Is road cycling dangerous?
- Thread starter sammyjay
- Start date
As a possible mitigation (not elimination, because a-holes gonna be a-holes) to the problems posted in this thread, I think this article says a lot:
http://www.bicycling.com/blogs/thehub/austin-cyclist-making-waves
http://www.bicycling.com/blogs/thehub/austin-cyclist-making-waves
jwkeeper,
I agree that a friendly wave goes a long way. Even if I do not swivel my head when I hear a vehicle approaching from behind I'll often give a wave of the left hand to acknowledge their presence.
Meanwhile, back in Statisticsland, thing aren't looking so rosy for the average male cyclist:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dr-gridlock/wp/2014/10/27/rise-in-u-s-bicycle-fatalities-concerns-safety-advocates/
Rise in U.S. bicycle fatalities concerns safety advocates
Most Bike to Work Day cyclists won’t be able to ride in protected lanes. (Robert Thomson – The Washington Post)
Bike riding, particularly among urban commuters, is up, and the trend has led to a 16 percent increase in cyclist fatalities nationwide, according to a new study set to be released Monday.
In 2010, 621 cyclists were killed in vehicular crashes nationwide. That number grew to 680 in 2011 and to 722 in 2012, for a total increase of 16 percent, according to the study by the Governors Highway Safety Association. Over the same period, other motor vehicle deaths grew by 1 percent.The trend has troubled safety advocates because, until 2010, the number of cyclist fatalities annually had been dropping steadily since 1975.
The recent increase correlates with a 62 percent surge in bicycle commuting since 2000. Governments have promoted cycling as a way to reduce traffic, curb vehicle emissions and improve public health.
Analysts also have seen big changes in who’s getting killed on bikes and where, the study said. Fatal cycling crashes in cities now account for 69 percent of all fatalities in 2012 compared to 50 percent in 1975.
Bicycling being used more for commuting also is affecting the age of accident victims. In 2012, adults 20 and over comprised 84 percent of bicycle fatalities. That compares to adults making up only 21 percent in 1975.
Cycling fatalities still occur mostly among men — 88 percent of victims in 2012 were male –and two-thirds of all cyclists killed weren’t wearing helmets. Nearly one-third — 28 percent — of cyclists killed who were age 16 or older had a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent or higher.
Safety advocates also are concerned that the percentage of cyclists killed with high alcohol levels has remained relatively constant since the early 1980s, even as the percentage of alcohol-impaired drivers in fatal motor vehicle crashes has had a “sharp drop,†the study said.
States are working to increase cyclists’ safety by promoting helmet use, enforcing traffic laws and designing streets better for cyclists and pedestrians, as well as vehicles, the association said.
I agree that a friendly wave goes a long way. Even if I do not swivel my head when I hear a vehicle approaching from behind I'll often give a wave of the left hand to acknowledge their presence.
Meanwhile, back in Statisticsland, thing aren't looking so rosy for the average male cyclist:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dr-gridlock/wp/2014/10/27/rise-in-u-s-bicycle-fatalities-concerns-safety-advocates/
Rise in U.S. bicycle fatalities concerns safety advocates
Most Bike to Work Day cyclists won’t be able to ride in protected lanes. (Robert Thomson – The Washington Post)
Bike riding, particularly among urban commuters, is up, and the trend has led to a 16 percent increase in cyclist fatalities nationwide, according to a new study set to be released Monday.
In 2010, 621 cyclists were killed in vehicular crashes nationwide. That number grew to 680 in 2011 and to 722 in 2012, for a total increase of 16 percent, according to the study by the Governors Highway Safety Association. Over the same period, other motor vehicle deaths grew by 1 percent.The trend has troubled safety advocates because, until 2010, the number of cyclist fatalities annually had been dropping steadily since 1975.
The recent increase correlates with a 62 percent surge in bicycle commuting since 2000. Governments have promoted cycling as a way to reduce traffic, curb vehicle emissions and improve public health.
Analysts also have seen big changes in who’s getting killed on bikes and where, the study said. Fatal cycling crashes in cities now account for 69 percent of all fatalities in 2012 compared to 50 percent in 1975.
