hope it happens soon because every time i hear someone one getting hit i think about quitting. My wife would really be happy if I quit or turn to MTB.
Great video! Regarding having a stick in your car, as someone who has collected a lot of wood for fires, I've learned some sticks are the perfect weapons disguised as walking sticks. Some of them will break your arm.
The thing about the lady and the line is: some people are chaotic, some people are lawful. Lawful good abides laws that help out people, while lawful stupid just abide laws
Ride defensively! If you can afford it, buy radar/video cameras for the front and rear (for evidence purposes) that connect to your computer to warn you of an approaching vehicle, use bright flashing LED lights, put reflective tape on the sides of your bike, and wear bright clothing during daytime and reflective clothing at night. Where it makes sense, ride in the center of the lane (e.g., a double lane) because car drivers will often take as much of the lane as they can when you hug the curb/shoulder, and will give more room when you take the whole lane. LED lights have made a huge difference for bike/rider visibility. Personally, I think things have improved with more bikers on the road, but you can never be vigilant enough. Never assume that car drivers see you until they acknowledge you. Be safe out there and ride smart!
Since getting my CatEye 450 rear light I've noticed people give me more space. It's blindingly bright in the brightest of daylight. Anything that has a focusing lens and decent light output will make you visible for a long ways.
I respectfully disagree with taking the center of the lane on narrow roads. In Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, that will provoke a DRIVER to use their fender to literally push you off the road. I've cycled the Southern Tier route across the U.S. and people, Drivers, in the south do not want you on their roads.
@@Mike-vd2qt respectfully you should call the police if that happened because that’s a whole bunch of crimes… Most insane thing I’ve ever heard and not an experience I’ve ever had. Essentially you’re saying just let them hit you because if you try to put yourself in a spot to be passed they’ll just hit you and since there’s no shoulder they’re just going to hit you. May as well take the lane since they’re going to hit you anyway I guess.
Quick poll how many times you all have been hit. Me: 3 times! 1 - big pickup mirror to my shoulder from behind. It broke HAHA 2 - Some kid headed to his girls place ran a stop sign and knocked my back wheel up into the stays, landed in a soft ditch 3 - Some woman went double at a stop sign and put me up onto her hood. Not a scratch 😐
@@TheSaturnV 4. 1. As a pedestrian age 8 walking at the edge of the road was hit by a lady on a bicycle with a kid in the carrier. 2. Some kids thought it safe to pass me where there was no room for a bike and a car because of construction and sideswiped me. Then they tried to run away, but there was by chance a cop at the end of the street, and he saw it and stopped them. 3. Going straight, as light was turning green, and flew over the hood of a car from opposite side turning left. 4. Doored by parked car. I only seem to learn by trial and error, and it's been many years since last time. When riding in city traffic, I no longer go at racing speed, which helps greatly in avoiding conflict with drivers not paying attention. I now always claim the lane where appropriate, not giving anyone the idea to squeeze past where there is no room. And I avoid the door zone if parked cars. I also move early and steadily out of the way of upcoming obstacles, such as parked cars, avoiding having to make last ditch manouvers.
Don’t be fooled, most car drivers don’t care at all if they hit and kill you. You ever see the comment section on a video where a cyclist gets hit? You’ll start to believe we share the road with psychopaths. My dad was hit by a 97 year old. He flew over her car and broke his neck. Nearly killed him. I still ride on the road, but I never forget that every car is out to kill me.
I'd rather not be DEAD right. I recently got a radar based on one of your videos and I must say it has been a wonderful thing. I try to SHARE the road if at all possible. I too am not going to play the game of taking the whole lane. There's just too many drivers that think bikes are not supposed to be on the road.
I ride less than 5 hrs a week and every 20 min of ride time, a motorist tries to kill me. And on top of trying to run you over, motorists will rev their engines, honk, yell, flash high beams, throw signs and whatever else I am forgetting. Even if I am walking, motorists are trying to run me over.
Here lies the body of Jonny McVea Who always defended his right of way He knew he was right and he was always strong But he’s just as dead as if he was wrong.
Before I have to reply to thousands of comments about getting a mirror - here is my take on mirrors ruclips.net/video/tN-bq2RkDtw/видео.htmlsi=LiSlZySQLICwNI4q
This may come as a surprise, but you can do both. I always ride with a mirror, but I still turn my head if I'm going to take the lane and make a lefthand turn. The opinion that mirrors aren't as good as turning your head is just false. Are you turning your head every time a car is approaching you from behind? Of course not. A mirror simply lets me know if any car approaching from behind is about to hit me. It gives me some seconds to make an escape. I always tell the newbies to wear a mirror, but to also learn to turn their heads without deviating from their line, because doublechecking for cars before taking the lane is always a good idea.
Turning your head is important to let others know you are intending on turning (they often don't know what or don't care for you are using hand signals). But the cyborg mirror, yeah, I love it. I can see forward and backward at same time. It's just awesome for situational awareness. Not for everyone though.
@@cyclingskills I've tried riding with a mirror, but didn't like it. I rely on hearing to alert me of vehicles coming from behind, riding assertively and predictably, and use hand signals and turning my head where needed. It's been so long I don't remember why I ditched the mirror.
The problem is scooters and fat bikes which can come fast and silently
I use a helmet mirror and wear a bright orange cycling jersey on my recreational rides. On a shoulder-less roads, I cycle about 2 to 3 feet from the road edge and check my mirror every 10 seconds or so.
When I see a vehicle approaching from behind, I will move to about 1 feet of the road edge while the approaching vehicle will hopefully pass me by at least 3 feet.
