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.
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!