By Lars Hundley
Dallas has not been kind to cyclists lately.
Last December, Scott Mages and Andre Kocher, both members of the Frisco Triathlon Club, were hit and killed by an unlicensed, speeding driver while on a group ride in Denton County. In late March, Phil Balli, a 61-year-old regular on the Richardson Pop Ride, was struck near Renner and Custer Parkway and died a week later. Then in April, Dory Selinger was killed in McKinney. Selinger was a three-time world champion and Paralympic gold medalist who had lived and ridden in North Texas for decades.
Four cyclists killed in five months. All of them doing exactly what I do.
Large cities in the US have a lot of fast-moving traffic and limited safe options for cyclists. Dallas is no exception. Riders here are forced to be very careful about where and when they ride.
At some point I started thinking more carefully about which risks were worth taking. And I made some changes.
Here is what my riding looks like now.
Twice a week I race on Zwift. I know how that sounds to a lot of riders. But Zwift racing is not just grinding on a trainer. You are racing real people in real time, in real categories, with real competition. The category structure has gotten good enough that the races are genuine, and I get more hard intensity in a Zwift race than I do in most outdoor rides. I ride on a dedicated smart bike set up inside my house, so there is no driving to a start, no weather issues, and almost no setup time. I am warmed up and racing in minutes.
The other two rides are outdoors. I leave my house around 5 a.m. and ride to White Rock Lake, where there are established early morning group rides that have been running for years. White Rock is a recreational area with a 25 mph speed limit, and at that hour there is almost no traffic. When I finish around 7 a.m., I take the bike path home rather than riding back on the road. I get the intensity, I get the community, and I never have to think about traffic.
I still do gravel events. The risk profile feels different from riding on a busy road, and the events I pick tend to be on quiet roads where cars are not really a factor.
What I have mostly given up is riding alone on roads with fast traffic. The risk stopped feeling worth it when I have options that give me the same workout without it.
I suspect Dallas is not unique in this. A lot of cyclists in bigger cities have probably made their own version of the same calculation. And riders in smaller towns or rural areas may be looking at an entirely different situation.
I am curious what you have worked out.
Do you live somewhere where car traffic is not much of a concern, or do you deal with conditions like we have here in North Texas? Have you made changes to where or when you ride because of safety? Do you use bike paths or bike lanes a lot? Have you moved from road to gravel partly to avoid traffic? Have you ever been hit by a car? And for the riders who have not changed a thing, what is your thinking on the risk?
I live in Paris. I do all my riding in the countryside outside the city by utilizing the superb (and bike-friendly) rail network here, and have almost never felt endangered by passing cars. I do have a Garmin radar/rear light, which enhances my sense of safety. It helps that French drivers are almost universally respective of the legal requirement that they give you 1.5 metres of clearance when passing (it’s 1 metre in urban areas, which as mentioned above I avoid).
I hope anyone who read my comment figured out that I meant “respectful”, not “respective”.
My wife and I moved to central PA a year ago. I’m retired and ride between the hours of 9:30 and 2p. I try and play the percentages and ride when most are at work or in school. I have a light on the back of my helmet and use Garmin radar. The Radar has been a game changer. Knowing what’s behind you makes a big difference. When cars approach from the front or back I wave. I want them to know I see them and it’s a form of thanks.
I rode with a friend once and said, “are you running for office?” Yes, office to breathe and keep pedaling.
When I first started tri’s and cycling 22 years ago I read an interesting article in Bicycling magazine that signaling with “motion” catches the drivers attention more than just sticking your hand out. I think it helps.
I’ve never been hit, but friends have. I’ve had a one that lost their life. Very sad.
I don’t use bike paths, lanes because there are none where I live. Not into gravel…yet. I recently was gifted a Zwift trainer and plan to use it in the fall and winter. There’s something breathing fresh air, feeling the elements, that makes riding outside more enjoyable.
