http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/ped_bike/docs/ctanbike.pdf

and

http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/nrd-30/NCSA/TSF2003/809768.pdf

It is interesting to note that with an over taking motorist that failed to detect the cyclist, the cyclist had a nearly 50-50 chance of being seriously hurt (duh, because of the speed!). and there was an equal chance of this happening in the daytime as in the nigttime.

also note that a lot of adults get hurt in on-coming traffic that is turning left.

Same thing when we drive our cars. Despite the 100 car occupants killed in the U.S. every day.

The common theme is that an out-of-control motorist can kill anybody anywhere. It doesn’t matter if you’re in a car, on a bike, on foot, or sitting in your living room.

It’s the out-of-control motorist that’s dangerous, not the victim.

http://www.bicyclinginfo.org/facts/

My heart goes out to the riders and their families. I hope the Mexican authorities throw away the key to the cell holding this menace.

…unfortunately, people outside the world of cycling need to see photos like that, to be reminded just what it looks like when the vulnerability of a cyclist is violated…

…harsh fucking reality…

Something to keep in mind: In 2003, George Weller drove his Buick LeSabre 60 mph into a crowded farmers market in Santa Monica, California, killing 10 people and injuring 63. We don’t talk about how “lucky” we are when we escape from an outdoor shopping mall with our lives — we shudder at the tragedy of these losses, but we also recognize them for the random and uncommon events that they are. Cycling is a daily, routine activity for millions of people.

[ somewhat tasteless cartoon removed ]

The driver needs the book thrown at him.

Ride on. (And safely.)

Like Hyper says, everyone has their time, but Casey brings up great points. After many years racing and commuting, I’ve been lucky enough to never be involved in a bicycle/car related accident, but you have to put yourself in a lucky postion to start with. I’m still amazed at all the white iPod cords I see dangling from people’s ears. Another thing I can’t understand is this mentality of pack riders who ride 3 or 4 abreast, out in traffic, just so they can chat while they ride. These are the kind of actions that put you in an unlucky position.

http://www.newschannel5.tv/2008/6/2/992215/Valley-Residents-Killed-in-Matamoros-Crash