[Rec_bike] Rider Down! Be Careful Out there!!!

[Arne Freyberger]

Fellow ACCC'ers, bike commuters and rec_bikers:

Early this morning one of our cohorts, the consistency leader in fact, 
was taken down by an automobile.  After a thorough examination by 
medical professionals at Riverside he has been released with abrasions, 
bruises and pain meds.     Please join me in wishing Ken a speedy 
recovery!!!

It is good time to note that while the weather this time of year is 
great for cycling, our presence on the road is not always recognized by 
the motorist we share the road with.   In addition, there is the reduced 
daylight hours that have many of us riding in the early morning dark and 
twilight.   Last week, I had a near miss with an 18 wheeler that 
barrelled through a red-light at 6:15am, probably thinking there was no 
crossing traffic at this early hour in the morning.  Or more likely, the 
driver just wasn't thinking.

Remember this is a volunteer activity.  If you do not feel safe 
commuting by  bike  then do not do it!!  If your family units/loved ones 
do not feel comfortable with you commuting by bike, listen to them and 
don't do it!!   Periodically*drive* your  route and ask yourself, what 
would you do as a driver if there was a cyclists on this road at this 
time.  If the answer bothers you, find a different route!  Or don't 
commute by bike.

Make sure you have fresh batteries in your flashing lights, wear 
reflective clothing, ride like your life depends on it, because it does!

Commuting to work by bicycle has risks associated with it, it is up to 
you to minimize the risks that you can.   In doing so I've commuting to 
work by bicycle for over 30 years with minimal altercations with 
motorists.   It can be done safely, although the near miss last week and 
Ken's bad luck this morning reminds me that the risk is not zero.

Keep the wheels rotating and down!
Arne

-- 
Arne Freyberger
Director of Accelerator Operations
Jefferson Lab           Office: (757) 269-6289
12000 Jefferson Avenue    Cell: (757) 876-6289
Newport News, VA 23606   Email: freyberg at jlab.org

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