[RBW] Thinking about cycling for me in the future....
Regarding riding on the sidewalk, it is illegal for anyone over the age of 13 where I live in Northern California (also not SF). That said, there is a busy stretch of my commute where two left turn lanes turns into another busy road. Although I feel highly self-conscious about it, I have often ridden up to the traffic light, taken the crosswalk and rode on the sidewalk the two block stretch to next “safe” road. It’s MUCH safer than crossing two lanes of morning traffic to stand in and then travel with traffic in one of the two left turn lanes. As for walking as a safer pursuit, yesterday evening my wife and I were walking our dogs when were almost run over by a Tesla silently rolling through a neighborhood stop sign at about 25-30 mph. We actually had to yank the dogs back on to the corner. Dangers are everywhere but I refuse to fear death so much that I cease living (paraphrasing Jimmy Buffet? Really!?). I love riding a bicycle (and walking our dogs) and refuse to stop doing it out of fear. To reiterate what others said, I’ll continue to ride defensively, use lights and reflective bits and avoid risky situations whenever possible. But, as long as I still enjoy it, I’m still going to do it. Good luck with your decision and, if you do give the bike, I hope you find another joyous pursuit that you enjoy as much or more than we all enjoy riding our Rivs. John Niles, CA -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/d54b15ae-e607-468d-b0fd-19331aa0ba8e%40googlegroups.com.
[RBW] Thinking about cycling for me in the future....
Well here's another Paul adding a response. I relate to a lot of what has been shared and appreciate many of the thoughtful responses. Also, I'm another cyclist getting up there in years beginning about age 35 with my first good bike. It's hard to get my mind around it but I am about 3 years ahead of original poster Paul so this is the year the big Seven Zero arrives in the B-day column for me. But I feel at least 10 or15 years younger than that so that's a blessing. Dallas, TX and the surrounding suburbs have grown and continue to grow in population and traffic tremendously. I share the same concerns in riding my bike(s) out there that many have expressed. The seemingly frantic rush most drivers seem to be in along with the cell phone use is a scary combo indeed. Helmet, mirror attached, riding very defensively, waiting to see if there is a red light or stop sign runner b4 proceeding are all part of my riding strategy. I stick to slower speed limit residential streets when not on a pathand know the area to get around pretty well. Many of my errands are done via bike. As to sidewalks if it seems a car is crowding me or being impatient I don't hesitate to get up on it. Like Leah, I'm courteous to walkers and stop and defer to them but rarely encounter walkers. I've encountered no irritation with that and most likely happiness with the driver that I got out of their way. When deemed safe I get back on the street. I like what Patrick M said about a little prayer at the beginning of a ride. Cycling means enough to me to take the known risks. I could see in the future giving it upbecause of physical limitations as I get older or suffering a pretty severe bike accident might put me off it. The idea of meeting my demise when riding occurs to me occasionally but also the idea of going out doing something I love is not off putting. I'm one that is actually looking forward to the next life. I hope there are bicycles there. (The good place not the other place.) That demise would be preferable to sitting on my sofa eating ice cream and kicking off with a heart attack or stroke.But then again I do like ice cream hmmm? I better cycle tomorrow to burn calories to justify Saturday night ice cream. At any rate OP Paul all the best with your decision regarding your cycling future. Thanks for bringing up an interesting topic. Safe riding to you all.The Riv Bike list rocks! Paul in Dallas,TX When one gets old do they get more long winded? What age is official geezer status age? -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/701E938F3417AD78.3d8ada7b-7085-473f-8567-8081e04c249b%40mail.outlook.com.
[RBW] Thinking about cycling for me in the future....