Another thing, cars are not the only thing I look out for; DEER. One of my first rides in my new area had a deer leap a fence 30 yards ahead of me and stop and stare at me in the opposite lane. It was a staredom via an old western, who was going to move first. I slowly pedaled and clicked a gear that made Bambi gracefully leap the fence and back into the woods.
Be careful, be safe, and good luck.
I live in a semi-rural area but am still plagued by inattentive or uncaring drivers on my road rides. I have a Varia radar system and wear bright clothing to help drivers “see” me, and most drivers are pretty respectful, especially since I unfailingly use hand signals. That said, each ride is considered a success only if I come home in one piece, or someone hasn’t driven dangerously close or cut me off without warning. Which is sad. I finally purchased a gravel bike last year, and it’s a revelation to ride on roads with little or no traffic, though gravel riding can be a lot tougher physically. Unfortunately, I all too often have to ride to the gravel trails on paved roads, but that’s the price you pay for enjoying and promoting human engineered health.
I’m very, very fortunate that I live .2 mile from a bike path/trail that has me in the country in another mile. If I want to stay on protected trails I have 100 miles in the county to choose from. Here in southern Wisconsin all county and smaller township roads are paved for the dairy industry. Best cycling anywhere. No indoor trainers for me.
Right on. I live in Oregon, Wisconsin, just south of Madison and love the trail system in and out of the area. And while they are extensive, there are certain ones that turn into an obstacle course consisting of runners, strollers, people and pets. And while, “on your left” is stated clearly, so many on the trails, especially the busier ones, have ear buds in and don’t hear me anyway. Then it’s back to the roads. And as you know around here, especially early, when the sun is up by 5.00 am, there’s not a ton of traffic so it makes for a less stressful ride. I see many commenters use radar to detect cars back. Probably time to look into it for a little peace of mind. DC
I live SE of Denver and seldom ride on busy roads. Using only bike paths, gravel roads, and low traffic roads with bike lanes leads to a lot of repetition. It is worth it to me. I use a helmet mirror, and front and rear lights. I have never been hit by a car.
I live in Northern Virginia now, but use to live and ride in Germany for over 25 years. Riding outside is not the same here. Traffic is too bad, you can sit along the road and watch cars drive by with drivers looking at their phones. I now ride a Zwift trainer in the basement for training. My wife won’t let me out of the house with the road bike. My wife and I do ride our city bikes on bike paths in the area parks and in DC on the protected bike paths but they need to be protected with curbs and/or parked cars on our left side. Too dangerous without it.
We moved from Houston to Phoenix 3 years ago. Much better place for cycling. It seems that in Texas, a cyclist is a pest, a target, someone that is in your way. I try to ride very respectfully, keep to the right, stop at the stop signs, wave cars around. As a reward for that, I have had items thrown at me, pickup trucks “rolling coal” next to me, and been hit by someone’s mirror. It seems that many drivers do not realize there is a human on the bicycle. Here in Phoenix, most all the roads have bike lanes. True, they are not protected, but they do offer some sense of security.
Bottom line, the area’s culture plays an important role in ones safety.
I read the article and the first five comments before I saw anyone mention a mirror. I feel comfortable riding on roads with motor vehicles because I am scanning the road behind me every few seconds, so I know what is coming up and can make a reasonable decision about whether evasive action is necessary.
There is no information available about the prevalence of mirror use, unfortunately. But there is at least some evidence (League of American Bicyclists) that a large percentage of cycling fatalities are of the “struck from behind” variety.
This makes me feel that the mirror may be an under-utilized defense mechanism. Radar is neat, but is it as reliable as a backward glance? The “Rides of Silence” were originally started in memory of a cyclist who was killed by the mirror of a passing bus. I don’t see how anything but a mirror would provide warning of such a hazard. I consider a rear-view mirror as essential a piece of safety equipment as a helmet.
(End of Rant)
I ALWAYS ride with a mirror. With my friends that goes without saying.
