For some reason, this year seems filled with an unusually high number of cycling incidents.
I’ve heard of dozens from around the country, some pretty severe, and right here in little ole Po-Dunk, MS we’ve had several….one was a pretty good friend.
He was hit by a car that ran a stop sign a few weeks ago.
His bike hit the car, he flew over the hood, and the driver kept going…. said he never even realized he hit anyone!!! REALLY???!!
Luckily another driver witnessed it, stopped, and called the police.
Our friend is fine thank goodness….
He’s young…VERY young, like early 20′s young and very resilient.
The bike, was trashed. He was out riding in prep for NOLA 70.3 (next weekend) and so THIS has been more of an issue than being a little bruised and battered. Carbon doesn’t like to get into confrontations with cars and so, as is the norm, the car won.
Fortunately, one of the local swim instructors saves EVERYTHING….a bit of a bike hoarder, if you will, so they were able to rebuild a bike in time for the race. Race wheels will have to wait, but he’s one of those guys who could ride a Schwinn from Wal-Mart and still win his age group.
Raw Talent…..just disgusting 
Mississippi has passed all of the appropriate legislation… 3 feet laws and such, but it doesn’t necessarily mean people will follow them. Hell, in THIS case, if someone doesn’t even KNOW you’re there then they certainly can’t abide by it.
I am a paranoid cyclist and stories like this are the reason why. Cyclist around here have had beer bottles thrown at them, been spit at, and had drivers scream to get off “their” roads…we’ve been basically harassed for years. I hear stories almost weekly when I go into the tri store, cycling shop, or to the natatorium to swim.
We all need to be extra vigilant out there. Don’t ever “assume” that someone behind the wheel of a car is actually paying attention to their surroundings. As a matter of fact, always assume the EXACT opposite. Never ride without some sort of ID and ideally a cell phone, but I know that’s not always going to be practical. And when possible, don’t ride alone.
The weather is gettin’ beautiful and we’re all going to be out there logging those miles.
Lets all make it home safely!
Ride Happy, My Friends!
