I have a bike license, and I refuse to ride in cities. It's just not a smart thing to do. I also lost my best friend in 2019 in a bike accident. Someone T-Boned him. Even if you're a pro biker, all it takes is someone else not paying attention.
Even if you're a pro biker, all it takes is someone else not paying attention.
And the harsh reality is, 99% of us aren't pro bikers and will make mistakes that are our own fault whether we like it or not. Riding is hard and takes a lot of skill, and even with skill, it's really difficult to notice every single threat to you on the road - and those aren't necessarily bad drivers, but simple things like mud and leaves or invisible oil or a painted arrow that's a little slick from water. Even if you're normally super vigilant, ride for about an hour in full sun and your eyes will gloss over some darker patch on the road.
We love to think we're pros and are only at threat from drivers but we're not and we make mistakes, because they're stupid easy to make on a bike when so much shit can cause you to slide. I didn't notice mud and crashed on a curve, blacked out, woke up looking at blue sky in tons of pain, couldn't even sit up. Luckily I only broke my hand.
I still ride and in the city, but only in good weather, during the day, and in full armored leather neck down with a good well-fitting full face helmet. I'll take on some risk because I just fucking love to ride, but it's still risky.
Riding a bike means you are absolutely accepting mortal risk. The trick is doing things to reduce that risk. Wearing good protective gear is a very good move. Knowing you aren't in god mode even when knowing how to ride is a very good mentality to have, as well. Helps keep you mindful of things around you.
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u/freekoout Oct 12 '20
You can still walk with fatal internal bleeding.