I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, a city built/developed/expanding with an emphasis on cars.
I could easily write a 3000 word essay about riding bicycles in Toronto, and Ontario in general.
My abridged version:
– Pollution and air quality in Toronto is an issue especially during smoggy and humid weather in the summer and increased cycling participation in the general population would alleviate it
– Allergies and COPD (Bronchitis, Asthma, etcetera) are increasing in Toronto
– Streets in downtown Toronto are very busy with construction and traffic jams abound
– Municipal and provincial levels of government are in disagreement on bicycle paths in Toronto, putting it mildly!!!
– There are thousands of Uber eats food delivery personnel that use bicycles/e-bicycles, and they are not ambassadors of good will toward cyclists
– People ask me if I ride in the city, and I say (partially joking) “Yes, to get out of it”
– I ride in the city:
– I ride mostly the same routes, so I am very familiar with them which reduces risk, in my opinion
– If I have multiple errands, it is almost always an advantage to get there by bicycle
– I am extremely aware of my surroundings, aware that I am on the bottom of the food chain on Toronto streets, and approach every ride as if it could be my last
– I don’t hesitate to use a sidewalk if the road is too dangerous
– I am very experienced:
– In a group of five, I cycled across Canada from Vancouver to Kingston in 1981
– I have cycled around Lake Ontario (~1000 km/600 miles) twice
– For the last five years, I have cycled (mostly alone) 400 km/240 miles in ~20 hours straight
– For decades, I have developed my balance by riding rollers and “standing” when I used to ride a fixie
– I’ve only had two wipe-outs, neither serious, could be material for a comedian
– I use almost every safety device I’ve heard of:
– MIPS compliant helmet, even for short rides
– Reflective vest
– Flashing rear light
– Used to have a rear facing video camera until it broke
– Mirror on my helmet so I can see behind
– Aftershokz ear phones so I can hear my surroundings, and if my spider sense is tingling, I won’t wear them
– I will never wear noise-cancelling headphones on or off the bike, I dislike them for multiple reasons
– Cycling is supposed to be excellent for one’s health, not result in a trip to the hospital
– Ontario has terrific terrain for cycling, ie/flat, close to water, and historic towns
– Ontario has many rural roads and concessions that have “share the road” signs, wide shoulders, smooth pavement, and low traffic
– Drivers are generally well mannered towards cyclists
– Drivers can be frustated and distracted, so don’t assume positive intent
– Drivers are starting to understand that we are vulnerable road users, a benefit to local economy, and tax payers as well!
Thank you!
I’m fortunate to have a dedicated pathway near my house. I use it extensively but it gets pretty boring after repeated laps to build reasonable distance. Also, weekends make it too crowded to enjoy. I ride the balance of my miles on unpaved dirt/gravel roads. That’s been my model for at least the last 7-10. years. One reason is to experience cycling on rural gravel roads untouched by time. Another is to escape from automobile traffic. While I’m well lighted and have radar, I rarely feel the need for it. It’s a pleasure to relax from the constant vigilance required to ride in car traffic. Southeastern Michigan. west of Ann Arbor.
I am a survivor of a traumatic cycling accident. I was struck from behind on a very wide road (2 lanes) with a bike lane that included an easement. It was in the middle of the day and it was uphill on one of those long straight climbs. I mention the details because although there are cars on the road…it is a relatively safe roads used by many cyclists. The accident resulted in a lot of broken bones including 4 broken vertebrae. I had three surgeries including a 10 vertebrae fusion surgery. I now spend a lot of time on bike path, Champagne gravel roads (gnarly single track is not good for my back) and a closed multi use path around a lake near my house. I am still able to ride outdoors which is a big part of my mental health while giving my family the peace of mind that I won’t be run over by a motor vehicle.
