Will Bicycling to Work Get You Killed?
Decatur Metro | October 26, 2007In stark contrast to the previous posting, the Freakonomics blog looks at statistical evidence that shows how much more likely you are to be killed as a commuting cyclist, than a motorist.
Bottom Line: Biking may be healthier and less harmful to the environment, but comparatively it still is pretty dangerous.
Make sure you watch the odd 1963 Bike Safety film linked in the posting, which features a scary looking group of bike-riding monkeys.
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Riding on busy Atlanta streets not having bike lanes is indeed quite hazardous.
Riding on Decatur streets when they are not busy is relatively safe.
Kids are allowed to ride on sidewalks, which is safe, but we’re not supposed to as adults. I do anyway on stretches where I’m not comfortable on the street, such as on E. College from after 7AM. I’d rather take my chances on getting a ticket. If I encounter a pedestrian, I get over in the grass and even stop to let them by if necessary.
Riding on paths is safer, but not risk free. An acquaintance crashed his head into the driver’s window of an SUV after (according to him) she ran a light where a street crosses the path going west out of Atlanta. He’s recovering from his physical injuries (broken clavical, etc.) but he’s seeing double.
Decatur intends to add bike paths, including one on Sycamore Drive, long term. In the meantime, it’s probably best to ride VERY EARLY in the AM (like 5AM) when the streets are still almost empty, or on paths (being very careful where they cross roadways).