Tonight I've been researching bike crash/ped stats on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website. The most recent data on crashes/fatalities is from 2008 and this document is fascinating. I recommend taking a look at both documents to educate yourself about who, where, why, what and when. I learned that most injuries happen between 5pm and 9 pm and during the months of June and September, occurring more frequently in urban areas and in non intersection locations.
This made me think that drivers may not be on the look out as much during summer break from school. It makes sense to me as a driver and a rider. I look forward to the breaks when I know kids won't be crossing or packed around the schools. It just makes for easier riding.
Things you can do to keep yourself safe: Be as bright and noticeable as possible. Wear a dayglo shirt, use a reflective vest, put lights on your wheels, on your handlebars and on your seat post. Keep those "uncool" reflectors on your wheels...they really do work. I know we cyclists want to show off our cool duds, tight jeans, swing tops, flip flops, stocking caps, ball caps, cute hats, fun hair, and everything else. Kind of like the kid who doesn't want to wear a coat to school when it's -10 cuz it just ain't cool. Really, what's cool is arriving alive and unscathed. Put on your brights, toot your "horn" so to speak and show that you want to be seen. Nothing screams "LOOK AT ME" like dayglo and reflective tape. You stick out like a sore thumb. That's much better than sticking out like a sore thumb under someone's bumper. I don't want that for myself and I certainly don't want it for my fellow riders OR drivers.
Let's all brighten up on these fall days. One worry about dayglo orange...you might call that urban camo right now with the colors of the leaves!
The Zombie Ride is coming up on October 31st (Happy Birthday MOM!) and plans are set to meet at Parilla Grill in Hyde Park(1512 N 13th St) at 11:30 for $1 Bloody Mary's. Dress up in your pretty zombie attire and get your freak on. I don't promise that it'll be super organized, but it will give you an excuse to get out with likeminded freaks and maybe scare some kids or something. This is a 21+ ride due to bar stops. Comment with any questions or visit the Boise Pretty Dress Ride Facebook page for more info.
Until we ride again, Ciao!
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