I echo Cosmo Leone in that I live in a rural area (of Ohio) and that to ride outside means riding on roads. I too ride to avoid work traffic, and also have a Garman Varia radar ($150 on sale) that I combine with a mirror. Before the radar I was spending most of my time scanning behind me instead of enjoying what was ahead. The radar is excellent – I’ve never had it not alert me to approaching traffic – but it doesn’t tell me if a driver sees me. So I ride out from the edge on a smoother part of the road (maybe 18-24″) from the white line; when I’m alerted to an approach from behind, I move closer to the line and watch the approaching vehicle in my mirror. If they are moving over, I’m good. If not, I prepare to go off the road (I’ve had to do that only once).
I want to grab a driver’s attention from further away – the sooner they see me the better. I set my rear light on blinking mode, always wear bright chartreuse socks which also give a sense of motion when pedaling, avoid roads with a lot of curves, and never wear dark jerseys. There are a lot of “good old boys” here who drive big trucks – they are also very patriotic – and I swear wearing a jersey with a motif of an American flag makes a difference in how much distance they give me.
Another benefit is that I’m able to ride on a smoother part of the road that has less debris. I use Conti GP5000 tires since 2019, and in addition to a smoother ride, have not a flat in this time (I ride 2500-3000 miles per year, 75% of the time solo).
Sorry so long – I’ve received a lot of good advice on this site and thought it was time I tried to contribute a little.
I live in the Portland, Oregon – and the riding is mostly good, here. I ride on regular city roads, on roads with regular bike lanes or protected bike lanes, on multi-use paths (i.e. both pedestrians and cyclists) and on “greenways”. The latter are streets designated for bicycling, mostly on low-traffic neighborhood streets, with traffic lights or other improved major street crossings, and often with “diverters” that force cars in other directions. I much prefer the greenways.
I have relied upon a rear-view mirror for years, to see the traffic behind me.
Despite the above, I have had a few crashes, none very serious — all caused by driver mistakes.
We are lucky here, in Minnesota we have 4,000+ miles of paved bike trails. I also live in the country and can access some low traffic county roads. One of the county roads gets some traffic. No shoulder. So I ride on the white line on the right except when I see an oncoming car. Now I move to the left, so I am just the right of the center lane I am biking in. This is to thwart any car thinking they can pass me while meeting a car. Yes I have had that done to me too many times. We also have a 3’ rule in Minnesota, so what they did was illegal. My rear camera could not read their plate unfortunately.
I live in Ft Myers Fl. It is a rapidly growing urban / suburban area.. There have been at least 4 fatal bicycle vs car crashes in the last two months, all on routes within a few miles of my home. I use both front and rear flashing lights, a helmet, rear view mirror, and bright clothing. Not sure radar would help as there is always a car back. There are some shoulders marked as bike lanes but no barriers separating cars and bikes. There are few dedicated bike trails or paths. Weather here is good for year round cycling but the traffic is not. Nearest gravel road is 45 miles away. Time to relocate.
I live in the SW Denver area. Have been involved with RMCC in the past with many rides throughout Colorado. With the increase in device technology, there are more distractions for drivers and even cyclists. I ride with a mirror on the multi-use trails and roads. Seems odd if I forget the mirror. Also, get out on the gravel roads and trails. You have to be aware of your surroundings all the time. Then you have the throttle-based E-Bikes to watch out for, or the inexperienced rider. Cycling seems to have become a real challenge over the years.
Three years ago we moved to a third of a mile from a trailhead for the Madison County Trails in Illinois. Where we lived before there was a lot of traffic. It wasn’t good for riding a tandem nor a regular bike. Now we can get to trails without loading up the tandem in the minivan. However it’s getting boring as I’m the Strava Local Legend for many segments on the trails. Sometimes I’ll join a group and ride out in the country. Seldom do I ride in cities or large towns. Too many distracted drivers and poor pavement for me. One issue is e-motos using the trails. Many don’t even have pedals. Recently Illinois passed some strict laws about e-bike and e-moto usage. Of course laws are only as good and people are willing to follow them and/or the police are willing to enforce them.