Saw this and thought I’d share: Even Cadel Evans feels it out on the road.
Evans notes training fears in Australia
By Susan WestemeyerCadel Evans of Team Silence-Lotto is a road racer, but admits that sometimes training on the road can be scary and dangerous. “Honestly, the scariest part of my job is riding on the Great Ocean Road, which I live on, between Christmas and New Year,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“I’ve cycled in every continent in the world, other than Antarctica, and it’s incredible. Drivers in America and Australia just have attitudes. I don’t necessarily say attitudes towards cyclists, but towards other road users,” the 2007 ProTour champion said. “People just don’t realise the danger they’re causing other people.”
What he most fears are trailers that are wider than the cars pulling them. “I’ve nearly had my leg torn off so many times because of that, and people are just completely unaware of it.”
I came to the closest to being hit on Saturday out riding. A big white SUV turned left right in front of me as I was riding in the opposite direction. I had to slam on the brakes and turn into the road (luckily no other cars were there) to miss him. I saw him park up the road a bit so I followed him and we got into it. His explanation, “I didn’t see you. Oh well, stuff happens.”
…hate to say it, but all the hard work done by all the cycling advocacy organizations, coalitions, et al., has barely helped to maintain the safety ‘status quo’ over the last twenty-five years…
…that being said, w/out their work, it would be even more dangerous for all of us…
…i’ve got no substantiating facts or figures but my gut feeling is that the number of cycling/ vehicle incidents in relation to the growing cycling/ vehicle populations, indicates cyclists to be in increasing jeopardy…
…the number of vehicular distractions including the ubiquitous cellphone means we, as cyclists, are the least important consideration, while being in the most vulnerable position…basically we become a considered thought only when we “get in the way”…
…until mainstream media is encouraged to accept the fact of our vulnerability & offers to do something about it, the limited exposure people receive regarding cycling safety doesn’t carry far…if you’re not exposed to something on a regular basis, it’s not gonna stick unless you want it to stick…
…why can’t news broadcasts end w/ something along the lines of, “that’s the news, folks, & lets remember the safety of those trying to make a difference by riding their bicycles” ???…too corny ???…bfd…call me corny, but call me alive…