Avoid Disaster
Nobody ever said it was going to be as safe as your car but I think if you practice the right prevention the statistics are in your favor. Perhaps the best training I ever received for safe bicycling was when I learned to ride a motorcycle. Gone were the barriers that bicycles have in regards to speed and ability to ride alongside a car, but lack of braking and safety factors were greatly increased. I don’t think brakes for either motorcycle or bicycles were designed for anything but slowing down. Lock up your breaks and you are quickly transformed into the human catapult.
Monitor The Highest Percentage Of Danger: I was living in Phuket, Thailand when I bought my first motorcycle. I was always thinking of my Father’s prophetic warning that I would be ‘the first one to the accident’ that I read ‘the dummies guide to motorcycles’ from cover to cover. There were a good deal of statistics but none more eye opening than 69% of all accidents occur from people turning into the motorcycle driver from the 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock position in front of the driver. Basically if you are going to get hit it there is a good chance that it will come from in front of you. I take this to heart and always try to make eye contact with drivers opposite me who are executing a left hand turn in front of me and drivers making a right hand turn to merge into traffic with me. Chances are you will not be hit from behind.
Visibility: Make sure everyone can see you. LED lights are cheap and can stow in a seat wedge. I have two with me at all times for low visibility conditions. A helmet and vest of bright and bold colors can be the difference between looking like Lance Armstrong as opposed to roadkill. When I was a bike messenger used to ride with a coaches whistle blasting notes to offensive drivers. Whatever works for you make yourself visible. Recumbent riders need to work extra hard at this.
Equipment: Disaster can come in the form of missing that all important meeting so be sure to have the ability to perform maintenance and a back up plan. Carry an extra tube, patch kit, pump, front and back led lights, multi tool, and a small lock. Be familiar with your bike so that you can change a tire quickly. Install a Mr. Tuffy tire liner to avoid flats. Know where the Bus routes are adjacent to your route and have a taxi number stashed in your cell phone. Glasses keep things clear of your eyes. Rain gear should be easily accessible if you ride in your work clothes. Make sure you have your bosses number to call if their is a complication.
Flight Check: Remember the flight check you forgot to perform the night before in your preparation phase? Thats why you are on the side of the road changing a tire. You won’t forget next time.
Know Your Route: Take it easy around corners you are not familiar with. Be wary around schools. There is always a dog on the loose. Until you have mastered a route sit up and take notice of what is happening.
The Unavoidable: I once got a Hornet caught under my glasses and was stung multiple times when racing down a hill. I missed the turn at the end and luckily flew into a swampy bog. I seem to sneeze in three’s and four’s. When this happens while riding I cannot concentrate on the road. If I feel a sneeze coming on I slow down. I have wrecked multiple times due to pollen. If you get something in your eye stop.
The Avoidable: Don’t tie your sweatshirt on your handlebar. Don’t stare too hard at that pretty girl crossing the street. I learned those ones the hard way too.
Expect Disaster: By planning for these nasties you can minimize their effect on your bicycle commute. WHile no planning can prevent everything any prevention is a victory.
What did I miss?
Next task: Transition From Cyclist To Wage Earner