Help make road cycling safer!

I took your survey and I'm rooting for you to come up with something.

Good luck!

Brian in VA

Thank you much appreciated!

The very fact that you have a device equipped wont do much for cycling safety. Helmets for example, are not worn by many cyclists. Just dont go around asking for reduced speed limits because they suck. I will tolerate 30mph through a village but not 40mph enforced by average speed cameras on a motorway coz of [censored] road works. Harsh penalties for drivers that hurt cyclists through [censored] driving is one idea you could try for. In fact I often break speed limits on my bicycle.
The biggest danger to cyclists are people in vehicles either failing to notice cyclists, or arragently driving in a manner that puts them at risk. This is what needs to be worked on, but worked on in such a way that doesnt lower speed limits or increase enforcement of such limits or financially hinder all motorists in some way.

Thanks for your feedback you raised some interesting points which we will review.

San Remo GT said:

The very fact that you have a device equipped wont do much for cycling safety. Helmets for example, are not worn by many cyclists. Just dont go around asking for reduced speed limits because they suck. I will tolerate 30mph through a village but not 40mph enforced by average speed cameras on a motorway coz of [censored] road works. Harsh penalties for drivers that hurt cyclists through [censored] driving is one idea you could try for.  In fact I often break speed limits on my bicycle. The biggest danger to cyclists are people in vehicles either failing to notice cyclists, or arragently driving in a manner that puts them at risk. This is what needs to be worked on, but worked on in such a way that doesnt lower speed limits or increase enforcement of such limits or financially hinder all motorists in some way. Â

Actually, you don't know what effect on cycling safety a device will have without knowing what the device is and does. Reduced speed works, despite what you say, and that has been shown in the data. There's no evidence to support your claims on helmet use as they've very vague claims. A light is a perfect example of a device that does make cycling safer.

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by alienator [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

Actually, you don't know what effect on cycling safety a device will have without knowing what the device is and does. Reduced speed works, despite what you say, and that has been shown in the data. There's no evidence to support your claims on helmet use as they've very vague claims. A light is a perfect example of a device that does make cycling safer.

I dont give a [censored] if going slow works for safety. Going slow makes alot of people irate. Irate drivers react irrationally and do stupid things like taking risky overtakes, tailgating and in some cases, road rage. On that bases its safer to let someone drive a bit quicker (within reason). As for products, I was pointing out the fact that many cyclists will not use them and that there should be a way of making them safer too. I use a bicycle helmet which I wouldnt have worn except that it was purchased for me by a relative. I also use bicycle lights where necessary but I dont intend to wear hi vis because its gay. However if a product can be produced that does improve safety for those that buy it then go for it. Such a product has to be:

1, Comfortable
2, Light, cyclists tend to be anal about weight. Hence the reasons for all that carbon fibre cobblers.
3, Stylish, few people will buy something if they think it looks like a dogs danglies.
4, Not too expensive. People who are skint need to be able to afford such items if they are to be of use.

These are my own views and arent really intended to represent anything of greater significance. Therefore I do not need statistics or proof of how and why such and such etc. Like analator said I dont know anything about what affects cycling safety as its not something I intend to research. Im only lookin after number 1 after all.

San Remo GT said:

I dont give a [censored] if going slow works for safety. Going slow makes alot of people irate. Irate drivers react irrationally and do stupid things like taking risky overtakes, tailgating and in some cases, road rage. On that bases its safer to let someone drive a bit quicker (within reason).

Sadly, the studies don't show that at all. This is to say that data from real world application shows the effect of slower traffic and increased traffic flow control devices actually makes it safer for riders. Given how wrong your assumptions are, you might want to revisit the way you go about looking out for number one.

Lower speed limits combined with much harsher penalties would make a difference but many cyclist's take risks in towns and cities that get the sport a bad name.
I live in an area without speed cameras and haphazard law enforcement and you can certainly notice a difference in the way people drive (badly) compared to areas that have better law enforcement, lower speeds and education.

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by alienator [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

Sadly, the studies don't show that at all. This is to say that data from real world application shows the effect of slower traffic and increased traffic flow control devices actually makes it safer for riders. Given how wrong your assumptions are, you might want to revisit the way you go about looking out for number one.

Nah [censored] it theres only so much safety stuff I can cope with. So longs as the only consequences are mine then I see no reason to go pedantically slow.

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by Antan1 [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

Lower speed limits combined with much harsher penalties would make a difference but many cyclist's take risks in towns and cities that get the sport a bad name.
I live in an area without speed cameras and haphazard law enforcement and you can certainly notice a difference in the way people drive (badly) compared to areas that have better law enforcement, lower speeds and education.

Thats why I love the scottish highlands, there few people around to kill or prosecute you. Bottom line is I dont really care what people do so long as what they do doesnt have a negative impact on me. I do my best to work this the other way too. F***ing hell im starting to sound like jesus but what ever works.

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by alienator [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

Sadly, the studies don't show that at all. This is to say that data from real world application shows the effect of slower traffic and increased traffic flow control devices actually makes it safer for riders. Given how wrong your assumptions are, you might want to revisit the way you go about looking out for number one.

Study, shmudy. Real world experience trumps acadummy any day:

http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/accidents-stop-in-a-town-without-signs/2008/06/27/1214472770864.html

http://www.cracked.com/article_19636_5-simple-ideas-that-could-make-travel-and-life-way-easier_p2.html

Slowed traffic leads to greater congestion because fewer vehicles per unit of time can pass a given point. So do more stops.