Bicycling being used more for commuting also is affecting the age of accident victims. In 2012, adults 20 and over comprised 84 percent of bicycle fatalities. That compares to adults making up only 21 percent in 1975.
Cycling fatalities still occur mostly among men — 88 percent of victims in 2012 were male –and two-thirds of all cyclists killed weren’t wearing helmets. Nearly one-third — 28 percent — of cyclists killed who were age 16 or older had a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent or higher.
Safety advocates also are concerned that the percentage of cyclists killed with high alcohol levels has remained relatively constant since the early 1980s, even as the percentage of alcohol-impaired drivers in fatal motor vehicle crashes has had a “sharp drop,†the study said.
States are working to increase cyclists’ safety by promoting helmet use, enforcing traffic laws and designing streets better for cyclists and pedestrians, as well as vehicles, the association said.
I have written an amendment to the hit and run law in my state that deals with vulnerable users of the road which includes cyclist, pedestrian , utility workers etc. It raises the penalty for leaving the scene of an accident to a class E felony. If you hit a person in this category it is assumed they are severely injured ,possibly fatally.
The only resistance I foresee would be a presumption of prison overcrowding. I will suggest as an alternative a hefty fine and 2000 or so hours of community service but only if it looks like the amendment won't fly as is.
I am having it and another piece of legislation reviewed by a friend at this time. I have already spoken to both side of the state legislature and they seem willing to submit them to the relevant committees. You can tell me laws are a waste of time but I believe it is more productive than pissing and moaning about the situation besides I am only tweaking an existing statute not rewriting the constitution.
The only resistance I foresee would be a presumption of prison overcrowding. I will suggest as an alternative a hefty fine and 2000 or so hours of community service but only if it looks like the amendment won't fly as is.
I am having it and another piece of legislation reviewed by a friend at this time. I have already spoken to both side of the state legislature and they seem willing to submit them to the relevant committees. You can tell me laws are a waste of time but I believe it is more productive than pissing and moaning about the situation besides I am only tweaking an existing statute not rewriting the constitution.
There was a good and discussion recent. on bike safety and bike lanes (mostly urban stuff) on The Diane Rehms Show.
Honest debate on the subject. Please, no NPR jokes from the neanderthals - give it a listen:
http://thedianerehmshow.org/audio/#/shows/2014-10-30/sharing_the_road_adapting_to_a_new_culture_of_cycling/@00:00
Honest debate on the subject. Please, no NPR jokes from the neanderthals - give it a listen:
http://thedianerehmshow.org/audio/#/shows/2014-10-30/sharing_the_road_adapting_to_a_new_culture_of_cycling/@00:00
I agree with the others as well. But, if you stay alert,are well prepared then cycling will give you.... that MOBILE FREEDOM you first found when gou were just a kid!
Bicyclist hit, killed in Warren Township By WKBN Staff Published: December 4, 2014, 8:20 am
WARREN TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WKBN) – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal hit skip accident in Warren Township.
A man riding a bicycle was hit Thursday morning along Main Avenue S.W., south of Dover Avenue.
The victim was found lying on the ground. No vehicle was at the scene.
Main Avenue is closed near the accident.
This is a developing story. Check back here and tune in to WKBN First News at Noon for updates.
http://wkbn.com/2014/12/04/bicyclist-hit-killed-in-warren-township/
WARREN TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WKBN) – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal hit skip accident in Warren Township.
A man riding a bicycle was hit Thursday morning along Main Avenue S.W., south of Dover Avenue.
The victim was found lying on the ground. No vehicle was at the scene.
Main Avenue is closed near the accident.
This is a developing story. Check back here and tune in to WKBN First News at Noon for updates.
http://wkbn.com/2014/12/04/bicyclist-hit-killed-in-warren-township/
http://www.newsmax.com/newswidget/first-female-bishop-Bicyclist/2014/12/29/id/615365/?Dkt_nbr=164BF-1&nmx_source=GateHouse_Generic&nmx_medium=widget&nmx_content=327&nmx_campaign=widgetphase2
Maryland's First Female Episcopal Bishop Responsible in Fatal Hit-and-run
Monday, 29 Dec 2014 11:06 AM
Bishop Suffragan Heather Cook, who's in the diocese's No. 2 spot, was driving the car that hit 41-year-old Tom Palermo on a sunny Saturday afternoon, diocese spokeswoman Sharon Tillman said. Palermo died at a nearby hospital.