When I see multiple approaching vehicles in my mirror, I will sometimes just pull off the road as some of those drivers may have their view of me blocked from the vehicle in front.
Note that you can not always hear approaching vehicles especially when riding into a head wind, going down hill or hear a passing E-vehicle.
I'm a experienced cyclist and I agree with you. I would rather take the long route if it means avoiding cars.
I started doing this. Taking a longer route on a one lane road knowing that driver's aren't as fast on one lane roads.
I agree 100%. My personal philosophy after ten years of bicycle commuting is “I’m invisible and they are drunk.” Same idea though. Laws be damned. In any contact I lose. Thanks for the video!
No, cyclists are just A'holes. Cyclists will stay in front of vehicles as they pile up behind them 20 deep going 10mph under the limit.
Agreed, I ride like I'm invisible, and if they see me I'm in the way.
@@Mike-vd2qt I was riding my mountain bike to the beach and kept off roading to avoid the vehicles. I did not anticipate how scary it is having cars fly by you giving you just a little tad bit of room.
Your anecdote of the old lady choosing to hit the bike rather than cross the white line happened to me and my buddy in the UK. There was no space to pass, cars on-coming, a double white line and this old guy chose to knock us off… and we were single file. We managed to catch him up and stop him and he was utterly unrepentant: “what was I supposed to do..I had to pass” is what he said. Incredible.
This attitude "I have to pass" always shocks me. No, you do not have to pass. If it is not possible to pass safely you stay behind the bikes unti it is. It's that simple.
I'm guessing by your pic that you are a guy. As a woman, I couldn't imagine being confrontational to a stranger in a vehicle from a bike 😢 That's crazy and sad that this happened nonetheless, and it's still good things didn't turn violent.
I noticed that when we have streets re-paved in our residential area (in SoCal), things are safer for bikes as long as the lines are not painted on them. Cars pass you with more distance. Something to think about.
@@vulpixelfulyes I am a man and the driver was old and we were not going to attack him but we were lucky not to be seriously hurt. We got photos and his licence plate etc and had witnesses.
My favorite response to “roads are for cars” is roads are for *_people_*
I'll try & remember that one in my memory banks 🤟
If roads are for cars when why did ancient Rome have them?
Exactly. When ever I see somebody grueling about me riding on the road, I always shout "Roads belong to everybody".
Yeah, and most of the PEOPLE use to drive cars and have all the rights to do it. Before cars, the roads were designed for animal-drawn cars, also used by the people.
I like that. Part of the problem seems to be that some motorists see a "cyclist" rather than another person who happens to be on a bike.
I think this is the reason for gravel bikes being so popular.
I’ve been riding for 35 years now, switched to gravel last year and barely ride my road bike at all now.
I just bought a road bike (specialized roubaix) im converting it into an all road bike with 40mm gravel tires. Im eyeing an 825 di2 rear derailleur for some clutch action, but not yet. I spent that money on tools to do my own servicing work.
I have ridden everyday since 1992. I worked in ERs for 40 years and have interviewed hundreds of bike accident victims. I agree with the main thrust of this video. Being defensive, and expecting drivers to do the wrong thing is a preventative mindset. It is very true that your right of way means nothing once you have been hit by a car. Try to avoid busy roads. Try to avoid roads with lots of intersections. Try to avoid roads with narrow shoulders. Be prepared to stop and wait if continuing is unsafe. NEVER argue or flip off a driver. This can lead to being ambushed or attacked. Finally I would advise to moderate speed. Never go fast if there are a lot of cars, intersections, if it is rush hour etc. Speed is for the open road where you have clean line of sight, there are a paucity of cars and the road surface is clean, dry and unencumbered. If you ride expecting cars to run red lights/stop signs, cutting in front of you, buzzing close to you and doing dangerous things, you can often avoid them. Remember to enjoy each ride and plan on riding again tomorrow.
@@CakewalkHootenanny Very well said thank you
I totally agree with the speed part. I constantly see the Lycra Mafia/Strava crowd blowing through lights, crosswalks or traffic, while I'm sitting waiting for the light to change or the person to ccross; so it doesn't interrupt their TDF training or lower their spazzasmiggagiggawatts or whatever they need to be able to brag to other Mafia members, later, after clumping along a sidewalk in those ridiculous mechanical shoes of theirs, to sit at an outdoor table and sip coffee and croissants.
I wish more cyclists were willing to stop, but many are not. I understand that people are training and want to register a "good time". The problem is that when they refuse to stop it puts everyone on the path-walkers, dog walkers, and other riders-in danger. If it's a street with auto traffic it's worse. Refusing to stop at all is a double-whammy because it makes drivers treat all cyclists as aggressive loose cannons. The rest of us end up in greater danger because you're too devoted to some app's assessment of your ability to put your foot down and then restart which, God forbid, would actually be more strenuous exercise. If all you want to do is pedal ad nauseam, get off the path/road, and get into a spin class.
@@RichardDeLaurell road is for both bicycles and cars. Learn to have some patience and go around when clear. Usually doesn’t take long at all.
Nah going fast is safer because then you can be closer to keeping up with cars
If the car is behind me, I’m going to pedal as fast as possible
Also, sometimes I have places to go to
Anyone who has been cycling any length of time will come to the conclusion that people in cars don't care about you. Many of them are openly hostile. You are essentially advocating for defensive cycling. I completely agree.
We are simple obstacles in their way.
I had a vehicle follow me for roughly 2 miles yesterday. I motioned at least twice for them to pass as we were on almost exclusively flat roads with no blind spots. They waited for me to cross a small bridge with asphalt deterioration before nearly skimming my left shoulder with their mirror. Dude then proceeds to lay on the horn. I know that trick. I didn't squirm. Lol. This stuff happens way too often.
