I live in NYC and it seems like almost every time I go out for a bike ride someone almost hits me with their car. And then if you call them out on it they act like it’s your fault. I can’t even get out for a bike ride to clear my head anymore. I’m so sick of it.
won’t help for clearing your head, but try hooking up with Critical Mass (you’ll at least get one day when it’s safe-ish to be on the roads)
Thanks that’s a great idea. I’ve heard of things like this but somehow never looked into the possibility that it already exists in my city.
See if your local cycling groups do a commuter “bike bus” as well. There’s one in Chicago that’s become very popular.
You love in New York man, if it exists it can be found there. Best of luck out on the roads!
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Probably not the answer you want, but if other road users are being dangerous around you then it would be ideal to try and look out for yourself more, if at all possible.
At intersections make sure drivers can see you, when in traffic try and stay visible in their mirrors, avoid blind spots whenever you can, and try to “read” what others are doing with their car - as some won’t indicate to show their intentions. Speed is an important one too - if a driver was to righthook/cut you at an intersection, can you evade it or stop in time?
Try and adapt your riding style to a way that allows you to maintain visibility of yourself, and the environment around you on the road - drivers are protected in a metal box, but we aren’t
Edit:
The real fix for these issues is separated bike infrastructure IMO, as well as better education for drivers about people on bikes
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They don’t? I’m on sh.itjust.works and can see the image just fine.
@threelonmusketeers Not to Mastodon :(
(Although I can’t find anything discussing that limitation)
Thanks. Maybe I’ll try to get better at it. But usually it just makes me less likely to take the bike out at all. I usually end up just getting more stressed when I bike so idk if it’s worth it right now
Thanks! The horn is a great idea. I’ll have to think about the the go pro
The streets are a battlefield unfortunately, that much holds true in even some of the better parts of the world for cycling.
Gotta stay defensive out there, and push your local government hard for protected infrastructure. A large part of my commute is safe due to there being fully separated infrastructure.
I’ve found that drivers are a lot more courteous when I’m riding my cargo bike and have my kids on the back.
So can I borrow your kids lol?
Don’t threaten me with
a good timefree daycare!😂
According to Norwegian US news coverage, the bike has nothing to do with this, it’s how NY works
Keep a hammer with you and smash their front window
Blame the other riders and delivery bikers for being a massive nuisance to everyone in the city.
“other riders and delivery bikers” developed those habits out of self-defense – they are the effect, not the cause
Nah, fam, that’s entitlement. Bicyclists need to follow the same traffic laws as every other vehicle on the road. Doesn’t matter if it’s a car, a bike, a scooter, or a motorcycle, if you’re not adhering to the same traffic laws as everyone else, you’re not predictable and you’re dangerous to yourself and others on the road.
Those habits are things like running red lights. How does that qualify as self-defense. It’s the dumbest thing you can do on a bicycle.
Honestly, have you ever been to New York City? It’s like the wild West for anybody with two wheels. They feel like they’re above the law and do whatever the hell they want with zero consequences unless they get run over.
EDIT: Don’t know why I replied to you twice, sorry about that!
Many studies have shown that motorists break more traffic laws than cyclists. This is just the first one I found.
It’s a Danish study vs NY. Anecdotally, drivers here do all sorts of fucky shit, but when a motorcycle or bike does I remember it because I go out of my way to make sure they’re safe. Even if cyclists are being chill, the few that aren’t might be remembered due to confirmation bias.
True. In my other commemts I linked to a couple of other studies, too, including one in London and another in Florida. The picture is pretty consistent regardless of where in the world you are, as far as I’ve seen.
You’re definitely right that confirmation bias plays a part. Also, some ways motorists break the law (like speeding) are either widely seen as acceptable or are less immediately visible and obvious than cyclists jumping reds, even though they’re objectively much more dangerous!
I’ve never lived in NYC, but that’s NYC for you.
Is there somewhere else you recommend?
Find some bike trails in your area. Might have to drive a ways, but if you can transport your bike out of the city proper, you might find some bike-safe places to ride.
