Riding bikes is - by itself - an extremely safe activity.
It's the cars that are dangerous.
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@gabrielesvelto is what I always say when people ask me whether I’m worried about winter biking. Am I worried about falling over? Not very. Am I worried about falling under a truck? Very.
@gabrielesvelto I'm extremely careful when riding my bike. On main roads, I only ride on those with protected bike lanes. Even then, intersections remain dangerous with vehicles turning. What I find even more dangerous, however, are electric bikes & scooters ridden at high speeds when coming from behind on bike paths and providing no warning of an approach. All it takes is me manoeuvring my bike to avoid a branch on the ground or a pothole and collision is written all over this scenario.
Cars and level crossings for me.
Crashed once due to being cut off by a car and had a few scary moments. Mostly due to folks just not paying attention.
My other crash while riding in the city was due to a rail eating my front wheel.
@gabrielesvelto I would gladly use a bike when I'm well enough. Assuming I could save up for one obv, but that's probably not that big an ask esp if I asked around for a second hand one or whatever
But there is no fucking way it will ever happen as long as you have to be around cars. And worse: drivers
@gabrielesvelto I don't even trust those motherfuckers when I'm on foot. never mind the weird frothing sexual hatred that the top gear kind of wankers have for cyclists
@sinvega yes, I also absolutely hate it. Having started cycling in a city with no bike infrastructure and completely motor-brained people I developed a number of survival strategies, but it's still not a pleasant experience. Amsterdam is, however, a different story.
@gabrielesvelto Also just the total non compliance of the rules of the road by motorists. I was riding my bike home last night and it felt like not a single car used their turn signal when they turned. I don't understand why you wouldn't use it, it also selfishly helps you communicate with other cars that can crash into you causing financial or physical injury. I signal all the time biking or driving. They also don't seem capable of comprehending any of the signs or speed limits. I don't get it.
@andrew773 indeed, and the asymmetry of it too. If a cyclist doesn't abide by the rules of the road the worst thing that can happen is that someone gets an injury, rarely a major one. A car kills you, full stop. Especially if it's a hulking modern SUV.
@gabrielesvelto Yes! Also, "bike infrastructure" is only required when cars are present, so it's really car infrastructure...