Its wild because that attitude can vary wildly by city. When I'm in Berlin, I regularly have to deal with crazy drivers and verbal abuse, but when I'm in Hamburg drivers are so much more kind and patient, instead of needing to overtake as quickly as humanly possible.
I agree. I have concluded after years of road cycling that we cyclists are seen as irritating road furniture to be cleared as fast as possible by selfish drivers.
Cyclists are an angry lot. The road is to be shared with others, and when Cyclists ignore the rules of the road, they put themselves as well as others in danger. Your a small vehicle against a 1 ton or more projectile pretty stupid to not look where you're going and get hit.
What I love about living in Vermont is the number of delightful, low-traffic roads within minutes of my front door. And the nearest town of any size, Rutland, is experimenting with bike lanes on heavily-travelled streets. I sympathize with my urban fellow-riders.
I love riding in Vermont ❤️
I agree 100%! I was actually hit in Durango! Guy was following me then sped up to pass me and hit me with the rear of his car as he turned right. I rolled over the trunk of his car and ended up in the middle of the road. Uninjured but completely at a loss for what just happened. Nobody stopped to see if I was ok. I confronted the guy and basically didn't believe that he just hit me. I've had numerous close calls since then and my 85 year old father was hit and killed riding his ebike last year. I basically don't ride on the road anymore. Just mountain bike.
Thank you for your comment and my deepest condolences for your loss. I still ride the road, but gravel and MTB rides are much higher on the priority list as of lately.
Sorry for your loss
Sorry for your loss, man. Thankfully, here in Belgium, we have numerous bike lanes and parks.
dammit... Sorry for your loss, man :c
Dame here
Another problem is DARK tinted windows. You can't tell if the driver sees you or not. They are illegal, yes, but I have seen officers allow a person with DARK windows, no drivers license, no insurance, was on cell phone, ran a stop sign and hit my son leave the scene driving away with just a ticket. His car was over my son, thought he might have hit something, son's motorcycle in street, duh!. He decides to back up to see when a witness banged on his car to stop him. Son had some road burn, sore for a couple of days but was lucky and ok. Motorcycle took a bit of repair which my son had to pay for.
Be careful out there.
100% hate tinted windows
Eye contact is a big deal for me and it's amazing how rare it has become with drivers these days. Used to be normal to make eye contact with other road users but people are too busy looking at their phone now to pay anyone that courtesy I guess. People who simply look at me for two seconds changes the entire way I approach an intersection or a car getting ready to merge with traffic from a side road or whatever.
In these kinds of cases, sue, sue, sue.
@@independentthought3390 and bash, bash, bash.
YES!!!!! In CA tinted windows are mostly illegal, but 50% of cars have them. It takes away a critical piece of information in knowing where the driver's attention lies. I don't understand why they generally turn a blind eye to tinted windows.
What you described is what I learned in my defensive riding motorcycle course many years ago. Just assume no-one sees you until you know they see you. It’s even useful when driving my car! So many times just being observant of what a car is doing has led me to realise they want to change lanes, for example, giving me ample time to back off and make room or make sure I’m well clear before they finally start changing lanes (then putting the turn signal on as they’re half way across the lane lol). Just trying to keep yourself aware of what they’re doing, and always assuming the worst possible outcome (won’t stop at the light, will definitely turn across you, will pull out of parking spot, etc) just saves you so much hassle and potential woe
This is good advice and generally shows that drivers are not properly trained. It's far too easy to pass a driving test, which you never have to repeat for the rest of your life. The safety of other road users has to always be your number 1 priority when driving a vehicle, but sadly that's the last thing most drivers seem to care about.
Its sad we as a society chose to accept many accidents , instead of requiring periodic driving tests to maintain a driving license
Ooh that's actually a good idea, people should have to renovate their driver's licenses every 5 years or so, and lose them at 80 years old.
Yeah fr it’s crazy
Like in Driver’s Ed, they NEVER TAUGHT US HOW TO NOT KILL CYCLISTS LIKE WTF????💀🪦🪦🪦
Great video! "Assuming the worst outcome at all times doesn't sound very relaxing" is the principle I've tried to follow for years, and it works well in all situations! Thanks!
Very sound advice. It reminds me of a friend’s father who told her: “The cemetery is full of people who were right.” -meaning don’t argue with someone/something larger than yourself that can kill you.
I've been cycling the roads of London for 44 years. By 1981 I had worked out that the only way to cycle (apart from knowing and threading through the tiny streets and avoiding artertial roads) was to assume everyone in every vehicle was a drunk, coked-out Xhunt with a single intention: to kill me.
That’s it. Lowered expectations from all traffic participants will make you a better and alert rider
I could not agree more with this mindset. Thank you for posting this short. As for anyone who may think like that old lady who hit your friend, PAINTED LINES ARE GUIDELINES. They are not tethers.
Bought my first road bike a week ago - waiting for it to come into the local shop so I can pick it up. In the meantime, watching a ton of videos on how to be safe on the road. This video helped a ton; new subscriber 😬…stay safe out there!
Thank you, enjoy your new ride.
Being safe on the road is easy follow the rules of the road as you would be driving a vehicle, watch the vehicles around you, stop looking at your cellphone. Pay attention to your surroundings don't keep looking down as this is just another form of distracted driving aka riding.
We know there's jerks driving and riding, follow the rules of the road and you'll be find.
When you're out with a pack of riders don't be an asshat at take up the whole road you're just another one of those angry jerks.