Paul: I'm the same age as you are. My desire to ride ebbs and flows over time. I'm enjoying more these days than I have in a while, but I can relate to not feeling like a ride. You might enjoy working on bikes to stay around them, if you refer not to ride them. As part of our club local outreach committee, I do free bike service on bikes of folks who can't afford to pay for it at a shop, including servicing donated bikes that we re-home. Last night, I chased a creak on my own Rivendell and ended up swapping out the BB. It was as enjoyable to me as a ride. Cycling remains statistically pretty safe. About 800 cyclists are killed on US roads in a year, vs about 36,000 motor vehicle occupants. If you do have an incident on a bike, it is likely to hurt more than a non fatal car collision though. It's the rider's choice to make and your choice is valid no matter which it is, ride or not ride. I love the road, am closing in on 60,000 miles. Only injury was dog related back in 2006. I avoid roads with danger zones, or bad traffic patterns. I make eye contact. I ride with a mirror, lights and a loud bell. I don't attempt routes that my body is no longer sturdy enough to stay in control on. (big climbs, high winds) I make a ride plan based on my pace these days, not "back in the day." Whether you ride or not, tailwinds to you. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/432d5fe1-c0cc-4329-996a-ff292dea14d3%40googlegroups.com.
[RBW] Thinking about cycling for me in the future....
Good example, Christopher. I resumed motorcycle riding 10 years ago because I'd always wanted a Harley and promptly sold it. I still like the bikes and ebikes at 57-years-old, but I don't need the motorcycles anymore. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/b5e1cef2-d7cd-463f-b6d2-8e0382c90437%40googlegroups.com.
[RBW] Thinking about cycling for me in the future....
This is a tough and personal question. I think it boils down to the amount of risk you are willing to accept. All activities (even sitting in your house) come with some risk. At some point the risk or perceived risk of an activity is outweighed by the enjoyment of an activity. For me, motorcycles and old Volkswagens fall into this category. No matter how much I like them, I can just not participate and not feel like I am depriving myself or feel like I am living my life in fear. Other activites- like cycling and running- are worth the risk to me. If I gave them up I would feel like I was living in fear and would miss them every single day. Ride in places with protected bike lanes or trails. Or give yourself permission to take a break from cycling. You can always start again. Just Ride, to me, means being true to yourself and doing what makes you happy and gives you enjoyment. If that means not riding then that's ok. Talk to people-- friends, doctors, etc. They may have radically different perspectives. Keep an open mind. Explore other types of cycling. Explore other types of exercise. But mostly, do what makes you happiest. Life is too short not to. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/432441eb-fbbe-4fc1-9627-2dddade0b5fa%40googlegroups.com.
[RBW] Thinking about cycling for me in the future....
I know this is the place where everyone is inclined to say keep riding no matter what, but I can't support that. It's not the safest activity in the world - at least not with the lousy infrastructure this country provides for cyclists - and you don't have to do it. If you've been off the bike for months and find that you feel calmer without it, then that may be the choice you need. Going for walks is nice, too. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/21663009-8c3a-47c3-a0b9-f71b302be423%40googlegroups.com.
[RBW] Thinking about cycling for me in the future....
Paul, So sorry to learn about your close call. I have had a few close calls on my bike with cars. I’ve been able to keep riding, though at least one encounter had me quite shaken. All this to express my understanding with your situation. It is not hard for me to imagine that at some point I will feel as you do; I dread that day. Are there multipurpose trails in your area where you could ride and be more at ease? With best wishes, Erl Kensington, MD -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/6663d7d5-2bb4-481b-94de-d37aba623a30%40googlegroups.com.
[RBW] Thinking about cycling for me in the future....
Have you ridden a nice recumbent trike? Brynnar -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/a52829b7-e01e-4e16-a1de-d982fa2627cd%40googlegroups.com.
[RBW] Thinking about cycling for me in the future....
I'm turning 67 in a week, and haven't ridden in a couple of months. The last time out, a woman blew a stop sign at an intersection -- presumably while texting, base on her body language -- and if I'd been 100 feet closer to the intersection, I would have been creamed. I shook for a couple of days afterwards, and haven't been motivated to go out since. As with most of us, this isn't an isolated incident. My instinct is to quit riding. A couple things are behind that. Because of my age, my reflexes, depth perception, and general eyesight are in decline. I only ride on the road, as mountain and trail riding don't appeal to me. I guess I could start spinning at home to keep my fitness level up. I know the odds are that I will be fine, but even a minor accident would take months to recover from. A major accident could result in permanent damage. Am I overreacting? It's been several months and I've had no urge to ride again. Paul -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/ebc4f679-a1dc-4499-93a8-a1078104a4c7%40googlegroups.com.