In an email Sunday, diocese Bishop Eugene Sutton told clergy members that Cook initially left the scene but returned about 20 minutes later "to take responsibility for her actions."
Neither Cook, 58, nor her attorney, David Irwin, responded to emails and calls for comment Monday.
On Monday, a small makeshift memorial sat by the roadside where Palermo was killed. The road included a designated bike lane.
Sutton said Cook was put on administrative leave "because the nature of the accident could result in criminal charges."
"Together with the Diocese of Maryland, I express my deep sorrow over the death of the cyclist and offer my condolences to the victim's family," Sutton said. "Please pray for Mr. Palermo, his family and Bishop Cook during this most difficult time."
Police confirmed Monday that the driver of the car left the scene and returned later but declined to release her identity. Officials said they would do so only if charges were filed. They declined to discuss whether or when that might happen.
A spokesman with the Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office didn't immediately respond to a request Monday about potential charges.
Chris Merriam, who's active in Baltimore's bicycling community, said Palermo, a father of two, was well-known among bicyclists in the area because he built custom bike frames.
"He was a craftsman," Merriam said. "A lot of people owned frames built by him with loving care. He was a very talented guy, and a lot of people knew him."
According to the Episcopal Church of Maryland's website, Cook was born in Syracuse, New York, and grew up in Baltimore. She was ordained with the Maryland diocese in 1987, and served in Virginia, New York, Pennsylvania and on Maryland's Eastern Shore, according to the website.
She was elected as Episcopal Church of Maryland's first female bishop in September.
In a statement after her election, Cook said she was profoundly moved to "finally coming home to serve in the diocese that formed me and is in my bones."
She said she was looking forward to exploring "the proclamation of the life-giving Good News in a way that reaches across the generations."
Bishop Cook is in the center of this picture:
One of Palermo's frames:
Nope. Road cycling is safe.
Move along. Nothing to see here.
Maryland's First Female Episcopal Bishop Responsible in Fatal Hit-and-run
Monday, 29 Dec 2014 11:06 AM
Bishop Suffragan Heather Cook, who's in the diocese's No. 2 spot, was driving the car that hit 41-year-old Tom Palermo on a sunny Saturday afternoon, diocese spokeswoman Sharon Tillman said. Palermo died at a nearby hospital.
In an email Sunday, diocese Bishop Eugene Sutton told clergy members that Cook initially left the scene but returned about 20 minutes later "to take responsibility for her actions."
Neither Cook, 58, nor her attorney, David Irwin, responded to emails and calls for comment Monday.
On Monday, a small makeshift memorial sat by the roadside where Palermo was killed. The road included a designated bike lane.
Sutton said Cook was put on administrative leave "because the nature of the accident could result in criminal charges."
"Together with the Diocese of Maryland, I express my deep sorrow over the death of the cyclist and offer my condolences to the victim's family," Sutton said. "Please pray for Mr. Palermo, his family and Bishop Cook during this most difficult time."
Police confirmed Monday that the driver of the car left the scene and returned later but declined to release her identity. Officials said they would do so only if charges were filed. They declined to discuss whether or when that might happen.
A spokesman with the Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office didn't immediately respond to a request Monday about potential charges.
Chris Merriam, who's active in Baltimore's bicycling community, said Palermo, a father of two, was well-known among bicyclists in the area because he built custom bike frames.
"He was a craftsman," Merriam said. "A lot of people owned frames built by him with loving care. He was a very talented guy, and a lot of people knew him."
According to the Episcopal Church of Maryland's website, Cook was born in Syracuse, New York, and grew up in Baltimore. She was ordained with the Maryland diocese in 1987, and served in Virginia, New York, Pennsylvania and on Maryland's Eastern Shore, according to the website.
She was elected as Episcopal Church of Maryland's first female bishop in September.