The guy posting this video is one of those jerks, on the phone, blowing through stop signs and street lights.
@@38KSW lol, you can follow the rules as much as you like it will not protect you from drivers passing too close, drivers taking your right of way, drivers parking on cycle paths forcing you to ride on the road etc. - it's amazing how you seem to have the delusion that all accicents are cyclists' fault when actual statistics show that it's usually the driver who is at fault.
I would say that if you can afford one, a Garmin Varia back light/radar with a compatible head unit are excellent safety items. I’ve been riding 30 years, decided to invest in the Varia light (there are others on the market). Best thing I ever did. Have a great time on your new bike
@@38KSWyou ain’t a cyclist, are you? Just full of hate. You are victim blaming. You as motorist have to be careful with a group of cyclists. Could be your child or parent or even grandparents cycling there. But i can see you hate a certain group of cyclists….
Unfortunately a cyclist will always lose when faced with ignorance behind the wheel of a 2 ton car. I try to always be friendly. I wave thank you when someone lets me go even if I have the right of way. I smile because I am actually having fun after all! The more "they" see as human the less aggressive they will be. Of course there is the occasional *sshole but it's THEM NOT YOU that is the problem!
100% agree! I always try to be a good ambassador for cycling when riding on the roads. I don’t want to give anyone in a motorized vehicle an excuse to treat the next cyclist poorly based on prior experience with cyclists.
Cyclists are sometimes also *icks as all people do ;)
Good advice. Defensive cycling i call it. Make sure you are seen, but always assume you might not have been seen.
My motto is "It's the X-Files: Trust Noone". This includes other cyclists.😂
That’s me 👍
Expect nothing from nobody..... I've never been disappointed. A rear view mirror on both sides and being lit up more than a runway also are good things. I might be a dork, but maybe I''m a noticed dork
@@WLEE100i am more dork, lol. Front and back camera, with radar & light in the back. Front light too, even in daylight.
@@Stevenafoeit could be dorkier, you didn't list a laser rear light that projects lane borders on the ground beside your rear wheel
@@nopenoperson9118yes, I forgot about the Guy running in front waving a red flag 😊
You're not overly dramatic. You make total sense to me. I am a cyclist who rides almost everyday of the year, when I can.
Good advice. Mobile phones have made it much worse. Same goes for motorcycles.
Yes, I used to have a motorcycle and sadly don’t ride anymore. Same situation on steroids with higher speeds.
OMG, how often you spot a car moving across the road in a weird manner, at the next light you see them looking down to their phone.
Thanks for the honest take. Assuming everyone else on the road is the “enemy” keeps me focussed on all of the potential dangers surrounding me.
For town riding or heavy traffic roads, two of the best gifts I’ve received for riding are both mirrors. One is a wrist mounted mirror and the other is a bar mounted mirror. Both are subtle and don’t make the bike or rider look odd. The benefits are that it makes keeping aware of traffic behind whilst keeping an eye ahead really easy. It has stopped me getting that frightening moment when you check over the shoulder just as something big drives past. I still embrace the life-saver look over the shoulder, a quick glance at a mirror just avoids the heart stopper. With the early-warning, there are a few times I’ve been able to get up to the kerb to let a complete jerk go by before causing me harm.
If I’m riding clear of traffic I don’t take the mirrors, the look over the shoulder remains the top technique.
Great video, echt super! One of the skills I developed in the last 10 years is re-thinking my routes for safety. There are places we want to get to, and we have to make choices. How can I avoid riding tight & busy highway x?
- I found a few of these "improvements" by checking other people's Strava rides.
- Avoid crossing freeways on the main artery, if possible. Is there a bike bridge nearby? Is there a smaller street crossing the freeway that doesn't have on-ramps?
Try changing things up. Some of these turned out to be worthless, some I ride every week. Enjoy!
Yup, great addition to this video. Thank you for the comment. 👍
Thanks for sharing this, I completely agree with you. PEACE from Albuquerque
First off, great video!
Love the bike paths near Kingston.
I'm completely with you when it comes to cars. Unless drivers hav been on bikes they have no idea how close they come to us, how fast they're going when they pass us, and a small mistake can lead to disaster.
I was hit by a driver last summer in coastal Mass. I was in a dedicated bike lane on the right side of the road and the woman simply drove through me, at 35 mph, to get to a street on the right. I was sent flying, landed on my hip, broke my helmet, lots of bruises. Now if a car is anywhere to the side of me I think to myself "can they turn in front of me, into me, etc.?" and how to avoid any of that stuff.
Garmin radar (or any similar product) is worth its weight in gold. Particularly with electric cars it's so hard to hear them coming up behind you. Radar means I know how many cars, how close they are, and how fast they're coming, all at a glance.
I just edited this when I heard you mention solid lines. :) You mean the 'suggestion' that cars shouldn't cross the line? As a NYC cyclist lines are completely irrelevant. Cars ride half a foot into lanes all day long. And then the drivers get mad when you lightly tap their cars to suggest they move over. I would love it those lines were even slightly adhered to.
Thanks for taking on this topic. Can't emphasize safety enough. Doesn't matter if you think you have right of way. Always proceed with caution. Every car is a potential threat to your safety. You alone are responsible for your safety. Be prepared to jump off the bike if situation warrants. Your safety is more important than the bike or some Strava KOM
Good points. I started using blinking bike lights years ago. Drivers just don't see you. Motorcyclists have the same problem. I live in north Alabama in a progressive city that is trying hard to educate the public and drivers, in particular, to "share the road". Thanks for your excellent podcasts.
