Ride Safe

I have to say that we have been blessed, over the last 2+ years since Trace Bikes opened only three of our riders have been involved in a accident. Even more thankfully neither accident involved a car. A little scratched up and bruised, two cracked helmets, one cracked rib, one pair of bib shorts torn and one broken shifter, but everyone was able to walk away. Unfortunately I can't say the same thing for a gentleman I heard about riding in Leiper's Fork a few weeks ago. As I understand it, a truck turned into his path, the cyclist of course hitting the truck, but the worst was the truck did not stop, he actually drug this gentleman until someone in a car was able to catch up to him and make him stop. The driver of the truck was unaware of the cyclist, had no idea that he had just killed someone. My heart goes out to everyone involved, as I am sure the driver did not set out with those intentions when he left his house that morning. All of this to say, please, please, please be aware of your surroundings when you are out there on the road. Think of it as "defensive riding". We all know that by law motorist are supposed to give cyclist 3ft when passing, we all also know that as cyclist we have no control of the auto coming up behind us, passing us and sometimes giving us the universal "hello".

There a few things you can do to help protect yourself; (1) Be aware of the traffic around you. (2) Assume that the auto that just passed you, may not have seen you especially if you are approaching a turn or an intersection. (3) If you are riding side by side with someone, move to a single file line as soon as you hear a car. By law you don't have to do this, but "Bubba" and/or "Bubba's" girlfriend does not care what the law says. The speed limit may be 35, but the driver may be going 50 - 60. (4) If you are using a mirror to watch the traffic behind you, do not let that replace you physically turning to look before you move into the traffic lane. (5) Wear a helmet! I am always surprised at how many people who ask, "Do I have to wear a helmet?". No, you don't have to wear a helmet, but imagine your head is a watermelon, now imagine that watermelon hitting the asphalt with the force of a 150 - 200 lb vine driving it to the ground. I think you get my point. (6) If you do wreck, please replace your helmet before your next ride. You may not see the damage to your helmet, but the integrity of the material has been compromised and may not protect you the next time. (7) If you are passing a parked car, beware of the door opening. Again the person in the car may not know you are there. (8) As a cyclist you are bound to the same rules of the road as a motorist, this means stop signs, traffic lights, etc. If the light is red, you need to stop too. I know this interrupts the ride, but I'd rather be a little slower getting home, than not getting home at all.

Now, go ride, be defensive and ride safe, there are more rides ahead of you, don't let a careless mistake take that way from you, your family or your riding buddies!