And what of the trucks and people texting? I straight up saw someone doing a FaceTime while driving 2 weeks ago. I’d be hesitant to drive a small car, let alone a bike.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯ We’re not cowards, I guess?
Statistically, utility cyclists live longer than drivers. Although I can’t find the study itself to be sure, I believe that’s considering all factors including car crashes.
Statistically, you are twice as likely to die riding a bike vs driving.
And you’re way, way more likely to die due to complications of a sedentary lifestyle (due to driving instead of cycling), which blows that difference out of the water.
On top of that, the more people bike, the safer it becomes (both because of more/better bicycle infrastructure, and fewer drivers). Statistically, I’m making myself safer by trying to persuade people to try it.
Avoid the busy roads and do a mixture of aggressive and defensive cycling. Take the lane if it’s not safe for others to pass, and take side streets instead of busy roads. Your goal is to be seen and avoid the angry drivers.
I bike commuted every day for years and had no problems. I just changed jobs and it’s too far away now, but I really miss cycling to work.