I've been hit, run off the road a couple of times, been "rolled coal" on and had a State Cop yell at me for being on "his" road. Yeah, ride like everyone is trying to kill you. Grow eyes in the back of your head. When I was younger I was more aggressive about it, but these days I just smile and try not to escalate stuff.
Very good advice. Sometimes I find myself thinking about my rights, but living through it is wayyyyyyy more important. So assume they can't see you and ride accordingly.
What a great and much needed video. All the lycra won't save you. We always think when riding, "Bone vs metal".
100% agree !!!! great advice, best “bike vs cars” video I have seen in a while…..
Glad you liked it!
You obviously haven't seen many videos on this topic.
Great advice, before I took up cycling I was an all weather biker for nearly a decade. It was drummed into me the mantra that everyone was out to get you, everyone will pull out on you and nobody has seen you. I adjust my riding and position accordingly and so far (touch wood) it's worked well.
I gave up road riding in Colorado after 4 decades. It was like rolling dice every day. Too much aggression, distraction, general lack of skills. Still riding the dirt .
80% on phones, zero empathy for riders. It's a medieval era for cyclists.
I pray for skyrocketing fuel prices and rapid energy depletion.
Cheap goods and services be damned.
I think exactly the same way, it's great to hear I'm not alone. This "paranoia" also works really well for me as a motorcycle rider. Most of the people who get into problems, especially getting doored, say they did expect something bad to happen. Always expect it...
Motorcycles, yes. My grandmother once said, when she was driving too close to a motorcycle on the freeway, "It's ok. They are small. We can share." Cringe. Also, I am always asking my passengers, "Did you look behind you before you opened the car door?" That is a pet peeve of mine. Why do folks just assume that they are free to swing open their car door all the time? Sheesh.
I had a school bus (it was a chartered school bus) in Beverly Mass. squeeze me to the curb and the driver told me he did not want to cross the double line, yikes. Those big wheels where very close to me.
Yes I caught up to him to have a word.
I just got back from a bike packing vacation in Sweden. They have separate bike highways with tunnels and bridges that get you anywhere without ever having to share the road with a car. And even when you do have to occasionally cross a road everybody stops and waits for you to cross. It was wonderful.
Nice vid. I've had so many bad experiences with cars (and other motor vehicles) after riding on UK roads for 30 years, I've lost count of the number. Sadly I've also adopted the philosophy that other road users are out to kill me. I still struggle to control my anger sometimes when I get cut up or a close pass...something I need to work on! 😉 I now ride with front and back lights even during the day time, which definitely helps with visibility, although being visible doesn't always help, as your story showed!
I’m 62 and a very basic bike rider. Knowing my limited abilities, I won’t even ride across a major road to get to the bike track. I get off and cross pushing my bike. Gotta know your limits!
I took up cycling (in the UK) about 6 years ago, after 30 years of motorcycling. I survived those 30 years by adopting the statement you make in this video. I have found it shocking at how cycling feels even more dangerous as there is more traffic approaching me from behind, which means that there is less that I can do to reduce the risk. I ride about 10,000 miles a year (cycling is my only transport) so consider myself fairly experienced and definitely agree that there is no point being right but dead or injured. I feel a lot of the issue in the UK is that car drivers tend to depersonalise everyone else they meet on the road, whatever mode of transport they may be using. Also in the UK, the media are intent on creating the idea of a "war on motorists" and portraying cyclists as one of the major driving forces against the poor, helpless motorist. I wish I knew how to make it all better.
Come to the Netherlands where there are more bikes than cars.
Almost every driver is also an experienced cyclist, so you almost always meet patience and respect. 🇳🇱
Love it. We are going to Belgium in October
Live there, still do the ‘trust-no-one’ thing. Lot’s of motorists still do stupid thjngs, have camera’s to proove it; but yes, it seems a lot safer than found on youtube.
Agree!! See my comment above which I typed before seeing this!
I have something like 45+ years of biking on the bad, narrow and wild roads of Eastern Europe, a place where friends who used to drive cars a decade or two ago, but then emigrated to the USA, Australia, etc., come back to visit, are too afraid to drive even a car here. The cycling infrastructure is almost lacking, is mostly very recent and totally inadequate.
So, for all this long period I've survived without incidents and injuries by assuming that I'm an intruder on the roads, that my "rights" on the road are mostly inexistent and I don't have priority in any circumstance. That (and the Guardian Angel) clearly saved my life several times.
Assuming they're out to hit you... AKA defensive riding. Totally agree with this mindset. If wrong, I've just delayed my ride by a few seconds for nothing. If right, I'm still alive.
Hard lesson, well delivered.
Like you, a number of decades ago I developed the thinking that no matter who's in the right, the cyclist will always lose in the collision/battle with a 2 ton vehicle. Once you adopt this thinking, I've found that it doesn't dominate your riding, its just second nature and you have a great ride.
I used to make sure I made eye contact with drivers, but there were many times where the driver was actually looking through me and didn't see me. I started waving. The movement catches the eye better, and I always get a wave back, or I won't pass in front of the car. Suddenly everyone has tinted windows, so it makes this technique harder....but it is still generally effective.
After being hit numerous times road riding in the UK for 30+ yrs, including a nasty crash going over the bonnet of a car which pulled out in front of me, resulting in broken femur & collarbone - I have found cycling utopia! I have lived in Spain now for some 10 years crash free & uniquely I have found drivers here to be the most patient & considerate. Appreciate all cyclists can’t just move to Spain, but if you want a safe cycling holiday - come on over - it’s cycling paradise!
Exactly my mindset as well. Don't fight back and avoid. Humans on bicycles will never win against 2 ton war machines.