In a statement after her election, Cook said she was profoundly moved to "finally coming home to serve in the diocese that formed me and is in my bones."
She said she was looking forward to exploring "the proclamation of the life-giving Good News in a way that reaches across the generations."
Bishop Cook is in the center of this picture:
One of Palermo's frames:
Nope. Road cycling is safe.
Move along. Nothing to see here.
Just in time for the most dangerous day of the year to be on the roads---on a bike or in a car.
Unfortunately, unless someone gave the good bishop a breathalyzer test when she returned to the scene, the worst charge she could probably face is leaving the scene of a fatal accident. Which may be a misdemeanor.
The article leaves out a little piece of info: back in 2010, Bishop Cook was arrested and charged with DUI. After blowing a .27 on the breathalyzer. Over 3 times the legal limit. It wasn't a case of a little too much communion wine. That's a serious ****ing drinking problem.
Unfortunately, unless someone gave the good bishop a breathalyzer test when she returned to the scene, the worst charge she could probably face is leaving the scene of a fatal accident. Which may be a misdemeanor.
The article leaves out a little piece of info: back in 2010, Bishop Cook was arrested and charged with DUI. After blowing a .27 on the breathalyzer. Over 3 times the legal limit. It wasn't a case of a little too much communion wine. That's a serious ****ing drinking problem.
Wow...thanks for that additional information. I doubt if 20 minutes would eliminate a good buzz, but you never know...
The picture of the 3 bishops looks almost like a Saturday Night Live sketch to me. In other pictures, Bishop Cook looks like she goes 250+ pounds. Maybe even 300 pounds. She's a big gal.
R.I.P. Mr. Palermo. The world loses another road cyclist, a husband, a father and a talented frame builder.
I don't want to see the Bishop crucified (pun intended), but this deserves more than a misdemeanor charge if for no other reason than she fled the scene of an accident with severe injuries/death. If the accident investigation does show booze, drugs or gross negligence...throw the good book at her.
mpre53, I stay off the roads from around 4 PM on the 31st to noon New Year's day...when I take the country dirt roads to a dinner I have to attend. I drive the biggest truck in my farm fleet just to give my wife and I a fighting chance if one of the drugaholics decides he can 'handle it'. By Sunday the newspaper obits and police reports will be chock full of people that should have known better, but didn't give a damn about themselves or anyone else on the roads.
The picture of the 3 bishops looks almost like a Saturday Night Live sketch to me. In other pictures, Bishop Cook looks like she goes 250+ pounds. Maybe even 300 pounds. She's a big gal.
R.I.P. Mr. Palermo. The world loses another road cyclist, a husband, a father and a talented frame builder.
I don't want to see the Bishop crucified (pun intended), but this deserves more than a misdemeanor charge if for no other reason than she fled the scene of an accident with severe injuries/death. If the accident investigation does show booze, drugs or gross negligence...throw the good book at her.
mpre53, I stay off the roads from around 4 PM on the 31st to noon New Year's day...when I take the country dirt roads to a dinner I have to attend. I drive the biggest truck in my farm fleet just to give my wife and I a fighting chance if one of the drugaholics decides he can 'handle it'. By Sunday the newspaper obits and police reports will be chock full of people that should have known better, but didn't give a damn about themselves or anyone else on the roads.
Bob didn't want to crucify her but I just think the newspaper didn't mention the other DUI because they didn't want to be accused of bashing the bishop in public...
Great...da Bishop is a party animal...from her 2010 DUI bust: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/north-baltimore/bs-md-bishop-20141230-story.html
"A bottle of wine, a fifth of Irish whiskey and two baggies were inside the car, police said. On the passenger seat in plain view was a "metal smoking device." She was charged with possession of marijuana, but those charges were later dropped."
From this link: http://www.wusa9.com/story/news/local/maryland/2014/12/31/police-report-reveals-details-of-bishop-cooks-2010-dui/21089435/
"In that DUI incident four years ago, a police officer wrote: "Cook's extremely intoxicated condition precluded her from completing the field sobriety tests. I believed if Cook continued the testing she might possibly injure herself.""
