A speedy recovery to Gene Hackman who was hit by a car while riding his bike in Florida yesterday. I was going to write more about my search for my next bike but this accident brings up another question for me: Do I feel safe riding in traffic? The answer is that I do not. While many cycling advocates instruct riders in the use of vehicular cycling and insist that cyclists should "take the lane", at least for now, I fully intend to limit my riding to quiet streets in my neighborhood and designated bike trails.
I understand that the roads belong to all of us and that cars should share the road. When I was younger I was much more daring. Maybe it is because my reflexes have slowed, or that my range of motion is limited and I can no longer keep looking over my shoulder. Maybe it has to do with the fact that age has brought with it an increased awareness of my own mortality or I have just acquired common sense. Whatever, I am much more cautious than I used to be. I don’t think I will ever feel comfortable with taking the lane as so many cycling enthusiasts seem to advocate..
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