People might call me crazy, but I'm alive.
Everything you say in this video is true and bears repeating. I’ve ridden bicycles all my adult life for commuting and recreation, in big eastern US cities and now in the mountain west. Now I’m 72 and retired. My wife, who has Alzheimer’s, rides on the back of our electric cargo bike. For us the mental health benefit of getting out of chairs and out of the house to see sunshine and mountain views is invaluable.
Thank you for posting this.
Thank you for this. This lesson applies to life in general and not just cycling. The law will not protect you in the moment. It only comes into play after the fact. As an attorney and a parent this is something I have struggled to teach my teenaged son - just because the law says someone can’t or shouldn’t do something doesn’t mean they won’t do it to you. My old family law professor told us, “I tell all my clients that when your angry spouse is banging on the door don’t call me. Call the cops because that restraining order is just a piece of paper and it will not protect you.”
Such an important message. I have been commuting on and off in a large city for 10+ years. I used to have to take a break from commuting due to the stress it caused me. But last year I adopted this exact mentality and ironically I have enjoyed commuting so much more. It’s no longer stressful in the same way and I feel way more confident on my bike.
Sorry for your lost and thanks for sharing. Thanks for the advice. I also consider car drivers as careless car-full "innocent" killers. But sometimes it just drives me mad. How on earth can this be true? How? Killers everywhere, everytime. How? Thanks for the video.
Good video. I'm mostly sticking to low speed/residential streets and getting on the main road when/if I actually have to. Service alleys help this, too. Stay safe everyone!
Yep... avoid the busiest roads for sure. Minimize your exposure and enjoy the scenery.. I bought the radar. Really liking it right away too. And upgraded my Wahoo bolt to V2 to add colors and some rerouting. Little pricey but worth it ! My local bike shop discounts it a bit for me the owner is great.
We used to ride every where when we were kids. Was hit by a car while delivering newspapers one early morning when I was about 13. Was uninjured and it provided the opportunity to learn how to true a wheel. Rode off-and-on over the next 30 years or so. Then started commuting by bike. Head always on a swivel. Always conscious of how much a car outweighs a bike (even with my fat-old-ass) on it. In my 50s I started racing Triathlons, and rode supported short tours (Ride the Rockies, Skinny Tire Festival, Iron Horse Classic, etc). Ride predictably and always assume you're invisible. Because to a car, you are.
I am riding bicycles as well as motorcycles. My mindset is the same while riding both of them here in Germany. The other ones in traffic are paid killers to take me down. And believe me, you better do it like that here. People in cars are madmen!
I think the same as you, this is why I'm still alive
I'm 17 and I got hit not too long ago. The front of my bike slid under the front fender/tire so my leg was crushed between the car, my bike, and the road. They were stopped at the crosswalk for a few seconds, so I assumed they saw me through their tint. You really do have to act like you're invisible. Sometimes I'll sit through multiple green lights just because I know people will fly through those right turns.
That's sucks, man. I hope you're still able to ride.
TOOK ME GETTING HIT BEING IN A COMA , HAVEING A BROKEN BACK , FROM A CAR , I'm lucky 3yrs later I'm riding with your mind set , YOUR CORRECT and the car always Wins ride safe my brother
Sorry to hear that, hope you made a full recovery. I had a broken back from an MTB crash, still bothers me sometimes. Cheers 🍻
Think I'll take your advice on the radar. I've been meaning to pick one up.
It goes withiut saying, but we likely experience more friction on the road today than 20 years ago. Distracted drivers and the stigma against cycling (especially in the US) I generally avoid confrontations now that I'm technically middle-aged. Haha. Like you said, best to avoid confrontations and stay the course. I want to see my wife and kids when I return. Keep your head on a swivel, folks. Good video.
Use one for years now. On the bike computer (deping on which one you have) it also indicates with colours how fast a motorist approaches from behind. Some also show the speed. A car should be noticed about 140m behind you, the bike computer beeps. The bike light can flash/get more brighter to make you more visible. You have more time to check whats behind you.
Completely agree. I bike here in Germany my whole life. Cardrivers don't know the law and they don't know physics - they are simply not aware that a slight failure will severely injure or kill cyclists.
When you talk to them (here you need to switch lanes in most of the cases to pass cyclists), they don't believe you and act overly aggressive most of the time.
Not my first time I eat liquids from the windscreen cleaner or feel metal next to my skin.
The worst thing is, even with cam records, our beloved justice system isn't dealing with these offenses, it will be discontinued in 99% of the cases.
So of course cardrivers learn they will get away with it until they kill somebody. Combined with this entitlement of "the road is for cars", it's a toxic brew.
It’s all about risk tolerance. It is a bald face lie for anyone to suggest riding with vehicular traffic on a bicycle or motorcycle does not involve considerable risk. It just does. A good friend I used to ride with lost his cousin last weekend in a bike accident. Lots of people do it without incident, but most of us have some close calls at some point too. People are also more distracted than they have ever been in their vehicles and traffic tends to be heavier in lots of places, so just weigh all of those factors and what kind of infrastructure is in place and do what YOU are comfortable with as a rider. There are lots of completely logical reasons to decide to do whatever you feel comfortable with here. It is an individual choice though and there is no universal right or wrong answer here regardless of what people say.
Thanks, and this is the reason I bought a bike rack. I live only a mile or so from a wonderful rail to trail, but to get there safely you can't bike there and be safe. Conditions today are different because of cell phones, texting while driving, computer screens in the middle of today's dashboards. lm a school bus driver and see bad behavior every day from motorists.