Yup. A stereotypical drugaholic. And probably a "holier than thou" type on top of it all...might as well toss that one in there while I'm stereotyping.
Pic of where Mr. Palermo smashed into the windshield of the Bishop's vehicle and pics of the roadside memorial service are at the link posted above.
Regarding the recent hit & run:
"After Saturday's crash, Cook initially drove away from the scene but returned a short time later, according to the diocese. Another bicyclist followed her to a gated apartment complex."
We all are on the roads with hundreds of 'Bishop Cooks' passing us in their stoned and half-trashed states. It is a miracle more of us are not injured or killed by their self-centered and moronic behavior.
"A bottle of wine, a fifth of Irish whiskey and two baggies were inside the car, police said. On the passenger seat in plain view was a "metal smoking device." She was charged with possession of marijuana, but those charges were later dropped."
From this link: http://www.wusa9.com/story/news/local/maryland/2014/12/31/police-report-reveals-details-of-bishop-cooks-2010-dui/21089435/
"In that DUI incident four years ago, a police officer wrote: "Cook's extremely intoxicated condition precluded her from completing the field sobriety tests. I believed if Cook continued the testing she might possibly injure herself.""
Yup. A stereotypical drugaholic. And probably a "holier than thou" type on top of it all...might as well toss that one in there while I'm stereotyping.
Pic of where Mr. Palermo smashed into the windshield of the Bishop's vehicle and pics of the roadside memorial service are at the link posted above.
Regarding the recent hit & run:
"After Saturday's crash, Cook initially drove away from the scene but returned a short time later, according to the diocese. Another bicyclist followed her to a gated apartment complex."
We all are on the roads with hundreds of 'Bishop Cooks' passing us in their stoned and half-trashed states. It is a miracle more of us are not injured or killed by their self-centered and moronic behavior.
Obit of Tom Palermo:
Thomas Palermo, a senior Johns Hopkins Hospital software engineer recalled as a master bike frame builder, died Saturday after he was struck by a vehicle while cycling in the 5700 block of Roland Ave. He was 41 and lived in the Baltimore County community of Anneslie.
Born in Mount Holly, N.J., he was the son of Carl and Patricia Palermo. He was a 1991 graduate of St. Joseph's Preparatory School in Philadelphia and moved to College Park to earn a history degree at the University of Maryland.
While in College Park, he worked at REI and at Proteus Bicycles.
"He was a gentle man and was a great listener," said Jill DiMauro, a past owner of Proteus Bicycles who lives in Ithaca, N.Y. "He was a deep thinker and was thoughtful. He had a good nature and he was incredibly loyal. He also adored his family, his parents, his wife and his children."
In 2010, Mr. Palermo was making custom bike frames at his workshop near Pulaski Highway in East Baltimore. He selected and cut the steel tubing, hand-cut and polished the lugs, and did his own brazing work.
"Tom was a magical character. He had a glint in his eye. He was such a sweetheart and had such a lovely family," said Maile Neel, a University of Maryland botanist and faculty member. "The bike he made for me was gorgeous. It was creative but also very practical. ... He wanted his bikes to be ridden. He used his time and his artistry to make me a bike that has carried me for at least 20,000 kilometers on three continents."
Dr. Neel recalled visiting his booth at a cycling trade show in Portland, Ore., before she commissioned her bike.
"Other builders had elaborate displays. Tom was there with one bike and one frame," she said. "After just a few minutes of talking, I found that he was a good person — and his work was impressive. He was clearly a person whose bike I would want to ride."
Mr. Palermo worked in information technology before becoming a senior software engineer at Hopkins Hospital as part of an information technology and services team. He joined Hopkins two years ago and worked at a Lancaster Street office in Harbor East.
"Tom was a vital part of a tight-knit team," said a Hopkins colleague, Richard Kowalewski of Baltimore. "He was instrumental to our work. He was detail-oriented, precise and thorough. He was liked by all."
"He was a consummate professional," said Saad Chaudhry of Baltimore, with whom he worked. "He was eager and ready to help whenever anyone needed assistance. I found him to be a pleasant colleague. Whatever the requirements of the work, he kept a positive outlook. The team morale was always high because of him."
