Just a little over a month ago I was hit by a car while riding my bike in Huntington Beach. A car pulled out in front of me leaving me no where to go but into the side of the car and ultimately into the driver’s side window. Just two weeks ago I had extensive surgery on my shoulder. I have been recovering from the surgery since and look forward to getting back on the bike and riding again. That is once the driver’s insurance company replaces my totaled bike. While this is a bad story, and I have been hurt, I feel very lucky that I am still alive. In the last six years I have logged more than 30,000 miles on my bike and had never been involved in a crash. For many bicyclists in and around the local Costa Mesa and Orange County area this is not the story I hear. I cannot tell you how many nice people have asked what happened to me and followed up my story with a story of a friend who was killed on a bike.
Since my accident, I have obviously been more aware of what drivers do while driving, putting on make up, texting, talking on the phone, and frankly not paying attention to the road. Each time, this puts other drivers, pedestrians and cyclists at risk of serious injury and death. I ask that you take a moment to think of all the stories you have heard about and think twice before you answer or send a text and realise in that moment, you could have hurt someone.
Below is a article from my good friends at Performance Bicycle, it covers what cyclists can do to be safer.
Most of us invariably need to ride close to vehicles on the road. When sharing the road with two tons of metal I always keep in mind these key skills for staying safe in traffic.
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Look and ListenFirst of all, pay 100 percent attention, just as you would
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Pick Smart RoutesThe best roads have few cars, low speed limits and
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Don’t Keep SecretsTry to think of what drivers will see as they drive up
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Stay SteadyLooking behind you without swerving is an essential
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Hook your ThumbsAlways wrap your thumbs around the handlebar,
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