You have good wisdoom 🙏.. I think like you most of time... When i driven my car... When i drive my truck in work.... Also i try to think same when i cycle.. If you think everyone want to hit you... Then you wil be prepared. On it and you got a chance to escape or avoid the accident... If you ride in groups we rely on others and risk is bigger to get hurted... Some group leaders are magic.... Professionell to 100%...I meet some pro training cyclists and the make order in whole chaingang.. Whit signs whit hand.. Arm... Head.. And be humble in traffic... Bless you al out there 🙏🧙♂️
Similar overall biking life experience here (5 decades) but absolutely opposite mindset. And I am still alive and biking, almost 100% on regular roads with regular traffic. Also grown in Europe, now in Texas, driven quite "everywhere" (from New York to Hong Kong). I realized early on that it is the balance - know and assert your rights on the road BUT also keep info incoming and spidey sense up, be aware. One crucial tool I'd advise instead of paranoia is a good mirror, I like one mounted on my sunglasses but pick your fav'. So, I approach my rides with assumption that nobody want to kill me actively but some may be deficient, we are all human. Furthermore, from all that experience I noticed a pattern - if there as "bike infrastructure" near-by, beware. People there are alienated (both ways) and cyclists don't know how to ride along with cars and cars don't know how to drive with cyclists and they get angry with each other. No "biking infrastructure" anywhere near (maybe none in a whole country) - guess what, pleasant riding and all due respect to bicycles..
As a cheap alternative/addition to the radar, I love rearview mirrors. Very easy to attach and quite useful
I agree with you completely. They don't see us half the time, and the other half they aren't concerned about anything but other cars, because those can cause them damage. If they hit a bike or a pedestrian, they find fault with them to make their tiny selves feel better. People are generally more impatient than ever these days - probably looking for toilets or something.
Proper roads were first built for bikes.
You may be thinking of pneumatic tires.
True. First roads in America were built for bicycles and farm equipment.
It's why I mountain bike almost exclusively now. I figure I'll take my chances with rocks, roots, mountain lions, rattlesnakes, tarantulas, moose, and other mountain bikers, vs texting 17 year olds, little old ladies who can't see over the steering wheel, drunk drivers, and people who are openly hostile towards cyclists. Yikes!😬
Telling me you live in the USA without actually telling me.
@@TechSucht Wow! And I tried SO hard to be cryptic. Nice work....😎👍
For me, a mirror is a must have item. I can't stand to ride in traffic without knowing what's happening behind me and I don't get enough of a picture by turning my head.
The varia radar/camera has absolutely changed my road cycling mindset. Never without it these days.
$400?!?!?!?!!!!
@@siaa9992 Yep, it's not cheap. But I used to ride with a separate camera, light, and a radar on the back of my road bike. This takes up much less space than all three, and for me it's a small price to pay for peace of mind.
I just wish it was equipped with a 360° camera, or at least a camera also in the front light rather than only the rear... although a 360° camera on the helmet makes the most sense. even if it can't help me after the fact my family will at least know what happened
@@siaa9992yeah and that's the version that DOESN'T have the camera in it, the version WITH the camera is $750
@@better.better I hear you. I also run a cycliq fly12 sport for a front camera/light solution. You're right though, I'm really just collecting evidence for my loved ones.
Great video! I always assume that there is a person in the car, all cars even parked ones. I was doored by a parked car while riding to work in Providence, RI. I never saw the guy in the car and he didn't look before he threw his door open to get out, so I opened up his door all the way to the front fender for him. The roads are old city roads and pretty tight on the east side. Now I almost never ride the road and have been in the woods for 27 years of riding.
Oh wow! Being doored is one of my worst nightmares :(
In the Netherlands they teach driving students to always open the door with their right hand which automatically causes one to look behind. Simple measure great effect.
The sheltland sheepdogs at the beginning were amazing
Even here in the Netherlands you need to drive like cars want to kill you. I've been hit twice due to cars (one during a take over where he litteraly pushed me of the bike-lane and once when someone ignored the priority rules when they left their parking space). Drive defensively and smart. I sometimes prevent cars from taking over in tight spots or when I know they can't make it safely.
Dang, finally someone that thinks like me and may I add, its more important for me to see you than you see me.
I hope that I can visit US anytime soon so I can ride on this latest amazing bike path
Yes! Anger can be channeled into more efficient ways to protect ourselves from cars like advocating for bike infrastructure and traffic calming, which has benefits for the whole society. Just make sure you live to ride another day.
Good fun, riding in traffic. great fun watching frustrated drivers as you scoot around amongst them all on your merry way..
When I was in my twenties I wasn't as scared as much to ride in traffic as I used it to get to work ...now I look for quite roads and bike paths
I use the same mindset when riding around traffic- always on the defensive, hyper aware and anticipating bad driver behavior….
I absolutely agree, and this is also something even people driving cars should think. Everyone should be as careful as they can be. This is not victim blaming, it's just a fact of life.
Car drivers will look directly at you and pull out in front of you 85% of the time, always look for an escape path before they pull out or side swipe you...😮😮😮😮😮
Tinted windows are the absolute worst.
I'm not a cyclist, my wife and I just bought bikes for recreation/a little exercise. This is GREAT advice for all aspects of being on the road regardless of what you are on the road with! Even in a car you may be invisible to the other person. I just had this conversation with my adult son with his thoughts of "I can ride my bike on the road too" and "if they hit me, I can sue them". Unfortunately, a 1, 2 or 3 ton vehicle will win every time. Being dead doesn't make you right!