Before his Hopkins office moved to Harbor East, Mr. Palermo worked in Mount Washington at another Hopkins site. He biked to work each day.
"With a quick wit, a quiet intelligence and a kind heart, Tom had a large group of friends and family who cared for him deeply," said a statement prepared by Alisa Rock, his sister-in-law. "He was the love of my sister's life, a wonderful father, a much-loved son and a friend to many."
Family members described Mr. Palermo as a "seasoned cyclist" who had ridden for 25 years. They said he had "a passion for mountain biking as well as logging countless miles on the road." The called him an advocate for bike access and bike safety.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, Ware Avenue in Towson. His family will also receive friends at the Ruck Towson Funeral Home, 1050 York Road, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday.
He is survived by his wife of seven years, Rachel Rock Palermo; a 6-year-old daughter, Sadie; a 4-year-old son, Sam; and his parents.
[email protected]
Thomas Palermo, a senior Johns Hopkins Hospital software engineer recalled as a master bike frame builder, died Saturday after he was struck by a vehicle while cycling in the 5700 block of Roland Ave. He was 41 and lived in the Baltimore County community of Anneslie.
Born in Mount Holly, N.J., he was the son of Carl and Patricia Palermo. He was a 1991 graduate of St. Joseph's Preparatory School in Philadelphia and moved to College Park to earn a history degree at the University of Maryland.
While in College Park, he worked at REI and at Proteus Bicycles.
"He was a gentle man and was a great listener," said Jill DiMauro, a past owner of Proteus Bicycles who lives in Ithaca, N.Y. "He was a deep thinker and was thoughtful. He had a good nature and he was incredibly loyal. He also adored his family, his parents, his wife and his children."
In 2010, Mr. Palermo was making custom bike frames at his workshop near Pulaski Highway in East Baltimore. He selected and cut the steel tubing, hand-cut and polished the lugs, and did his own brazing work.
"Tom was a magical character. He had a glint in his eye. He was such a sweetheart and had such a lovely family," said Maile Neel, a University of Maryland botanist and faculty member. "The bike he made for me was gorgeous. It was creative but also very practical. ... He wanted his bikes to be ridden. He used his time and his artistry to make me a bike that has carried me for at least 20,000 kilometers on three continents."
Dr. Neel recalled visiting his booth at a cycling trade show in Portland, Ore., before she commissioned her bike.
"Other builders had elaborate displays. Tom was there with one bike and one frame," she said. "After just a few minutes of talking, I found that he was a good person — and his work was impressive. He was clearly a person whose bike I would want to ride."
Mr. Palermo worked in information technology before becoming a senior software engineer at Hopkins Hospital as part of an information technology and services team. He joined Hopkins two years ago and worked at a Lancaster Street office in Harbor East.
"Tom was a vital part of a tight-knit team," said a Hopkins colleague, Richard Kowalewski of Baltimore. "He was instrumental to our work. He was detail-oriented, precise and thorough. He was liked by all."
"He was a consummate professional," said Saad Chaudhry of Baltimore, with whom he worked. "He was eager and ready to help whenever anyone needed assistance. I found him to be a pleasant colleague. Whatever the requirements of the work, he kept a positive outlook. The team morale was always high because of him."
Before his Hopkins office moved to Harbor East, Mr. Palermo worked in Mount Washington at another Hopkins site. He biked to work each day.
"With a quick wit, a quiet intelligence and a kind heart, Tom had a large group of friends and family who cared for him deeply," said a statement prepared by Alisa Rock, his sister-in-law. "He was the love of my sister's life, a wonderful father, a much-loved son and a friend to many."
Family members described Mr. Palermo as a "seasoned cyclist" who had ridden for 25 years. They said he had "a passion for mountain biking as well as logging countless miles on the road." The called him an advocate for bike access and bike safety.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, Ware Avenue in Towson. His family will also receive friends at the Ruck Towson Funeral Home, 1050 York Road, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday.
He is survived by his wife of seven years, Rachel Rock Palermo; a 6-year-old daughter, Sadie; a 4-year-old son, Sam; and his parents.
[email protected]
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