I have a lot of driving miles under my belt and have seen how other drivers actually drive. I have also seen some cyclists totally unaware that they are sharing the road with larger vehicles. I tend to give cyclists a wide berth when passing or slow down if I feel it's unsafe to cross the line but I have also seen cyclists not paying attention to what's on the road with them. My wide berth is based on where the cyclist is at the time I plan on overtaking them, not if they decide to suddenly move to the left by a lot.
The other day we were coming home by car from a walk in a park and there was a cyclist on the ground with police and ambulance there. Later that day we heard about the death of 2 brothers who were cycling and were killed in an accident. It wasn't the same incident as we saw. Just riding my bike around the neighborhood with our new to us bikes has me fully aware that I may not be aware of anything approaching me from the rear and I am not going to assume that whoever may be there will yield to my "right of way".
I think what was said definitely needs to be said.
I think the increase in ebikes everywhere may help us to get some bike lanes. I hope it happens soon because every time i hear someone one getting hit i think about quitting. My wife would really be happy if I quit or turn to MTB.
Great video! Regarding having a stick in your car, as someone who has collected a lot of wood for fires, I've learned some sticks are the perfect weapons disguised as walking sticks.
Some of them will break your arm.
This is exactly how I approach riding, particularly as someone who spends most of their time riding the streets of New York City.
The thing about the lady and the line is: some people are chaotic, some people are lawful. Lawful good abides laws that help out people, while lawful stupid just abide laws
Ride defensively! If you can afford it, buy radar/video cameras for the front and rear (for evidence purposes) that connect to your computer to warn you of an approaching vehicle, use bright flashing LED lights, put reflective tape on the sides of your bike, and wear bright clothing during daytime and reflective clothing at night. Where it makes sense, ride in the center of the lane (e.g., a double lane) because car drivers will often take as much of the lane as they can when you hug the curb/shoulder, and will give more room when you take the whole lane. LED lights have made a huge difference for bike/rider visibility. Personally, I think things have improved with more bikers on the road, but you can never be vigilant enough. Never assume that car drivers see you until they acknowledge you. Be safe out there and ride smart!
Couldn’t agree more! Great advice!
Since getting my CatEye 450 rear light I've noticed people give me more space. It's blindingly bright in the brightest of daylight. Anything that has a focusing lens and decent light output will make you visible for a long ways.
@@kuroki-_-4909 there are very inexpensive cameras available on AliE.
I respectfully disagree with taking the center of the lane on narrow roads. In Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, that will provoke a DRIVER to use their fender to literally push you off the road. I've cycled the Southern Tier route across the U.S. and people, Drivers, in the south do not want you on their roads.
@@Mike-vd2qt respectfully you should call the police if that happened because that’s a whole bunch of crimes… Most insane thing I’ve ever heard and not an experience I’ve ever had. Essentially you’re saying just let them hit you because if you try to put yourself in a spot to be passed they’ll just hit you and since there’s no shoulder they’re just going to hit you. May as well take the lane since they’re going to hit you anyway I guess.
How right you are !
We are blessed because we have unfinished roundabout road near city, where there is no a single car. 10km of joy and peace
Quick poll how many times you all have been hit.
Me: 3 times!
1 - big pickup mirror to my shoulder from behind. It broke HAHA
2 - Some kid headed to his girls place ran a stop sign and knocked my back wheel up into the stays, landed in a soft ditch
3 - Some woman went double at a stop sign and put me up onto her hood.
Not a scratch 😐
@@TheSaturnV 4.
1. As a pedestrian age 8 walking at the edge of the road was hit by a lady on a bicycle with a kid in the carrier.
2. Some kids thought it safe to pass me where there was no room for a bike and a car because of construction and sideswiped me. Then they tried to run away, but there was by chance a cop at the end of the street, and he saw it and stopped them.
3. Going straight, as light was turning green, and flew over the hood of a car from opposite side turning left.
4. Doored by parked car.
I only seem to learn by trial and error, and it's been many years since last time. When riding in city traffic, I no longer go at racing speed, which helps greatly in avoiding conflict with drivers not paying attention. I now always claim the lane where appropriate, not giving anyone the idea to squeeze past where there is no room. And I avoid the door zone if parked cars. I also move early and steadily out of the way of upcoming obstacles, such as parked cars, avoiding having to make last ditch manouvers.
So your telling me that your a realist……..good talk!
Don’t be fooled, most car drivers don’t care at all if they hit and kill you. You ever see the comment section on a video where a cyclist gets hit? You’ll start to believe we share the road with psychopaths. My dad was hit by a 97 year old. He flew over her car and broke his neck. Nearly killed him. I still ride on the road, but I never forget that every car is out to kill me.
I'd rather not be DEAD right.
I recently got a radar based on one of your videos and I must say it has been a wonderful thing.
I try to SHARE the road if at all possible. I too am not going to play the game of taking the whole lane. There's just too many drivers that think bikes are not supposed to be on the road.
I don't think "everyone is trying to kill me", more like "no one is seeing me".
I ride as if cars did not see me, unless proven otherwise.
Until this one guy deliberately ran me off the road I was in the same camp. Now I am a little more paranoid
I ride less than 5 hrs a week and every 20 min of ride time, a motorist tries to kill me.
And on top of trying to run you over, motorists will rev their engines, honk, yell, flash high beams, throw signs and whatever else I am forgetting.
Even if I am walking, motorists are trying to run me over.
They ride like that in California!
4 wide😢!
Here lies the body of Jonny McVea
Who always defended his right of way
He knew he was right and he was always strong
But he’s just as dead as if he was wrong.
My motto is "What, Me worry?" Been riding for 40 years, including 32 years of racing on the road. No mirrors for me.